ISRAEL UPDATEMay 25, 2003 - Last week I wrote that the Road Map “peace plan” would fail, because the Bible prophesied it… plus the consensus of the Road Map stirring G-d’s anger - because these participants seek to destroy His covenant land and people.
Now we must say that this plan will fail for reasons other than prophetic, i.e., those at the core this plan - the Palestinians.
Prime Minister Elect Mahmoud Abbas delivered a speech on April 29, 2003, where he stated that the PLO would be the sole authority to speak for the people (Palestinians).
So, the first roadblock is from a group formed solely for the destruction of Israel, a group whose charter specifically calls for the destruction of Israel.
If the Quartet truly desires peace, why would they allow a terror group to remain in power - since Israel's objection has been the fact that terrorism is not being restrained?
The Prime Minister says he denounces terrorism, based on religion and ethical ideas, yet the Palestinian Liberation Organization has been the chief kingpin in the murder and rape of nations - such as Lebanon and Jordan - doing much to persecute and murder Christians.
When the Road Map fails, it will not be because of an uncooperative Israel, but an Israel weary of rhetoric. Going from Arafat to Abbas has only changed the style, but not the content. As the old saying goes, “meet the new boss, same as the old boss.”
May 25, 2003 - The Gospel of Luke defines Jesus as the one to bear the burdens of all mankind sins, and not just the Jews. As Joseph and Mary bring the baby to the Temple to be redeemed from temple service, they offered two pigeons - as they did not have enough for the normal cost of a lamb and pigeon. Luke 2:22-24
It is here where the proud parents are met by two grand representations of Old Testament piety - Simeon and Anna, who praised G-d for the salvation that had come. Luke 2:25-38
The fact that he was born in obscurity and poverty – and his temple sacrifice was that of the poor - now the Messiah can be viewed by all, rich and poor, an impossible scenario had he been born rich.
As the events build to the final climax, Jesus has gone from having dinner with Pharisees, to powerful leaders that control the sacrificial system that desires his death. Strange, the Temple he was dedicated in, and then taught in so frequently, becomes a dragon’s lair for Him.
After the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, He appears unto the disciples and eats with them. They rejoice after He departs to heaven, as they now have a deeper, greater understanding than did Anna and Simeon – of who Jesus really was. They then proceeded on to the same Temple of persecution to tarry for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, praising G-d and blessing Him. Luke 24:39-53
We see in Luke the salvation and outpouring of the Holy Spirit that is to be made available to all. Thus, Luke's Gospel blends with his predecessors, as G-d’s word always does….
To be continued…