FROM WHERE I STAND – April 20, 2002

If you have seen the current casualty toll of Israeli dead and wounded during the past 18 months, the numbers are staggering.  As of April 2, 2002, there have been 415 people killed, 127 of them between March 1st and April 1st.  The majority of these have been civilians and not military personnel.  Actually, the death toll for the month of March alone was 80 dead due to terrorist activity - this is equivalent to more than 4000 victims per-capita for the American population.

If we felt the rage, anger and desire to strike back at Osama bin Laden for the 3000 people killed on 9-11, how much more do the Israelis feel these emotions?

We lost 3000 lives in one related incident, while Israel has lost the equivalent of 20,000 lives over an 18-month period.  So how can we criticize them for defending their nation?

Yet several nations, supposedly supporting America against bin Laden, have decried Israel's "naked aggression", telling Israel to monitor their actions or help restore calm.  United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan of Ghana has been very vocal on this issue.

Others joining in this foray are U.S. Deputy Ambassador James Cunningham, and the nations of Norway, Great Britain, China, Saudi Arabian Jordan, Turkey, Russia, Egypt, Iran, Libya and France.

Perhaps the most striking common thread that runs through this gathering of nations, Islamic or not, us that they are supposed to be friends or allies of America. But yet the U.S. is joining in the condemnation and warning to the nation of Israel. What’s happening?

Biblically, we're told this spirit is going to be prevalent in the last days, as we have read in Zechariah 12:3.  "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."

Ironic that so many of these countries such as France, are so quick to "burden" themselves with Israel, yet seem unconcerned about the local war between England and Ireland.

Then again, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Libya seem content to be obsessed with the Israeli issue, but do nothing to liberate Lebanon from Syrian occupation or eliminate persecution of Christians in the Sudan.

I have alluded to this many times in previous articles, but it bears repeating - we live in the age of "…calling evil good and good evil…" Isaiah 5:20

But we can take these matters even a step further, studying the words of the prophet Joel as he describes the nations coming to the valley of decision.  Because of these issues being taken up by the nations, Joel 3:14 tells us, "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the L-RD is near in the valley of decision." As I write this article, we are drawing closer and closer to the fulfillment of this passage through the actions of these nations.

Earlier in Joel Chapter 3, G-d speaks through the prophet about his feelings for those involved in a hostile stance towards Israel.  Joel 3:2 states, "I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land."

As the crisis continues to develop in Israel, spilling over into the rest of the world, the demand will come to divide up the nation of Israel - more than has ever in the last 10 years.

Simultaneously, the voices of men and nations are raised in support of Arafat's cause and against G-d's sovereign plan regarding Israel.  As the cries go on for a Palestinian homeland, it can only be achieved by dividing up the land that G-d gave to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Due to the fact that some Israelis are leaving Israel to feel safer, the voices are actually scattering G-d's people, as has happened throughout history.

Perhaps the monumental hypocrisy of the pro-Arafat camp, described in this article, as well as the unbearable burden placed upon Israel by the same nations, seems to be perplexing to you, the reader.  Allow me to enlighten you with the following thoughts.

In the past, G-d's word has accurately predicted coming events - doing so with uncanny accuracy.  But now the intensity and rapid unfolding of these events is almost incomprehensible to the human mind.  Yet I take comfort in G-d's Word, knowing and understanding that He is behind the scenes as He guides the world and its nations and leaders, to the point where He will one day take full and complete charge.

Daniel received a prophetic message in the dark confines of pagan Babylon, accepting G-d's assurance about the outcome of all these things that were to come.

"Daniel answered and said, blessed be the name of G-d for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding." Daniel 2:20-21

Now knowing in our hearts that G-d is in control of the nations - it should drive us to understand where our loyalty should be and where we should show our support.  In this matter of Israel and her people - standing with them is right, it is G-dly, and this time to do it. . .