OOPS . . .CORRECTION on Pat Robertson "Writes Humble Letter of Apology to Israel" Story
Steve Shultz, Founding Editor : Jan 13, 2006
Breaking Christian News
OOPS NOTE BY STEVE SHULTZ, BREAKING CHRISTIAN NEWS. From time to time, we just make a "goof" or typo. This is one such time. My good Jewish friend in Israel keeps me updated on many things including current Jewish thinking. Based on that, I quoted him but I made a typo in the process.. It SHOULD have read that a common expression in Israel is, "If you have two Jews, then you'll have three opinions." This is meant to convey that there are many passionate opinions in Israel, even among the most devout among the Jewish People. However, by mistake, it read, "If you have Jews, you have three opinions." That doesn't accurately reflect what I wanted to say. The correct quote should have read, "If you have two Jews, then you'll have three opinions." (which it turns out is a truism in Israel among the Jewish people--and a clever saying too!) So the correction is incorporated below and we are re-sending this article WITH that correction. Please use this change and accept our "oops!" . It may be small but we wanted to be accurate in that we are such strong supporters of Israel and all-things that are Israel-related. America loves Israel, but even more than that, American Christians, by and large love and support Israel. For that reason, we loved it when Pat Robertson gave such an impassioned apology. (see below). And I personally apologize for the typo we made in the earlier article.-- Blessings, Steve Shultz, Founder; Breaking Christian News.
THE Associated Press is reporting that Pat Robertson has written a formal letter of apology for his comments regarding the stroke incurred by Ariel Sharon. This letter was to be hand-delivered to Sharon's son, Omri.
In Addition, Pat Robertson was on Fox News issuing one of the most humble apologies I've ever seen a Christian minister with a wide television ministry issuing. I can say, as publisher of Breaking Christian News to Pat Robertson, this one thing: "I'm proud of you Pat!"
Pat, who has been and remains a formidable force for morality and an avid supporter of Israel all his life, deserves great commendations from the Christian community for being willing to humble himself, for his life of service and giving, (including his organization, Operation Blessing).
There is much in the Scriptures about the dividing of the Land of Israel or Jerusalem.
Also a supporter of Israel myself, I have many Jewish Christians, both inside and outside of Israel, none of whom see this issue of the Gaza Pullout (which Pat was addressing) in exactly the same way.
One of my dear Jewish friends in Israel likes to use the phrase, "If you have two Jews, then you'll have three opinions." Many Jewish friends have verified that this is a truism among the Jewish people.
Among all Jewish people, and even among Messianic congregations inside and outside of Israel plus all Christian congregations, it's very difficult to find consensus on what world leaders should do in light of the fact that millions of Palestinians with Israeli citizenship, live in what is referred to as the Holy Land.
To further complicate the matter, it has been reported in recent years that there are even more Christians thus far among the Non-Jewish Israeli's living in Israel and places such as the Gaza strip, than those from the outside. Of course, these peace-loving and Israel-loving Believers in Yeshua living in Gaza, are not war-mongers, and they do not support terrorist activities. Nevertheless, they seek understanding for their cause too, as they are, in fact, Israelis and Christians and supporters of Israel's right to exist.
Pat Robertson, like many other Christians, grapples with this issue, trying to find a way to both support the Believers in Israel, both Jew and non-Jew , while also looking for and praying for peace.
Biblically, the very Jewish Jesus taught, even as Israel was occupied by the Roman armies of the day, this immutable truth:
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9
Later, the very Jewish Apostle Paul wrote to a much younger Spiritual Son, Timothy, these words:
"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim 2:1-4
This includes praying for ALL leaders in the USA, Europe, AND Israel, both Jewish and Non-Jewish leaders. No leader is to be left out. I believe that Pat Robertson has demonstrated to the world what true humility looks like.
By the way, Jerusalem, even in the Old Testament Scriptures, was PROPHESIED about in this manner:
"And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; Zech 12:3
The thing about it is that a prophecy Biblically--IS a prophecy. That is, it MUST come true and what is true is that no matter how right or righteous the leader in the United States or Israel is, UNTIL it's no longer this way and until the God of the Universe changes it, Jerusalem MUST BE a heavy stone for ALL PEOPLES. That is why situations pop up like this.
Pat publicly stated in a letter dated Wednesday and marked it for hand delivery to Sharon's son Omri, that the Israeli prime minister, Arial Sharon was a "kind, gracious and gentle man" who was "carrying an almost insurmountable burden of making decisions for his nation."
"My concern for the future safety of your nation," Pat continued, led me to make remarks which I can now view in retrospect as inappropriate and insensitive in light of a national grief experienced because of your father's illness," the letter said.
"I ask your forgiveness and the forgiveness of the people of Israel," Robertson wrote.
I believe God in Heaven is smiling on the humility of Pat Robertson. I'm smiling on it as well, and I believe we are BOTH praying for the Peace of Jerusalem and the salvation of all the peoples living there, both Jew and non Jew, of course.
Much of my Christian walk got launched watching Pat Robertson on Television in the 80's. He has sown mightily in the Body of Christ.
This is the time to write a thank you note to Pat for being willing to show by example how a Christian ought to act when our tongue gets us into trouble.
Bless you Pat!