Q: How important do you believe this election was in regards to a strengthened relationship with Israel?
A: The United States’ relationship with Israel under our previous administration was weakened. The election of Donald Trump gives hope that we can stand with Israel in a strong way once again. Of course since he is untested, it remains to be seen how things will play out. Personally, I am hopeful and expectant that the relations between Israel and the United States will improve under a Trump administration.
Q: What is the spiritual significance of a nation standing with and supporting Israel?
A: Any nation that does not stand with Israel will be cursed. God said, “I will bless those that bless thee and curse those that curse thee” (Genesis 12:3). Zechariah tells us this concerning the tribulation war, Armageddon: “Now this will be the plague with which the Lord will strike all the peoples who have gone to war against Jerusalem; their flesh will rot while they stand on their feet, and their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongue will rot in their mouth…Then it will come about that any who are left of all the nations that went against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths” (Zechariah 14:12, 16).
Q: Can you share any issues that are important to Israel that Christians should know about? How can we pray and vote regarding these issues?
A: Israel needs to know that they have an American president who will stand with them. Israel is a unique people and a unique nation. They need to know that the President of the United States of America recognizes this. God said in Deuteronomy 7:6:
“For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.” The most important thing is not peace in the Middle East; it is that we stand with Israel. Personally I do not think there will be any lasting peace in the Middle East until Messiah’s return. We need to not allow political correctness or our emotions determine where we stand. According to God’s Word we should stand with Israel. This does not mean that everything they’re doing is right. What it does mean however is that we come into agreement with God and His Word concerning Israel. Paul told us in Romans 11:29:
“The gifts and the calling of God (on Israel) are irrevocable.” The point is that we need to pray for Israel’s salvation and protection. Our love for Israel needs to be expressed by voting for political leaders who recognize that Israel is God’s chosen nation and will stand with them as a result.
Q: Most of the major headlines coming from America in the last months have portrayed a nation divided. How would you speak encouragement over that, and how can people find peace amidst disagreement?
A: I believe that we will see a more compassionate and balanced Donald Trump going forward. I think that despite the misgivings that some have about him, he will demonstrate his love for this country and for all the people in the United States. Yes, I think he will be tougher on immigration, seek to protect our borders, and try to protect us from radical Islamic terrorists, but that should not be a concern for law-abiding citizens.
Q: No matter where our country is or where it ends up, how is God still faithful to complete His plan through us as a nation?
A: It all hinges on God’s sovereignty. Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, learned the hard way that God is in control. Rather than recognizing that God had exalted him, he thought his own power had made him great. The Lord gave him a chance to acknowledge that He was in control, but Nebuchadnezzar would not humble himself. As a result, God caused him to lose his mind. Eventually Nebuchadnezzar recognized that it was God Who had exalted him to the office of king. Once he realized this he said:
“All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, but He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” (Daniel 4:35).
The point is that God is in control! When we are confident that Father God is moving the nations of the world forward to complete His plan we can trust Him with what is going to happen with the United States. Our history going forward will be HIS-STORY (get it? History is His-story).
Q: Israel has experienced unrest and division perhaps more than any country in the world. How can people worldwide find rest amid turmoil?
A: Jesus said “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:2). God gives those who know Him an internal, supernatural peace in the midst of difficult circumstances and danger.
Q: What does honoring and praying for our leaders look like, even when we don’t agree with them or totally support everything they do or say?
A: Praying for our leaders involves recognizing that God is our authority. In praying for our leaders we are honoring God’s authority, because no authority comes except from God. I know immediately when I say this, someone might say, “What about Hitler…etc.” But let’s not focus on the exception, let’s focus on the general principle of Scripture.
“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves” (Romans 13:1-2).
Q: What Bible story is your personal favorite, in relation to God looking after His people and His nation?
A: My favorite Bible story that illustrates the Lord’s love for His people and His nation is the Exodus account. Here we see a marvelous display of sovereignty and power as Father God parts the Red Sea and brings His people into their promised land. Even as God did this for Israel so too He is working dramatically and powerfully in the lives of His chosen ones today – both Jewish and Gentile believers!
Q: How can we, as believers in the body of Christ, pray for Israel?
A: We need to pray for Israel’s salvation, especially for the salvation of Israel’s elect (see Romans 11:1-6).
Q: What evidence have you seen that God can heal divides and the brokenhearted? Not just politically, but more so spiritually?
A: I recently was in South Africa and was amazed at how the different races are all together in harmony. Not long ago there was civil war in South Africa due to racial conflicts and yet today everyone gets along. It is important to note that South Africa has a deeply religious culture which is the foundation of their communities’ reconciliation.
Q: Looking forward over the next four years, what are your hopes for the American/Israeli friendship?
A: I am hopeful that under our new administration the United States’ relationship with Israel will improve. We need to pray for those involved.
Q: Give our readers an invitation to watch your program, “Discovering the Jewish Jesus,” here on Daystar. What can they expect when they tune in?
A: I want to encourage you all to watch my broadcast “Discovering the Jewish Jesus,” which can be seen on Daystar many times every week.
I believe I am gifted to make God’s Word easy to understand, as I connect the Old and New Testaments together. I am confident that it will be a blessing to you!
You will find a complete listing of all the days and times that we broadcast on Daystar on our website, DiscoveringTheJewishJesus.com. Please also connect with me on Facebook at Discovering The Jewish Jesus with Rabbi Schneider to stay in touch about our missions trips around the world, the meaning of key Hebrew words and to receive our free weekly devotional.
I love you all in the Spirit, Rabbi Schneider