ISRAEL UPDATEMarch 21, 2004 – As the nation of Spain awoke to start its work week this past Monday, they had a new government in place.
The Aznar administration is now jobless, because the country is angry at the senseless attack on commuter trains that killed at least 198 people and wounded more than 1400.
America suffered greatly in this transfer of power - losing a formidable ally of its foreign policy concerning the troubled Gulf region, specifically Iraq. Many have questioned why an attack on Spain would be beneficial to the cause of al Qaeda. It is now becoming clear just how badly America was affected. This shows the true genius of the terrorist mentality that is “divide and conquer.”
Acts of terror bring fear, paranoia, and a sense of vulnerability, as the civilian populace is not willing to ride out the storm. Generally, the public expects fast answers and immediate results.
Israel has experienced this same phenomenon in the past 20 years, where the terms of several Prime Ministers were shortened by early elections - being replaced by another who battled the same fateful scenario.
So, as America runs headlong toward the 2004 Presidential election, one question we must consistently ask… do we stay the course in our battle against terrorism – or - like all the others, derail the present system to try something different?
If the terrorists have learned anything, it is that they have developed the act of dividing the interests and loyalties of many nations. In doing so, they are rapidly destabilizing the world. Most people refuse to acknowledge it, or perhaps they cannot see what is truly happening.
March 21, 2004 - When Jesus and the disciples encountered the man blind from birth, they inquired of the Messiah, “… Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of G-d should be made manifest in him.” John 9:2-3
How quick, even in Jesus' day, were they who attempted to implement the “generational curse,” rather than trust in the divine Sovereignty of G-d!
Two key elements must be considered in this scenario. First, Jewish tradition taught only the Messiah could heal those blind from birth. Second, their tradition also taught that when Messiah would come, there would be healing in His spittle. Jesus in His divine role was showing their religious leadership that He was the man they were seeking.
By contrast, we see many references in the New Testament of specific individuals afflicted with palsy, as told in Matthew 8:6 and 9:2-6.
Some scholars speculate that people acquired the palsy from sexual promiscuity. . . quite the opposite of the man born blind from birth. The diseases these people suffered were a result of their own wrongdoing - therefore they reaped the consequences.
Again, we see that one of the finest ways to keep from improper Bible interpretation is to compare Scripture with Scripture.
As long as there are people teaching from the Bible, there will always be the need of properly interpreting the Scriptures. The “generational curse” teaching is just one more example.
To be continued . . .