ISRAEL UPDATEApril 20, 2003 – The United States should thank G-d for the nation of Israel and all she has done to help and benefit the country we live in.
Israel’s foundation as a state gave then President Harry Truman confidence that there was a deterrent that would keep Russia from moving in and controlling the Middle East region.
During the Cold War between the U.S. and Russia, as well as the Korean and Vietnam wars, Israelis battled the same Soviet weaponry. The information provided by her intelligence services was priceless to America, as it was used on the battlefield, no doubt saving many lives.
When our embassy was under siege in Iran, the Israelis gladly volunteered to lend us any help and support we needed during this dilemma.
With the news of the 9-11 attacks, Israeli planes were loaded with various personnel, and then mobilized to aid us in our time of need, yet our government declined.
Now with American troops once again in the sands of Iraq, it is interesting to know that the Arrow missiles are collaboration of U.S. and Israeli technology – with the costs being split between these two countries. That’s more than be said of any other nation on this planet.
Watching the trend of European and Arab nations that are supposed to our allies – propping up dictators such as Arafat and Hussein – it’s comforting to know that Israel is still with us.
And it is even more assuring to know Israel does not vote against us on the average of 90 plus percent of the time in U.N. balloting, as do our other “friends “of the Middle East. I just hope that somehow our legislators and religious leaders will see the need of true friends in these trying times.
April 20, 2003 - It would have been very easy - all the Apostle James had to do, standing atop one of the pinnacles of the Temple – would have been to denounce Jesus Christ to the crowd gathered below.
The Pharisees and Sadducees had taken him there in the hope that the threat of death would make the Disciple of Christ change his mind and recant what he believed.
When asked which is the door of Jesus, James’ reply was simple - but distinct. "Why ask of me concerning Jesus, the son of man? He sitteth at the right hand of power, and will come again in the clouds of heaven.” To which many below cried, “Hosanna to the Son of David.”
Then James was thrust from the pinnacle and despite the fall of 170 feet, he was still alive, although barely. A local laundry man ended his life by clubbing him to death.
What makes this story even more compelling is the fact that it happened on Passover weekend of the year 69 C.E.
Almost 40 years before, as Jesus was offered as the Passover Lamb, James and the others hid in fear - but that was before the Resurrection and the Day of Pentecost.
The transformation of lives and the risen L-rd was enough to convince these followers it was worth it to die here and be able to reign with Him in glory.
If the Resurrection had not been a reality, these men could have gone on with life and probably would have never been martyred. The Resurrection of Jesus made James willing to be an example of the Passover lamb.
For to be continued . . .