Elisha Vision – Commentary

The expected and hoped for announcement of extending Israeli sovereignty to some of the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), has been delayed. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that there would be news “in the coming days.” As disappointing as it was, I believe God is allowing a test of the resolve of President Trump and the Prime Minister. Will they stick to their vows to allow the expansion or not? This will require great courage because the whole world is arrayed against them, and against the free recognition of expanded Israeli sovereignty. We need to pray through these next days and weeks for Yehovah God’s favor on our leaders and for “wisdom from above,” permeating their deliberations.

Israeli sovereignty is now officially on the clock – Netanyahu is working with Trump to recognize sovereignty over approx. 30 percent of Judea and Samaria. July 1 was not a deadline.

My position is unchanged. This plan will not lead to a Palestinian state, but instead to more of the land coming into Israel’s possession. When Joshua first won the land it was city by city, not all at once.

My most serious concern is that our leaders could fail the test. For whatever reason (riots, Covid 19, or politics), they must stand together for God’s purpose to restore Israel according to God’s promises (see Ezekiel 36). This is truly in the heart of both men, but external pressures are enormous.

‘Trump would lose Evangelical support if he doesn’t support sovereignty’ – Evangelical leader Mike Evans says Evangelical community expects President Trump to recognize Jewish people’s right to the land of Israel: “Today we have a dream team. The Secretary of State is Mike Pompeo, an Evangelical, and he has changed the direction of the State Department, which has traditionally sought to weaken Israel. Vice President Mike Pence is Israel’s biggest supporter in Washington as [Israeli] Ambassador Ron Dermer has stated. And above all is President Trump, who is the biggest supporter the Evangelical community has ever had and the most pro-Israel president who has ever lived.” – Mike Evans

President Trump has made plenty of mistakes but survives primarily because of his consistent and unprecedented support for Israel. If he ever turned his back on Israel, he would be finished. Pray that he will have courage to stand firm. He is a modern King Cyrus, called to favor and restore Israel, not for his own glory but for God’s.

“And why have I called you for this work? Why did I call you by name when you did not know me? It is for the sake of Jacob my servant, Israel my chosen one. I am Yehovah; there is no other God. I have equipped you for battle, though you don’t even know me,

I will raise up Cyrus to fulfill my righteous purpose, and I will guide his actions. He will restore my city and free my captive people—without seeking a reward! I, Yehovah of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!” Isaiah 45:4-5, 13 NLT

President Trump has recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moved our embassy there. He recognized the Golan Heights as part of Israel, and he will recognize more and more of Judea and Samaria as part of Israel. And he does this without seeking a reward, he does not accept a salary as President!

As we pray for Jerusalem, especially at this time, pray COURAGE for President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists