ISRAEL UPDATEMay 11, 2003 - It should not surprise anyone that Saddam Hussein moved his weapons of mass destruction into Syria. . . because who else but Syria could pose the most problems for everyone involved?
The geographical area along the Syrian-Iraqi border is a vast expanse of open spaces that sees many nomadic bands of people who are experienced in moving men and material - with detection almost impossible.
Syria has reportedly buried these weapons in the Beqqa Valley of Lebanon, where the production of opium makes it possible to flood American cities with heroin. If Saddam Hussein has in fact paid Syrian President Bashar Assad $35 million to undertake this program, it definitely makes it a perilous situation for Israel should America choose to retaliate.
As a member of the United Nations Security Council, Syria is less likely to feel the threat of war - since the C.I.S. (Russia) and France will block any efforts to intervene.
Syrian terrorist activity, including training, harboring, and supplying is bolstered by Iran - a nation bent on the destruction of Israel and the United States. Currently, they are building nuclear capabilities as fast as they can.
So, even as Saddam Hussein's statue was toppled and he was deposed, he has not yet been found. He still has created a quagmire of problems for the international community, especially America, as he has now placed her on an even faster pace to the time of decision regarding how she will treat Israel in the coming days.
May 11, 2003 - The Gospel of Matthew depicts Jesus as G-d come in the form of man, teaching all the precious faiths of the Kingdom of G-d.
One cannot help but be awestruck about the thought of thousands of attentive listeners at the Sermon on the Mount, as Jesus teaches the concept of loving those that hate you, praying for those that despitefully used you – basically just going the extra mile.
A cup of cold water in His name, the proper way to pray along with the understanding that blessed (happy or to be envied), are those that can understand these principles and live by them, regardless of their circumstances, in other words, not “under the circumstances”.
Throughout this Gospel we see Jesus the G-d man as he moves through Israel, touching lives and meeting the needs of all who were sick and oppressed, and exposing the works of darkness.
And after all this, the Master Teacher then proceeds to outline the things to come in the Olivet Discourse, explaining the panorama of events to come: wars, rumors of wars, disease, false prophets, the Antichrist – plus the events of the Great Tribulation with the judgment to come.
While the controversy will no doubt continue to rage over the supposed discrepancies of the synoptic Gospels, I believe Matthew shows great continuity. What John expresses as, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14
Once again the Word of G-d truly interprets itself - when allowed to. It is light and wisdom to those who will accept it.
To be continued…