My writing on Christopher Columbus was not only because we recognized his day a couple of weeks ago, but to share, from fact and my opinion, how the Lord guided the establishing of North America and then the 13 colonies leading to the United States of America. It seems to me schools, churches, families and just about every segment of our country has lost the fact that God ordained this country in multiple forms leading to America being the strength and influence it has been world-wide. Nations across the world depend on America for guidance and assistance without thought that doing so will give America the right to take over and run their own country. From Columbus forward, my view is that the Lord God directed the affairs of men associated with the development of our exceptional nation, and for the longest time, America recognized this fact. We appear to have lost this relationship with God, and scarcely even refer to Him as we confront the challenges and threats of today. My writing Christopher Columbus – Part I now Part II below, and quite possibly will follow with a Part III which initially I did not plan, is to shine a light on how our land became exceptional, not perfect, but so unique from inception. ~LJR
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The God of Creation who had been directing Christopher Columbus (see Part I) was not finished! Jews across Spain were praying for deliverance from persecution of their faith. Hashem (God) directs some very wealthy men to step up and render assistance to Columbus. All of these financial backers were Jewish, they had convesos to the state religion of Spain, while Marranos (giving an outward appearance of Spanish church. Three of these influential men were key players employed by God to open His ways and accomplish His will. Luis de Santangel was a member of one of the wealthiest and most influential families throughout Spain, and he was the King’s personal confidant and advisor. Juan Cabrero was the King’s longtime close personal friend alongside the King against Muslims (you cannot make this stuff up!). Then there was Gabriel Sanchez, who was the Chief Treasurer of Spain. Allow me to add someone who barely receives any attention, mush less recognition, as a supporter of Christopher Columbus’ journey and world-changing discovery of North America. This name is Rabbi Don Isaac Abrahanel, who significantly helped fund the voyage to the New World to establish a safe place for religious freedom.
With new ships, full provisions, a crew and determination birthed by something much deeper than mere claim and notoriety, Christopher Columbus was prepared to set sail on August 2, 1492. That day, however, was a Jewish Holy Day; Tish B’Av, which marks the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. The day is a somber day of remembrance throughout the Hebrew world. So a day later, August 3, 1492, was launch day, the same day Spanish government issued a decree that Jews had three choices; convert to Catholicism, leave Spain, or die!
Christopher Columbus set sail on his flagship, the Santa Maria. Two additional ships, the Pinta and the Nina, comprised the remainder of this little armada. Ten weeks later, on October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on the island of the Bahamas. In quick succession, the islands of Cuba and Haiti were explored. Subsequent voyages (three additional) never brought Christopher Columbus to what would become the United States of America, but these successful round-trip voyages proved passage across the great ocean was achievable, and the pathway was established for Jews and fundamental followers of Christ to leave persecution for a promised land of religious freedom. As you can imagine, word spread throughout Europe of these successful voyages, and this only added to the exodus wanting to come to the New World.
Christopher Columbus died on May 20, 1506, in Spain. He is buried at Seville Cathedral in Seville, Spain.
From the onset of Columbus following his vision, he was beset with incredible pressures from the King and Queen of Spain to find gold and silver, and he did! Less than publicly stellar as those facts are, Christopher Columbus sought God’s direction to implement a vision he credited to God to find a land free from governmental restrictions over worship and to have restored the purity of doctrine that already had been sorely compromised dating back to Constantine rulership with the blending of pagan and Hebraic rites after the First-Century Church was established, which you can read in the Bible’s Book of Acts. Columbus opened the passageway leading to an environment of biblical worship and for the Jew to settle into a new land to pursue their foundational place in biblical history. Columbus’ final Will and Testament again provides a peek into his heart and belief system. A tenth of his income (a tithe) would be given to the poor, and another part of his income should provide a dowry for young poor women.
Columbus’ Appeal to Heaven would be long noted by those who followed in various capacities but shared a common theme with Christopher Columbus. Appeal to Heaven when you face insurmountable odds, and there is no way humanly possible to succeed.
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