Today a suitcase bomb was exploded near the Central Bus Station in Jerusalem. Two buses, filled with students and market shoppers were heavily damaged resulting in a 59-year old woman being killed and approximately 30 others wounded, some seriously. No one has claimed responsibility for this act of terrorism - the first attack upon an Israeli bus since 2004 - but suspects include Hamas, Hamas, and Hamas. Also, in recent days Hamas has stepped up its rocket assaults from the Gaza Strip, launching dozens of rockets and mortar shells. Most of these have caused very little damage.
Why this sudden increase of attacks? Let me share a statement from the "Daily Israel Report" published by the IsraelNationalNews.com: "Hamas has considerably stepped up its missile attacks on Israeli civilians in the past week. Some analysts see the belligerence as an attempt to divert Gazans' attention away from demonstrations in favor of a reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah. [My note: Fatah is the organization founded by Yasir Arafat and is presently in control of the West Bank areas of Judea and Samaria. Fatah is under the leadership of Mahmoud Abbas. Recently Abbas invited Hamas to join in elections in all the Palestinian Authority territories this summer, but Hamas has refused]. Others see it as a result of Hamas' heightened confidence following recent events in Egypt. [My note: Hamas has long hoped that the Muslim Brotherhood would gain control in Egypt and establish an Islamic government there]. Still others see it as an attempt to divert the civil rights denied Gazan population, especially the Fatah sympathizers among them, from joining the wave of popular uprisings throughout the Middle East." Perhaps it is a combination of all three. How does Hamas get attention? It is only by attacking Israel.
What will be Israel's response? My guess is that they will conduct some surgical air attacks deep into the Gaza Strip. If the attacks persist, the Netanyahu government might even consider a second counter-attack such as Operation Cast Lead in 2009.
As I read the reports coming out of Jerusalem today, my heart was saddened at the loss of life and how almost effortlessly some can seek to destroy life. Now more lives will be taken in retaliation.
I am reminded of the tragic biblical story of Samson, really a study in terrorism. Samson's response to the Philistines was one of revenge, followed by the Philistines acting in a greater manner of savagery. Of course, that angered Samson, so he responded by destroying fields. Then the Philistines had to counter that. You can read the story in Judges 14-16. It is sad. Even when he died, Samson was still seeking retaliation for the taking of his eyes. This cyle of retaliation and revenge occurs when one of the parties refuses to sit down and dialogue about differences and how those can be resolved. In the present case, Hamas has refused the dialogue. Their focus - like that of the Philistines - was to seek the destruction of Israel. [One could say that that was Samson's focus - the destruction of the Philistines].
Just another reminder of how we need to pray for peace to come to Jerusalem.
Speaking of Jerusalem, next Wednesday Marlys and I will be taking a group of 40 others to Israel. Am I excited? Yes. Am I nervous? No. But I know our group will greatly appreciate your prayers for us those days we are in Israel. The dates are March 30-April 12. Upon my return I will give you a firsthand report of what God is doing there in that land. My next blog posting will be on April 13. Until then, keep looking up - our redemption is getting closer.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Japan's Apocalyptic Images
The images coming from Japan seem surreal and, at times, almost apocalyptic. Large ocean-going ships tossed about as if they were plastic toys played in a child's bath. Automobiles piled one on top of another like cords of wood beside a fire pit. Buildings crumbling as if they were made of match-sticks. And everywhere there are the cries of those who survived looking for and mourning those who did not. Honestly, I do not remember seeing such destruction ever in my lifetime.
Two thoughts come to my mind when I view those images. First, the magnitude of the clean-up. Where do the Japanese people begin? How does one begin removing the thousands of cars that awaited transport to the United States and now are only fit for the scrape heap? How does one begin untangling the hundreds of cargo containers that look as if they could grace the front of a giant jigsaw puzzle? Miles upon miles of devastation. Where does one start? And then one begins to ponder who long will it take. (We are still cleaning up after Hurricane Katrina and it has been five years). Then I remembered a statement from Ezekiel 39 - "Then those who live in the towns of Israel will go out and use the weapons for fuel and burn them up - the small and large shields, the bows and arrows, the war clubs and spears. For seven years they will use them for fuel (Ezekiel 39:9). After the war with Gog and Magog, it will take Israel seven years to remove the debris. As I watched those images from Japan, I thought of the impending day when Israel will be faced with an even greater challenge - a clean up that will take them seven years to complete. (It will be finished just in time for the return of their King!)
The second image concerns the earthquake itself. What power the world only rarely sees! The consequences of this 9.0 earthquake almost stun one's beliefs. The island of Japan is now eight feet closer to us; the axis of our earth has been changed by four inches; and last Friday was shortened by a fraction of a second. Now it takes a pretty strong force to move an entire island. But then I remembered reading in Revelation about an even greater earthquake yet to come. John writes, in Revelation 16 - "Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since man has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. ...Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found" (Revelation 16:18-20).
The Japanese quake was one of the largest ever recorded. But it will pale in significance to that final quake that God will send just before the arrival of His Son. Mountains will disappear! Islands will not only move, but flee away! Every city on earth will collapse and be destroyed! This quake in Japan is a foreshadowing of a greater one yet to come!
We do need to be in prayer for Japan. This is a great opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in that desperate place. And, as we minister to the physical needs to the people of Japan, may God open their hearts so that He might minister to their spiritual needs.
Two thoughts come to my mind when I view those images. First, the magnitude of the clean-up. Where do the Japanese people begin? How does one begin removing the thousands of cars that awaited transport to the United States and now are only fit for the scrape heap? How does one begin untangling the hundreds of cargo containers that look as if they could grace the front of a giant jigsaw puzzle? Miles upon miles of devastation. Where does one start? And then one begins to ponder who long will it take. (We are still cleaning up after Hurricane Katrina and it has been five years). Then I remembered a statement from Ezekiel 39 - "Then those who live in the towns of Israel will go out and use the weapons for fuel and burn them up - the small and large shields, the bows and arrows, the war clubs and spears. For seven years they will use them for fuel (Ezekiel 39:9). After the war with Gog and Magog, it will take Israel seven years to remove the debris. As I watched those images from Japan, I thought of the impending day when Israel will be faced with an even greater challenge - a clean up that will take them seven years to complete. (It will be finished just in time for the return of their King!)
The second image concerns the earthquake itself. What power the world only rarely sees! The consequences of this 9.0 earthquake almost stun one's beliefs. The island of Japan is now eight feet closer to us; the axis of our earth has been changed by four inches; and last Friday was shortened by a fraction of a second. Now it takes a pretty strong force to move an entire island. But then I remembered reading in Revelation about an even greater earthquake yet to come. John writes, in Revelation 16 - "Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since man has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. ...Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found" (Revelation 16:18-20).
The Japanese quake was one of the largest ever recorded. But it will pale in significance to that final quake that God will send just before the arrival of His Son. Mountains will disappear! Islands will not only move, but flee away! Every city on earth will collapse and be destroyed! This quake in Japan is a foreshadowing of a greater one yet to come!
We do need to be in prayer for Japan. This is a great opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in that desperate place. And, as we minister to the physical needs to the people of Japan, may God open their hearts so that He might minister to their spiritual needs.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
What about Hell?
One of the inevitable facts of life is death. Since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, the curse of death has been man's history. To date, only two individuals have escaped its clutches: Enoch and Elijah. "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27 KJV). That is the Sword of Damocles that hangs over mankind.
If there were only something we could do about death. Well there is. We cannot avoid it - unless the Rapture comes - but we can avoid its sting. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and later rose from the grave, He removed the power of death over us. Paul wrote: "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:55-57 NIV). So, when I accepted Christ as my Savior, the sting of death was removed.
But there is a second question: What happens after a person dies? For many Christians down through the centuries, the answer has always been - either heaven or hell. Heaven is the place for those who have accepted the eternal life that Jesus Christ came to give; hell is the place for those who have rejected that gift. There seems to be abundant biblical evidence for both locations. Even Jesus described hell as a place of torment - a place where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched (Mark 9:48 NIV).
Yet, there is a spirit afoot among evangelicals to deny the reality of hell; to call into question the very statements of Jesus about that place. A new book, to be released next week, by Rob Bell, the renown pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI, has taken the evangelical community by storm. In the book he describes as "misguided and toxic" the dogma that "a select few Christians will spend forever in a peaceful, joyous place called heaven, while the rest of humanity spends forever in torment and punishment in hell with no chance for anything better" (from Star Tribune article, March 6, 2011). Bell joins a growing list of evangelical scholars, including the late Clark Pinnock, to deny the existence of hell.
If there is no hell, does that mean that all will go to heaven? If all will go to heaven, does that mean that we don't need to evangelize any longer? If we don't have to evangelize what is the purpose of the Church? These are the questions that proceed from a dialogue about the reality of hell.
The Bible is very clear on the reality of hell and of those who will go there. Take a few moments and read Revelation 20:11-15, especially that final verse: "If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." That seems to be the exclamation point, at least in this blogger's mind.
The dangers of the teachings of a Rob Bell is that it leads to universalism - everyone will be saved. That is a dangerous position to take as your eternal life might hang in the balance.
If there were only something we could do about death. Well there is. We cannot avoid it - unless the Rapture comes - but we can avoid its sting. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and later rose from the grave, He removed the power of death over us. Paul wrote: "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:55-57 NIV). So, when I accepted Christ as my Savior, the sting of death was removed.
But there is a second question: What happens after a person dies? For many Christians down through the centuries, the answer has always been - either heaven or hell. Heaven is the place for those who have accepted the eternal life that Jesus Christ came to give; hell is the place for those who have rejected that gift. There seems to be abundant biblical evidence for both locations. Even Jesus described hell as a place of torment - a place where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched (Mark 9:48 NIV).
Yet, there is a spirit afoot among evangelicals to deny the reality of hell; to call into question the very statements of Jesus about that place. A new book, to be released next week, by Rob Bell, the renown pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI, has taken the evangelical community by storm. In the book he describes as "misguided and toxic" the dogma that "a select few Christians will spend forever in a peaceful, joyous place called heaven, while the rest of humanity spends forever in torment and punishment in hell with no chance for anything better" (from Star Tribune article, March 6, 2011). Bell joins a growing list of evangelical scholars, including the late Clark Pinnock, to deny the existence of hell.
If there is no hell, does that mean that all will go to heaven? If all will go to heaven, does that mean that we don't need to evangelize any longer? If we don't have to evangelize what is the purpose of the Church? These are the questions that proceed from a dialogue about the reality of hell.
The Bible is very clear on the reality of hell and of those who will go there. Take a few moments and read Revelation 20:11-15, especially that final verse: "If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." That seems to be the exclamation point, at least in this blogger's mind.
The dangers of the teachings of a Rob Bell is that it leads to universalism - everyone will be saved. That is a dangerous position to take as your eternal life might hang in the balance.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Don't Despair...God Delights Over You
The eyes of the world continue to focus upon what is happening in Libya. Forces loyal to Qaddafi battle for control of strategic locations against those forces demanding that he step down from power. The nation has become embroiled in a civil war. What should be the response on the part of nations around the globe? Economic sanctions are being empowered. There has even been talk of a military intervention. Personally, this last idea surprised me. Just as we are beginning a pull back from Iraq, are we so quickly to engage in another conflict in Libya?
Qaddafi appears to have lost credibility with many in Libya. Because of this conflict we are learning of his involvement in the Pan Am flight disaster over Lockerbie, Scotland, years ago. He was a madman then, he remains a madman. And yet many are willing to die for him.
As I listened to portions of his speeches last week and watched the responses of those who applauded him, I began to understand once again the power of delusional thinking. Qaddafi has believed the lie that he can do no wrong; that everyone in Libya loves him, in fact, they would gladly die for him. And some would. I believe that the Antichrist will hold a similar sway over his followers. They will have believed the lie that he foisted upon them. They will have committed themselves to him even to the point of death. It is only the truth that we have through Jesus Christ and His Word that can truly liberate a person from bondage. This is the great need that Libya truly has.
A second place the world has focused attention upon in recent weeks is in neighboring Madison, Wisconsin. Could this be the beginning of another American Revolution? Whether you agree with the plan Governor Walker has put in place, you have to applaud the fact that he is taking leadership for that plan. He believes in that plan. He is willing to put his political career on the line for that plan. I believe that if he succeeds, a spark will have been lit that will blaze brightly in other statehouses around our nation and, perhaps, even reach Washington itself. We are bankrupt financially and morally. There are no longer any "rainy day" funds available. Yes, probably taxes will have to be increased, but first there needs to be a measured response in the form of significant spending cuts. Yet, I believe the Bible correctly describes that a coming economic disaster is about to overtake the entire world. You can read about it in Revelation 6. Inflation will once again be in a run-away mode. Prices will be soaring. The chasm between the financially well-off and those who are not will be widened greatly. So, what happens eventually in Madison will only have a limited impact. Ugly financial days are forthcoming.
All is not lost. There is still much for which to celebrate. God is still in control. I want to close with a great verse that really shares so powerfully God's commitment to us, His children. It is found in Zephaniah 3:17. And it states: "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Pretty amazing, don't you think? When things get bad this week and you tend toward despair, just recite Zephaniah 3:17 to yourself and celebrate the fact that God delights in you and enjoy being quieted with His love.
Qaddafi appears to have lost credibility with many in Libya. Because of this conflict we are learning of his involvement in the Pan Am flight disaster over Lockerbie, Scotland, years ago. He was a madman then, he remains a madman. And yet many are willing to die for him.
As I listened to portions of his speeches last week and watched the responses of those who applauded him, I began to understand once again the power of delusional thinking. Qaddafi has believed the lie that he can do no wrong; that everyone in Libya loves him, in fact, they would gladly die for him. And some would. I believe that the Antichrist will hold a similar sway over his followers. They will have believed the lie that he foisted upon them. They will have committed themselves to him even to the point of death. It is only the truth that we have through Jesus Christ and His Word that can truly liberate a person from bondage. This is the great need that Libya truly has.
A second place the world has focused attention upon in recent weeks is in neighboring Madison, Wisconsin. Could this be the beginning of another American Revolution? Whether you agree with the plan Governor Walker has put in place, you have to applaud the fact that he is taking leadership for that plan. He believes in that plan. He is willing to put his political career on the line for that plan. I believe that if he succeeds, a spark will have been lit that will blaze brightly in other statehouses around our nation and, perhaps, even reach Washington itself. We are bankrupt financially and morally. There are no longer any "rainy day" funds available. Yes, probably taxes will have to be increased, but first there needs to be a measured response in the form of significant spending cuts. Yet, I believe the Bible correctly describes that a coming economic disaster is about to overtake the entire world. You can read about it in Revelation 6. Inflation will once again be in a run-away mode. Prices will be soaring. The chasm between the financially well-off and those who are not will be widened greatly. So, what happens eventually in Madison will only have a limited impact. Ugly financial days are forthcoming.
All is not lost. There is still much for which to celebrate. God is still in control. I want to close with a great verse that really shares so powerfully God's commitment to us, His children. It is found in Zephaniah 3:17. And it states: "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Pretty amazing, don't you think? When things get bad this week and you tend toward despair, just recite Zephaniah 3:17 to yourself and celebrate the fact that God delights in you and enjoy being quieted with His love.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
"These are the days of Elijah"
I am often accused of getting carried away with my attempt to relate the events transpiring in the world today with what the Bible says. Many times I have had people say, "Well, Max, things have been bad before. So, what makes you think that we are near the end now?" And then I begin to reiterate how, never before in the history of mankind, have so many of the events prophesied by both the prophets and Jesus Himself been realized at the same time. Let's just look at a few:
Lawlessness: America's prisons today are over-crowded, to the point that the State of Minnesota is seeking to release back into the public violent sexual offenders who have served their prison sentences, and yet who have not demonstrated any change in behavior. Reason why: simply no room for them any longer. Over this past week, a gang of about 50 young people entered a convenience store and robbed the store of merchandise. These "mob robberies" are becoming more frequent.
Religion without power: Success in today's church is measured by attendance and programs. We have compromised biblical truth in order to entertain the lost and carnal. Our goal is to make people feel better about themselves. Forgotten is any discussion on God's holiness or His justice and, although we talk much about His love, we really have failed to grasp what His love is all about.
Earthquakes in various places: Just this week a devastating quake struck Christchurch, New Zealand, bringing death and destruction. Two weeks ago, another quake in Chili. Since October, over 700 quakes in the state of Arkansas alone. And the intensity of the quake activity in and around Yellowstone National Park is growing.
Famines: Escalating food prices is what prompted the uprising in Tunisia last month. And, in case you hadn't noticed, food prices in America are rising higher than the inflation rate. Why? because of adverse weather conditions around the globe that have caused crop failures: no wheat in Australia this year (floods); no wheat in Pakistan this year (floods); no soybeans or corn in Brazil this year (floods); no wheat in Russia this year (drought).
Wars and rumors of war: The reality of war has almost become commonplace today. China is expanding its military, and I am not sure it is only for national defense. Iran keeps working toward a nuclear capability, and it is not solely to produce electricity, as the presence of its warships this week traveling through the Suez Canal can testify. The Arab world is sitting on a powder keg ready to explode.
Should we make anything of these signs? Let me share with you that the Shiites do. Iranian President Ahmadinejad stated that the Twelfth Imam is now managing the revolution going on in Egypt and in other Arab nations. He said, "We will soon see a new Middle East materialising without America and the Zionist regime and there will be no room for world arrogance (the West) in it." He continued, "The final move has begun. We are in the middle of a world revolution managed by this dear (12th Imam). A great awakening is unfolding. One can witness the hand of Imam in managing it." [from Joel Rosenberg's blog]. So, the Shiites are saying that the events of today are pointing to the imminent coming of their messianic deliverer, the Twelfth Imam.
Then, today, Joel Rosenberg shared that Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky stated, "People have come to me and said that it's 'Gog and Magog.' We cannot know. But it's probable that any unrest that God creates shows that the Messiah is coming, and that we must begin to prepare for it and become stronger." So, many among the ultra-Orthodox in Judaism are saying that the events of today are pointing to the imminent coming of their Messiah.
These are not days to have our eyes blinded, nor to be apathetic about what is happening. There is purpose behind these events. The Rabbi is right: we must begin to prepare for His coming and become stronger. It is only the scoffers who fail to see any connection between what is happening and the promises of His return. These are days of preparation. What are you doing to get ready?
Lawlessness: America's prisons today are over-crowded, to the point that the State of Minnesota is seeking to release back into the public violent sexual offenders who have served their prison sentences, and yet who have not demonstrated any change in behavior. Reason why: simply no room for them any longer. Over this past week, a gang of about 50 young people entered a convenience store and robbed the store of merchandise. These "mob robberies" are becoming more frequent.
Religion without power: Success in today's church is measured by attendance and programs. We have compromised biblical truth in order to entertain the lost and carnal. Our goal is to make people feel better about themselves. Forgotten is any discussion on God's holiness or His justice and, although we talk much about His love, we really have failed to grasp what His love is all about.
Earthquakes in various places: Just this week a devastating quake struck Christchurch, New Zealand, bringing death and destruction. Two weeks ago, another quake in Chili. Since October, over 700 quakes in the state of Arkansas alone. And the intensity of the quake activity in and around Yellowstone National Park is growing.
Famines: Escalating food prices is what prompted the uprising in Tunisia last month. And, in case you hadn't noticed, food prices in America are rising higher than the inflation rate. Why? because of adverse weather conditions around the globe that have caused crop failures: no wheat in Australia this year (floods); no wheat in Pakistan this year (floods); no soybeans or corn in Brazil this year (floods); no wheat in Russia this year (drought).
Wars and rumors of war: The reality of war has almost become commonplace today. China is expanding its military, and I am not sure it is only for national defense. Iran keeps working toward a nuclear capability, and it is not solely to produce electricity, as the presence of its warships this week traveling through the Suez Canal can testify. The Arab world is sitting on a powder keg ready to explode.
Should we make anything of these signs? Let me share with you that the Shiites do. Iranian President Ahmadinejad stated that the Twelfth Imam is now managing the revolution going on in Egypt and in other Arab nations. He said, "We will soon see a new Middle East materialising without America and the Zionist regime and there will be no room for world arrogance (the West) in it." He continued, "The final move has begun. We are in the middle of a world revolution managed by this dear (12th Imam). A great awakening is unfolding. One can witness the hand of Imam in managing it." [from Joel Rosenberg's blog]. So, the Shiites are saying that the events of today are pointing to the imminent coming of their messianic deliverer, the Twelfth Imam.
Then, today, Joel Rosenberg shared that Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky stated, "People have come to me and said that it's 'Gog and Magog.' We cannot know. But it's probable that any unrest that God creates shows that the Messiah is coming, and that we must begin to prepare for it and become stronger." So, many among the ultra-Orthodox in Judaism are saying that the events of today are pointing to the imminent coming of their Messiah.
These are not days to have our eyes blinded, nor to be apathetic about what is happening. There is purpose behind these events. The Rabbi is right: we must begin to prepare for His coming and become stronger. It is only the scoffers who fail to see any connection between what is happening and the promises of His return. These are days of preparation. What are you doing to get ready?
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Dominoes Are Falling!
The dominoes in the Middle East are beginning to tumble - one after the other. What began a few weeks ago in Tunisia over escalating food prices and unemployment has led to the toppling of two long-termed regimes inTunisia and most recently in Egypt. Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak clung to the reigns of power until his strength waned under the continued pressures of the people's revolt. With the Egyptian military now in control, the Egyptian people have traded a few freedoms for no freedoms in the hopes that they might have many freedoms. Will this gamble work? The answer will be known in September, if not before.
Now uprisings are threatening the autocratic governments in Yemen, Bahrain, and Libya. The situation in Yemen is of utmost concern. President Ali Abdullah Saleh, holding the reigns of power for 32 years, and is known for friendly dispositions toward the United States and the West, teeters on the brink of collapse. The nation of Yemen is already embroiled in two civil wars and has become a stronghold for Al Qaeda. If the government collapses, most analysts believe that a radical Islamic faction will take control, thus imposing a serious threat to the West and to Israel.
Yesterday, riots began in Libya, the playground of Moammar Gadhafi since 1969. Will the people be successful there as they were in Egypt? Gadhafi has been one of the strongest dictators in the region. Since being in power, he has built strong ties with the Russians. You are asking me, why is Libya important? It is the biblical nation of Put, mentioned in Ezekiel 38 - part of the coalition with Russia and the invasion of Israel.
Bahrain, one of the wealthiest Arab Gulf States, has been ruled by one family since 1820 - the Al Khalifa royal family. Other nations embroiled in uprisings by their citizens include Algeria, Jordan, and Lebanon. Reported this morning by IsraelNationalNews.com, former Lebanese Prime Minisgter Saad Hariri is planning a mass rally in Beirut on March 14. His goal is to have one million demonstrators rallying against Hezbollah.
Even the Palestinian Authority has not been immune to the protests. This past week, Prime Minister Salam Fayyad submitted his resignation to President Abbas. The entire Cabinet in Ramallah resigned. A new government has been formed with Fayyad still acting as Prime Minister. President Abbas has called for new elections, no later than September,but already Hamas has said they would not participate in those elections.
One almost needs a map in front of him to keep up with the current activities in the Middle East. So, what are we to make of these events? Will the democracy that is looming large over the Middle East be realized? Lingering among the shadows is the ever-present Muslim Brotherhood and other radical Islamic sects. These people have a history of being opportunistic and they know when to demonstrate their presence. In the meanwhile, we are seeing God's hand at work. Israel must be in a position of safety before Russia, Iran, Libya, and others invade, seeking the mineral and petroleum reserves there in Israel. Israel is hardly in such a position today. Another war with her neighbors is inevitable. Perhaps God is using these events to align those nations for His purpose - their grand defeat.
Now uprisings are threatening the autocratic governments in Yemen, Bahrain, and Libya. The situation in Yemen is of utmost concern. President Ali Abdullah Saleh, holding the reigns of power for 32 years, and is known for friendly dispositions toward the United States and the West, teeters on the brink of collapse. The nation of Yemen is already embroiled in two civil wars and has become a stronghold for Al Qaeda. If the government collapses, most analysts believe that a radical Islamic faction will take control, thus imposing a serious threat to the West and to Israel.
Yesterday, riots began in Libya, the playground of Moammar Gadhafi since 1969. Will the people be successful there as they were in Egypt? Gadhafi has been one of the strongest dictators in the region. Since being in power, he has built strong ties with the Russians. You are asking me, why is Libya important? It is the biblical nation of Put, mentioned in Ezekiel 38 - part of the coalition with Russia and the invasion of Israel.
Bahrain, one of the wealthiest Arab Gulf States, has been ruled by one family since 1820 - the Al Khalifa royal family. Other nations embroiled in uprisings by their citizens include Algeria, Jordan, and Lebanon. Reported this morning by IsraelNationalNews.com, former Lebanese Prime Minisgter Saad Hariri is planning a mass rally in Beirut on March 14. His goal is to have one million demonstrators rallying against Hezbollah.
Even the Palestinian Authority has not been immune to the protests. This past week, Prime Minister Salam Fayyad submitted his resignation to President Abbas. The entire Cabinet in Ramallah resigned. A new government has been formed with Fayyad still acting as Prime Minister. President Abbas has called for new elections, no later than September,but already Hamas has said they would not participate in those elections.
One almost needs a map in front of him to keep up with the current activities in the Middle East. So, what are we to make of these events? Will the democracy that is looming large over the Middle East be realized? Lingering among the shadows is the ever-present Muslim Brotherhood and other radical Islamic sects. These people have a history of being opportunistic and they know when to demonstrate their presence. In the meanwhile, we are seeing God's hand at work. Israel must be in a position of safety before Russia, Iran, Libya, and others invade, seeking the mineral and petroleum reserves there in Israel. Israel is hardly in such a position today. Another war with her neighbors is inevitable. Perhaps God is using these events to align those nations for His purpose - their grand defeat.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The Continuing Unrest in the Middle East - Where Is It Heading?
Unrest continues almost unabated around the world. Many of the countries in the Middle East are watching with great interest the drama being played out in Egypt. Will President Mubarak go into exile, being driven out by the persistent voices of the people? Will Vice President Suleiman be able to create an interim government that will fill the void until the September elections? What role will the Muslim Brotherhood have in a new government? What form will democracy take in a new Egypt?
The Western news media has been so focused on Egypt that it has paid little attention to what has been happening in Tunisia. Late last month, the people rose up in protest because of high food prices, resulting in the exiled flight of their long termed president Ben Ali. Now, new violence has filled the streets of Tunis. There has been looting and even the burning of a small Jewish synagogue. The interim President Mebazaa is ruling by decree without any influence from the Parliament. Corruption, so prevalent in the Ben Ali days, is still rampant. Fears are mounting that this new wave of violence will lead, not to democracy, but to the rise of another radicalized Islamic state.
Could something similar happen in Egypt? Absolutely. How does a country make sudden changes? It is almost an impossibility. Time is needed, and in the case of both Tunisia and Egypt, time is not an ally but an opponent.
In near-by Jordan, protests are increasing, even though King Abdullah has appointed a new Prime Minister and a new Parliament. Will he call for new elections soon? Of interest to the protesters, is that of Jordan's Queen who has been accused of corruption. I have stated before in these blogs, that it is my belief that if Egypt falls, so will Jordan. Historically Jordan has played on the hems of Egypt's robes...not always to the best intentions of the Jordanians, I might add.
About the only country that is weathering this storm of protests is Syria. Last Saturday was to be a "Day of Rage" in Damascus, only no one showed up. The streets were vacant. The reporters were there, but no protesters. It seems, at least for the time being, President Assad is secure. However, the more I study Middle Eastern history, the more I am aware that nothing is as it appears. Perhaps it is because the Middle East is built upon sand...and the sands are ever shifting.
As believers in Jesus Christ and expecting His soon return, the events happening in the Middle East should excite us tremendously. I believe that God is preparing the way for the entrance of the King. There are still events that will need to be played out before He comes. God is causing nations to begin to align themselves for Psalm 83 War and beyond. Soon the trumpet will blow...don't get caught with plugged ears.
The Western news media has been so focused on Egypt that it has paid little attention to what has been happening in Tunisia. Late last month, the people rose up in protest because of high food prices, resulting in the exiled flight of their long termed president Ben Ali. Now, new violence has filled the streets of Tunis. There has been looting and even the burning of a small Jewish synagogue. The interim President Mebazaa is ruling by decree without any influence from the Parliament. Corruption, so prevalent in the Ben Ali days, is still rampant. Fears are mounting that this new wave of violence will lead, not to democracy, but to the rise of another radicalized Islamic state.
Could something similar happen in Egypt? Absolutely. How does a country make sudden changes? It is almost an impossibility. Time is needed, and in the case of both Tunisia and Egypt, time is not an ally but an opponent.
In near-by Jordan, protests are increasing, even though King Abdullah has appointed a new Prime Minister and a new Parliament. Will he call for new elections soon? Of interest to the protesters, is that of Jordan's Queen who has been accused of corruption. I have stated before in these blogs, that it is my belief that if Egypt falls, so will Jordan. Historically Jordan has played on the hems of Egypt's robes...not always to the best intentions of the Jordanians, I might add.
About the only country that is weathering this storm of protests is Syria. Last Saturday was to be a "Day of Rage" in Damascus, only no one showed up. The streets were vacant. The reporters were there, but no protesters. It seems, at least for the time being, President Assad is secure. However, the more I study Middle Eastern history, the more I am aware that nothing is as it appears. Perhaps it is because the Middle East is built upon sand...and the sands are ever shifting.
As believers in Jesus Christ and expecting His soon return, the events happening in the Middle East should excite us tremendously. I believe that God is preparing the way for the entrance of the King. There are still events that will need to be played out before He comes. God is causing nations to begin to align themselves for Psalm 83 War and beyond. Soon the trumpet will blow...don't get caught with plugged ears.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
