ISRAEL UPDATEOctober 19, 2003 - Is it coincidence that the United Nations headquarters in Israel sits atop what is called the "Hill of Evil Counsel”?
We think not, but a fitting location nonetheless… for this organization to conceive, plan, and implement its anti-Israel policy.
How ironic those ages ago this would be the very place where Ahithophel gave his plan of destruction of David's kingdom to Absalom. This story is found in II Samuel, chapter 17.
Just as Absalom, Ahithophel, and Hushai the Archite sought to destroy David from a high, lofty position… as now do the enemies of Israel, thinking they have the ultimate plan.
Eventually Ahithophel’s plan was rejected and he went home, killed himself, never getting his chance to strike at David. As for Absalom, he appeared to have the upper hand over David for awhile, but lost his life as well.
The modern nation of Israel, like King David, is far from perfect. The nations of the world seek their destruction, even as did David’s friends and family, yet will meet with the same tragic results.
The road map for peace begins in Moscow, N.Y., Washington D.C., and the capitals of Europe. The Arab world even has a reconnaissance spot in Jerusalem, via the U.N. and Palestinian Authority, but it will only lead to their own destruction.
G-d's plan preserved David's throne in ancient times, and once again He will preserve that plan – only this time it will be forever.
October 19, 2003 – The second principle to be noted in our study is the next verse of Jesus’ exportation found in Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
The endearing tone founded the voice of Jesus can be understood and felt because of the analogy He uses in this verse.
As He states, "Take my yoke upon you and learn of me", the people of that day were familiar with this terminology - because coming under the yoke of heaven was a phrase used in Judaism for centuries. It defines the believer coming under the law or rule of heaven, i.e., G-d and His commandments.
It also should be noted that you could not just go into ye old carpenter shop and pick up the latest spring line of yoke for your oxen.
This was due to the fact that because of different height, weight, and physical proportions, each yoke was manufactured to the specific measurements of that particular ox.
So - Jesus is telling His disciples then and now, we must come under the yoke of the Torah to be productive and fruitful in our lives.
In verse 28, Jesus promises a physical rest for those that embrace the law. Meanwhile, in verse 29 He is now promising rest for the spiritual makeup of man.
To come under the yoke of heaven, learning of Him, allows us to be fed directly, both spiritually and physically - while absorbing more of the teaching, guidance, and instruction that causes our lives to be fruitful.
To be continued . . .