Standing in support of Israel, Jews, and believers in all the nations, in the name of Jesus (Yeshua). Sharing biblical truth, encouragement, news, and messages by Steve Martin.
'Israel is the one country in the Middle East where the Christian community is thriving', says Netanyahu
The video and statement from Netanyahu came amid controversy over the conduct of several IDF soldiers during operations in Christian villages in southern Lebanon, after one soldier posted footage of himself smashing a public statue of Jesus. Following an investigation, the soldiers were quickly disciplined by the military.
Just a few days later, another video showed IDF engineering equipment destroying solar panels in a Christian village.
Open source intelligence accounts on social media noted several solar panel installations near the Christian village of Debel, some of which are connected to known Hezbollah outposts near other, non-Christian villages.
In both incidents, the IDF promised an investigation, while several prominent Christian leaders who have served in the IDF released statements condemning the actions and demanding that the military act to prevent such behavior.
During the meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu thanked Christian soldiers for their service, and listened as several of the soldiers shared their stories.
“I'm here in the Prime Minister's Office with an extraordinary group of young men and women,” Prime Minister Netanyahu said in a video released during the meeting. “These are Christian soldiers, men and women, in the Israeli Defense Forces. They fill all the important positions in our incredible military and they do incredible work.”
Netanyahu acknowledged the controversy sparked by the actions of some IDF soldiers, but noted that Israel has Christian citizens who serve in the military, defending the nation, and working to bring security even to areas like southern Lebanon.
“This is completely contrary to what is presented outside. It's not only that Israel fights for the rights of Christians around the Middle East, but that Israel has Christian soldiers who fight for the defense of Israel and for our Christian brethren throughout the area, throughout the region and beyond,” Netanyahu claimed.
“I have to say that I was impressed by the personal stories, their commitment, their sacrifice, their achievements,” he continued. “Israel is the one country in the Middle East where the Christian community is thriving, is growing and it's expanding. And it's very, very successful with incredible men and women. And I want to salute all of you.”
Jürgen Bühler, president of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), was also in attendance.
“We were approached a few days ago by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to join a special reception at his office for Christian, mostly Arab soldiers,” Bühler noted.
“I informed the Prime Minister’s Office that there are many evangelical soldiers that are also serving in the army, whose parents are coming from abroad.”
The PMO requested that Bühler “bring as many as possible of them,” adding, “We had the privilege to bring 17 evangelical soldiers into the Prime Minister’s office.”
“Some served in elite units, others as pilots, many fought in Gaza,” Bühler recounted. “He [Netanyahu] was very moved – encouraged by their stories, especially those who come from abroad in our service.”
Bühler told Netanyahu, “These are the modern-day Orde Wingates and Lord Petersons in the IDF.”
“He greeted everyone personally and took time to hear the stories,” Bühler said. “It was a very historic meeting today.”
Wholeheartedly
A lot has been said and written about Joshua, son of Nun, in the Old Testament. He was the disciple of Moses, trained and prepared to take the Promised Land after the 40 years in the wilderness following the Hebrews departure from Egypt.
But not so much is ever preached on or spoken about Caleb, the other one of the two spies, from amongst the 12, who only brought back a good report of the land they were to possess, along with Joshua.
As we look to see who Caleb was, those of us who have had a good bit of ground pass beneath our feet over the years can identify with this servant of God.
“But as for My servant Caleb, because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring him into the land which he entered, and his descendants shall take possession of it.” Numbers 14:24
In Joshua 14:14 it says of Caleb, “Therefore, Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he followed the Lord God of Israel fully.” Or wholeheartedly.
Caleb had “a different spirit”. He had followed the Lord fully, as best he knew how. It emphasizes in Scripture again later that “he followed the Lord God of Israel fully.” Again, wholeheartedly.
That takes some doing. It means he walked faithfully for many decades with the Lord, now being in his 80s. He wasn’t playing the game, “one foot in, one foot out, shake it all about”. He learned the Lord’s ways, gave it his all, and received the reward in the end.
The promise was then received after the faithfulness held to the end. “I will bring him into the land which he entered, and his descendants shall take possession of it.” Numbers 14:24
Wholeheartedly means exactly that, with your whole heart. It means making up your mind to do something and sticking to it, giving it all you have until you don’t have anything left. Even as it was said of another, “He poured Himself out.” (Isaiah 53:12, NASB)
This is as one I want it to be said of, “He gave it all he had until the end, when his time was up.”
I hope that is, or will become, your desire too.
Ahava and Shalom,
Steve Martin
