The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and America’s European Command engaged yesterday in the beginning of Juniper Cobra, a five-day joint missile drill “aimed at improving cooperation and coordination between the two militaries, and training defenses against ballistic missile attacks.”  Similar drills have been conducted biennially since 2001.

Planning for Juniper Cobra has been ongoing for over a year, and is not a response to any particular action or threat.  Rather, it simulates challenges Israel could face.  American and Israeli top officials all laud the training as evidence of the strong bond between the US and Israel.

In an era when threats toward Israel are commonplace, and support from allies, including the United States, seems to be dwindling, it is important for us to acknowledge that the US has not yet turned her back on Israel.

Ok, did you catch that?  The US has NOT YET turned her back on Israel.  Ultimately we will!  How do I know?  Because Bible prophecy teaches us that Israel will stand alone in end times.  For example, consider Zechariah 12:2-3:

“Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around; and when the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah. It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.

Yes, in the last days Israel will become a “heavy stone,” and “all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.”  If America still exists at that time, America will join “all the nations of the earth” in gathering against Israel!

Need more evidence that Israel will be abandoned?  How about Joel 3:1-2 which says:

“For behold, in those days and at that time,
When I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem,
I will gather all the nations
And bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat.
Then I will enter into judgment with them there
On behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel,
Whom they have scattered among the nations;
And they have divided up My land.”

Ultimately, “all the nations” will be gathered, and then judged, in the valley of Jehoshaphat.  Why?  For turning their backs on Israel.

My frequent prayer is that the United States as a nation, and Christians individually, will stand faithfully with Israel.  Let’s rejoice when we see evidence that our nation stands strong with Israel.  Let’s also pray fervently that we see more of it!  Individually we make our own choices as to where we stand regarding Israel.  Will you commit yourself to stand firm with Israel?  Will you pray faithfully for the Jewish nation?

Indeed, those who bless Israel will be blessed and those who curse Israel will be cursed.  (Genesis 12:3)  On which side of the equation will you stand?