Church leaders everywhere, as well as national heads of state, should learn the lesson from the ignominious downfall of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. For he touched the apple of God’s eye and has severely injured, not only himself, but the worldwide institution he has led.
Though his alleged cover-up of a serious abuse scandal proved the final tipping point sparking his resignation, it is widely felt that his views on Israel, specifically related to a statement he made in August, has incurred the judgment of God. He had effectively urged member states of the United Nations to back the call of the International Court of Justice for Israel to withdraw from Judea, Samaria and East Jerusalem, the heart of their territory.
He said: “Israel’s presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is unlawful and needs to end as rapidly as possible,” adding: “I pray that all UN member states respond positively to this advisory opinion (of the ICC).”
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And yet all this land has not only been promised to the Jews in Holy Writ, but also through international law (agreed at San Remo in 1920) despite constant lying claims to the contrary.
It is not for nothing that the prophet Zechariah warned that “when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her (Israel), I (the Lord) will make Jerusalem an immovable rock… All who try to move it will injure themselves.” — Zechariah 12:3
Over the past decade, Archbishop Welby has managed to survive many controversies, even succumbing to compromise over the issue of same-sex marriage without losing his post. But calling on God to reverse His 4 000-year-old promise to Abraham has proved a step too far.
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As Christians United for Israel (CUFI) put it, the Church cannot fit Yeshua’s description of salt and light if it is indistinguishable from the world. And Welby’s call for Israel’s removal from the disputed territories in order to make way for a “two-state solution” was merely a reflection of the world’s view.
As CUFI said, not only was the Archbishop urging the world to turn against Israel, but he was praying for this to happen! “Think about it for a moment. He was asking the God of Israel who made a promise (of the land) to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to turn the world against Israel and the Jews. “What could possibly lead an Archbishop to have the audacity to demand from God that he rescind his eternal promise…?”1
The same Zechariah mentioned above, speaking to Israel of those who would plunder them, said that “whoever touches you touches the apple of his (God’s) eye” and he would surely raise his hand against them. — Zechariah 2:8f
The prophet Joel, who foresaw the great outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, also spoke (just a few verses later) of judgment against the nations who scattered his people and divided up his land (Joel 3:2). In fact, nations who refuse to support Israel will perish — Isaiah 60:12.
Presidents and prelates need to take serious heed of these warnings. According to Jewish tradition, I understand, the Temple (where the Dome of the Rock now stands) represents the foundation stone of the world, where man was originally created. And we know (from the Bible) that it’s also where it will all end at the consummation of the ages, when Christ returns in glory to the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, just as He said He would.
No wonder it’s the most hotly contested piece of real estate in the world! Hands off! It’s God’s land, and He has given it to His chosen ones.
1Christians United for Israel – UK, November 15th, 2024
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