ISRAEL UPDATEMarch 24, 2002 – Once again, the world has come up with a new plan that will usher in “peace and safety”. We can decidedly say one thing – Israel will indeed suffer.
Consider Saudi Arabia – they refuse to allow the U.S. to use their military bases to attack Iraq should the need arise.
How will Israel suffer because of this? Because the ultimate goal of the Arabs is to pressure the United States to stop its support of Israel.
When Osama bin Laden’s plan of terror is again unleashed on our soil, you can be sure the catch phrase will be “this will stop when you cease to support Israel”.
In the not too distant future, you can plan on hearing the cries of the World Council of Churches and the United Nations, along with the European Economic Union applying their powers to force Israel into concessions that will be absolutely detrimental to them.
But I will also emphatically state that as these scenarios play out – be advised that if and when America turns her back on Israel, we will suffer G-d’s wrath.
In the past three decades, many Christians have spoken to our political leaders about standing with Israel. So as we step in the opposite direction, we must state as G-d did, “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee…” Genesis 12:3. If we are not mindful of this, America will feel G-d’s wrath.
March 24, 2002 – As we are living in the last days, seeing many signs coming to pass with intensity as well as rapidity, it is incumbent upon all of us to view the L-rd’s return in a “big picture” sense, rather than a singular concept or idea.
For instance, if we look at the Rapture of the Church, the tribulation and millennial reign of Christ is strictly judgment. We will despair and lose hope if we do not view judgment as a good thing for the faithful.
Then again, if we view the same events as purely positive, we will cease to function as we should – becoming positive – and not properly working for the kingdom of G-d.
Judgment is the proof of all things and the G-d we serve will deal back both in reward and in consequence for all. This is to be anticipated by the faithful and dreaded by the unbeliever.
If we look at the world reeling “to and fro”, seemingly out of control – despairing and feeling that all is lost, then we will not see the L-rd’s return, but become apostate and fall away from the faith.
James 5:7,8 puts the L-rd’s return in proper perspective, “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the L-rd. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the L-rd draweth nigh.”
G-d has poured out his spirit in the past and is doing the same now. Let us watch for his coming as a “big picture” view. Let our hearts become established and encouraged, serving Him with all of our might.
To be continued…