The almost certain nomination of Barack Obama by the Democratic
Party as their candidate for the presidential election in November has
elicited many responses, not least from Israel and the Jewish community. As
of this writing, Senator Obama has a very good chance of becoming President
of the United States. Some greet this prospect with alarm, but most Israelis
are taking a "wait and see" attitude. There is great wariness.
From time to time an article in Tikkun may make reference to
political leaders and respond to something that is said that we
believe is a moral and religious issue. In so doing, we are in no
way to be construed as supporting one candidate over or against
another.
The American Jewish community, generally a solid Democratic Party vote, is
unusually divided. In addition, the 2000 Democratic Vice Presidential
candidate, Senator Joseph Lieberman, is fully behind the Republican
candidate, Senator John McCain, a former prisoner and hero of the Vietnam
War. While there are great concerns over Senator Obama's stated policies on
taxes, social spending, abortion rights, and judicial appointments, wary
Jews, including Senator Lieberman, are not supporting John McCain because of
these issues. Rather, they fear that Senator Obama does not understand
Islamic Fascism and how to fight it. This is said to be the defining issue of
our generation. They also fear that he will not be strong in his support
for Israel. His statement that he would sit down without preconditions to
talk with rogue leaders such as Achmadinejab of Iran and Assad of Syria has
also caused great alarm. He has since backed away from this assertion.
I argued in my last article that Islamic fascists have to be defeated because
there is no common ground for a settlement that both sides could endorse as a
positive outcome. Some weeks ago, Senator Obama spoke before the American
Israel Political Action Committee. He sought to calm fears and spoke very
strong words on his commitment to the security of Israel. Of course we
Jews want to see a president that would be good for Israel! Only a few
days later, however, after howls of protest from the Islamic world, he
significantly backtracked and tried to distance himself from what his
advisors later admitted was an unwise statement on Jerusalem.
The First African American President?
Barack Obama would be the first African American president. The election of
an African American, were his policies good, would be a wonderful triumph
of human values that are based in the Bible's teaching that all men are
created in the Image of God and of incalculable worth. It would be great
for the African American community and could lift them to a new level of hope
regarding future opportunities. However, a failed African American presidency
would be very sad and could have many negative repercussions.
There are also fears concerning Senator Obama's physical safety. While white
racism is at historic lows in the United States, there are still radical
white supremacist groups. If Barack Obama were to be assassinated it would
cause terrible social destruction. When Hillary Clinton mentioned the
assassination of Robert Kennedy in 1968 in the context of this campaign, many
reacted and interpreted her remark to be saying that it was too risky to
nominate Senator Obama. She strongly denied this.
The Role of Pro-Israel Christians and Messianic Jews
I believe that perceptive Messianic Jews and pro-Israel Christians have a
crucial role to play in the forthcoming elections in the United States. We
must call upon all believers to fulfill their Biblical mandate and vote with
prayerful wisdom. That usually means picking the candidate whose policies are
most in accord with our understanding of biblical principles. However, a
people who are spiritually in tune can also hear the Spirit informing their
considerations; for things are often not what they seem to be and certainly
often do not turn out as expected. I Timothy 2:1-4 is central to this
discussion:
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all
who are in authority that we may lead a quiet and profitable life in all
godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God
our Savior who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of
the truth.
This amazing text was written in the context of a Roman government that was
hardly a model of Biblical principles! Indeed, the persecution of believers
had already begun. Yet, because government is necessary and ordained of God,
prayer for leaders is one of our most important responsibilities! I
think this includes praying for political candidates. I am tremendously
burdened to exhort believers that prayer is especially urgent at this
time! Here are some prayers in the light of I Timothy 2, which I believe
are most fitting.
Pray for supernatural protection on the candidates. Many have been
motivated to pray for President Bush. We must also be motivated to pray for
the new presidential candidates. If Barack Obama is elected, we must
increase our efforts because of greater risk to his person from racist
radicals. Our prayers may be crucial in averting great tragedy. Let us also
do the same for the candidates for government in Israel.
Pray for the right candidate to be elected in the U.S.; one that
will support Israel in the best way. Also pray that an Israeli candidate
will be elected who will be a leader of strong moral character, vision and
integrity.
When a leader has been chosen, pray that the leader has wisdom from God
to make the right decisions. Campaign policy assertions are often
adjusted in government. God can change the heart of the king. No election
ends our hope; God can intervene in all situations if fervent and righteous
prayer is offered.
Pray for the election of leaders in Israel and the United States that
will strongly foster the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This
magnificent statement, for the most part the work of Charles Malik, that
great and pious Christian leader of the 1940s-1960s, affirms the right
to propagate ones religious beliefs. This important principle is under
attack in the Western world and in Israel.
A president in the United States and a Prime Minister in Israel who
genuinely believe in free speech, including the right to propagate religious
beliefs, would be a great support for our Messianic movement in Israel. We
declare our right to spread the Good News!
Yes, the impending elections in the United States and Israel are
crucial. Pray as though your life depends on it, because it might. May God's
will be done!
By Daniel Juster
Dan Juster leads the overall ministry Tikkun International.
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Let us know what you think - why not comment to this article.
The authors of these articles are often involved in intense ministry
and are thus unable to respond to most comments. As is normal with
print and online magazines, Tikkun reserves the right to publish only
those comments we feel are edifying in tone and content.
Comments:
08:50 05Aug08 Rev. Joyce Feldman-Pilotti -
I am a Jewish believer and have known the Lord Yeshua for 35 years. I agree
with you that this is a crusial time for the USA and Israel. They are so tied
together in Biblical prophesy; which is being fulfilled before our very eyes
today. I receive your articles regularly and pray for your ministry daily.
You are blessing for sending out the TRUTH - KEEP IT UP.
09:38 05Aug08 anonymous -
The Lord spoke to me over a year ago and said to me this is the next President
of the United states.It was Senator Obama and He also compared him with JFK? I
am praying for his safety because God can use who ever he wants for his purpose
and plans and color do not matter to God. Remember Moses' wife! We have to
trust God because He is still in control and only He knows the outcome of all
things. I think we should all just pray and trust God because He is the one who
appoints all men.
13:07 05Aug08 Andre Tavares -
I pray for a US president who also understands and takes care of Latin America,
especially South America. For most than twenty years we don't have a US
specific policy. I am not talking about poverty or economy, but about the
growing left-wing populism that is leading South America to a very dangerous
future. The Triple Border, between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, is full of
Arabs that openly finance terrorist activity in Middle East. You know Chavez,
but the real danger is the narco-guerrillas (FARC), and the leftist presidents
in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Ecuador.
00:03 06Aug08 Janine -
Contrary to 'anonymous', (5 August) God hasn't spoken to me on the subject,
but I remain very wary of Obama Barack. God's will be done!
01:34 06Aug08 Dolores -
I'm praying that God's righteousness be established and that He protects His
remnant. I'm praying for other specifics similar to the points in this article
-- these are good things for which to pray, but we need to be prepared.
Whoever gets elected may make bad choices with the best of intentions, as we've
seen in the past.
02:41 09Aug08 Robert (Bob) H. Ward -
I am surprised at the somewhat political correctness in this article. For me it
is time to stand as the prophets of old, like Jeremiah and Isaiah, stand as the
Lord leads in places (or newsletters) before leaders and the people, crying out
for justice and warning because of the sins of this nation and Israel. Leaders
and parties of this nation are fairly transparent to those who are observant
and keep up with the current social climate, spiritually as well as
politically. There is the greater of two evils and we all know which party
truly disfavors Israel and has the ear of the liberal press and leftist
idealism that excludes moral integrity and support of Israel and its G-d given
right to retain all of its land and protect itself. True there are detractors
in the other party as well and broken promises have been made over the last
eight years, still it remains the lesser of two evils (righteously speaking).
What human rights existed in Jerusalem from before and after the time of Yeshua
under Roman rule? Why did the spreading of the Gospel of the Messiah grow under
persecution and great tribulation ... because Believers were willing to share
the "Good News" no matter what. Now in this day and time we once again face
tumultuous times as the battle for men's hearts and minds roars across our
country and Israel. It is time for the men and women Believers to take a
strong stand for our Adonai and for His Ways, to speak the truth without
hesitation or lack of boldness. Jeremiah 25 gives us insight as to what
Adonai's attitude is towards the unrighteous and unholy attitudes of nations
and leaders that incur His wrath. That in my opinion should be the bulwark of
our prayers, bringing recognition to the fact that Adonai Tzva'ot will act
today exactly as He did in ancient times when the people no longer serve him
wholeheartedly, both in Israel and the nations. My prayer is for as many as
can, be led to salvation and total devotion to Yeshua, for a strong Remnant to
be raised in the interim time He has given us.
12:32 16Aug08 anonymous -
Bob, you can comment like you did freely ... but surely you must understand the
tightrope Dan Juster must walk. To openly endorse or condemn one candidate or
party would mean forfeiting Tikkun International's tax exempt status. So read
between the lines and let the Ruach HaKosesh fill them in with His truth. But
we can rest in the words of Daniel 2:21 that it is HaShem who raises up
leaders ... and tears them down. Thanks for your comments ... and thank you,
Dan, for as boldly as possible laying the issues and views on the table for all
to see ... and we pray, "Thy will be done...on Earth as in Heaven!"
15:40 19Aug08 Glenn -
It seems as if McCain recognizes radical Islam is evil and the most serious
threat facing our country. That being said, I have been surprised by the
backlash against Tom Ridge or Joeseph Liberman as VP canidates. Although both
are pro-choice it seems they would recognize the McCain administration as a
pro-life administration and would be willing to defer on the life position in
order to combat Islamic Fascism. Can you perhaps talk about why Evangelicals do
not seem to see radical Islam as the greatest threat to their faith, values and
security of our country?
01:55 21Aug08 anonymous -
On the contrary: I DO see radical Islam as the greatest threat to my faith ---
as has my family for centuries. I also see the seriousness of the shedding of
innocent blood and the sacrifice of children as a threat to our nation's very
existence.
