A story was circulated some years ago that depicts the whimsical side of the hypocrisy of many erstwhile politicians. It seems that a certain congressman known for being rather wishy-washy in his political stands was confronted by a constituent. This potential voter demanded to know what the congressman’s position was on a particularly thorny issue facing his district and one which might prove to be the difference between being reelected or defeated in the upcoming ballot. Realizing that he was cornered, the Congressman finally allowed as to the fact that many of his friends felt one way about the issue and many of his friends were on the direct opposite side of this issue. In a hurried retreat, the congressman was heard pontificating vociferously that “I always stand with my friends.”
While the story has often been told in a joking manner, it unfortunately foretells the state of government in our country. As our nation has become more and more polarized in its respective viewpoints, the willingness of those officials in the “middle” to take unpopular stances has increased multi-fold. If you are looking for a reason for the backlog of inaction in Congress, then this particular parcel of ground would be a good place to start.
Of course, this “playing the ends against the middle” sort of governance is not isolated to the House and Senate. The presidency has long fallen victim to this precipice of failure to launch, and the justices of SCOTUS, unfortunately, now have their wet fingers in the air to see which way the wind is blowing before entering a ruling.
Even well-meaning men and women who get involved for all the right reasons have met the political paramour temptation of “How can I say what I believe without making too many people mad?” From that point, though often paved with good intentions, the road of compromise meanders to the point where there is no distinction between compromise and total capitulation to the dark side.
Unfortunately, there are myriad examples of controversial issues that abound in our nation that our government simply has little desire or ability to confront — the border, homelessness, entitlements, the war in Ukraine, and the deficit, just to name a few. However, one of the more vexing problems now confronting our nation is the plight of Israel since the Hamas atrocities of October 7, 2023. Certainly, Israel did not ask for the rampage of violence and terror, nor did the U.S. and the rest of her allies. So, the immediate response of indignation and support was initially “politically correct” and welcomed in the minds of most folks. But quickly thereafter, the minority began to clamor, and the mist of “accommodation” began to settle around the highest peaks of our government.
Though the Potomac fever seems to be spreading like COVID through the ranks of both parties, perhaps the most evident fog has struck 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, where we apparently have an administration quite capable of talking out of both sides of its mouth. While lip service is being given to support for Israel, many observers are now pointing out a distinct undercurrent of undercutting Israel’s right to defend herself, much less avenge herself for that awful day in October. We now know that U.S. dollars have been funneling into terrorist activities by opening up economic lanes and freeing money for Iran and from even the United Nations all under the thinly veiled guise of humanitarian aid. Based on widespread media reports, the President barely escaped a humiliating walkout of many of his administration’s bureaucrats over his support of Israel. Even his own party is, at best, schizophrenic in its response to Israel’s plight.
Back in October, when the President personally visited Israel, his words, as reported by the Jewish News Service, brought hope to the stricken nation. “I come to Israel with a single message. You are not alone. You are not alone. As long as the United States stands — and we will stand forever — we will not let you ever be alone,” Mr. Biden proclaimed. But even as he spoke, NPR was reporting that his public show of support carried the underlying message of trying to make sure that the Israeli response was “proportional.” Then just this last week, Israeli army mothers, IDF reservists, and bereaved families demonstrated in front of the U. S. Embassy to demand “that President Biden stop leveraging power to force Israel to resupply Hamas.” In essence, it appears that most of the humanitarian aid sent into Gaza is being usurped to benefit Hamas and not those intended for the bounty. According to the JNS article, the thought on the minds of most Israelis is that “the U.S. is intent on appeasing Iran at Israel’s expense.” The resulting diplomatic dialogue and activity seem to support their thoughts. Obviously, this insipid response that is pervading the U. S. approach to the problem is being seen by our friends in Israel as a potential betrayal. If their perception is correct, then it is a sad day, both politically and morally.
At Southern Evangelical Seminary, we do not equate the present nation of Israel in its current state with that of the Israel referenced in Scripture. Nor do we agree with Mr. Biden when he flatly states that the United States will stand forever. She will not, and the end time of this grand experiment we call America may be nigh upon us. But so long as we have a breath as a nation, it is in our best interest to stand with Israel against her enemies, even as we pray for the peace of Jerusalem as we have been commanded to do so by Scripture. In the end, diplomacy will not save this nation, nor will it save Israel. Ultimately the successful maintenance of any form of government rests solely on its adherence to God’s divine morality and upon the people of God within that country who put their faith in Him. Our nation stands at a precipice because she and we have failed in both arenas. But as for SES, we will continue to remain steadfast in the truth regardless of the winds of political or cultural change. For in the final analysis, it is the Gospel alone that will be victorious, and it is in this Gospel, the only truth that matters, where we will stand with our friends.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/lawcain
