Genesis 12:3’s awesome impact in history

M(Part I)

ANY of us are familiar with the Biblical principle that God blesses the man or nation that blesses Israel or the Jewish people and those who raise their voice or hand against them invite the wrath of God. The basis of this Biblical principle is found in the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament which states: “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3, King James Version)

Genesis 12:3 is a promise that our Lord God made to Abraham (father of the Hebrew nation). An unconditional promise of the Lord God that cannot be rescinded.

There are many instances narrated in ancient Biblical times and in modern history when Genesis 12:3 was tested and retested year after year for thousands of years. The ending is always the same. Genesis 12:3 is always upheld. Thus, bless Israel (and the Jewish people) and you will be blessed; curse Israel (and the Jewish people) and you will be cursed. Indeed, Genesis 12:3 is confirming that we have to be always on God’s side; otherwise the consequence is fatal.

Let me share a story to stress the point that we must always be on God’s side.

“During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln responded to a man who asked if he believed God was on the Union’s side in the conflict. Said Lincoln, “Sir, my greatest concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” Anyone on the side fighting against the Jews is on the wrong side. And now more than ever, as we embark on the end of the age, it is important to be on the right side!” (Reference: Unlocking the Prophetic Mysteries of Israel by Jonathan Bernis)

Did you know that in the presidential election in the United States in November 1948, Genesis 12:3 came to life? As expected, Genesis 12:3 had an awesome impact. Reaffirming once again that even in our contemporary times, God is faithful to the promise he made in Genesis 12:3.

Harry Truman won in the November, 1948, US presidential election. God returned the blessing to Truman when he won his re-election bid in one of the most astounding victories in American history. Truman’s stunning victory is considered to be one of the greatest election upsets in American history.

What did President Truman do to bless the Jewish people and to deserve God’s blessing in return? The president, against the advice of the US State Department headed by Secretary of State General George C. Marshall, and US Ambassador to the United Nations Warren Austin – endorsed the independence of the State of Israel in an unbelievably unprecedented time record 11 minutes after the declaration by Israel of its independence on May 14, 1948. Becoming the first president in the world to recognize the independence of Israel. No wonder in the hearts of the Jewish people, the late US President Harry Truman was a great man; a God-sent protector of Israel in time of need.

Truman’s decision to support the establishment of the Jewish state is a story about how our Lord God prepares a man to make a decision that fulfills Bible prophecy. Remember the stories of Moses, King David, Daniel, and Queen Esther?

Not many know that Truman is a Baptist, deeply rooted in his Christian faith. It is reported that Truman, a voracious reader, read the Bible twice before he even started going to school. Truman knew the history of the Jews especially Israel’s claim to the land that they have. And more -- Truman was deeply affected by the suffering of the Jewish people during the Holocaust.

Truman’s closest life-long friend by the name of Eddie Jacobson was Jewish. Though not a Zionist, Jacobson had deep compassion for the suffering of the Jewish people. Eddie Jacobson and Truman were former business partners in a haberdashery store in Kansas City, Missouri from 1919 to 1921. Eddie Jacobson and Harry Truman first met when Eddie was 14 and worked as a stock boy at a shirt store while Harry then 20, worked as a bookkeeper at a nearby bank. While Jacobson was a Jew, Truman was a Baptist.

Later both joined the Missouri National Guard. Truman was a second lieutenant while Jacobson was a sergeant. Returning from the war – World War I – the two set put up Gents Furnishings (men’s clothing) and ran it until 1921 when the business went into bankruptcy. Truman’s political career started when his business with Jacobson failed. While Truman was involved in politics after his business with Jacobson failed, Jacobson became a traveling salesman and visited Truman in Washington when the latter became president. Being a close friend of Truman, Jacobson was free to come and go to the Oval Office of President Truman in the

White House. (To be continued)

By the way, we have already sent 100 copies of the book titled “Preparing for Eternity” by Mike Gendron that we had earlier promised to send to our readers. But there are still so many readers writing us from Mindanao requesting for a copy of the book. We shall be sending additional copies to these readers by next week. “Preparing for Eternity” is a book which challenges us to resolve the question: Should we trust God’s Word or religious traditions? Those interested to receive a copy, kindly email your complete mailing address.

This column continues to give out copies of the Holy Bible for free to those who cannot afford to buy their own copies. If interested, please send your letter-request to Ms. Nelly Favis Villafuerte, 5233 LRV Building, Fahrenheit St., Palanan, Makati City. Kindly mention if it is the Tagalog, English, Cebuano, or Ilocano Bible that is preferred.

Be joyful and forgiving!

(Comments may be sent to Ms. Villafuerte’s email: villafuerte_nelly@yahoo.com)

And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: And in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. (Genesis 12:3, King James Version)