ISRAEL UPDATEApril 18, 2004 - Is the struggle in the Middle East a political, religious one, or is it just a continual series of border clashes and intermittent terror activities - punctuated by a full-scale war?
Consider this . . . prior to the start of the 1973 October War that pitted Israel against the countries of Syria, Egypt, and their allies, two interesting steps were taken.
First, the Arab forces painted the Eagle of Saladin on their vehicles and aircraft to project the thought of total annihilation of infidel forces, just as they did in the Crusades.
Second, since the invasion of Israel would overlap the Islamic feast of Ramadan, Arab forces were absolved from the required fasting associated with their holy day.
Embracing the symbol of Saladin was both physical and spiritual, just as eliminating the mandatory fast was also both physical and spiritual.
The world has a whole would like to describe the turmoil in Israel as nothing more than just a “Hatfield and McCoy” feud over territory.
Nevertheless, if we are to understand the Scriptures and history, Satan has desired nothing less than the total destruction of Israel - at whatever cost.
It appears that the world is currently focused on the controversy of Mel Gibson's movie and the war in Iraq, causing the Israeli conflict to take a “back seat,” so to speak.
However, please remember that the forces desiring the destruction of Israel take no holidays and are constantly planning battle for the next brutal assault in whatever form they choose.
April 18, 2004 - Martin Luther said, “I have covenanted with my L-rd that he not send me visions or dreams or even angels. I am content with this gift of the Scripture, which teaches and supplies all that is necessary, both for this life and that which is to come.”
I wish the spirit and attitude of this great reformer was manifest in the hearts and lives of more believers in today's world. The hype, sensationalism, and the supposed “Word of the L-rd” coming in so many dreams and visions does nothing but sway and distract people from the Truth.
In this statement, Luther displayed not just a profound understanding of all that G-d's word will do, but a deep satisfaction that comes from applying the reality of G-d's word to daily life.
One can turn on the radio or TV and hear many, many “new revelations” that seem so appealing… but is that what our walk with G-d really is?
If more believers were rooted and grounded in G-d’s word, they would not feel the need to chase those who have these “elated experiences,” nor would they need to seek those experiences for themselves.
The Apostle John did not receive the Revelation because he was asking G-d to give it to him. He was in the spirit on the L-rd's Day and G-d honored his faithfulness.
Luther's theory is right according to II Peter 1:3, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”
Be content with G-d's word and strive to please Him. Do not look for the “big bolt of lightning.” If G-d gives you one – great - if not, walk steady and be fruitful. That will be true satisfaction.
To be continued . . .