These are perilous times. Most nations are not doing well - few are thriving, if any. We have seen prosperous times in the last couple of decades, but those seem very distant. What gives?
There is a precept in scripture that basically says that how well you deal with Israel determines how well you live, thrive, and prosper. Most of us are familiar with the passage in Genesis 12:3 which says God will bless those who bless Israel, and curse those who curse Israel. Jeremiah gives us another reason blessings and curses fall:
Jer 2:3 HNV
(3) Yisra'el [was] holiness to the LORD, the first fruits of his increase: all who devour him shall be held guilty; evil shall come on them, says the LORD.
Israel was God's First Fruits! All First Fruits given to God are Holy, and if you devour that which is Holy, you had better be a priest - also Holy. If not, then evil comes, according to the word of God.
David stumbled into the tabernacle - starving - and ate the shew bread that was reserved for the priests. It was holy to God - set apart. But David's life was spared because He, too, had set himself apart for God. He danced into Jerusalem wearing a linen ephod (priestly garment), an early picture of Jesus - both king and priest. We were also made kings and priests by God, a HOLY nation. We must bless Israel, God's First Fruits, because we are growing upon them. They are the stump which sprouted that we were grafted into.
The nations act in ignorance. They are like children in a lion's den - captivated by something deadly. We, as Christians, are to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the salvation of Israel. Lets be diligent in doing that! Be blessed!
Showing posts with label Israel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Israel. Show all posts
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Megiddo
Megiddo is a strategic hill in the Jezreel Valley in Israel. It has always been an important location, militarily, and still remains so. Today Israel has an underground airbase in the valley. In ancient times, this was a military outpost that had storehouses and a water supply. It was a city, of sorts.
The Hebrew word for hill or mountain - har - is often used when identifying Megiddo, which is where we get Har Megiddo or Armegeddon. According to historians, archaeologists have discovered seventy-seven layers in this ruined outpost - each representing a time when the city was battled for, destroyed, and rebuilt.
In ancient times, for one culture to war against and conquer another meant that the god of one culture was superior to the god of the conquered culture. Had Goliath killed David, the news on the morning headlines would have read 'Dagon Is the True God!'. In the land of Israel, there is perhaps no greater symbol of strategic possession than Har Megiddo - outside of the city of Jerusalem itself. What does this hint at?
From a Hebraic perspective... if there were going to be a final, symbolic battle to determine once and for all whose god was supreme, this battle would be fought at Megiddo. Isn't that something? Perhaps God thinks so, too! This is exactly why the last battle will be fought at Armageddon.
Rev 16:16 HNV
(16) He gathered them together into the place which is called in Hebrew, Megiddo.
The Hebrew word for hill or mountain - har - is often used when identifying Megiddo, which is where we get Har Megiddo or Armegeddon. According to historians, archaeologists have discovered seventy-seven layers in this ruined outpost - each representing a time when the city was battled for, destroyed, and rebuilt.
In ancient times, for one culture to war against and conquer another meant that the god of one culture was superior to the god of the conquered culture. Had Goliath killed David, the news on the morning headlines would have read 'Dagon Is the True God!'. In the land of Israel, there is perhaps no greater symbol of strategic possession than Har Megiddo - outside of the city of Jerusalem itself. What does this hint at?
From a Hebraic perspective... if there were going to be a final, symbolic battle to determine once and for all whose god was supreme, this battle would be fought at Megiddo. Isn't that something? Perhaps God thinks so, too! This is exactly why the last battle will be fought at Armageddon.
Rev 16:16 HNV
(16) He gathered them together into the place which is called in Hebrew, Megiddo.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Days of Vengeancee
Luke 21:16-22 And you shall be betrayed also by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends. And they will cause some of you to be put to death. (17) And you shall be hated by all for My name's sake. (18) But there shall not a hair of your head perish. (19) By your patience you will gain your souls. (20) And when you see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that its destruction has come. (21) And let those in Judea flee to the mountains. And those in its midst, let them go out. And those in the open spaces, let them not go into her. (22) For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
Reading a passage like this gets my attention. Jesus was speaking prophetically of Jerusalem, but as in so many cases He wasn't giving away much information. Looking at this passage, we might think this has already happened. After all, in 70AD Jerusalem was sacked and burned by the Romans and many Jews died. If I had to guess, I would say that was a direct fulfillment of verse 20. However, we then get to verse 27:
Luke 21:27 And then they shall see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Somewhere in the passage... we took a time leap. Confusing. But not totally out of place within scripture. Very often the prophetic message had a early and latter fulfillment. Daniel spoke of the abomination of desolation which did occur by Antiochus Epiphenes. But the real fulfillment he spoke of will be done - again - by the antichrist. Duel fulfillment. Still confusing.
Reading again verse 27, we see that this is a reference to the 2nd coming of Jesus. Why is it the second coming and not the rapture? Because the rapture is a secretive gathering of the saints in the clouds. People will not 'see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory' during the rapture event. However, the second coming will be just this way - public and spectacular.
But to me, this might imply a 'hint' somewhere in the text. If the rapture is a hidden event, is there a hint of it in this text?
Jesus is specific about circumstances. When you have to run for it, and you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that these are Days of Vengeance. See, that is an odd description. It's a title...
Is it used anywhere else? I looked.
Hosea 9:5-7 What will you do in the day of meeting, and in the day of the feast of Jehovah? (6) For lo, they have left because of destruction. Egypt shall gather them up; Memphis shall bury them. Nettles shall possess the desirable things of their silver; thorns shall be in their tents. (7) The days of her judgment have come; the days of vengeance have come; Israel shall know it. The prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is insane, because of the greatness of your iniquity and the great hatred.
This is the only other place I found the phrase "Days of Vengeance" used. If I look at this passage as a divine link to Luke 21 (oh... and I do!) then this makes an interesting statement.
What will I be doing during the Great Tribulation - Jacob's time of trouble? According to Revelation, I will be at a Marriage Supper of the Lamb. What does Hosea ask? "What will I do in the day of meeting, and in the day of the feast of Jehovah?" "For lo, they have left because of destruction." Who has left? Well... me... for one. "Nettles shall possess the desirable things of their silver." What else happens when millions of people disappear? They leave their riches behind. Why? Because the days of vengeance have come.
It's an interesting cross-reference. Can we be dogmatic about any of it? Probably not, but it's worth discussing.
Reading a passage like this gets my attention. Jesus was speaking prophetically of Jerusalem, but as in so many cases He wasn't giving away much information. Looking at this passage, we might think this has already happened. After all, in 70AD Jerusalem was sacked and burned by the Romans and many Jews died. If I had to guess, I would say that was a direct fulfillment of verse 20. However, we then get to verse 27:
Luke 21:27 And then they shall see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Somewhere in the passage... we took a time leap. Confusing. But not totally out of place within scripture. Very often the prophetic message had a early and latter fulfillment. Daniel spoke of the abomination of desolation which did occur by Antiochus Epiphenes. But the real fulfillment he spoke of will be done - again - by the antichrist. Duel fulfillment. Still confusing.
Reading again verse 27, we see that this is a reference to the 2nd coming of Jesus. Why is it the second coming and not the rapture? Because the rapture is a secretive gathering of the saints in the clouds. People will not 'see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory' during the rapture event. However, the second coming will be just this way - public and spectacular.
But to me, this might imply a 'hint' somewhere in the text. If the rapture is a hidden event, is there a hint of it in this text?
Jesus is specific about circumstances. When you have to run for it, and you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that these are Days of Vengeance. See, that is an odd description. It's a title...
Is it used anywhere else? I looked.
Hosea 9:5-7 What will you do in the day of meeting, and in the day of the feast of Jehovah? (6) For lo, they have left because of destruction. Egypt shall gather them up; Memphis shall bury them. Nettles shall possess the desirable things of their silver; thorns shall be in their tents. (7) The days of her judgment have come; the days of vengeance have come; Israel shall know it. The prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is insane, because of the greatness of your iniquity and the great hatred.
This is the only other place I found the phrase "Days of Vengeance" used. If I look at this passage as a divine link to Luke 21 (oh... and I do!) then this makes an interesting statement.
What will I be doing during the Great Tribulation - Jacob's time of trouble? According to Revelation, I will be at a Marriage Supper of the Lamb. What does Hosea ask? "What will I do in the day of meeting, and in the day of the feast of Jehovah?" "For lo, they have left because of destruction." Who has left? Well... me... for one. "Nettles shall possess the desirable things of their silver." What else happens when millions of people disappear? They leave their riches behind. Why? Because the days of vengeance have come.
It's an interesting cross-reference. Can we be dogmatic about any of it? Probably not, but it's worth discussing.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Great Tribulation
The end times present some scary scenarios. If taken out of context, the scriptures can be desparaging. If the Tribulation period is right around the corner (or have we turned that corner already?) what does that mean for Christians? Will Christians have to go through that horrific time?
Just to clarify, what is the Tribulation? The Tribulation is another word for Daniel's 70th week. In Daniel chapter 9, the angel Gabriel gives Daniel a prophetic timeline for just how the end-time scenario is laid out.
Dan 9:24-27 MKJV
(24) Seventy weeks are decreed as to your people and as to your holy city, to finish the transgression and to make an end of sins, and to make atonement for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy.
(25) Know therefore and understand, that from the going out of the command to restore and to build Jerusalem, to Messiah the Prince, shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks. The street shall be built again, and the wall, even in times of affliction.
(26) And after sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself. And the people of the ruler who shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. And the end of it shall be with the flood, and ruins are determined, until the end shall be war.
(27) And he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week. And in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease, and on a corner of the altar desolating abominations, even until the end. And that which was decreed shall be poured on the desolator.
Seventy weeks are decreed that Israel owes God. That's right. Israel. It's all about Israel. That's why this time is also known as the time of Jacob's Trouble (Jeremiah 30:7). These aren't just weeks of days... they are weeks of years. This 490 year period is divided up into 62 weeks (434 years) and 7 weeks (49 years) and finally in verse 27 comes the last week (7 years). From the information Gabriel gave, we know, historically, exactly when the edict was signed to restore and rebuild Jerusalem and what to add to that date in order to find out when the streets and walls were rebuilt, and then when Jesus was crucified 434 years later. Messiah 'was' cut off (crucified), but not for Himself (then for whom?). He was killed for 'us'.
Verse 27 talks about the final week which begins with a 7-year 'covenant' with Israel. Mid-way through this 7-year period this leader (the antichrist) violates his covenant and causes the sacrifice and offering to cease in the Jewish temple. This is his effort to change the Jewish customs.
Dan 7:25 MKJV
(25) And he shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and plot to change times and laws. And they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and one-half time.
Notice, they shall be given unto the hand of the antichrist for 3.5 years. This is the last half of the Tribulation period known as the Great Tribulation. Regarding the Great Tribulation (last 3.5 years of the Tribulation) Jesus said this:
Mat 24:20-21 MKJV
(20) But pray that your flight is not in the winter, nor on the sabbath day;
(21) for then shall be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world to this time; no, nor ever shall be.
Lets start with what we know. There will be saved people during the Great Tribulation. That seems obvious from the above verses. The antichrist will 'wear out the saints of the Most High'. Also, the book of Revelation mentions the tribulation saints:
Rev 7:14 MKJV
(14) And I said to him, Sir, you know. And he said to me, These are the ones who came out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes, and have whitened them in the blood of the Lamb.
Dan 7:21 MKJV
(21) I watched, and that horn made war with the saints and overcame them
Rev 13:7 MKJV
(7) And it was given to it to war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given to it over every tribe and tongue and nation.
Ahh it seems hopeless! We are destined to endure horrible things! Indeed... many of us are enduring horrible things every day. Followers of Jesus are imprisoned, tortured, and killed daily because of their testomonies. These are our brothers and sisters. But this is not the Tribulation, for even in the day of Jesus, men such as Steven were stoned because of his witness. Jesus, again, said "then shall be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world to this time; no, nor ever shall be."
It will be worse. But there is good news for the church.
1Th 1:10 MKJV
(10) and to wait for His Son from Heaven (whom He raised from the dead), Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to come.
1Th 5:9-10 MKJV
(9) For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, (10) who died for us, so that whether we watch or sleep we should live together with Him.
The church is not appointed unto wrath. Or perhaps we should ask this: at what point does anyone or anything - antichrist included - prevail over the church? At NO point!
Mat 16:18 MKJV
(18) And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Isa 54:17 MKJV
(17) No weapon that is formed against you shall be blessed; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment, you shall condemn. This is the inheritance of the servants of Jehovah, and their righteousness is from Me, says Jehovah.
So these saints spoken of in Daniel and Revelation are those truly blessed individuals who take advantage of their last chance to receive Jesus. Are they a part of the bride of Christ, the Church? No. The bride makes herself spotless and without blemish 'now', not later.
For those of us who are God-hungry Jesus-followers, we have a duty regarding the time of the end. We must be about the Father's business of winning souls and showing the love of Jesus. But we have a prayer duty as well:
Luk 21:36 MKJV
(36) Watch therefore, praying in every season that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things which shall occur, and to stand before the Son of Man.
Zep 2:3 DRB
(3) Seek the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, you that have wrought his judgment: seek the just, seek the meek: if by any means you may be hid in the day of the Lord's indignation.
Just to clarify, what is the Tribulation? The Tribulation is another word for Daniel's 70th week. In Daniel chapter 9, the angel Gabriel gives Daniel a prophetic timeline for just how the end-time scenario is laid out.
Dan 9:24-27 MKJV
(24) Seventy weeks are decreed as to your people and as to your holy city, to finish the transgression and to make an end of sins, and to make atonement for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy.
(25) Know therefore and understand, that from the going out of the command to restore and to build Jerusalem, to Messiah the Prince, shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks. The street shall be built again, and the wall, even in times of affliction.
(26) And after sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself. And the people of the ruler who shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. And the end of it shall be with the flood, and ruins are determined, until the end shall be war.
(27) And he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week. And in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease, and on a corner of the altar desolating abominations, even until the end. And that which was decreed shall be poured on the desolator.
Seventy weeks are decreed that Israel owes God. That's right. Israel. It's all about Israel. That's why this time is also known as the time of Jacob's Trouble (Jeremiah 30:7). These aren't just weeks of days... they are weeks of years. This 490 year period is divided up into 62 weeks (434 years) and 7 weeks (49 years) and finally in verse 27 comes the last week (7 years). From the information Gabriel gave, we know, historically, exactly when the edict was signed to restore and rebuild Jerusalem and what to add to that date in order to find out when the streets and walls were rebuilt, and then when Jesus was crucified 434 years later. Messiah 'was' cut off (crucified), but not for Himself (then for whom?). He was killed for 'us'.
Verse 27 talks about the final week which begins with a 7-year 'covenant' with Israel. Mid-way through this 7-year period this leader (the antichrist) violates his covenant and causes the sacrifice and offering to cease in the Jewish temple. This is his effort to change the Jewish customs.
Dan 7:25 MKJV
(25) And he shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and plot to change times and laws. And they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and one-half time.
Notice, they shall be given unto the hand of the antichrist for 3.5 years. This is the last half of the Tribulation period known as the Great Tribulation. Regarding the Great Tribulation (last 3.5 years of the Tribulation) Jesus said this:
Mat 24:20-21 MKJV
(20) But pray that your flight is not in the winter, nor on the sabbath day;
(21) for then shall be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world to this time; no, nor ever shall be.
Lets start with what we know. There will be saved people during the Great Tribulation. That seems obvious from the above verses. The antichrist will 'wear out the saints of the Most High'. Also, the book of Revelation mentions the tribulation saints:
Rev 7:14 MKJV
(14) And I said to him, Sir, you know. And he said to me, These are the ones who came out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes, and have whitened them in the blood of the Lamb.
Dan 7:21 MKJV
(21) I watched, and that horn made war with the saints and overcame them
Rev 13:7 MKJV
(7) And it was given to it to war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given to it over every tribe and tongue and nation.
Ahh it seems hopeless! We are destined to endure horrible things! Indeed... many of us are enduring horrible things every day. Followers of Jesus are imprisoned, tortured, and killed daily because of their testomonies. These are our brothers and sisters. But this is not the Tribulation, for even in the day of Jesus, men such as Steven were stoned because of his witness. Jesus, again, said "then shall be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world to this time; no, nor ever shall be."
It will be worse. But there is good news for the church.
1Th 1:10 MKJV
(10) and to wait for His Son from Heaven (whom He raised from the dead), Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to come.
1Th 5:9-10 MKJV
(9) For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, (10) who died for us, so that whether we watch or sleep we should live together with Him.
The church is not appointed unto wrath. Or perhaps we should ask this: at what point does anyone or anything - antichrist included - prevail over the church? At NO point!
Mat 16:18 MKJV
(18) And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Isa 54:17 MKJV
(17) No weapon that is formed against you shall be blessed; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment, you shall condemn. This is the inheritance of the servants of Jehovah, and their righteousness is from Me, says Jehovah.
So these saints spoken of in Daniel and Revelation are those truly blessed individuals who take advantage of their last chance to receive Jesus. Are they a part of the bride of Christ, the Church? No. The bride makes herself spotless and without blemish 'now', not later.
For those of us who are God-hungry Jesus-followers, we have a duty regarding the time of the end. We must be about the Father's business of winning souls and showing the love of Jesus. But we have a prayer duty as well:
Luk 21:36 MKJV
(36) Watch therefore, praying in every season that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things which shall occur, and to stand before the Son of Man.
Zep 2:3 DRB
(3) Seek the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, you that have wrought his judgment: seek the just, seek the meek: if by any means you may be hid in the day of the Lord's indignation.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Worrying For Nothing
There are many people concerned about world peace right now. It falls right in line with what Luke wrote about the status quo in the last days:
Luk 21:25-26 LITV
(25) And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars. And on the earth will be anxiety of nations with bewilderment, roaring of sea and of surf,
(26) men fainting from fear, and expectation of the things coming on the earth. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
This is the beginning of a great 'shaking'. Truly, it does feel as though things have been shaken up greatly since the 90's. The 90's seem like 50 years ago, don't they?
The world is worried - for good reason. Those who aren't tend to be those in denial or the totally naive. Or there is the group that knows what the Bible says about it all.
One of the focal points of all this unrest is the tiny nation of Israel. Several times this week I have seen news or opinion writers portray Israel in a precarious position. I would like to address this briefly. Israel, the land, the people, the temple, the mosque, the mountain, the goats, the oranges... everything... belongs to the God of Israel (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). He made certain promises regarding His land, about His plans for it, about who would live in it temporarily and permanently, and about when all this would happen.
Something should be understood amongst Christians and Jews alike. Israel's existence is in no danger. She will never again be a non-entity. Israel, as a nation, is as sure as God Himself. She is infinitely more sure than the United States, Russia, and Iran. Is there danger to the Jewish people? Sadly, yes. These are an oppressed people, but that is what it is - oppression. Will they survive? Yes. Will there be sad times? Absolutely.
One of the mightiest angels in God's heaven stands as protector of the nation of Israel - Michael.
Dan 12:1 LITV
(1) And at that time, Michael shall stand up, the great ruler who stands for the sons of your people. And there shall be a time of distress, such as has not been from the being of a nation until that time. And at that time, your people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the Book.
Satan has warred with Michael over the body of Moses. Michael prevailed. If Satan himself cannot prevail over the protector of Israel, we should all realize that Israel is not going anywhere. That is not to say that God's word alone isn't protection enough.
We can muse and distress over the events of the Middle East, but it is in vain. Those who threaten God's chosen people are cursed from the beginning, according to Gen 27:29. Have you ever observed the actions of the cursed? Nothing goes their way. Even small victories are hollow and temporary. They are never fulfilled, and their rage drives them to their next defeat. This is the path of the enemies of God and His people.
Psa 2:1-12 ASV
(1) Why do the nations rage, And the peoples meditate a vain thing?
(2) The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against Jehovah, and against his anointed, saying,
(3) Let us break their bonds asunder, And cast away their cords from us.
(4) He that sitteth in the heavens will laugh: The Lord will have them in derision.
(5) Then will he speak unto them in his wrath, And vex them in his sore displeasure:
(6) Yet I have set my king Upon my holy hill of Zion.
(7) I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee.
(8) Ask of me, and I will give thee the nations for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
(9) Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
(10) Now therefore be wise, O ye kings: Be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
(11) Serve Jehovah with fear, And rejoice with trembling.
(12) Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, For his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all they that take refuge in him.
Luk 21:25-26 LITV
(25) And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars. And on the earth will be anxiety of nations with bewilderment, roaring of sea and of surf,
(26) men fainting from fear, and expectation of the things coming on the earth. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
This is the beginning of a great 'shaking'. Truly, it does feel as though things have been shaken up greatly since the 90's. The 90's seem like 50 years ago, don't they?
The world is worried - for good reason. Those who aren't tend to be those in denial or the totally naive. Or there is the group that knows what the Bible says about it all.
One of the focal points of all this unrest is the tiny nation of Israel. Several times this week I have seen news or opinion writers portray Israel in a precarious position. I would like to address this briefly. Israel, the land, the people, the temple, the mosque, the mountain, the goats, the oranges... everything... belongs to the God of Israel (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). He made certain promises regarding His land, about His plans for it, about who would live in it temporarily and permanently, and about when all this would happen.
Something should be understood amongst Christians and Jews alike. Israel's existence is in no danger. She will never again be a non-entity. Israel, as a nation, is as sure as God Himself. She is infinitely more sure than the United States, Russia, and Iran. Is there danger to the Jewish people? Sadly, yes. These are an oppressed people, but that is what it is - oppression. Will they survive? Yes. Will there be sad times? Absolutely.
One of the mightiest angels in God's heaven stands as protector of the nation of Israel - Michael.
Dan 12:1 LITV
(1) And at that time, Michael shall stand up, the great ruler who stands for the sons of your people. And there shall be a time of distress, such as has not been from the being of a nation until that time. And at that time, your people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the Book.
Satan has warred with Michael over the body of Moses. Michael prevailed. If Satan himself cannot prevail over the protector of Israel, we should all realize that Israel is not going anywhere. That is not to say that God's word alone isn't protection enough.
We can muse and distress over the events of the Middle East, but it is in vain. Those who threaten God's chosen people are cursed from the beginning, according to Gen 27:29. Have you ever observed the actions of the cursed? Nothing goes their way. Even small victories are hollow and temporary. They are never fulfilled, and their rage drives them to their next defeat. This is the path of the enemies of God and His people.
Psa 2:1-12 ASV
(1) Why do the nations rage, And the peoples meditate a vain thing?
(2) The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against Jehovah, and against his anointed, saying,
(3) Let us break their bonds asunder, And cast away their cords from us.
(4) He that sitteth in the heavens will laugh: The Lord will have them in derision.
(5) Then will he speak unto them in his wrath, And vex them in his sore displeasure:
(6) Yet I have set my king Upon my holy hill of Zion.
(7) I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee.
(8) Ask of me, and I will give thee the nations for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
(9) Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
(10) Now therefore be wise, O ye kings: Be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
(11) Serve Jehovah with fear, And rejoice with trembling.
(12) Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, For his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all they that take refuge in him.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Peace and Safety
From an article posted yesterday, Netanyahu made this statement to President Obama:
Obama, Netanyahu Agree on Peace, Differ on Priorities
"We're ready to do our share. We hope the Palestinians will do their share as well. If we resume negotiations, as we plan to do, then I think that the Palestinians will have to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, will have to also enable Israel to have the means to defend itself. If those conditions are met -- Israel's security conditions are met, and there's recognition of Israel's legitimacy -- its permanent legitimacy, then I think we can envision an arrangement where Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in dignity, security and in peace," he said.
I picked that up off the live news broadcast and it gave me a bit of a chill. When the news anchorwoman broke away from that story, the first thing she said was, "Security and peace, indeed."
1Th 5:1-4
(1) But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that ye should be written to,
(2) for ye know perfectly well yourselves, that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief by night.
(3) When they may say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon her that is with child; and they shall in no wise escape.
(4) But *ye*, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief:
This is a last days prophecy. We don't know who 'they' are, but we know the cry is 'peace and safety'. We are to be watching while we are about our Kingdom business, that we would not be ignorant, but would have understanding of the times and a motivation to warn a lost world.
Obama, Netanyahu Agree on Peace, Differ on Priorities
"We're ready to do our share. We hope the Palestinians will do their share as well. If we resume negotiations, as we plan to do, then I think that the Palestinians will have to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, will have to also enable Israel to have the means to defend itself. If those conditions are met -- Israel's security conditions are met, and there's recognition of Israel's legitimacy -- its permanent legitimacy, then I think we can envision an arrangement where Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in dignity, security and in peace," he said.
I picked that up off the live news broadcast and it gave me a bit of a chill. When the news anchorwoman broke away from that story, the first thing she said was, "Security and peace, indeed."
1Th 5:1-4
(1) But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that ye should be written to,
(2) for ye know perfectly well yourselves, that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief by night.
(3) When they may say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon her that is with child; and they shall in no wise escape.
(4) But *ye*, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief:
This is a last days prophecy. We don't know who 'they' are, but we know the cry is 'peace and safety'. We are to be watching while we are about our Kingdom business, that we would not be ignorant, but would have understanding of the times and a motivation to warn a lost world.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Don't Represent a New Creature
Be a New Creature!
The night before the Israelites left Egypt, they were commanded to prepare bread for the journey. It was to be without leaven, for leavened bread took time to rise. Their instructions were to wait for the time to leave, and then leave 'in a hurry'. For that reason, they left their leaven - in Egypt.
Once in the desert, Israel became a symbol of redeemed mankind - free of bondage and the old self. They were a new creature! But, sadly they were only a symbol of a new creature. They still carried their Egyptian desires, ways, habits... They never separated from their flesh to walk in the spirit, and their flesh died in the desert.
We all have the same choice to make. Are we simply going to be Christian by name? By denomination? Is being a Christian simply a call to keep our hands clean? Or are we a New Creature, fully transformed by the Spirit of the Living God, enabled, victorious, positive, proactive, and zealous? Many of us Christians have never seen the gates of hell, and we pat ourselves on the back for our ability to steer clear.
Missed it... didn't we.
The night before the Israelites left Egypt, they were commanded to prepare bread for the journey. It was to be without leaven, for leavened bread took time to rise. Their instructions were to wait for the time to leave, and then leave 'in a hurry'. For that reason, they left their leaven - in Egypt.
Once in the desert, Israel became a symbol of redeemed mankind - free of bondage and the old self. They were a new creature! But, sadly they were only a symbol of a new creature. They still carried their Egyptian desires, ways, habits... They never separated from their flesh to walk in the spirit, and their flesh died in the desert.
We all have the same choice to make. Are we simply going to be Christian by name? By denomination? Is being a Christian simply a call to keep our hands clean? Or are we a New Creature, fully transformed by the Spirit of the Living God, enabled, victorious, positive, proactive, and zealous? Many of us Christians have never seen the gates of hell, and we pat ourselves on the back for our ability to steer clear.
Missed it... didn't we.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Signs
If someone told you that in twenty years, we would still be here, would you believe them? How about 10 years? Or 5?
How about next year?
Do you really believe we are living in the last days, and if so, what does that mean to you?
Zec 12:3
(3) And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.
If you click on the Jerusalem link on the left side of the page, the news articles will only list Jerusalem news. It is AMAZING how many nations have burdened themselves with Jerusalem. Guess what? America is at the forefront.
I'll say it again because this is what I believe: if you look outside, you look upon a society of people who have turned against God and His hand of blessing is becoming harder to see in this nation. Do the snapped telephone poles make this land appear more like the 'promised land', or less? How about the wild fires and floods? Hurricanes? Drought?
Abraham was told by God that those who bless him would be blessed. As a nation, we are losing that blessing. As an individual, I don't have to, nor does anyone else that blesses and supports God's people. Science writes this off as cyclical - or worse... man-made. (If the globe gets any warmer, I may freeze to death.) I'll contend that a truly blessed nation that walks in the light of God and under His rules would experience unprecedented properity - period. Look at Joshua's reign over Israel. When did it go awry for him? When they failed to do what God told them to do. I realize this is very hard-line. Even Joseph went through trying times, right? True - he did. But he kept his eyes on the Lord and look how he was elevated. Is that what we are doing as a nation? Are our eyes on the Lord?
My outlook on this really isn't all that bleak. Jesus said that even as the days of Noah were, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be. Look up, for our redemption draweth nigh.
How about next year?
Do you really believe we are living in the last days, and if so, what does that mean to you?
Zec 12:3
(3) And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.
If you click on the Jerusalem link on the left side of the page, the news articles will only list Jerusalem news. It is AMAZING how many nations have burdened themselves with Jerusalem. Guess what? America is at the forefront.
I'll say it again because this is what I believe: if you look outside, you look upon a society of people who have turned against God and His hand of blessing is becoming harder to see in this nation. Do the snapped telephone poles make this land appear more like the 'promised land', or less? How about the wild fires and floods? Hurricanes? Drought?
Abraham was told by God that those who bless him would be blessed. As a nation, we are losing that blessing. As an individual, I don't have to, nor does anyone else that blesses and supports God's people. Science writes this off as cyclical - or worse... man-made. (If the globe gets any warmer, I may freeze to death.) I'll contend that a truly blessed nation that walks in the light of God and under His rules would experience unprecedented properity - period. Look at Joshua's reign over Israel. When did it go awry for him? When they failed to do what God told them to do. I realize this is very hard-line. Even Joseph went through trying times, right? True - he did. But he kept his eyes on the Lord and look how he was elevated. Is that what we are doing as a nation? Are our eyes on the Lord?
My outlook on this really isn't all that bleak. Jesus said that even as the days of Noah were, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be. Look up, for our redemption draweth nigh.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)