ISRAEL UPDATEJune 27, 2004 – Every time there is a fresh outbreak of terrorist activity, the voices of reason and moderation attempt to calm for us by stating this is only a small element within this religious movement.
Supposedly, the solace in this rationale is that Islamic fundamentalists represent a mere 10 percent of Muslim adherents.
Personally, I am not soothed, nor comforted by a mere 10 percent because the Islamic religion boasts one and one-half billion followers worldwide.
Now, a simple calculation tells us that 10 percent of that amount is 150 million people.
Think back to the tragic events of 9-11 and remember that it only took 17 perpetrators to alter this nation forever.
Look at the nation of Israel - the horror and phenomenal loss of life and limb - especially the past three and one-half years . . . again, perpetrated by a small radical minority.
If these are in fact, “only 10 percent” of one and one-half billion… divide that number by seven continents that occupy the globe. That leaves an average of over 21 million Fundamentalists radicals per continent.
It is doubtful that Antarctica is a priority of Islamic radicals, so that leaves just the continents of North and South America, Africa, Australia/Oceania, Europe and Asia to have a majority of the “10 percent” factor. There is a storm brewing on the horizon… a grave threat to democracy and Judeo-Christian beliefs, as these fundamentalists are the avowed enemy of Israel and the United States.
June 27, 2004 - In Matthew 13:1-9, we find one of the most famous parables - the sowing of the seed…
Some fell on the wayside and was eaten by birds, some fell on stony places, but sprang up and then withered because there was no depth, while some fell among thorns and were choked out.
The seeds that fell on good ground gave 30 fold, 60 fold, even a 100 fold return… thus we see people's response to G-d's word and how that influences their lives.
It is interesting to note that many medieval Bible commentators allegorized this passage to define the seed “return” as follows…
The 30 fold were obedient wives, the 60 fold were likened unto celibate monks, and the 100 fold represented those martyred for the cause of Christ.
Now there is no doubt that the word of G-d will cause wives to be obedient, and some to have thoughts that the Scriptures teach celibacy, while there are those who have been willing to be martyred because of their belief. . .
These are not literal interpretations, but they are instead a possible application, that Jesus intended to be a specific message to all.
The term “he that hath an ear, let him hear” carries the idea of the message entering your ears, and then dropping down into your spirit, becoming revelation - thus producing fruit.
Allegorized interpretation of the Scriptures might have some application, but the “tried and true” rule is the standard… “Let the Bible interpret itself.” Do this and you will bring forth fruit in your life, and bless others… exactly as Jesus intended.
To be continued . . .