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Words of Faith: Israel: What’s its connection to the Church?

(Part 2)


Becky and Rob Granger.

Becky and Rob Granger.

Have you ever wondered why America has historically valued so greatly its relationship with Israel? One voice from America’s distant past provides some insight.

In 1630, while aboard the Puritan flagship Arbella, John Winthrop penned a speech he would soon give to the Massachusetts Bay colonists in the New World; that if America would follow the ways of God, then, “The Lord… will commend a blessing upon us in all our ways… He shall make us a praise and glory… For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill.” (ref. charismanews.com, by Jonathan Cahn). When Winthrop wrote these words, quoting Jesus, Israel was on his mind (see Matthew 5:14). What may be news to many is that there have only been two civilizations, since the creation of the world, that have come into covenant with God: Israel and the United States of America.

Because of this covenant, an ordained Heavenly calling was woven into the very purpose of America’s existence: to stand in friendship with and to be a blessing to Israel. President George Washington rightly discerned this in a letter to Jewish immigrants, extending a welcome that America would not merely tolerate the Jews, but would guarantee their freedom to live and worship. This hearkens back to God’s word: “Now the Lord said to Abraham… I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:1,3, NKJV).

Is this really significant to us today?

I believe it is. “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89, NKJV). “I am the Lord, I do not change” (Malachi 3:6, NKJV). God initiated a covenant with Abraham to establish a nation through which Jesus the Messiah would come into the world and bring “salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16, NKJV). This is intended to be understood in both a national and personal sense.

A common thread among all people is the desire for blessings, forgiveness, security, peace, provision and the ability to accomplish one’s God-given purpose. Central to the realization of that blessing is an understanding of how God’s blessing works. As Christians, we have a responsibility, by faith, to stand with Israel, through which His blessing flows. But this carries a warning. Should we remove ourselves from following his commands, these blessings will be removed from us.

I would encourage every believer to daily engage God in prayer for the nation of Israel and for the United States of America; specifically that our nation would be led by our elected officials to remain unwaveringly faithful to the Divine directive to bless Israel.

It should be no surprise, therefore, that America has been the most prosperous nation in history. I invite you to join with me in praying for the people, the nation of Israel and for the peace of Jerusalem, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces.” (Psalm 122:6-7 NKJV). America’s position in history depends on it.

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Rob Granger is Senior Pastor of Faith Harbor Church, a non-denominational church that meets at 10 a.m. Sundays in the Escondido Columbus Hall, 515 W. Valley Parkway. His wife, Becky, serves as Co-Pastor. Videos of Pastor Rob’s sermons can be seen on YouTube by typing faith harbor church escondido ca in the YouTube search box. Visit fhcescondido.com for information about Faith Harbor Church.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Times-Advocate.

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