ISRAEL UPDATEOctober 7, 2001 - The problem we face after the catastrophe of September 11, 2001 is like so many events that have preceded them and that is we have not had enough time to properly process information and allow ourselves to grieve. So it is not surprising to me to hear Christian people getting angry or upset when our leaders tell us G-d's judgement has come to America.
We must ask ourselves several questions. First: Is America living as a G-dly nation in morality and conduct, or do we as a nation call evil good and good evil as we attempt to tolerate every doctrine and lifestyle?
Second: What has our nation done in support of Israel, have we continued to slowly but steadily build up Israel's enemies and cut her off?
Third: What is the pattern of America today, is it one of deep repentance and humility, or have we had our moment of silence and now its business as usual waiting for the government to "get the bad guys?"
Finally: Has the church itself been interested in studying the deep things of G-d, or is it more concerned with shallow teaching and social activities?
The word of G-d is full of scriptures relating to all of these issues, so will we embrace G-d's Word in relevance to these happenings, or will we like those Paul warned of in the last days, "heap to themselves teachers having itching ears." II Timothy 4:3.
As American believers we cannot be hypersensitive but we must be sensitive to the Spirit and what He is saying to the church.
October 7, 2001 - The prophet Amos asked a very relevant question in his day, "Shall the trumpet be blown in the city, and the people be not afraid? Shall there be evil in a city, and the L-rd hath not done it? Surely, the L-rd G-d will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret to His servants the prophets?"
Isaiah saw the swirling dust of the approaching Assyrians, Jeremiah felt the cold steel shackles of Babylonian occupation, Jesus and all the church that followed saw and felt first hand the Roman occupation and destruction.
How many Judges had to be raised up to fight off the neighboring nations oppressing Israel, and all of the prophets both former and latter saw occupation and destruction because of idolatry, apostasy and lusting after all we don't need.
It is a sad state when our Christian leaders, who have dared to speak out and declare that this is G-d dealing with a nation who has turned its back on Him, are criticized by fellow Christians.
Those who criticize men like Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and David Wilkerson, who were bold enough to declare the truth, appear to need soothing by teachers who will tell them what they want to hear. II Tim. 4:3.
If anything, our response should be to evaluate these men's words according to the scriptures, then we would begin to pray rather than criticize the prophets sent to us.
To be continued…