Oil...it is dominating our news these days. It is not the high prices, although they have been quietly climbing in recent days. It is not the threat of an Iranian closure of the Straits of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf, although the Iranians have not hesitated to declare that such a closure is a distinct possibility if Israel were to attack it. No, the oil that is dominating our news is what is flowing from a ruptured well in the Gulf of Mexico. In late April, one of the many oil platforms that dot the Gulf along the southern coasts of the United States exploded sending the platform down to the bottom of the sea. At first the experts stated that the damage would be minimal, but then the rupture grew and more and more oil was leaked into the Gulf. It is now nearly two months since that accident happened. And, although diligent efforts have been made by BP, the petroleum giant who operated the well, oil continues to spew from the ruptured pipe.
Immediately people responded by doing what we do best these days - cast blame. To hear the talk of some, this was no accident; it was part of a great conspiracy to force through stronger environmental legislation and to penalize the oil giants. Water-cooler conversations included accusations that BP should have responded differently; they should have had a plan. Others blamed the government for not stepping in sooner.
Was this a deliberate act? I highly doubt that the officials at BP sat in a closed room and discussed how they could ruin their company. This was an accident. Accidents do happen every day. Tires blow out causing a car crash. Airplane landing doors fail causing a worker to die. Bleachers collapse at a sporting event sending many to the hospital. Friends, the list goes on and on. Accidents are a part of life.
I have been drawn to an often overlooked portion of the Gospel of Luke. In the early verses of chapter thirteen, Jesus is listening to conversations around the water-cooler. (I put this into a modern context so we can better realize what Jesus is saying). "Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices" (Luke 13:1). That news story probably headlined the local papers. We are not given the background for this attack at the Temple, but several people had died when the government stepped in. Listen to Jesus' response: "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish" (Luke 13:2-3). Notice, Jesus did not cast blame either upon those who died or upon the government who caused their deaths. The event simply happened. What Jesus did state very powerfully was the truth that we do not know when our lives will end; therefore, we need to be ready.
But, another headline appeared: "Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them - do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?" (Luke 13:4). Faulty construction? Shoddy workmanship? Architectural flaws? No! Jesus simply said it was an accident. But, listen again to His warning: "I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish" (Luke 13:5). Jesus is saying, "Accidents happen! Life is short! You have no guarantee for tomorrow! Be prepared now!"
That being said that accidents do happen and that this crisis caused by the exploded well was an accident, BP has two responsibilities and one opportunity. First, they have the responsibility to cap the well as quickly as possible. They have tried short-term strategies which have not worked. The long-term strategy is taking time. Perhaps they can be faulted for not having a redundancy plan in place. But, they did not plan for this accident to happen. After all, the last time there was an oil platform explosion resulting in the platform descending to the bottom of the Gulf was 40 years ago. Those types of accidents do not happen with any sense of frequency. So, they never dreamed this would happen to their well or platform.
Second, they have the responsibility to capture as much of the oil that has flowed into the Gulf as possible. After all, the oil technically belongs to them. This will be an incredible task that could take years to accomplish.
And what is their opportunity? They are aware of the hundreds of lives that have been impacted because of this accident. What an incredible opportunity for the leaders of this giant multi-national corporation is send representatives to the little villages that dot the coastlines of Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida to offer assistance to businesses to recover. Perhaps it might include an investment of capital. Perhaps it might include enlisting their ideas as to how something like this could be prevented. Perhaps it is just to say, "we care!" Such acts would go a long way, I believe, to replace the stereo-type of the irresponsibility of big business that most Americans have.
And there is one thing that all the oil giants need to learn from this experience: Be prepared for any accident or emergency. I believe that is what Jesus would tell them. Have a plan in place and then hope you never have to use it.
Friends, earthquakes happen (a 7.2 magnitude quake just this morning in Indonesia; and a 5.7 magnitude quake over the weekend in Southern California). Tornadoes and floods occur (the tragedy in Arkansas over the weekend). And oil rigs can explode causing death and an oil spill. They are simply reminders that the world we live in is still under the curse placed upon it because of the sin of Adam and Eve. And, until the King arrives, we can and should expect those accidents to occur.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Why Be Concerned about What is Happening Around Us?
Are you making any sense of what is happening in the world today? Any thoughts on the "flotilla story" that continues to dominate the media? Any sense in the direction our country is headed economically, politically, morally, and especially in relation to Israel? I have found that, when I engage a person in a conversation about today's world and their understanding of it, they either shrug their shoulders and state, "I really am not interested," or they admit that they are interested by don't know where to turn for answers. Sadly, the first group of responders is much greater than the second group.
Where do we turn for answers? The only adequate response is the Scriptures. I have had people ask me why they should care about what is happening in the world. Here is my response: Because Jesus said we should. In Matthew 16:1-3, Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees and Sadducees with a question: "The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied, 'When evening comes, you say, '"It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,"', and in the morning, '"Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.'" You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times."
In Matthew 24, that passage we often call Jesus' Olivet Discourse, Jesus continually commands His followers to be discerners of the times, to be observers of what is happening in their world. "Watch out that no one deceives you" (verse 4). That means to pay attention to what is happening and how it might impact your life. We are not to go around with our heads buried in the sand about what is happening around us. Again Jesus declared, "So when you see standing in the holy place the abomination that causes desolation spoken of through the prophet Daniel - let the reader understand" (verse 15). Again comes the challenge to be cognizant of events taking place before our very eyes. Jesus continued, "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. (verses 32-33). Could that statement be any clearer? Just as we observe the various stages of the agricultural cycle - anticipating the time of harvest - so we are to observe the various events happening in our world - anticipating the time of spiritual harvest.
Finally, Jesus commands us: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come" (verse 42). How can a person keep watch when his eyes are closed? How can a person keep watch when his mind is closed to the events happening all around him?
I know that many of you are very good at discerning the signs of good or bad weather. I have had people share with me that they believe it will be a hot, dry summer because of the way this plant or that insect is behaving. Others of you are very good at discerning the success or failure of your favorite ball team - mine, the Cubs...well, let's just say it is "wait until next year." Why should we be so reticent in discerning the events happening around us?
It is time that we wake up so that we can watch for our Lord's return. In so many ways I believe He is announcing to us that His coming is near. Oh Lord Jesus, come quickly!
Where do we turn for answers? The only adequate response is the Scriptures. I have had people ask me why they should care about what is happening in the world. Here is my response: Because Jesus said we should. In Matthew 16:1-3, Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees and Sadducees with a question: "The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied, 'When evening comes, you say, '"It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,"', and in the morning, '"Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.'" You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times."
In Matthew 24, that passage we often call Jesus' Olivet Discourse, Jesus continually commands His followers to be discerners of the times, to be observers of what is happening in their world. "Watch out that no one deceives you" (verse 4). That means to pay attention to what is happening and how it might impact your life. We are not to go around with our heads buried in the sand about what is happening around us. Again Jesus declared, "So when you see standing in the holy place the abomination that causes desolation spoken of through the prophet Daniel - let the reader understand" (verse 15). Again comes the challenge to be cognizant of events taking place before our very eyes. Jesus continued, "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. (verses 32-33). Could that statement be any clearer? Just as we observe the various stages of the agricultural cycle - anticipating the time of harvest - so we are to observe the various events happening in our world - anticipating the time of spiritual harvest.
Finally, Jesus commands us: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come" (verse 42). How can a person keep watch when his eyes are closed? How can a person keep watch when his mind is closed to the events happening all around him?
I know that many of you are very good at discerning the signs of good or bad weather. I have had people share with me that they believe it will be a hot, dry summer because of the way this plant or that insect is behaving. Others of you are very good at discerning the success or failure of your favorite ball team - mine, the Cubs...well, let's just say it is "wait until next year." Why should we be so reticent in discerning the events happening around us?
It is time that we wake up so that we can watch for our Lord's return. In so many ways I believe He is announcing to us that His coming is near. Oh Lord Jesus, come quickly!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
A Flotilla of Peace? I Don't Think So!
Once again the eyes of the world are focused upon the Middle East. And, once again, the nation of Israel is caught in the cross hairs of public opinion. As you know by now, this past Sunday commandos from the Israeli navy boarded six ships in a flotilla whose destination was the Gaza Strip. The ships were filled with Palestinian sympathizers from around the world as well as 10,000 tons of humanitarian supplies. The Israeli navy had tried to direct the ships into the Israeli harbor at Ashdod where the supplies could be off-loaded, inspected for contraband and weapons, and then loaded on trucks for the Gaza Strip. In the light of the recent smuggling of arms into the Gaza Strip through the border with Egypt, this seemed like a sensible request on the part of the Israeli government.
Five of the six ships were successfully boarded with no incidences of violence. But the sixth ship was a different story. Aboard this ship, flying the Turkish flag, were militants armed with knives, metal rods, and other weapons. As the Israeli navy commandos descended from their helicopters, they were attacked. I have seen the video footage shot from the helicopters. Armed with only paintball guns and side-guns, the Israeli commandos sought permission to return fire. When the request was granted, in the exchange of gun fire nine militants were killed and many more were wounded, including several Israeli soldiers.
Immediately the world was condemning of Israel. The Turkish government recalled its ambassador from Israel. Other European countries denounced the actions of the Israeli military. Protests were staged around the world before a media that displayed a feeding frenzy. "Israel is guilty" was the instant declaration.
Perhaps the facts speak otherwise. First, the world views the Gazans are prisoners locked in a cage. While it is true that Israel and Egypt together provided a naval blockade of the Gaza Strip following the Hamas take-over in 2006, it is not true that humanitarian aide is not getting to the Palestinians living there. During the first three months of 2010, Israel supplied over 94,500 tons of relief supplies - including 48,000 tons of food supplies, 40,000 tons of wheat, 2760 tons of rice and 1987 tons of clothing and shoes. (The flotilla of six ships carried a meager 10,000 tons of supplies).
Second, the Israeli government did not prohibit the supplies from reaching Gaza; they merely asked that the ships off-load at Ashdod so that the supplies could be inspected for illegal weapons and other contraband, and then sent off to Gaza. From a nation that has experienced over 10,000 rockets from Gaza over the past 3 years, this seemed like a logical request.
Third, supposedly the participants in this flotilla were peace-activists. By the very term that should have denoted men and women given to non-violent ways. Instead of promoting peace, they instigated conflict. As one Muslim activist on one of the ships exclaimed, "There are two possible happy endings; either we will reach Gaza or we will achieve martyrdom." Doesn't sound very peace-loving to me, does it to you?
Fourth, according to a report from Al-Jazeera television, you know this station from its broadcasts of the ben-Laden tapes, the Muslim activists were shouting, "Khaybar, Khaybar, oh Jews, the army of Muhammed will return." Khaybar was Jewish settlement that was viciously attacked by Muhammed; 628 Jews were massacred.
Now, as I write this piece, two more ships are headed for Gaza. The Israeli navy has threatened to intercept them as well. This does not sound like peace; it sounds like provocation to me.
Does this assault have any biblical importance? I believe that it does. It is another step in the isolating of Israel from the world community. As I continue reading and studying the writings of the prophets, I am becoming increasingly aware that God will separate His people from the nations of the world in the end times. He has a special work that He desires to accomplish through them during those days. This will not be the first time the Jewish people have been isolated; in fact, when one carefully studies their history, isolation is almost a Jewish thing.
What I do find sad, though, is the lack of support from our nation's government. Although invited to the White House for a meeting with President Obama yesterday, according to a leading Israeli paper, Prime Minister Netanyahu was told that President Obama did not want him to use the White House as a stage on which to present Israel's side of the story. Thus the Prime Minister returned to Israel.
Friends, the focus of our attention should continue to be on the Middle East. You can rest assured that the Iranians are loving this diversion of attention. Now the eyes of the world are off them allowing them to pursue their goals of nuclear armament. The bulls-eye has been moved over a nation no larger than New Jersey. Satan has hated Israel since the time of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. His one desire would be to see Israel totally destroyed. And with that desire, the Bible tells us that he will be defeated.
Five of the six ships were successfully boarded with no incidences of violence. But the sixth ship was a different story. Aboard this ship, flying the Turkish flag, were militants armed with knives, metal rods, and other weapons. As the Israeli navy commandos descended from their helicopters, they were attacked. I have seen the video footage shot from the helicopters. Armed with only paintball guns and side-guns, the Israeli commandos sought permission to return fire. When the request was granted, in the exchange of gun fire nine militants were killed and many more were wounded, including several Israeli soldiers.
Immediately the world was condemning of Israel. The Turkish government recalled its ambassador from Israel. Other European countries denounced the actions of the Israeli military. Protests were staged around the world before a media that displayed a feeding frenzy. "Israel is guilty" was the instant declaration.
Perhaps the facts speak otherwise. First, the world views the Gazans are prisoners locked in a cage. While it is true that Israel and Egypt together provided a naval blockade of the Gaza Strip following the Hamas take-over in 2006, it is not true that humanitarian aide is not getting to the Palestinians living there. During the first three months of 2010, Israel supplied over 94,500 tons of relief supplies - including 48,000 tons of food supplies, 40,000 tons of wheat, 2760 tons of rice and 1987 tons of clothing and shoes. (The flotilla of six ships carried a meager 10,000 tons of supplies).
Second, the Israeli government did not prohibit the supplies from reaching Gaza; they merely asked that the ships off-load at Ashdod so that the supplies could be inspected for illegal weapons and other contraband, and then sent off to Gaza. From a nation that has experienced over 10,000 rockets from Gaza over the past 3 years, this seemed like a logical request.
Third, supposedly the participants in this flotilla were peace-activists. By the very term that should have denoted men and women given to non-violent ways. Instead of promoting peace, they instigated conflict. As one Muslim activist on one of the ships exclaimed, "There are two possible happy endings; either we will reach Gaza or we will achieve martyrdom." Doesn't sound very peace-loving to me, does it to you?
Fourth, according to a report from Al-Jazeera television, you know this station from its broadcasts of the ben-Laden tapes, the Muslim activists were shouting, "Khaybar, Khaybar, oh Jews, the army of Muhammed will return." Khaybar was Jewish settlement that was viciously attacked by Muhammed; 628 Jews were massacred.
Now, as I write this piece, two more ships are headed for Gaza. The Israeli navy has threatened to intercept them as well. This does not sound like peace; it sounds like provocation to me.
Does this assault have any biblical importance? I believe that it does. It is another step in the isolating of Israel from the world community. As I continue reading and studying the writings of the prophets, I am becoming increasingly aware that God will separate His people from the nations of the world in the end times. He has a special work that He desires to accomplish through them during those days. This will not be the first time the Jewish people have been isolated; in fact, when one carefully studies their history, isolation is almost a Jewish thing.
What I do find sad, though, is the lack of support from our nation's government. Although invited to the White House for a meeting with President Obama yesterday, according to a leading Israeli paper, Prime Minister Netanyahu was told that President Obama did not want him to use the White House as a stage on which to present Israel's side of the story. Thus the Prime Minister returned to Israel.
Friends, the focus of our attention should continue to be on the Middle East. You can rest assured that the Iranians are loving this diversion of attention. Now the eyes of the world are off them allowing them to pursue their goals of nuclear armament. The bulls-eye has been moved over a nation no larger than New Jersey. Satan has hated Israel since the time of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. His one desire would be to see Israel totally destroyed. And with that desire, the Bible tells us that he will be defeated.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Some Reflections on Memorial Day
Monday is Memorial Day. As a child growing up the day meant two things: a picnic at my grandparents' farm and a visit to the cemetery to place flowers on the graves of people whom I had never met. I remember the brightly colored flags that draped the small driveways and the cheery peony bushes that dotted the landscape. I came to associate the peony as the cemetery flower. We especially took time before the graves of those who had fought either in World War I or II. To be brutally honest, as a child the picnic was much more exciting than the cemetery visit.
As a parent I can hardly remember taking my own children to the cemetery on Memorial Day. I am not sure exactly why I didn't. Perhaps it was because I had grown apathetic about those freedoms that I had come to take for granted. Perhaps it was because my generation had not been touched by a war that brought unity rather than riot. Perhaps it was because I had simply lost touch with my past.
I am nearing the completion of preaching a series through the book of Joshua. What God has shown me through my study is the value of remembering, the value of memorial stones. Throughout the book, Joshua and the people of Israel erect several memorial stones; some are to commemorate great victories, while others are reminders of the consequences of sin. These memorial stones literally dotted the landscape of the newly conquered Promised Land. Each stone had a story that needed to be retold to the next generation. It was as if God wanted His people to be connected to the past and its lessons.
One of the great failures of the Church today is to connect its people with the past. There are no memorial stones in today's Church. There are no cemeteries, if you will, where a person can wander and discover roots and stories and truths. We have failed to help believers to connect with men and women who gave their lives contending for the faith. We have very few heroes and heroines. We have become so absorbed with the present that we have lost touch with the past, resulting in a cloudy future.
So, this Memorial Day weekend I want to enjoy a picnic with family and friends. Perhaps I will spend some time enjoying the peony bushes in my yard and be reminded of days gone by. And, although I will probably not get to the cemetery where my Dad is buried or where my grandparents are buried, I want to pause for a few moments to remember their influence upon my life. I want to reconnect to the past so that I can have a better understanding of who I am.
As a parent I can hardly remember taking my own children to the cemetery on Memorial Day. I am not sure exactly why I didn't. Perhaps it was because I had grown apathetic about those freedoms that I had come to take for granted. Perhaps it was because my generation had not been touched by a war that brought unity rather than riot. Perhaps it was because I had simply lost touch with my past.
I am nearing the completion of preaching a series through the book of Joshua. What God has shown me through my study is the value of remembering, the value of memorial stones. Throughout the book, Joshua and the people of Israel erect several memorial stones; some are to commemorate great victories, while others are reminders of the consequences of sin. These memorial stones literally dotted the landscape of the newly conquered Promised Land. Each stone had a story that needed to be retold to the next generation. It was as if God wanted His people to be connected to the past and its lessons.
One of the great failures of the Church today is to connect its people with the past. There are no memorial stones in today's Church. There are no cemeteries, if you will, where a person can wander and discover roots and stories and truths. We have failed to help believers to connect with men and women who gave their lives contending for the faith. We have very few heroes and heroines. We have become so absorbed with the present that we have lost touch with the past, resulting in a cloudy future.
So, this Memorial Day weekend I want to enjoy a picnic with family and friends. Perhaps I will spend some time enjoying the peony bushes in my yard and be reminded of days gone by. And, although I will probably not get to the cemetery where my Dad is buried or where my grandparents are buried, I want to pause for a few moments to remember their influence upon my life. I want to reconnect to the past so that I can have a better understanding of who I am.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Thoughts on the Feast of Shavuot
Today, May 19, 2010, is Pentecost, or as it is observed in Israel - the Feast of Shavuot or the Feast of Weeks. It marks the fiftieth day since Passover. Shavuot was one of the three pilgrimage feasts as outlined by God in the Law of Moses. We read in Leviticus 23:15-16: "From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering (this is a reference to the Feast of Firstfruits, celebrated immediately following Passover), count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD." The passage in Leviticus then proceeds to describe the various offerings that were to be presented to God at Shavuot.
What I found very interesting were two commands in conjunction with this festival commemorating the harvest. The first is found in Deuteronomy 16:10: "Then celebrate the Feast of Weeks to the LORD your God by giving a freewill offering in proportion to the blessings the LORD your God has given you." Notice, there was no stipulation as to the precise amount to be given to God. At other times, a certain amount was prescribed, but not now. This was truly a freewill offering. As God had blessed the harvest I was cutting, so I was to be inclined to give proportionally to Him, not out of obligation, but out of joy.
In this light I am reminded of the advice the Apostle Paul gave to the Corinthians: "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). The size of the gift is left to the discretion of the giver; and whatever the size of gift, it should be presented with great joy. I have always said that the most joyful part of any worship service should be the presentation of tithes and offerings. Yet, unfortunately, it is often the most somber, almost funeral-like. Are we that attached to what God has loaned to us?
But I discovered a second truth about the celebration of Pentecost. It is found in Leviticus 23:22 - "When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God." What a statement! Not only were the children of Israel to bring a freewill offering to the Lord, but they were not to completely harvest everything in their fields. They were to leave some of it standing so the poor and others who were disenfranchised could gather provisions for sustaining life. It is like God was saying to them: "Give Me a gift first, then leave a gift for the poor, and you will still have sufficient for yourselves." Pretty amazing principle, don't you think?
One final thought concerning the Feast of Shavuot: it was on this day that the Church was given birth. You will find that story in Acts 2. It was as if the receiving of the Holy Spirit came as God gave to us His freewill offering. And then He urged us to share that gift with others.
So, my friends, I wish you a joyous Pentecost.
What I found very interesting were two commands in conjunction with this festival commemorating the harvest. The first is found in Deuteronomy 16:10: "Then celebrate the Feast of Weeks to the LORD your God by giving a freewill offering in proportion to the blessings the LORD your God has given you." Notice, there was no stipulation as to the precise amount to be given to God. At other times, a certain amount was prescribed, but not now. This was truly a freewill offering. As God had blessed the harvest I was cutting, so I was to be inclined to give proportionally to Him, not out of obligation, but out of joy.
In this light I am reminded of the advice the Apostle Paul gave to the Corinthians: "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). The size of the gift is left to the discretion of the giver; and whatever the size of gift, it should be presented with great joy. I have always said that the most joyful part of any worship service should be the presentation of tithes and offerings. Yet, unfortunately, it is often the most somber, almost funeral-like. Are we that attached to what God has loaned to us?
But I discovered a second truth about the celebration of Pentecost. It is found in Leviticus 23:22 - "When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God." What a statement! Not only were the children of Israel to bring a freewill offering to the Lord, but they were not to completely harvest everything in their fields. They were to leave some of it standing so the poor and others who were disenfranchised could gather provisions for sustaining life. It is like God was saying to them: "Give Me a gift first, then leave a gift for the poor, and you will still have sufficient for yourselves." Pretty amazing principle, don't you think?
One final thought concerning the Feast of Shavuot: it was on this day that the Church was given birth. You will find that story in Acts 2. It was as if the receiving of the Holy Spirit came as God gave to us His freewill offering. And then He urged us to share that gift with others.
So, my friends, I wish you a joyous Pentecost.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Jerusalem Day!
What day is today? Strange question you might ask. It is Wednesday, May 12, 2010. And that is correct. But it is also something else. This is Jerusalem Day. It was 43 years ago that the Israeli armed forced captured the Old City of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War. Previous to that time, the Jordanians ruled over that part of Jerusalem. Of course, the greatest prize was the Western Wall which Israeli Jews had not seen since the War of Independence in 1948.
Last night, in a speech on the eve of Jerusalem Day, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu quoted from Isaiah 62:1 - "For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch." He went on to say, "The battle for Jerusalem is a battle for truth. ... There can be no justice without truth and if there is a perversion of justice vis-a-vis our city and nation, it means the truth has been perverted, because the truth is that Jerusalem is our city and we never compromised on that, not after the destruction of the First Holy Temple, nor after the destruction of the Second. We were a majority in the city until the 9th century and we returned 2000 years later and witnessed the city's destruction once again. There is no other nation that feels this deeply about a city. ... We will continue to build Jerusalem, a city that is full of life."
But, as you are aware - or, at least I hope you are aware; you need to be aware - there is incredible pressure being placed upon Israel to give up its claim to the Old City, including its spiritual treasure in the Western Wall. In its eagerness to pacify the Arab world, our nation's leaders, along with those of Europe, have demanded that Israel hand over East Jerusalem to the Palestinians. Thus the city would once again be divided. The holy sites would be in jeopardy.
My friends, the longer I study the prophetic texts, the more assured I become that Jerusalem occupies a great place in God's heart. It is the city of His choosing; not Washington DC, or Paris, or London, or Tehran. This is the place where He inscribed His name. This is the place where He paid the ultimate sacrifice to redeem a lost mankind. This is the place where a handful of followers of Jesus Christ were sent out to change the world.
Yes, Jerusalem has more suffering to do. The Scriptures indicate that. In fact, one of the great battle scenes of Armageddon will occur just outside its walls. Yet, when the King of kings descends in power and glory, it will be to Jerusalem that He will come. And it will be from Jerusalem that He will reign for those millennial years.
How I wish I could walk with each of you through the crowded streets of Jerusalem! There is a certain electricity that is felt with each step. It is as if you were treading on holy ground; and, it is holy. It is holy because of what happened there in the past; and it is holy because of what will happen there in the future.
So, I wish you a blessed Jerusalem Day. Why not take some time today to read Psalm 122. There you will read: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels. For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, 'Peace be within you.' For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity." (Psalm 122:6-9).
Long may the banner of Jerusalem fly high!
Last night, in a speech on the eve of Jerusalem Day, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu quoted from Isaiah 62:1 - "For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch." He went on to say, "The battle for Jerusalem is a battle for truth. ... There can be no justice without truth and if there is a perversion of justice vis-a-vis our city and nation, it means the truth has been perverted, because the truth is that Jerusalem is our city and we never compromised on that, not after the destruction of the First Holy Temple, nor after the destruction of the Second. We were a majority in the city until the 9th century and we returned 2000 years later and witnessed the city's destruction once again. There is no other nation that feels this deeply about a city. ... We will continue to build Jerusalem, a city that is full of life."
But, as you are aware - or, at least I hope you are aware; you need to be aware - there is incredible pressure being placed upon Israel to give up its claim to the Old City, including its spiritual treasure in the Western Wall. In its eagerness to pacify the Arab world, our nation's leaders, along with those of Europe, have demanded that Israel hand over East Jerusalem to the Palestinians. Thus the city would once again be divided. The holy sites would be in jeopardy.
My friends, the longer I study the prophetic texts, the more assured I become that Jerusalem occupies a great place in God's heart. It is the city of His choosing; not Washington DC, or Paris, or London, or Tehran. This is the place where He inscribed His name. This is the place where He paid the ultimate sacrifice to redeem a lost mankind. This is the place where a handful of followers of Jesus Christ were sent out to change the world.
Yes, Jerusalem has more suffering to do. The Scriptures indicate that. In fact, one of the great battle scenes of Armageddon will occur just outside its walls. Yet, when the King of kings descends in power and glory, it will be to Jerusalem that He will come. And it will be from Jerusalem that He will reign for those millennial years.
How I wish I could walk with each of you through the crowded streets of Jerusalem! There is a certain electricity that is felt with each step. It is as if you were treading on holy ground; and, it is holy. It is holy because of what happened there in the past; and it is holy because of what will happen there in the future.
So, I wish you a blessed Jerusalem Day. Why not take some time today to read Psalm 122. There you will read: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels. For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, 'Peace be within you.' For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity." (Psalm 122:6-9).
Long may the banner of Jerusalem fly high!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Listen: Joel Is Trying to Warn Us!
Last evening I began a study that will take me most of the summer. It is a comprehensive study of the Minor Prophets - all twelve books, all 67 chapters. This is in preparation for a class that I will be teaching in January-February 2011. I have wrestled with some of the major teachings in each book as part of the 36-week "Genesis-Revelation" study that I have been teaching these past 11 years. But I have never truly delved into each of the books individually.
I began with Joel - not sure why, but that is where I began. The central truth of that first chapter is of a series of four devastating locust invasions, followed by an intense summer heat that has completely destroyed the crops, even to stripping the bark off trees. The ground is so parched that nothing can grow. Even the cattle and flocks moan because there is nothing for them to eat. Because of the lack of grain and wine, the grain offerings and drink offerings cannot be provided in the temple; thus the incompleteness of the burnt offerings, resulting in the worship of God being compromised (Joel 1:9).
The reason for such devastation is not directly stated in the chapter, but it is certainly implied. The cause - sin. The prophet entreats the religious leaders to "declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly" (Joel 1:14). This is a national crisis. Resolution will not be found in governmental programs or ideas, but in a genuine turning to God in repentance - a national repentance. The prophet further declares: "Alas for that day! For the day of the LORD is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty" (Joel 1:15). In other words, judgment is certain!
But what truly grabbed my heart as I was reading this chapter was this thought: God was powerfully making a statement to Judah through a series of catastrophic natural disasters. It was to be a wake-up call to them. It was to be a time for them to re-evaluate their relationship with Him. It was a time to mourn, to grieve, and to cry out to God. It was a time for change because something worse might happen if the people continued to persist in their sinful practices.
2010 has certainly been a year of unusually powerful natural disasters. From the powerfully destructive earthquakes in Haiti and Chili to volcanic eruptions in Iceland, from historical winter snows in Europe to record flooding in America's southeastern region - it is as if God were trumpeting His strong warnings. But are we listening? Has there been a turning to God? Are people repenting of sin? Yes, in some cases people are responding back to God. But so many more are not. I keep wondering what God will do next to get our attention.
Observing first the locusts and the devastation they caused, then the intense drought, the prophet Joel declares that God's judgment is imminent. Might we say the same today as we observe the cries from the natural world? If these are truly the birth pangs, then friends, we had better begin falling on our knees before a holy God because the Judge will soon walk through His chamber doors and take His throne.
I began with Joel - not sure why, but that is where I began. The central truth of that first chapter is of a series of four devastating locust invasions, followed by an intense summer heat that has completely destroyed the crops, even to stripping the bark off trees. The ground is so parched that nothing can grow. Even the cattle and flocks moan because there is nothing for them to eat. Because of the lack of grain and wine, the grain offerings and drink offerings cannot be provided in the temple; thus the incompleteness of the burnt offerings, resulting in the worship of God being compromised (Joel 1:9).
The reason for such devastation is not directly stated in the chapter, but it is certainly implied. The cause - sin. The prophet entreats the religious leaders to "declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly" (Joel 1:14). This is a national crisis. Resolution will not be found in governmental programs or ideas, but in a genuine turning to God in repentance - a national repentance. The prophet further declares: "Alas for that day! For the day of the LORD is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty" (Joel 1:15). In other words, judgment is certain!
But what truly grabbed my heart as I was reading this chapter was this thought: God was powerfully making a statement to Judah through a series of catastrophic natural disasters. It was to be a wake-up call to them. It was to be a time for them to re-evaluate their relationship with Him. It was a time to mourn, to grieve, and to cry out to God. It was a time for change because something worse might happen if the people continued to persist in their sinful practices.
2010 has certainly been a year of unusually powerful natural disasters. From the powerfully destructive earthquakes in Haiti and Chili to volcanic eruptions in Iceland, from historical winter snows in Europe to record flooding in America's southeastern region - it is as if God were trumpeting His strong warnings. But are we listening? Has there been a turning to God? Are people repenting of sin? Yes, in some cases people are responding back to God. But so many more are not. I keep wondering what God will do next to get our attention.
Observing first the locusts and the devastation they caused, then the intense drought, the prophet Joel declares that God's judgment is imminent. Might we say the same today as we observe the cries from the natural world? If these are truly the birth pangs, then friends, we had better begin falling on our knees before a holy God because the Judge will soon walk through His chamber doors and take His throne.
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