Alaska was not always part of the United States. In 1867, we negotiated with Russia to purchase claims they had on Alaska. Alaska became our 49th state in 1958, and it was followed by Hawaii in 1959. When I was a little girl in the 60’s, I remember my mom talking about our newest states – Alaska and Hawaii.
We gave Alaska and Hawaii the same representation that we gave the rest of the states. We did not slight them because they were the last states to join the United States of America.
As far as I know, no one has asked us to give back, trade, or sell Alaska. I’m fairly sure that would not be seen as an option at all. In addition, we would not appreciate it if another country attempted to pressure us into giving them part of our country.
We know that Israel has to deal with similar issues from time to time.
Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.
Genesis 13:11-12
And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.
Genesis 13:14-15
Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.
Genesis 13:17
But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.
Genesis 17:21
For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.
Deuteronomy 14:2
The State of Israel was established in 1948. Ever since then, much of the world has tried to take it away, reason it away, or convince them to share it. If we get right down to it, we may not have returned to them all the land that really belongs to them.
Let’s remember, God gave Israel to the descendants of Isaac – the Israelites. God did not give this land to the descendants of Ishmael. He promised it to Israel forever. The result is that the nation of Israel is God’s chosen people on God’s chosen land.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Colossians 3:12-13
Our challenge today as a nation is to be as kind to Israel as we are to our states. Support them and pray for them. Remember, God gave them their land way before He gave us ours. And, let’s keep praying for revival in our nation.