ISRAEL UPDATEJanuary 2, 2005 - Right at the end of every year, and through the beginning of the upcoming one, we are treated to many reports, sound bytes, etc., about the uncertainties facing mankind.
However, for Mahmoud Abbas, hopeful heir to Yasser Arafat, former head of the Palestinian State, events will not be uncertain, but rather very predictable. Abbas has already promised to follow in the footsteps of Arafat - working to establish a Palestinian State.
Therefore, if this is the case, you cannot count on several things consistent to Arafat's tenure. Items such as financial corruption, exploitation of the Palestinian people, perverted representation to the media on issues, and of course, continued terror attacks.
True, this does not sound optimistic. However, if you track the last eleven years and three months of the “Peace Accord,” the promises of Mr. Abbas bring no comfort.
If there is any certainty to the troubled Israeli/Palestinian conflict, it will be the fiery rhetoric of Arafat clad in fatigues – compared to the pragmatic presentation of Abbas in the businesses suit.
He is clearly is front runner, and as far as his other competitors, he is the media darling – as long as the anti-Israeli propaganda machine keeps rolling. Abbas would make a logical replacement, as he is subtle and quiet - yet pushing Palestinian nationalism at the expense of Israel's survival.
January 2, 2005 – Eleazar Avaron, one of the brave Macabee zealots that refused to bow to the pagan powers of Syria, was martyred as he refused to embrace practices contrary to the Torah.
Just prior to his death, he said “And leave a notable example to such as be young to die willingly and courageously for the honorable and holy laws. And when he had said these words, immediately he went to the torment.” II Macabees 6:28
Eleazar held to the belief that his trust in G-d's word guaranteed him acceptance as one of the faithful.
Some were martyred, while some were delivered… Elijah was taken to heaven, while Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach), and Azariah (Abednego), were saved from the flames of a fiery furnace, and their friend Daniel (Belteshazzar), from the mouth of the lion.
Whether martyred for their stand, or having G-d's hand spare them, these people serve as examples of G-d's faithfulness.
II Timothy 2:11-13 tells us, “It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.”
In a world that continually pressures us to conform to a secular system that continues to deny G-d, we must resolve that our trust be in a faithful G-d and His word. Our reward is not on this earth, but it is in Heaven - for all those found faithful and good.
To be continued…