Q:What role do you see the United States playing in the end times since we seem to be the only true friend of Israel?

A: For all of our departure from biblical morality, I believe the United States is currently being used by God as a shield of protection for Israel. Although God allowed Babylon and Persia to hold the Jews captive in the past, these countries eventually became tools in God’s hand to protect Israel; clearly seen in Esther and Nehemiah. I believe America may be such a protective tool.

God declares He will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse Israel. (See Gen 12:3.) Evidently we still bless Israel enough for God to bless the United States more than any country on earth, despite our lack of godliness.

The congregation I pastor doesn’t like or dislike any one group of people. We have personally assisted needy Palestinians living in Bethlehem and have also had Major Ronny Simon of the Israeli Defense Forces speak here at Calvary in Black Canyon. But to pick on

Israel is to pick a fight with God. (See Zech 2:8.) It is not until the entire world is thrown into the greatest tribulation of Revelation that the Jews will be removed from their borders, but even that is a short‑lived departure. (See Zech 14:9‑16.)

Prophecy mainly pertains to Israel, but there is one verse that may shed light on future conditions. Ezekiel prophesied that a great army from the north will attack Israel. As the foretold forces approach the prophet wrote, “Sheba and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish and all its young lions will say to you, ‘Have you come to take a spoil?’” (Eze 38:13) Some commentators think the young lions may be referring to the younger countries such as Canada, Australia, and the

United States. If they are correct, then the day is coming when America will not assist Israel. In the prophecy none of the young lions are seen helping–no one except God, and He’ll do just fine. (See Ezekiel 38‑39.)

How ironic to hear someone like Thomas Wang of the Great Commission Center International speak of being a third‑generation Christian, converted because American missionaries shared Jesus with his grandmother in China one hundred years ago. In turn, he became a missionary in 1954 and a citizen of the U.S. in 1968. Now this man from China expresses sadness over the erosion of our noble traditions under the onslaught of European Enlightenment, Humanism, and Liberal Theology. Now he is a missionary to the United States.

A nation rises and falls on its leadership and the Bible has influenced our greatest. Let’s learn from history and go back to what works.