Is There Any Sanity Left?

As I was wakened this morning the first words that greeted me were of the violence that occurred earlier this morning in Egypt where Egyptian security forces, with armored vehicles and bulldozers, entered into two protest camps in Cairo.  Clashes with pro-Morsi supporters ensued leaving more than 50 people dead and hundreds injured.  The protesters, many of them aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood, had occupied many of the parks and squares of Cairo following the overthrow of President Morsi on July 23.  At first the protest camps were merely a collection of tents, but over the weekend, those tents were becoming more permanent structures, thus inviting the action of the security forces.  Although not directly involves, Egyptian military helicopters flew over the area. 

Will this be the beginning of another civil war in the Middle East?  There certainly seems to be a clash of ideologies in Egypt between those who strongly favor a more radical Islamist government as represented by the Brotherhood and President Morsi, and those who favor a continued secular Islamist approach, as represented by the deposed President Mubarak.  Perhaps the future of Egypt will be determined in the coming weeks, although I must say that the Bible indicates that the distant future for Egypt looks bright.  Just read those closing verses of Isaiah 19:16-25.  Ultimately, Egypt will be blessed by God.  But Scripture also indicates that Egypt will suffer incredibly first.  Daniel 11:36-45, a passage most Bible scholars attribute to the time of the Antichrist, makes reference to the king of the South which is Egypt.  So, friends, as we await the return of Christ, we need to keep eyes focused upon what is happening in Egypt for there is prophetic significance there.

Today, in Jerusalem, peace talks between the Palestinians and Israel officially begin.  To declare their "good will" toward the talks, Israel released 26 Palestinian prisoners, many of whom had been in Israeli prisons for several decades for acts of violence and, in at least two instances, murder of Israelis. Interesting to note: the Palestinians were not asked to show any "good will" moment toward Israel.  We are now on a nine month journey that is to lead to a resolution of a problem that has a long history and deep roots.  The history of previous "peace negotiations" is of resolute intransigence on the part of the Palestinians - for them it is "all or nothing;" and a firmness of principles with the Israelis, especially as concerns Jerusalem.  Will these talks be any more successful?  Personally, I am not very optimistic.

A couple of items from the homefront.  On Monday, California governor Jerry Brown signed AB1266 which, according to an article by Fox News reporter, Todd Starnes, is "seen as a landmark decision for transgender Americans.  The new law gives students the right 'to participate in sex-segregated programs, activities and facilities based on their self-perception and regardless of their birth gender.' ...  Karen England, executive director of the Capital Resource Institute said the law forces 'San Francisco values on all California schools.'  'This is a very radical idea,' she said.  'You're going to have first-grade boys going to the restroom next to first-grade girls without any supervision.' "  The article continues, "England said parents or students who feel uncomfortable with their daughters showering next to boys - are being accused of being bigots.  'And now if a girl doesn't want to shower with a boy, there's something wrong with you,' she said."  San Francisco Assemblyman Tom Ammiano's office provided a statement acknowledging that some parents and students may be uncomfortable with the law. 'Discomfort is not an excuse for discrimination,' he said in a statement."  Friends, did you ever think you would see this happen?  I am concerned for my grandchildren and for the world my great-grandchildren will grow up in, should the Lord continue to tarry His coming.  I can see a growth of home-schooling parents and a growth of private schools.  If our public schools would spend as much time making sure that "Johnny and Susie" can read as they do with making sure their "rights" are not violated, perhaps our country might change.  By the way, you can read the full article at: www.radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories.

One final item worth noting.  You might remember a couple weeks ago I wrote about an Air Force Chaplain in Alaska who had written an article that was posted on the base's website.  The Chaplain was called to task because he had used the phrase, "no atheists in foxholes."  Now comes word of another incident in the Air Force.   The American Family Association, on its website, reported that "according to Fox News, the U.S. Air Force confirmed a well-known drag queen group was invited to perform on base during 'Diversity Day' because drag is a 'symbol of gay pride and unity.'  But the performance sparked outrage among some airmen who called the drag show 'totally offensive and    inappropriate.'  ... This performance occurred on August 8 at the Los Angeles Air Force Base.  ... An airman, who asked not to be identified, said it was ironic that the Air Force is cracking down on Christians being able to openly share their faith but they would allow individuals to dress in drag.  'We can't even have Bibles on our desks,' he said.  'This base is not a platform for political agendas.  It is a military installation.  The (Diversity Day) display was totally inappropriate and offensive.'" 

Friends, go back and reread Genesis 19 and then ask yourself this question: What were the great sins of Sodom and Gomorrah that caused God to totally wipe them off the face of the earth?  Then ask yourself this question: How much longer will God spare this nation for its blatant, open sin against God?  I remember Jesus' condemnation of Capernaum when he uttered these words, "But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you" (Matthew 11:24).  I grieve for the judgment that will be meted out upon our nation by God because our sins are more abominable than were those of Sodom because we have the warnings of God through His Word.  We have His truth.  Yet we have turned deliberately and willfully away from that truth. Judgment delayed does not mean judgment deferred.  Let us use these days of grace to sound the alarm like watchmen on the wall.  Let us stand for truth no matter the consequences.  Let's be salt and light that truly makes a difference.  We will not reach all, but we will reach some - and that will make it all worthwhile.