Is An Attack on Israel Imminent?

In the past few days I have been asked this question by several people: "Max, do you think Israel will bomb Iran in October?"  My response is very simply stated, "I don't know for sure, but right now I am inclined to think they would not."  However, that is not to imply that preparations for such an attack are not being hastened.  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu talks about a "red line" that, when crossed, will result in an Israeli attack.  But the problem he has is in defining such a "red line."  That line is much different when viewed through the eyes of the people of Israel than when viewed through the eyes of the American government or the European Union.  Just this past week a former US Air Force General and CIA director said that Iran could not possibly get a nuclear bomb until sometime next year.  Michael Hayden, in an interview with the Haaretz newspaper said, "While it is probably true that the so-called 'window' regarding effective action is closing, there is still some time, as real decisions are to be made in 2013 or 2014."  One reason given for a possible delay in Israel's attacking Iran would be the need to obtain more Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOP) bunker-buster bombs.  The thought is that Israel will agree to hold off any attack until after the US elections in order to obtain more of these bombs.  From what I have read, these are huge bombs, weighing over 30,000 pounds and able to penetrate through solid reinforced concrete to a depth of 60 feet.  One can understand why Israel would want those types of bombs in its arsenal. 

Meanwhile, the White House has denied reports that it has struck a deal with Tehran through two unidentified European intermediaries.  The report indicated that the United States would not get involved if Israel decided to attack Iran, and in return, the Iranians would not attack American targets in the Persian Gulf region.  There has been no confirmation of the story, but the mere rumor of such a story is indicative of how people feel about the nearness of such an attack.

I found the following news article, bedded deep within the IsraelNationalNews.com website to be of interest.  They cite a report that first appeared on Israel's Channel 10 News, featuring interviews with Iranian citizens about a possible Israeli attack.  The report revealed a great tension and fear among the Iranians over the possible war with Israel.  One Iranian said, "The Iranians understand their current president says terrible things about Israel.  You can be sure that not all Iranians agree with the behavior of their leaders."  Another said, "There are a lot of poor people who need help, they work day and night to survive.  Please, do not attack us" - this in response to a question regarding how the economic sanctions were working.  One interviewee defended the right of Iran to develop its nuclear capabilities: "We are surrounded by Arabs who hate us.  Just like Israel, it makes sense for us to have a nuclear reactor." 

Other news of interest that reinforce our living in the last days.  In San Antonio's Northside Independent School District, school administrators have encountered a fire-storm of opposition from residents over a ruling that would require each student to wear a RFID chip so that school personnel would know where students were at all times.  Wearing such devices would infringe upon the rights of students.  You can read the full article at www.wnd.com/2012/08/rebellion-erupts-over-schools-student-chipping-plan.  This is just another step in training people to get used to wearing a device that will monitor your activities.  Such devices are described by John in Revelation 13 to monitor buying and selling.  We know the technology is available - it is already used on pets and other livestock.  I think we are getting closer!

One final story that confirms my lack of zeal to fly any longer.  You can find the article at www.inforwars.com/video-shows-tsas-bizarre-new-security-policy.  We are all familiar with the screening in order to get into the main terminals of our airports.  You know the routine: shoes off, belts off, laptops open, liquids in 3 oz containers and in a 1 quart bag, jackets off - that is before you step through the screening device.  And you think - now I can relax until the hassle of the boarding process.  Now the Transportation Security Administration has come up with a new way of interfering with our "pleasant flight experience."  Now, they are going through the terminal testing the soft drinks and water that we purchase inside the terminal itself.  Guess they want to see if there are any secret explosives in those bottles of Coke or Dasani.  But here is what really irritated me, the TSA does not screen the employees working in the airport or the supplies the vendors within the terminal receive.  Don't you think that is a bit strange?  They would rather come up to me, while I am waiting my flight and enjoying my Powerade, and ask to test my drink than to screen those bottles as they come into the terminal.  Just another reason why I limit my flying.  Just more of Big Brother watching out for us!

Friends, the more I ponder what is happening in the world, the more convinced I am that the only security we can have is found in Jesus Christ.  As the hymn writer states so powerfully, "On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand."  Oh so very true!  Praise God for the hope we have in Christ Jesus! 

I have a dear friend who sent me an e-mail containing a lot of great one-line quotes.  I thought that we all needed some cheering up, so I will give one a week.  Here is the thought for this week - timely I thought considering I begin preaching a series through the Ten Commandments this coming Sunday - "Don't let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case." 

Have a blessed week!