ISRAEL UPDATEAugust 18, 2002 – There is a pamphlet being distributed in the Phoenix area telling us to call our State Senators demanding cessation of U.S. aid to Israel.
Whoever produced this pamphlet will tell you that each Israeli citizen receives the equivalent of $11,000 annually to kill Palestinians and take land that is not rightfully theirs.
First, the Israeli population is approximately 5.5 million total. Is that really all that much money… when compared to the funding that much larger nations receive?
Second, much of what Israel receives is given in loans that must be repaid – not in the form of grants such as many other countries get. Israel is much better at repaying their loans – which is more that can be said for many others.
Another point - most of the nations that are given aid by America vote against her in U.N. balloting. Israel does not vote against the U.S.
Finally, besides being a friend and ally to the United States, Israel is even now aiding America in too many ways to mention in this short article. This is especially true of specialized nuclear training.
The real question is not much aid Israel is receiving, but rather the return on investment… So far, Israel has done much better on the balance sheet than other countries – especially those located in the Fertile Crescent.
August 18, 2002 – Another key to proper interpretation of the scriptures is to keep in mind the concept of ethnic reference.
In Matthew 24:3, the disciples asked what would be the signs of His coming. When we read the entire text of Matthew 24 and 25, then we realize that it is addressing the Jews.
This becomes important for us in understanding the happenings unfolding in front of our eyes – occurring with unparalleled speed.
Since the early church had no major influx of Gentiles until the time of the 10th chapter of Acts – this tells us that Jesus’ description of events clearly defined a Jewish audience.
Therefore, Jesus is describing the “Great Tribulation” as a time “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” Matthew 24:21
Paul clearly tells us, “For G-d hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our L-rd Jesus Christ,” I Thess 5:9. For the most part, the time spoken of here describes G-d’s wrath being poured out upon the earth – prior to Christ’s Second Coming.
Trying to alter the Olivet Discourse by replacing Israel with the Church, or trying to place the Church being here during part or all of the Tribulation – only adds to the confusion.
In these last days, we need to evaluate prophecy, the Church, Israel, and the other nations as Almighty G-d defines them…
To be continued…