Scott Morrison, Australia, and the Critical Matter of Jerusalem

December 1, 2018
Photo left to right: Ian Worby, Sen. James Paterson and Keith Buxton. Ian and Keith presenting the 8000+ signatures to Sen. Paterson
Photo left to right: Ian Worby, Sen. James Paterson and Keith Buxton. Ian and Keith presenting the 8000+ signatures to Sen. Paterson in support of moving Australia’s Embassy to Jerusalem, which was tabled December 5, 2017.

For Zion’s sake, I will not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake, I will not keep silent.

For Australia’s sake, too.  

Though I am neither Australian nor Israeli, for the sake of a nation whose history regarding Israel and the Jews I have come to appreciate as having been extraordinarily significant, and whose future—I deeply believe—will be impacted for good or for evil directly by the decision it is right now deliberating concerning Jerusalem, I am also unable to be still.

In my understanding, the moment could hardly be more critical—and we might almost be out of time. 

Sometime within days of this article going to press, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said he will announce his decision either to keep open the possibility of Australia moving its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, or to scrap it.

Those Australians who know the Bible and believe what it says concerning their nation and Jerusalem, ought right now, as I see it, to be flat on their faces before God—appealing to Him to direct and expedite the decision of their right-thinking political leadership on this, and to frustrate the efforts opposing them.

And they should be doing everything they physically can (writing, calling, speaking) to encourage and help the prime minister stand his ground against the negative onslaught that’s been unleashed against him, and to alert their fellow Aussies to the fatefulness of the issue that seems so suddenly to have appeared on the table.

But as immeasurably important as this is, it seems—from Jerusalem, 14,000 km away—that a great many Christians Down Under are oblivious.

Or have been duped into thinking it irrelevant.

Which is why I am spelling it out.

The political pandemonium that broke out when Morrison expressed his willingness to consider moving the embassy should have shown—for those with spiritual eyes to see—how terribly serious this is.

But its significance was virtually swept away in the flood of cynical and hysterical charges (levelled without evidence in the reports I read) that the Prime Minister had impulsively blurted out the thought to try and win Jewish votes in the Wentworth by-election.

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...most Australian’s know nothing about this.

This reaction was reminiscent of the freaking out of American so-called progressives who poured scorn and mockery on Donald Trump’s similarly “out of left field” announcement at the start of his election trail that he would move the US Embassy to Jerusalem.

But the Australian Premier’s statement did not come out of the blue. It was preceded by a four-year-long small but nationwide—if media-ignored— campaign to have Australia abstain from recognising a State of Palestine in Israel’s historical homeland and to proactively recognise Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish state. 

Last December 5, a petition signed by 8000 Australian citizens was tabled asking the Federal Parliament to place their embassy in Jerusalem.  (The following day Trump declared his intention to move America’s.)

Thanks to the selective reporting of the overwhelmingly left-wing press, most Australian’s know nothing about this.

The same media has given mostly contemptuous coverage to calls from widely disparaged (but even more widely respected) individuals like Tony Abbott, Eric Abetz, James Paterson and Cory Bernardy to relocate the embassy—which is the historically, morally and legally (under international law) right thing to do.

Likewise, few are aware that already in 2015, a petition to the Government not to recognise “Palestine” (which doesn’t exist) and to remain fair and even-handed in its policies towards Israel and the Arab world was tabled in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. 

To date, despite a leftwing federal politician’s proposed bill that “Palestine” be recognised, and amidst the repeated avowed intentions of Labor Party lawmakers to do precisely that should they come to power, Australia does not officially acknowledge its existence.

In the coming months the Liberals will be returned to, or removed from, power.

As these crucial days unfold, I respectfully have the following questions:

What does the Bible say to the nations about the policies they pursue concerning the national ownership of the land God repeatedly and unequivocally states He gave, exclusively and forever, to the Jewish people?

“For behold, in those days and at that time, when I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat;

And I will enter into judgment with them there on account of My people, My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; they have also divided up My land…” (Joel 3:1-2)

And concerning Jerusalem – the “city of the great King” which was instituted as the capital of Israel by David 3000 years ago—what warning does God give the nations who come against it?

“…in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.” (Zechariah 12:3) 

What, dear Australian Believers, has God laid down as a bedrock Biblical principle applicable to all mankind concerning the treatment of the seed of Abraham?  And what verdict has history dealt every single kingdom and empire that has abused the people of Israel and divided the Land of Israel?

“I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3)

Which was ratified in Isaac’s blessing over Israel?

“Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you…cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be those who bless you!” (Genesis 27:29)

It is at our peril that we close our ears to the unchanging Word of the LORD concerning our nations and Israel:

“The sons of foreigners shall build up your walls, and their kings shall minister to you; … your gates shall be open continually…that men may bring to you the wealth of the Gentiles, and their kings in procession.

“For the nation and kingdom which will not serve you shall perish, and those nations shall be utterly ruined.”
(Isaiah 60:10-12)

From Heaven’s perspective, Australia has arrived at a most critical junction on the road of its history.  Should it take the wrong turn then, given the global political climate today which has the overwhelming majority of countries setting themselves in opposition to Israel, it might not be able to reverse its course.

More than ever before, eternal national ramifications for Australia’s good or bad could hinge on the choices made in this election, which looks like being between electing a government that will choose to stand with Israel and recognise Israel’s capital, bringing blessing to Australia.

Or voting in one that will not.

I know how I will be praying in the coming days: 

That the LORD will give Prime Minister Morrison the courage and the faith to announce Australia’s intention to move its embassy to Jerusalem. And that Australian Christians will be willing to put everything else to the side, giving themselves no rest, and giving the LORD no rest, “till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth”.

For Zion’s sake.

And for Australia’s.

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Stan Goodenough

Stan Goodenough: is a South African gentile who has lived in Jerusalem for a quarter of a century. A Christian journalist, writer and tour guide, he believes passionately that Australia is being offered a unique opportunity to lead the way in supporting Israel’s God given and legitimate right to extend sovereignty over its restored land.

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