ISRAEL UPDATEOctober 17, 2004 - At this time 12 years ago there was a groundswell of political discontent with then President George Bush Sr.
In fact, there were many so angry with him over the first Gulf War and his less than equitable treatment of Israel; they could not wait to get rid of him.
It is true that much of his foreign policy was unfavorable, yet those wanting him out could not see what was on the horizon.
As William Jefferson Clinton took office, we had a flood tide of ideas, communication, and implementation, supposedly done in the name of peace. This left Israel weakened and vulnerable, while her enemies strengthened.
Names that will forever live in infamy from the compromise of the sovereign Jewish State resound not with the voice of peace, but rather war.
Madrid, Oslo, Wye River, Camp David, and Sharm el-Sheikh - supposedly used to usher in utopian peace, however created the exact opposite.
Like former Presidents Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush Sr., and Clinton, no peace has been found for Israel. Her enemies demand more from both the United States and Israel with each new negotiation.
You might be unhappy with the current administration over Iraq, but up to this point, he has backed off from Israel - allowing her to defend herself. If he is not reelected, what guarantees does Israel have? Most likely more of the same treatment that was given under previous administrations. . . This does not bode well for Israel or America.
October 17, 2004 - Jesus inquired of his disciples, “…Who do men say that I am?” (Mark 8:27b) He was hoping for the correct answer.
Some said Jesus was John the Baptist, the one who heralded promises. Jesus was like John the Baptist in the fact He believed the Gospel was for all - not just a select few.
Some said He was Elijah (Elias). Jesus, like that prophet, was able to move in a swift rebuke of evil - as He did when He threw the money changers out of the Temple.
Was Jesus like Jeremiah? Absolutely - Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet. Jesus wept over Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37. The Scriptures record many other heartrending situations during His earthly ministry.
Could Jesus be compared to all of the other prophets? Yes, as each one in his own unique way declared the Word of the L-rd fearlessly.
However, all of these were but mortals, while Jesus was the Son of G-d. He was, and still is, the essence of prophecy - spoken of in times past, but also speaking today.
G-d spoke to man through prophets in the past, today, Jesus speaks to the believer directly. Thus, it is not just the voice of G-d through His Son, but also that personal relationship available only through knowing Him and living for Him - the one and only true voice. . .
To be continued . . .