ISRAEL UPDATE

May 22, 2005 – With the unattainable peace process, there is a striking paradox coming out of Israeli culture this past fifteen years.

First, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was gunned down by a man unhappy with his liberal approach of appeasing the world - giving land to Israel's avowed enemies.

Now, current Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is receiving death threats, as he also has made land concessions, attempting to gain peace. However, it is only a short respite, as Israel's enemies continue to strengthen, fortify, and re-supply themselves for the next violent wave of terrorism.

Note; Sharon's career has been the hallmark of conservative ideas with a hawkish approach, while Rabin was the exact opposite. Still the same problem…

While it is easy to criticize and condemn Israel's leaders, we on the outside are unable to understand the tremendous pressure put upon her leaders by groups such as the European Union, the United Nations, Russia, and unfortunately, the United States.

Boycotts, freezing of loans, refusals to provide supplies, and other such tactics are all aimed at squeezing Israel into this mold of compliance.

Whether liberal or conservative, hawk or dove, the only way for a lasting peace in Israel will be when they are in their full inheritance. Until then, only frustration, death, and destruction will follow as men try to use their wisdom, instead of G-d's wisdom…
 

May 22, 2005 – Were Joshua and Caleb exalted and perfected by their trek into Canaan (the Promised Land), or was a work of G-d done beforehand?

In reality, of the estimated 2.5 million people that left Egypt at the beginning exodus, only these two men actually qualified to enter in.

Numbers 26:63-65 tells us of all those under the leadership of Moses and Aaron, none entered into the Promised Land except Joshua and Caleb.

As a warrior, Joshua fought in several military campaigns, proving his worth as a commander. However, he also proved himself faithful, because he stayed at the base of Mount Sinai waiting for Moses to return, while the rest of the people danced around a golden calf.

Furthermore, he and Caleb were the only spies with a positive report and belief they could conquer the giants in the land.

If we study the names of these two men, we see G-d's divine purpose and fulfillment. Joshua means captain of our salvation, while Caleb’s name indicates loyalty of the heart.

Unfortunately, the magic number of 40 years pronounced judgment upon the entire group, resulting in their deaths, with the exception of these two men of character.

They were warriors desperately needed for their mission, but they also were found faithful in the day-to-day tasks of life. Joshua and Caleb are fine examples of men whose light shown brightly, bearing fruit to the glory of G-d.
 

To be continued…