ISRAEL UPDATEAugust 15, 2004 - During his administration, President Herbert Hoover experienced an interesting and disconcerting phenomenon. . . he was booed after being introduced at a Chicago Cubs baseball game. Al Capone, who was a murderer, bootlegger, gambler, and a purveyor of prostitution, was also introduced at the same game, and the infamous Mr. Capone received a standing ovation from the crowd. This was even more disturbing to the President than how he was treated. Obviously, this occurred during Prohibition, and many of those present no doubt had a desire to have a drink while watching the game. This certainly shows the fickle lifestyle of so many. . .
Thinking back to a 1974 appearance made by Yasser Arafat to an assembly of United Nations delegates draws a parallel. Although Arafat was dressed in fatigues, sporting an arrogant air and a pistol on his hip, he received a standing ovation.
Israeli military and political leaders alike realized at the time just how serious this was in regards to their nation’s treatment by other countries - as well as their survival.
What is so tragic is that including the year this happened, and the following years of 1975 – 1976, Israel suffered some of the most brutal attacks on civilians ever carried out by Palestinian terrorists.
In the end, Al Capone was indicted for his crimes, and ultimately died in prison. Arafat, on the other hand, continues to receive the accolades and preferential treatment given a Head of State. He continues to plan and implement the destruction of innocent civilians, thereby derailing the peace process. . . The “crime boss” has become the hero…
August 15, 2004 - Many of the new translations of the Bible take the approach that the lunatic son delivered by Jesus in Matthew 17:14-21 was an epileptic.
We find several distinct points in these passages that speak otherwise, allowing us to put them into the correct focus.
First, the word “lunatic” in this passage literally means “moonstruck.” This boy obviously had some exposure to the occult practices of this region by way of incantations and possibly other rituals.
Secondly, verse 18 tells us Jesus rebuked the devil and the devil departed him and he was cured that very hour.
Third, the disciples asked in verse 19 why they could not cast him (the devil) out. No doubt this young man suffered much more than just an uncontrollable physical malady.
Jesus answers them clearly in verse 21, “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting,” again reinforcing the fact it was more than just a physical ailment.
While it is true that epileptic seizures and some demonic manifestations might have some strong similarities, apparently the disciples were not able to discern whom they were seeking to cast out.
We see the same problem in the Church world today, as the devil seems to get a lot of credit that he does not really deserve. This causes other areas of our lives to be improperly addressed, so the Church must learn to discern the true aspects of the world they live in - that they might be more effectual in fulfilling and building the Kingdom of G-d.
To be continued . . .