Genesis 12:3 and America

We're all familiar with the scripture seen in Genesis 12:3 - where God declared that He would bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse Israel. This was an absolute statement without qualifiers or caveats. It was meant for all nations, for all times. No exemptions.

We also see other, similar warnings, such as those found in Zechariah 12:3 where the warning was issued against any attempts to divide Israel/Jerusalem.

Several books have been written which relate specific attempts to divide Israel's land and then certain subsequent "events" which then occurred within hours or days - such as hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes.

No one can be sure if these events are coincidence or the hand of God. I certainly don't feel comfortable making assumptions regarding God's intervention - but seeing the correlation between an apparent cause and effect is sometimes hard to miss.

[Additionally, it must be pointed out that no prophecy watchers (at least that I know) consider that the unfortunate Americans who were devastated by these recent tornadoes, personally "deserved" these tragedies, or that we "hope" such tragedies occur, etc. Quite the opposite. This is merely a matter of observation and God's word. We continue to pray for all people affected by these recent events]

Maybe doomsday is near

Once again, we've seen the U.S. hit with a series of deadly superstorms following Barack Obama's pledge to return Israel to pre-1967 borders.

Just days after Obama insisted Israel must give up lands it won through military victory with its enemies, some 200 people were killed by a tornado in Joplin, Mo.

There's a pattern here.

We saw it in Katrina, when George Bush forced Israel's withdrawal from Gaza. In fact, as everyone from Israeli rabbis to U.S. senators have noted, it seems to happen every single time the U.S. pressures Israel to divide the land.

The phenomenon was best documented by Bill Koenig, author of "Eye to Eye: Facing the Consequences of Dividing Israel."

There are a number of books which describe, in detail, various efforts made by the U.S. to shrink and divide Israel's land, quickly followed by 'natural disasters'. It could be coincidence, or it could be God's hand. There is no way to prove it one way or another.

But as the author said, "There's a pattern here."

Look at the facts:

Koenig points out that nine of the 10 costliest insurance events in U.S. history followed dramatic calls by U.S. officials for Israel to make land concessions in bids for peace with its neighbors. He points out with startling detail how six of the seven costliest hurricanes in U.S. history followed such events. He points out how three of the four largest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history followed such developments.

Earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, even terrorist attacks have hit America often within 24 hours of calls by U.S. officials for Israel to withdraw from Jewish land.

What does this have to do with prophecy?

It goes right back to Genesis and God's pledge to bless those who bless the children of Israel and curse those who curse them.

That is a prophecy that has seen every empire of the world come and go – yet Israel remains. It may be chastened by God. It may be dispersed. It may be divided according to His will. But God has punished every nation that has come against Israel. Each one has been judged.

Should this really be surprising? After all, God said it and He is usually good on His word isn't He?

You can choose to believe it or not. It won't make any difference.

But he that touches the apple of God's eye will pay a price: "For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye." – Zechariah 2:8

And below are some important reminders:

In God's economy, there is Israel and then there are the other nations.

It was through Israel He chose to reveal Himself to the world – eventually through the birth, life, death and resurrection of His own Son.

And His Son is coming back to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It's no surprise where He will return and where He will reign – in Jerusalem.

Trying to understand God and His Son Yeshua apart from Israel is a tall order – because that's how He revealed Himself to us.

His ways are not our ways, and our ways are not His ways.

And this is also important to remember:

I don't know exactly what date He will be coming back.

I'm not sure exactly when He is going to call out His children.

But I do know it's near.

Amen.