ISRAEL UPDATE

February 4, 2007 – Between the years of 1977 to 2000 our nation’s generosity poured more than $66 billion to Saudi Arabia in arms sales, a nation not only supportive of terrorism but notorious for human rights violations.

Neighboring Egypt received nearly $22 billion, a nation that to this day allows arms to be smuggled into Israel beneath her borders and was simultaneously planning an attack on Israel with Saddam Hussein prior to the first Gulf War.

Jordan received more than $64 billion and allowed Iraqi supplies to pass through their nation to support the Palestinian Intifadah in Israel and also has very strong sentiments to the Palestinians and terror groups bent on Israel’s destruction.

Between 1993 and 2000 Lebanon was added to the mix receiving $157.8 million dollars, a nation that has been nothing but a collection point for terrorists, their training bases and a staging area for Syrian/Iranian War against Israel and Iraq.

In essence, while arms pour into nations increasing their capabilities to make war with Israel they also are working against U.S. interests and the region is destabilized.  Perhaps our nation’s leaders should adopt the principle in Romans 15:27, “It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.”

 

February 4, 2007 – While languishing in prison John the Baptist sent two disciples inquiring of Jesus if he was the “one to come” (Messiah) or should they seek another?  Jesus replied to go and show John the things he had not seen or heard, not only listing the miracles but the spirit in which he should be received (not offended at him).  Matt. 11:1-6

Today as in every preceding century and millennium there are always those that inquire of the Messiah as to when his return will occur.   Also within this inquiry comes two other groups, those that begin to set dates as to the return of the Holy One which we know according to the scriptures is wrong.

The second group are those that in the disappointments of life and the inability to trust G-d’s sovereign plan, will be caught up in the Spiritus Mundi, that is the spirit of the age, accept one of the false Messiahs and ultimately, the evil one, the Anti Christ. 

Fortunately John the Baptist remained true to the call on his life and that of Jesus as the scriptures indicate his acceptance of both the Messiah and his circumstances.  Jesus stated so succinctly in Matthew 11:11a that “among them born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist.”

The trends of the current age will cause all of us to fall into one of these three categories.  May G-d’s grace grant us the spirit of servant hood and acceptance we need to receive the final prize.

 

To be continued…