Israel’s Landlord    

     In recent days, the sudden and severe illness of Israel’s Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, made the headlines and has been the topic on a number of commentaries by political analysts.  It was also the topic of  Pat Robertson, a nationally known Christian televangelist, who made comments suggesting that Sharon’s massive stroke could have been divinely orchestrated because Sharon was instrumental in dividing the land of Israel by returning a portion to Arab control in the hope that it would bring about peace.

     These remarks caused a national uproar from secular and some Christian organizations, and resulted in the televangelist being excluded from upcoming events and plans in Israel. Prompted by this wide spread criticism,  Robertson offered an apology to the people of Israel and to Sharon’s family. Some have speculated that this apology was made in the hope that Robertson would be restored to the good graces of the powers to be in Israel, so that he could continue with future plans in that country.

     While much of the commentary focused on whether the remarks were insensitive or poorly timed, no one has broached the question of weather Robertson was right or wrong in his assessment of the situation!  Many have opinions on the subject, none of which matter. The only thing of real concern should be, “what does the Bible have to say about it”?

     There are several factors that need to be considered! All land on the face of the earth is owned, and ownership is by priority.  For example, you may own your home and property, however, your town can condemn your property and assume ownership under certain conditions.  Likewise, your state can supercede your title claim and that of your towns if deemed necessary. And, your country and government can also claim ultimate ownership of all property within it’s boarders.  As Christian’s we understand that the world and all of it’s land is the creator’s, and the Lord is the real landlord. That being said, we need to examine the deed and title of the land in question in Israel to get a clear picture of Robertson’s understanding and comments.

     In the book of Genesis, chapter 12 God spoke to Abram, the first Hebrew and said this, “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land I will show thee.”  The land that God ultimately showed to Abram encompassed almost all of what we today call the Middle East.  When God had shown this land to Abram, he made a vow to him and all future Hebrews when he said, “For all the land that thou seeth, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed forever” - Gen. 13:15  Remember the word “forever”!

     Throughout scripture, God consistently refers to the land given to Abram as “my land”, clearly establishing spiritual ownership, and divine interest in this particular piece of real estate (2 Ch 7:20, Isa. 14:25, Jer. 2:7, 16:18, Joel 1:6, 3:2, Eze. 36:5, 38:16)   The promise made to Abram and his descendants by virtue of the “Abrahamic Covenant” gave the right of possession to the Hebrews, forever!  We are to understand, therefore, that God is the owner and “landlord” of this land area, and Israel and the Hebrew people are the only legal tenants.  They have an ironclad lease that extends “forever”!  That being said, we can reason that any changes to this arrangement can only be made by the landlord and title holder, who is the God of Israel. The Word of God does not record any amendments to this lease arrangement.

     Once we come to the understanding that it is God’s will that Israel, and only Israel, possess this land, we must also understand that other peoples or nations claiming ownership of “God’s land” have false title deeds, and are in defiance of the expressed will of God.

     One has only to review the pages of history and the scriptures to realize that the God of creation has brought men and women into power and prominence, and removed them, to bring about his will and purpose. From Abraham to the apostles, from the Ammonites to the Romans to today’s politicians, the list is almost endless!

      From its inception in 1948, tiny Israel has been oppressed by its Arab neighbors, and threatened with extinction. While some are more vocal then others, the expressed goal of its enemies is to drive Israel into the sea.  This hatred of the Jews finds its roots all the way back with Ishmael, Jacob’s half-brother, who was the first Arab, and it continues unabated to this very day.  The people of Israel are weary of war and threats, and seek peace at almost any cost. Some of its politicians have convinced much of the people that the way to peace and prosperity is to give land back to the Arabs.  Land that God has returned to Hebrew control, as the spoils of war, when Israel was attacked and provoked by its enemies.

     So, was Pat Robertson right or wrong? The answer is, I don’t know! I do know that his remarks were insensitive, poorly timed and ill advised. Believers have a responsibility to demonstrate love and sensitivity, and must always consider the broader consequences of how we express ourselves. The truth can be lost or overshadowed by such seemingly judgmental and thoughtless comments.

     Sharon favored and orchestrated returning land to Israel’s Arab neighbors, which is not what God intended to happen. Israel is the only legitimate tenant who has the right to possess this land. The only thing that will ever bring peace to the land of Israel is the coming of Messiah!

     I don’t claim a special pipeline to God, other that the one all Believers share through the Holy Spirit, and my opinion has no value here. What I do know is this!  God has brought about the fall of political leaders in past times, to bring about his will, and to punish those who acted against his will.  Robertson could very well be right, which is something that the secular world will not even consider, but only God knows for sure.

 This truth and understanding of who owns the land of the Middle East, and who the only rightful tenants are is of utmost importance to Believers today! As we draw closer to Messiah Yeshua’s return, prophetic scripture tells us that Israel will come under continuing tribulation, not only from it’s Arab neighbors, but from all the other nations of the world. This will usher in the “Time of Jacob’s Troubles”, (the Great Tribulation) and the return of Jesus to establish his kingdom.

 As we speak, the United States appears to be the only true friend and support for Israel in the entire world, and that position appears to be in great jeopardy! 

 The United States continues to exert pressure for Israel to make more land concessions to the Arab nations. Keeping this in mind, we might remember that God made another promise to Abram that could have strong implications for our country. God promised that he would “bless those that bless thee, and curse those that curse thee”!  I believe that our country has become the mightiest country the world has ever known, because we offered freedom to worship God freely, and supported Israel.  In recent times, Christian values and our expressions of worship have come under strong attack, and pressure is mounting against our unconditional support for Isreal. We need to be seriously concerned that our blessing from God does not become cursing, because we strayed, as a nation, from God’s divine plan and will.

Ron Cusano

Shiloh Ministries

   www.Shiloh-Ministries.org