ISRAEL UPDATESeptember 5, 2004 - President George Bush has come under much criticism for the current war in Iraq, especially for the loss of life and the huge financial expenditures.
The military action in Iraq has caused a severe financial strain on one group of people not receiving coverage by the press.
The families of the suicide bombers in Israel received $25,000 per household for each of the martyrs that carried out these heinous acts of violence.
Given the fact that terrorism has been greatly reduced during this current Intifadah, this caused the Palestinians to hurt financially also. Now, with Saddam Hussein in custody, the hefty $25,000 stipend is gone.
Of course, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was offering martyrs' families financial considerations as well. However, at least the Iraqi financial well has dried up.
Obviously, the friends and families of U.S. service personnel may not find much solace in this fact; nevertheless, the G-d of Israel does look down from heaven and is pleased.
True, there is much controversy over the war in Iraq. All of us need to be aware that our nations' actions, both good and evil, have a direct affect on Israel. Should these actions help or bless Israel in the long run, America will be blessed also. That is why we must look at the whole picture - not just parts related to us.
September 5, 2004 - Lamentations 2:1 tells us, “How hath the L-rd covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in his anger, and cast down from heaven unto the earth the beauty of Israel, and remembered not his footstool in the day of his anger!”
The tragedy of Lamentations Chapter 2, along with the following chapters - is that there was no repentance - the consequences were harsh, to say the least.
All of their financial, physical, and spiritual woes might have caused the Jews to weep in sorrow - but not for repentance...
One cannot help but see the comparison to America. . after the tragic events of 9-11… The many tears that were shed and the swelling church attendance lasted only a matter of weeks - before our nation was back to “business as usual.”
It has been easy as a nation to blame the President for these events. In reality, was the toppling of the massive Twin Towers, and the attack on the Pentagon a wake-up call to our nation to return unto Him?
The G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob cared enough to send his only begotten Son to spare us from hell and judgment. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, G-d sent catastrophes to get the attention of the people.
Multiple times the ancient nation of Israel, the seven churches of Revelation, and even the nations of Europe that witnessed the Reformation - all have had the same reaction. They Rejected G-d’s encouragement and His warnings – even in the midst of great spiritual influence. Unfortunately, America is reacting in the same manner, and appears unwilling to change.
To be continued…