It Is All About The Land, Again

Recently, a new United States Secretary of State was installed. Secretary Kerry visited with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu shortly after his installation which was customary, appropriate, and important. Also, very interesting but not surprising, was the announcement by Kerry that he would like to see the "Peace Talks" resume.

Yes, it is all about the land again! It seems good and appropriate then to look again at the "Land Issue." However, we will look at it from the only accurate viewpoint - THE WORD OF GOD.

The basis for determining who the land belongs to is the Abrahamic Covenant discussed in Genesis 12, 13, 15, 17. A covenant is a binding agreement between two parties meaning the promises made must be kept. This is nothing new since we know our God keeps all His promises - Hallelujah.

Well, what did God promise to Abraham and his descendants concerning the land? Genesis 17:8 reveals our Lord saying to Abraham "Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God." Notice God said I give you all the land of Canaan.

Biblical maps during the time of Abraham show Canaan included all the land from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River and well into present day Jordan. Obviously, this included Judea and Samaria which is the land of dispute politically called the West Bank. God gave all of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants through Isaac, Genesis 17:19. Also, God confirmed this convenant when He said to Jacob in Genesis 28:13 "And behold, The Lord stood above it and said: I am The Lord God of Abraham your Father and The God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I give to you and your descendants."

What can be our part before and during peace talks if they start once again? Obviously, we need to pray earnestly but in our prayers remind our gracious and powerful God of His promises to the Jewish people.

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You In His Care This Day And Each Day,

Frank