Ferguson and the ISIS Threat

If American concerns about the intentions of ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) were not focused on the images of the slaughter of Christian refugees fleeing from Mosul and other northern Iraqi villages (and I must admit some of the images are almost too awful to view), then news that an American photo-journalist, James Foley, was beheaded by militants belonging to ISIS should.  One can only wonder about the possible fate of the remaining 25 journalists that are missing in Syria. 


We sit here in our little corner of the world, thousands of miles removed from Mosul and the Kurdish border and say to ourselves, "Well, why should I get involved?  Why should I care?  After all, they are so far away?"  It is time to wake-up.  Did you see the sign that appeared among the protesters in Ferguson, MO?  The sign read "ISIS here."  And, did you see the photos of the new Islamic State flag held in front of the White House last week? 


In an article written by Bob Unruh and posted on the wnd website - www.wnd.com/2014/08/isis-terrorists-were-here-in-ferguson - the author begins: "A sign carried by a protester in Ferguson, Missouri, declaring the presence of the Islamic State or ISIS, is an act of intimidation, warning Americans they should fear the Middle Eastern Islamic jihadist group even in their own homes, according to an expert.  Islam analyst Robert Spencer, whose Jihad Watch website (www.jihadwatch.org) monitors Islamic jihad worldwide, said the sign, which says, "ISIS here," is 'in line with supporters of the Islamic State taking photos of the Islamic State flag held in front of the White House and other landmarks.'  'The object is to "strike terror into the hearts of the enemies of Allah" (Quran 8:60) and to emphasize the desire of Islamic State jihadis to strike within the U.S.,' he said.  'The fact that they have supporters here in the U.S. who can hold the banner in Missouri and the sign at the White House shows that that is a very real possibility,' he warned."


The article then quotes from several sources cited in an article published by The Daily Mail in the United Kingdom.  I share several of these with you, but I must warn you, they are frightening:
"I believe that all #IS members in America should travel to Ferguson and prepare to establish a revolutionary Islamic state." - Amarka Al-Ahlam.
"It's time to strike fear into the hearts of the oppressors.  #FergusonUnderIS." - Amreeki Witness.
"Any and all #IS members in the kufar lands - I urge you to travel to #Ferguson and form brigades there, to take the unrestful land Inshallah." - another social media jihadist.


Are these just smoke-screen threats?  One cannot discount the intense hatred these people have for the Western world.  One cannot discount the intense hatred these people have for Christianity and for the civilized world.  These people have only one goal in mind: to see the entire world under the rule of Sharia Law.  And, they will stop at nothing in order for that goal to be realized.  They are efficient and effective murderers of any and all who stand in their way - whether it be Iraqi Christians or a photo-journalist.  These people are not the JV-team, as our President once proclaimed.  They are the varsity.  And here is what is so amazing, ISIS strikes fear within the hearts of many in the Muslim world.  Do you think the Jordanians are fearful of this neighbor on their doorstep?  Do you think the Lebanese have real concerns?  What about the Saudis whose influence in the region is threatened by this Islamic State? 


Friends, there is a seriousness to ISIS that I have not yet seen realized in our nation.  During the offertory song used this past Sunday at our Church, our Worship Leader shared pictures from the mountaintop there in Iraq where Christians have taken refuge.  It was so powerfully effective - reminding us that those people are our brothers and sisters in Christ - reminding us that what has happened to them could easily happen to us here.  Those unnamed faces spoke volumes to our hearts.  The time for apathy is gone.  The time for being naïve is gone.  It is time to wake up and realize that we are in a battle that has profound spiritual implications.  But, praise God, we know who will win in the end!