Why a Candidate’s Position on Israel Matters

Dear Friends and Patriots,

I love Israel and I love the Jewish people. I have dedicated my life to defending and supporting the nation which brought us salvation. In John 4, Jesus himself says to the woman at the well, “Salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22). On that basis alone, we should seek to understand where a candidate stands on the nation of Israel, the people through whom God brought the Messiah. But that is only the beginning.

As we elect people for public office, in addition to their position on Israel, we would do well to consider the four requirements for leaders handed down to us by God through Moses. In the Old Testament, in the book of Exodus, chapter 18, verse 21, we learn four requirements for the people we appoint over us. I find it inspiring that even the concept of electing leaders comes from the Bible. God commands the Israelites to choose leaders who possess the four following characteristics:

• Accomplished – not a new leader, but someone with proven experience

• God-fearing – Moses said he was full of fear and trembling as he witnessed the power and might of God on Mount Sinai (Hebrews 12:21)

• A lover of the truth – for the Israelites, this was the Torah — Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy — but for us, that would be the whole counsel of God in the Bible

• A hater of money – this does not mean a person who refuses to use money, but someone who does not seek money, making them vulnerable to bribes that will lead to a perversion of justice

According to the Torah, the people we appoint over us must meet these qualifications. And if they do not meet these qualifications, they should not be chosen.

Regarding their position on Israel, the first reason comes to us, again, from the Torah. In the book of Genesis, chapter 12, verse three, God makes a promise to Abraham, the man through whom he would raise up the nation of Israel. He tells Abraham,

“And I will bless those who bless you,
And the one who curses you I will curse.
And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”

We hear these verses repeated over and over, and people do not stop and think about what they mean and what they are saying. Politicians talk about the economy and health care and all these issues. But in the end, the fruit of our labors will abound as we bless what God blesses. On the other hand, the nation that ignores Israel will be utterly destroyed. As we put God’s heart first, as we make His priorities our priorities, everything else will be blessed.

Blessing Israel should rank number one on the top of our lists as we consider who to elect. We ask God for His blessing every day, hoping that our prayers will be heard, but we cannot ask for His blessing if we are working contrary to His word. Israel has not gone away. It is here today. The church has not replaced Israel.

In our generation, God has restored the nation of Israel. We need to seriously think about this. It is an honor and a privilege that God has put before us. God has equipped us with a unique role in bringing about His kingdom.

How can you know if a candidate supports Israel? Do they fight antisemitism? Will they introduce bills that support Israel and condemn hatred toward the Jewish people? Do they obey God’s word first regarding Israel and our Jewish brethren? Will they speak up when Israel is wrongly accused of apartheid and curses are spoken against it among the nations?

Second, we are commanded in the Bible to teach our children about the Bible and how God delivered Israel out of Egypt. In Florida, students are required to learn about the role of the Hebrew Bible in the founding of our nation, its impact on our founding documents and the structure of our government. Will candidates support the instruction of our children about Israel and our Judeo-Christian history and heritage?

Third, how do they think we should treat our babies? As with the pagan nations described in the Old Testament, we have sacrificed our children to the god of Molech. We have destroyed the lives of our little ones for the sake of convenience. God hates the shedding of innocent blood, and the most innocent blood of all is in the wombs of our mothers.

In closing, I want to remember the words of German theologian and martyr for the faith, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He had the courage to stand up to leaders and hold them accountable for the atrocities against the Jewish people during World War II. He once said, “Silence is not an option. Silence in the face of evil is evil itself. God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak, not to act is to act.” By our vote, we are speaking. If we fail to appoint accomplished, God-fearing, truth-loving leaders who do not pursue dishonest gain, then we are responsible.

When we fail to exercise our rights as U.S. citizens to vote and have our voices heard, we are being silent. We communicate to those seeking roles in our government that we do not care. And the vacuum created by that silence will not remain void. Others who do not know the Lord or desire to honor truth will fill that void. And we will be the ones held accountable. So do not be silent but speak at the polls every time you have an opportunity. It is our duty, our privilege and our responsibility.

Blessings,