ISRAEL UPDATEDecember 25, 2005 – Shamir, Perez, Rabin, Netanyahu, Barak, and Sharon, all Israeli Prime Ministers, all coming from diverse religious backgrounds and level of observance. All had strong military backgrounds and either won the seat of Prime Minister either by landslide or by a razor thin margin and it appeared their administrations all seemed to be off to a flying start only to end in either shame of scandal, perceived military defeat or in one case sadly death by an assassins bullet.
However, with all of the differences what is the common bond that links all of these men together with their failures? Each one has not only sought to but has implemented the division of the Israelite’s covenant land in the name of peace and the pacification of Israel’s enemies.
The same “I wanna” syndrome has plagued American Presidential administrations. I want to be the president that brings a peaceful resolution to the Israeli/Arab conflict. Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton and now our current President have with the passing of time forced Israel into concessions to the point of placing her in a more precarious situation than before the 1967 war.
Some have called these men self serving, some well intentioned but regardless of motive or intent they have brought their respective nations to the brink of full scale war, yet continue in the same pattern.
How eloquently Paul put it, “When they shall say peace and safety they sudden destruction cometh upon them as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” I Thess. 5:3
December 25, 2005 – Pilate is probably most criticized for his response to Jesus as the King of Kings stood facing him and asked, “What is truth?” John 18:38b
If we study the leaders of the major religions, each one was reportedly seeking truth and enlightenment when they received their personal revelation.
Jesus Boldly reaffirmed His personage and deity repeatedly declaring Himself to be the G-d in John 8:58, “Before Abraham was I am.” He further stated, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man cometh to the Father but by me.” John 14:6
Suffice it to say Pilate had seen truth in his own pavilion seated in authority yet no change came to his life.
Quite the opposite of the lowly shepherds that did not get a personal conversation with the Master but had to respond to the angelic announcement and yet they responded with joy and gladness to see the babe in a manger.
So today being Christmas each one of us must choose to not just meet Jesus but to also recognize Him not only as the Messiah of the World, but also He who inhabits our lives changing them for His glory!
If you have not properly identified Jesus in regards to you own personal life, or perhaps need a spiritual tune up, what better day than today and what better time than right now.
To be continued…