ISRAEL UPDATEFebruary 15, 2004 - When Brazilian soccer star Pele was at the zenith of his career, he made a goodwill trip to the war-torn continent of Africa.
So powerful was the anticipated visit that two of the warring nations actually observed a 48 hour cease-fire, and would-be carjackers retreated peacefully when they attempted to steal the car that contained the soccer superstar.
Pele was as well-known an athlete as Mohammad Ali or Michael Jordan. As a man, he did have the ability to do some things others could not do.
Looking at history and how personalities can affect and change so much in the world - for a short time, but it never “sticks.” The reality is that the song remains the same…
After Pele left Africa, the warring nations went right back to killing, maiming, and destroying. We can be sure the carjackers went back to plying their trade with deadly precision.
The true Savior of the world was born in a little out of the way town called Bethlehem, was raised in Nazareth (not a thriving metropolis), then died in Jerusalem - rejected by so many.
Nevertheless, this we know… to those that believed in Him - to them He gave the power to be called the Sons of G-d. John 1:12
The miracle of Jesus is that He forever changes the lives of those who serve Him. One day He will institute changes in the world that will last for all eternity. Then the peace and blessing of G-d will never end. . . It is truly unfortunate that more people have not learned to trust in Him.
February 15, 2004 - Another scriptural misconception of recent days is that of the “generational curse.” This doctrine states that problems in our lives and the inability to be over them come from the sins of past generations in our family lineage.
As we compare modern teachings to the Scriptures, we need to remember end time doctrines have been built by taking a scriptural passage out of context.
For example, we can read Exodus 20:5 and create the concept of generational curses: “Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the L-RD thy G-d am a jealous G-d, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.”
First, notice that G-d does not want these people serving other gods – for He is jealous. . . That is, He guards over His own with a fiery passion - He will not be shared…
Second, the word “visiting” used here implies either friendly or hostile intent, so we must ask… did G-d's judgment of Israel indicate destruction or a corrective pronouncement?
Third, the word “fathers” can be a literal and immediate application, or figurative and remote. So is it the actual blood fathers, spiritual leaders, or other persons of strong influence?
Finally, the word “children” as used here can include anyone from grandson, subject nation, quality or condition. On the other hand, it can also mean livestock, people, rebels, robbers, servants, soldiers, or stewards.
As we continue this study, G-d’s true meaning and intent of these words will help us understand the context of this passage - and why it was written that way.
To be continued. . .