Politics

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President Shimon Peres of Israel was in consultation. Who would be asked to form the next Government of Israel? The February, 2009 Israeli elections had proved indecisive. The past occupied my mind.

The international Convention Centre- Merkaz Ha Kongressim H’ Bin Leumi, is also known as Binyaney Ha’ Ouma. It is situated in Givat Ram, Jerusalem, and has been the venue for numerous and exciting conferences. It was here that one night, I lost my bag. Up until that moment, I could not remember the last time, such a thing had happened. In fact, I could not remember when I had last lost any valuable possession. In my experience bags were just not lost! Especially, when they contained my passport, money and other important documents. Yet somehow, I had managed to lose this one.

Thousands of people milled around the conference center. People from many nations of the world, had come to listen to various, noted Christian speakers. I had a few days off from work so, I decided to get involved in any way I could. I was given a number of flyers to hand out and I immediately set about distributing to any, who would accept. I left my bag beside my seat, which was situated somewhat towards the back of the large auditorium. I enjoyed sitting there because, I could worship and shout as much as I liked, without being a disturbance. At times, there would be so few people seated in this section that my enthusiasm was not unduly interfering. That night, a much ‘anointed’ speaker was to address the audience. He was from Africa, and I had heard a number of his powerfully delivered sermons. It was a chance I did not want to miss. I would observe him at close range. I assumed my bag would be safe where I had left it. There were friends seated in the same section. They could keep an eye on it.

I managed to obtain a front seat position and was not disappointed. The auditorium ‘exploded,’ as this preacher spoke dynamically for some ten to fifteen minutes, and then ministered to the many needy within the crowd. It was wonderful! When the meeting concluded, I went to pick up my bag only to discover it had disappeared. I asked and searched. No one seemed to have seen it. Finally at about twelve AM, I went backstage and asked one of the ushers who were still counting the donations, if they had seen it.

“Oh, you’re looking for your bag!”
“Yes!”
“I’ve been told that one of our ushers has found it and has it in his custody. You will have to go to the Hyatt hotel, because the final meeting will be held there.”

I borrowed fifty shekels with the promise to pay it back, after I had retrieved my bag. As I waited for a Jerusalem taxi, I thought about the strange occurrence. I had so enjoyed the meeting, that the missing bag and the attendant inconvenience it caused, were accepted with a certain degree of peace.

‘I wonder what this is all about,’ I thought. I had intended to catch a Friday morning bus, back to Tel-Aviv. Now, I would have to wait a little longer. Something within, assured me that all was under control. God wanted me to have a new experience.

Later that morning, I arrived at the hotel only to be told that the meeting had already started. I would have to wait until the particular attendant, was free to meet me. I sat in the hotel foyer observing my surroundings. Some American visitors, were seated in the couches around me. The lift door facing me opened and closed as people hurried out, on their way to various rooms. It opened again. Two men wearing dark suits, walked out. Their eyes swept across the hotel lobby. A third man, followed by two others, walked behind them. I stared in amazement and anticipation. What was he doing here? A second thought crossed my mind. This was another opportunity not to be missed.

I shot out of my chair and suddenly found myself in between the first two guards and Mr. Binyamin Netanyahu. I was beaming with joy. This was even better than I had expected. I was about to have an unexpected audience with the Likud (Israeli Political Party) leader.

“Mr. Netanyahu!” I said.
“Yes”, he replied.
“God bless you, Sir,” I said, shaking his hand. “It’s wonderful meeting you!”

I was lost for words. The sudden meeting had taken me unawares. I held on to his hand reluctant to let go. My mind failed me. One of the guards asked me to step aside. I stood my ground, not wanting the occasion to pass without my saying something else, although I was not exactly sure what. The security guard spoke again.

“Please step aside, Sir. He has to attend a meeting.” The order was given in a more aggressive tone.
I stood to one side and followed, as the party made its way into one of the conference rooms. I wanted to enter but was stopped at the door. ‘Bibi,’ as he is affectionately called, was going to hold a business meeting. Nearby a Christian conference was in full swing.

I was visibly excited. I turned to the American visitors and others.
”Do you know who that was?” I asked. They shook their heads. “That, ladies and gentlemen, could be the next Prime Minster of Israel. He is leader of the Likud party one of the main political parties in Israel. Please share the love of God with him when he comes out of the meeting,” I urged. “It’s a great opportunity!”
Tel-Aviv.

On Sunday morning (Yom Rison), I walked into the office, the experience fresh in my mind. I shared my story with my Israeli workmates.
“You what!“ Amit exclaimed. Amit, was the manager of the company. “You got in- between the guards and …? No one does that!”

It suddenly occurred to me that in security conscious Israel, one just does not ‘get in -between’ certain leaders, and their bodyguards. Certainly, this is true for most foreigners. But then another thought occurred to me, when one walks with God, all things are possible!

Election Day drew near. Important surveys, suggested that Shimon Peres, leader of the labour party, would win by a landslide victory. Amongst reasons given, one stood out with particular potency. The Israel public, sympathizing with the slain Rabin, was expected to vote massively for Labour and against the far right. International news media from BBC to CNN predicted, the same. I was unsure. But, as so often happens when one ‘walks by sight’ and not ‘by faith,’ my opinion was being swayed by the polls and the ‘all powerful’ networks.

I have since realized, that it is a great mistake to accept public opinion over God’s opinion. King Saul, the first king of Israel, found out the hard way. He lost his life because he sided with the public against God in the matter of Agag, King of Amalek (1 Sam 15). Generations of Jewish people have paid the price ever since. I find it ironic that in modern day Israel, few treat such insightful and historic lessons, as having relevant application for modern day living.

“So, who do you think will win this election, Rami?” one colleague asked. Rami was my adopted Israeli name.

“Probably Bibi,” I said without much conviction.
A chorus of laughter floated through the air. Apparently no one was convinced.

Election Day arrived. Shimon Peres, as predicted by the international and Israel media, shot into the lead and held it as the hours passed. But the certainty of a landslide victory, was being undermined as the actual votes were being counted. It would be a close race. I left the office late. The last news coverage I watched strongly projected Shimon Peres as the winner. The final votes from the security establishment and Israelis abroad, were yet to be counted, but the conclusion was certain. Labour would form the next government.

The bus stopped at Pardess Katz. As I walked across the footbridge over Rehov Jabotinsky, my mind dwelt on Rabin and Bibi. Conflicting emotions stirred my spirit. What was the will of God?

‘Oh Lord!’ I prayed. ‘What was the reason you had me meet these two men? I am not sure what you want, but please let your will be established. I commit the whole election process into your hands. Let your will be known!’
The next morning I walked into the office. It was unusually quiet. My Israeli friends seemed pensive. I buried my head in some paper work. I was not about to talk politics.

“Well,”Amit said, staring down at me as he stood besides my office desk. “Guess, who won the elections?”
“Shimon Peres?” I questioned lamely.
“No! Your friend Netanyahu!”

My initial shock, gave way to a broad smile. “I told you so!” I said with a sudden, new found confidence. Secretly, I was still trying to assimilate the fascinating truth. Somehow, I had been shown God’s intention for Israel.

As it is written: He removes Kings and raises up Kings…... He reveals deep and secret things; (Ref: Daniel 2:21-22 NKJV).

May the Lord bless you and reveal deep and secret things to you!

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