As the Muslim world now rages against the idea of President Trump recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, we remember President Truman in a similar position back in May of 1948.
“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 (KJV)
At midnight on May 14, 1948, the Provisional Government of Israel proclaimed the new State of Israel. On that same date the United States, in the person of President Truman, recognized the provisional Jewish government as de facto authority of the new Jewish state (de jure recognition was extended on January 31).
The U.S. delegates to the U.N. and top ranking State Department officials were angered that Truman released his recognition statement to the press without notifying them first. On May 15, 1948, the Arab states issued their response statement and Arab armies invaded Israel and the first Arab-Israeli war began.
As the nation of Israel nears the 70 year mark, President Trump is now facing an equally unpleasant decision. If he recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, most assuredly war will break out immediately in the Middle East. Truman knew that, and he recognized Israel anyway because the God of Abraham was leading him to do so.
The same God that lead Truman to stand for Israel is the same God that is leading Donald Trump to now also stand for Israel. The only question is will Trump have the same resolve as Truman to do what is right in the face of formidable odds.
Arab nations and Palestinian officials have warned of dire consequences if the United States recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, including potential unrest and an end to the peace process, amid last-minute lobbying to prevent President Trump from making the move.
In a late-night call Sunday, Jordan’s foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, warned Secretary of State Rex Tillerson that such a decision could “trigger anger across the Arab and Muslim world, fuel tension and jeopardize peace efforts,” according to Jordan’s state news agency.
President Trump, if you’re reading this, I need you to hear what I am about to say. The time is now.
You ran a great campaign in 2016, no doubt, but that’s not why you won the election. All the cute nicknames you gave people made for great soundbites, but that’s not why you won the election. Your promise to Make America Great Again was really good, but again, that’s not why you won.
“But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.” Joel 3:20 (KJV)
You won the election because of your promise to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem, and by doing so, to proclaim to the entire world that undivided Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. Funny thing, that’s what the Bible says Jerusalem is also. The God of Abraham gave you the victory and now you need to keep the promise you made during the campaign.
Harry S. Truman trusted in God and against all odds declared Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign nation 70 years ago. It was the hardest decision he ever made and people hated him for it and warned him not to do it. War immediately broke out after he did. President Trump, now it is your turn to show that you trust God, it is your turn to be a great leader by making a very unpopular decision but a decision that has God’s complete blessing attached to it.
It is for “such a time as this” that you were made the leader of the free world, Mr. President, do what you were put here to do.
The entire world is watching.
