The Right Side
Today I turned on my television, sighing before I even heard one word because I knew there would be a tumultuous sea of chaos, innuendo and chum tainted waters full of sharks ready for the kill. Doesn't sound very encouraging does it? Sadly it is the "new norm" for the mainstream media these days. I try to refrain from interjecting too much political commentary in my blog posts, but something struck me today that, for me, was worth shedding light on. As news reporters wove their narratives into a knotted mess of current events - breaking news cut in. Standing side by side in a joint news conference was the leader of the free world, American President Donald Trump, and the only democratic ally in the MIddle East, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. There they stood like joint buoys in a stormy sea, anchored by common causes, objectives, policies, philosophies, way of life and kindred people. For a moment, the churning ocean of chaos was calm, peaceful and almost serene.
It has been awhile since there was such a warm reception between the two nations. While it is true that these two men in particular have been friends for many years, our nations have had some rough moments of contention and division in the last few years. Seeing this renewed commitment between our nations through the warmth displayed from these two leaders brought a calm to me personally. It's as if we were standing on the right side again. I thought how much better our country and our world would be if political parties, races, nations etc. could find the type of bond and commitment that America and Israel share. As a person of faith I have a firm commitment to stand with Israel because of an ancient promise...
"The Lord had said to Abram, 'Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.' "
The history of Israel is fascinating. Whether you are a religious person or a person of faith or not, I think you can agree that history bears out the fact that any time a nation or group of people became an ally of Israel they have been blessed. This tiny nation in the middle of staunch adversaries has stood firm and strong through the most difficult of attacks. It has only desired to live in peace in its historic lands, care for its people and provide provision, protection and refuge. It does not desire to rule the world, take over others lands or force its way of life on others - unlike the nations surrounding it. This national pride that Israel has, is a trait that America shares.
Something about seeing these two men as they stood in unity today, gave me resolve, hope and a huge measure of peace. I felt that no matter how much division our country is currently experiencing, how much economic struggle that many citizens of our nation are dealing with; no matter how many plots are brewing against the unity and welfare of Americans, no matter how many attempts to undermine our president and no matter how strong the threats of terrorism are, if we honor our promises to our greatest ally, we will rise above the stormy waters that are trying to destroy us. Perhaps I am wrong, but I firmly believe that the blessing that comes from this bond with Israel can be a reservoir of blessing for our other allies and their people.
The resiliency of Israel is inspirational for me. I feel honored to stand up for them and stand along side of them. Prime Minister Netanyahu made a statement that made perfect sense. People want to claim lands that are rightfully theirs. He said Chinese people are called that because they are from China. People from Japan are called Japanese etc. The Jews are called that because they are from Judah. They should not have to continue to fight for a land that is historically theirs and has been so for thousands of years. Americans have that same mindset. We love our country, we want to preserve our country, protect our country and not allow anyone destroy or overturn our country and our way of life. Something tells me that the key to preserving and growing the nation that our forefathers fought and died for, is found in that small place on the map called Israel. "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you." If we stand with Israel and against the global forces and radical terrorists that seek its demise, we will be stronger than ever before - stronger and more blessed than ever!
