Good News for Israel as 2017 Rolls Out
JERUSALEM, Israel – Since Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, there's been a lot of good news. He and his carefully assembled team hit the ground running and a lot happened in his first week in office. Change has permeated the air and with it renewed hope for many.
On day one, Trump began addressing his promise "to make America great again." He and his team would work to return the nation to its founding principles, which many Americans felt had been trampled upon. Trump also continued his outreach to Israel, saying he would restore the historical alliance between the two nations.
On Thursday evening, Trump told Fox News' Sean Hannity that restoration began when he was sworn in.
"It got repaired as soon as I took the oath…We have a good relationship," he said. "Israel has been treated very badly," he added, without mentioning his predecessor.
Early in his campaign, Trump said the Iranian nuclear deal, which he called "one of the worst deals" he'd ever seen, convinced him to run for office.
Yet despite his outreach to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, anti-Zionism (which Netanyahu calls today's anti-Semitism) is alive and well in much of the world, at least according to the headlines.
Controversy Swirls over German University's Hiring of Terrorist-Supporting Professor, London's Mayor Urges Action Following String of Anti-Semitic Attacks, Virginia Bill Aims to Fight Growing Campus Anti-Semitism, were three top stories in The Tower.
Breitbart reported on Trump's showdown with the United Nations over Palestinian membership, music to Israeli ears.
So how does one balance the good and bad news? Should we be optimistic or pessimistic? How do we understand all this and what's our part?
There's no lack of readily available information in today's digitally connected world, as President Trump would likely affirm.
But the Bible remains the most viable source for Christians and Jews, and maybe that helps explain the connection between the nation founded on Judeo-Christian principles and Israel.
For some, understanding the headlines from a biblical perspective is key. Jewish or Christian, the Bible foretells that God's followers would be persecuted.
Anti-Semitism is as old as the Bible itself. Why? Because God set Israel apart in an already fallen world (Genesis 3). Speaking through the ancient prophets, God promises to fulfill His purposes for all mankind through Israel and the Jewish people.
What's coming closer is Israel's national salvation – a unique phenomenon among all the nations of the world.
"Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart." ( )
That time seems to be drawing closer. For some, it's a reason to be hopeful and a call to prayer.
