FROM WHERE I STAND – April 13, 2002 As America is finishing up its seventh month of striking back at terrorism, we are being assured that we as a nation will see victory.
Yet in plain view, there are several obvious reasons why America will not win the war on terrorism. I wish to enlighten you, the reader, in the following paragraphs of this article.
FIRST, the sense of unity and purpose is gone. Barely more than a half-year has gone by since 9-11, and our politicians are back to in-fighting and pursuing re-election.
As Capitol Hill becomes the battleground, our self-serving politicians are already beginning to divide on the issues as they align themselves to be more contrarian.
Instead of “sticking to their guns”, some are now softening their stance in order to appease special interest groups – hence our foundation is beginning to crumble.
SECOND, The last time we pursued Saddam Hussein, we had physical and logistical support from many Arab nations. Unfortunately, the last few weeks, Americans have learned through the words and deeds of our “allies” – particularly Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia – they are sending us a subtle but direct message, “the enemy of my friend is my enemy and the friend of my enemy is my enemy”.
Just like the “strangers” who deceived Joshua into signing a peace treaty, not allowing the Israelites to attack (Joshua 9) – America is feeling the duplicity of Arab friendship until the time of support is needed.
THIRD, Most Americans feel that since we had such a “cakewalk” with Iraq in Desert Storm, terrorism will be much the same. The average citizen has failed to grasp the concept of guerrilla warfare.
While it is true that jet airliners were used on 9-11, the events following require a mobile military, utilizing special anti-terrorist units. We cannot operate effectively with big groups of soldiers or large masses of aircraft, as we did in Desert Storm.
Since that time, our naval fleet, combat aircraft, manpower, and our weaponry have all become substantially reduced in quantity, and to some extent, quality.
Along with this, U.S. troops are being stationed all over the world, separated by miles and miles of continents and oceans. This situation has become more of a problem as leaders of certain countries are refusing access to their bases and airspace – not allowing us to operate efficiently against our enemies.
But with all this, there is one defining concept that is not really discussed in most circles – America’s stand with Israel.
While the Scriptures are full of not only specific instruction regarding this, such as Genesis 12:1-3 and Psalms 102:13; there are stark examples of this principle as well. In Genesis we see the story of Joseph, so well known to most of us. I believe the Church and the world can learn a lesson from these passages, probably never considered by most.
The majority of Joseph’s brothers conspired and by their actions of hatred and jealously, desired to kill him. Notice the “kind” words of brother Reuben: “Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again.” Genesis 37:20-22
The whole world today is full of people who hate Israel, even as Joseph’s brothers hated him, as they sought to kill him and extinguish the dream. Today we can see many who don’t take a hateful stance against Israel, but like Reuben, choose the path of least resistance - waiting for the right opportunity. Years ago in Nazi Germany, many Christians were guilty of this.
Ultimately, Joseph’s life was pre-destined by G-d and he was exalted as Israel shall be. But that does not exempt the Christian believers from their G-d-ordained requirement of standing with Israel and being a blessing to the Jewish people as a whole. G-d’s Word applies to ALL people since Abram received this promise from Him: “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” Genesis 12:3
At the moment, the current trend is a favorable opinion towards Israel. Time will tell, but most likely this is not going to last long.
But before this happens, the Church must awaken and heed the call of G-d, even as He spoke through the Psalmist: “Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.” Psalms 102:13
Let us exhort each other to pray for the peace of Jerusalem continually…
“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the L-RD. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together: Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the L-RD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the L-RD. For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the L-RD our G-d I will seek thy good.” Psalms 122:1-9
May we not be just hearers of the Word, but doers as well… James 1:22