ISRAEL UPDATE

 May 28, 2006 – As this time of year approaches I am personally caught in a state of flux, one of joy, and on the other hand, one of great sadness. 

 I think of how the nation of Israel was born in a day, May 14, 1948, and then how just nineteen years later was thrust into a third war for survival in her short existence.

 Oh, how I rejoice at the thought of how the tiny nation won such a marvelous victory in just six short days, giving Israel a much needed buffer zone from her hostile neighbors.  Then I recall the pressure from the political, religious and financial powers that have now dissected G_d’s land into an indefensible situation for her citizens.

 I recall how American military supplies found their way to Israel, however, sadly today, our weapons and technology are pumped into her neighbors as well.

 In retrospect, we can see Israel’s land mass constantly whittled away due to the pressure of men exalting their thoughts against G_d, but also fighting and gaining victory although at a high price.   I do rejoice in knowing this scenario has not played out entirely and G_d hasn’t had the last word.

 We need to keep in remembrance all the promises of G_d to his people and their land and hold fast to these truths; in this, all can rejoice!

  

 May 28, 2006 – When the movie, “The Passion of Christ” was ready to be released it took much criticism for reportedly being historically inaccurate.  If the same line of thought is used to evaluate “The DaVinci Code”, let us refer to the famous painting of “The Last Supper” by the artist of the same name. 

 Exodus 12:11 states “And thus ye shall eat it; (Passover meal) with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste for it is the L_rd’s Passover.”

 So staring at the painting we first notice no one standing, no staff in hand of any participant, nor does there appear to be any urgency within the crowd.  Actually, the common meals of Hebraic tradition were eaten lying on the left side reclined, in a casual setting.  So whether it is the everyday meal or the sacred Passover in Jewish culture, DaVinci’s painting is completely inaccurate.

 While the “code” has many elements blended into a syncristic format and written so eloquently in truth, it is nothing more than another attack on the deity of Christ.

 If I cannot trust a painter to even have cultural accuracy defined in his work, why would I be interested in his “theological” thought processes or opinions. I can’t and I won’t!

 

To be continued…