This week has brought ominous clouds when it comes to our Biblical mandate to stand with and bless Israel.

Perhaps I am more sensitive than most, but it seems every time I turn around this week, there is more evidence of America (and the entire western world) turning on Israel. Folks are tired of the war in Gaza and that is driving some of the anti-Israel sentiment. Many are talking about the severe loss of common sense (which is real), but honestly, I see the battle as a spiritual one. The Bible describes a strong delusion in the last days.

⁹ The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, ¹⁰ and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. ¹¹ And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, ¹² that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
~2 Thessalonians 2:9-12

Call it what you will, but the Bible calls it unrighteous deception and delusion (believing a lie, despite obvious truth), and here are a few examples present in our world today:

• Otherwise brilliant doctors proclaiming that men can give birth.
• Minors unable to purchase certain drinks or drive, yet deemed mature enough to decide whether or not to chop off body parts.
• Nations throwing open their borders and allowing their countries to be over run by people who hate them.
• Abundant food supplied to those who, in turn, starve the hostages they guard.
• Those who are supplying food accused of genocide.
• The world buying into the fake media campaigns of “starving” Gazans, despite all the evidence that the news and accompanying pictures are either not real, misleading, or AI-generated.
• Free humanitarian aid referred to as a death trap, while those who hijack those free supplies resell it for exorbitant prices…all while the world says nothing.
• The perpetrators in Gaza are now being rewarded by major nations recognizing a Palestinian state.

Whether you call it a loss of common sense or a spiritual attack on the truth of God’s Word, we should prepare for this battle to surely intensify. In fact, the intensity could rachet up very quickly if Israel finally chooses to do what should have been done long ago: completely defeat Hamas, bring hostages home, and annex the Gaza Strip so terrorists will never again have the opportunity to attack as they did on October 7.

As a result of growing delusion, support for Israel, even among evangelicals is dropping. What’s even more alarming is the anemic support for Israel among young people. We are simply not doing a good job helping young and old alike to know the Biblical importance of Israel and why God’s Word commands (not suggests) that we stand with Israel in this crucial time. Ultimately, tomorrow’s leaders are not being prepared to fulfill the mandate given by God!

For that reason, I will soon be teaching Why Israel Matters on Tuesday nights at Momentum Church in Phoenix AZ. (Located just behind the Century21 building on 59th Ave, about 1/2 mile south of Bell Rd.) We’ll begin with an introductory lesson on August 26 at 6:30pm, then will launch a 6-week study, beginning September 16. Adults and young people are encouraged to attend. (Junior high youth should be accompanied by an adult.) There is no cost and plenty of space for all who wish to attend. Mark your calendar and come join us!