ISRAEL UPDATEOctober 16, 2005 – Over the past few years Americans have become accustomed to swelling tides pounding the coast from Florida to portions of Texas. The winds have beaten the cities, homes, and business and in many cases altered the lives of countless hundreds of thousands.
Throughout the scriptures we see constant references to the waters, rivers and etc. as an analogy to the nations of the world. Personally I believe there is a direct parallel to the physical winds and strong tempests that continually attack out nation’s coastline and the violent rhetoric, hateful legislation, and the masses of people waiting in line to destroy Israel.
It seems that the more time progresses we see the situation becoming more hostile rather than friendly and fewer people are willing to stand with Israel. The western democracies, the supposed free thinkers of the world such as America and Britain, are making sure that Israel’s covenant land is cut to pieces.
As I watch this trend I cannot help but remember what Paul wrote so long ago, “Be not deceived G-d is not mocked for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap.” Gal. 6:7. Out nation and the nations of the world are sewing seeds of hatred and disruption and if G-d’s word is true, then Katrina and those that preceded and will follow is an indication we have sown to the wind and we are reaping a whirlwind.
October 16, 2005 – Joseph was a prosperous man in Egypt that is until Potiphar’s wife set her eyes on him and he refused her sexual advances. He was lied about and thrown into prison. Joseph’s only reply was, “How then can I do this wickedness and sin against G-d?” Gen 39:9b. Even though no one was around, Joseph knew G-d was whom he answered to.
Daniel, Hananiah, Azariah and Mishael refused the pagan delicacies of the Babylonian court – Daniel 1:8, 3:17,18 refusing to bow to the statue and Dan. 6:10 continued to pray in spite of the king’s decree.
All of these men were thousands of miles from home; none of their friends or family were around; how easy to cave into the temptation.
Yet these scenarios show us the difference between reputation and character. Reputation is how people know you or a least think they do. On the other hand character is what and who you are when no one is around, and that is the acid test of a true believer.
It can then be emphatically stated that our accountability is to G-d and our responsibility is how we treat our fellow man. These men had their ups and downs, temptations, power and position yet they are untarnished examples in a very tarnished world.
To be continued…