I’m sitting here in Jerusalem. It is the night before the opening of the new embassy. The streets are packed and the air filled with excitement as it seems as all of Jerusalem is gathering at the Western Wall (otherwise known as the Wailing Wall). Young and old, with lots of strollers, gather and the traffic is amazing. A 5 minute trip took us an hour and a half—but we didn’t mind. Being in the midst of all of the excitement was something we never expected when we planned our 25^th anniversary trip.

In the midst of the excitement, there is also a lot of security. Heavily armed Israeli police and military are everywhere to keep the peace—and it truly is peaceful because of their presence. In America, many don’t view the US military the same way the Israelis view theirs. Because everyone able is required to serve, the women for 2 years and the men for 3 years, there is an appreciation of what it takes to keep their country safe. They have a different view of their military walking the streets and guarding the borders, completely armed and uniformed. They do not take their freedoms or safety for granted. However, there is also the presence of the press everywhere, ready to document any action so they can give their spin on the unfolding story in Israel. The most obvious of this is in the Muslim quarter at the Damascus gate with several news crews all set up….just waiting. Hours later, I get a text from my dad asking if we are safe. In the middle of replying, I hear loud shots being fired—just a few at first, and then a lot more. Colin and I run to our balcony to observe a beautiful fireworks celebration coming from the Tower of David. Talk about a different perspective of Israeli life.

The Israelis I met do not respect the press. The press exaggerates anything that is going on for the sake of drama. We experienced this because in the middle of our trip, we were receiving texts from friends and loved ones as the media at home was painting a much different picture. Sure, there was rioting in Gaza with out of control demonstrators, but was that a reason to take it out on our president’s daughter? How do we handle things in our country with there are shootings in schools or mentally unstable, angry people? Many times, we are unable and unarmed to defend ourselves or innocent ones. And if someone is able to defend themselves, they are criticized.

The political statement that was made with the moving of the embassy is also a prophetical one. God is moving all of the pieces of world powers for His perfect plan. He is not worried about being politically correct. He is not worried about not offending the other nations.

The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will. Proverbs 21:1

I don’t usually write political articles. However, living in the middle of all of this for a few days has given me a new appreciation of how politics and prophecy go hand in hand. We clearly see this as the Lord, Who miraculously placed as President a man who is very pro-Israel and strong enough to weather all the criticisms that go along with his political decisions. (By the way, banners are all over the city declaring our president as a “friend of Zion.”)

Isaiah 66:10 says Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her all ye that mourn for her.

As believers, we rejoice with Israel for the strong nation that it is. We also recognize that God protects and loves His chosen people. As He promised Abraham in Genesis 12:3, I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

God bless Israel and God bless America.

Written by Kaye Dee Richards. Kaye Dee and her husband Colin toured Israel in May 2018, celebrating 25 years of marriage. This article was written during their trip. They live in Morrison, CO with their 4 children, Josh, Amelia, Victoria, and Julia.

To contact Kaye Dee, email kayedee@thebeautifulspirit.org or message us on Facebook.