I received a question asking , in effect, "Should the USA support Israel for the reason that God would want that?" And the questioner wants a Bible answer, not the opinion of the writer. I have wondered this same question so many times. But I believe that the Bible does give us a clear answer to this, albeit perhaps not a short answer.
If one looks at the whole history of the nation of Israel as recorded in the Bible, it is seen that the nation begins as God's chosen people. Under the leadership of Joshua, God leads the people into the land (Israel) and helps them conquer and remove the inhabitants. And if, Big IF, they follow the Lord's commandments, they will have the land forever. But as we follow the history of these people, Israelites, Jews, Hebrews, all the same, we see that God has the Northern 10 tribes carried off into Assyrian captivity, never to return. That only leaves the 2 Southern tribes, under the name Judah, in a small area of land around Jerusalem. God tells them that if, IF, they will follow His commandments, they can remain under the protection of the Almighty God. Old Testament history shows that they don't do this, and God has them carried off into captivity to Babylon, with most never to return. All during this time, God has promised them that there would be another kingdom to arise, a greater kingdom (note Daniel 2:44), a kingdom that would never end--He is talking about when Jesus comes as the great king. It is here that I believe that people today, Christians today, have gotten confused. Many believe that Jesus is coming back to the earth to reign for 1000 years, based on a misunderstanding of Revelation 20. And this reign is thought to begin in Jerusalem. This simply isn't what the NT is teaching. But it is easy to see that if God really did plan to form an earthly kingdom headquartered in Jerusalem, we might want to help protect that nation until that day. Jesus said "My kingdom is not of this world;" it never has been and never will be. It is a spiritual kingdom with Jesus reigning from heaven.
In summary, God abandoned the nation of Israel because they first abandoned Him. He gave them every opportunity. Remember that Jesus fiercely criticized the Jewish leaders of His day...as well as their forefathers. He then predicted the fall of Jerusalem; note Matthew 23:37 through Matt. 24. Jerusalem was completely destroyed in AD 70, all because Israel left their God.
But God never leaves His people without hope. Galatians 3:19-29 shows that the Law of the Israelites has now been replaced with the Law of Faith in Jesus and that everyone can have that. Verse 28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." And Colossians 2:11-14 shows that the Jewish Law has been "nailed to the cross."
Thus, the nation of Israel no longer has any significance to God in a spiritual sense; it has political significance but not spiritual. And that is the fault of the Jewish nation, the Jewish people who would not follow God. So if the US supports Israel for any reason other than political, it is based on misunderstanding. Much more can be said about this, much more of the Bible brought in, but this may suffice for now. Thanks for asking, thanks for reading. This is Great!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
The Message From 1 John
When John, apparently the apostle, did his writing, he was an older man and thought to be in Ephesus. He wrote the gospel of John, 1, 2, and 3rd John and Revelation. I will present here a few thoughts from 1 John, a book that is so helpful to us as Christians. There is no way to cover everything here, but a few thoughts might help us all.
The book begins with the reminder that John and his companions were eyewitnesses of Jesus and all that He did. We can't be witnesses in that sense, so it helps us to hear from an actual eyewitness.
He talks a lot about light and life and truth, all characteristics of Jesus, and about the importance of confessing our sins and keeping His commandments. 1 John 2:16 says, "For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever."
Major emphasis is given to love; love for God...and love for the brethren. 3:16 says, "By this we know love; because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth."
Finally, John concludes with this: "Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen." He isn't speaking to literal children but to his children in the faith; he taught them and helped them mature. God has always hated idols, worshiping anything that is other than God Himself. There certainly is a lot of that today. We need to be sure to keep our focus on what matters, remembering that this life is short and eternity is forever.
Thanks for reading. May God bless you this week!
The book begins with the reminder that John and his companions were eyewitnesses of Jesus and all that He did. We can't be witnesses in that sense, so it helps us to hear from an actual eyewitness.
He talks a lot about light and life and truth, all characteristics of Jesus, and about the importance of confessing our sins and keeping His commandments. 1 John 2:16 says, "For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever."
Major emphasis is given to love; love for God...and love for the brethren. 3:16 says, "By this we know love; because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth."
Finally, John concludes with this: "Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen." He isn't speaking to literal children but to his children in the faith; he taught them and helped them mature. God has always hated idols, worshiping anything that is other than God Himself. There certainly is a lot of that today. We need to be sure to keep our focus on what matters, remembering that this life is short and eternity is forever.
Thanks for reading. May God bless you this week!
Monday, November 14, 2011
King David
Except for Jesus Christ himself, David was the greatest king to ever live. He was the most powerful, is the most famous, and had the backing of his God. He failed in some things, particularly in the matter involving Bathsheba, taking the wife of another man and having him killed. But he is described in the Bible as a man "after God's own heart." In this sense, he gives us hope; confidence that a person doesn't have to be perfect to become special to God. But there is more that we can learn from David.
In Mark 12, Jesus was discussing matters with some of the Jewish leaders, some who were trying to "catch Him in His words." He was not to be trapped; and He asked them this question in 12:35: "How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? For David himself said by the Holy Spirit: 'The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.' Therefore David himself calls Him 'Lord': How is He then his Son?" Keep in mind here that Jesus is speaking to these Jewish leaders who regard David as the greatest king of all time. But He points out to them that David called the future Messiah "Lord," showing that David was projecting to a time when there would be a greater king.
Later, after Jesus has been crucified, raised and ascended into heaven, Peter in making his speech in Acts 2 uses this same reference to King David. If the reader here is not familiar with Acts 2, study it carefully because it is the pivotal chapter in all of the Bible. This is where the church begins, where we first have Christians, where they come together for a common purpose. But in making the point, Peter references King David (Acts 2:34), showing that Jesus is the greater king than David and that even David had said that the future king (Jesus) would be deserving of being called Lord. In Acts 2, Peter concludes his speech with this powerful statement to the Jews: " 'Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.' Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Men and brethren, what shall we do?' Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.' " The actions and developments continue from there; and it is an exciting time.
David was the greatest; but in no way comes close to the greatness of Jesus Christ!
Thanks for reading. Have a great week!
In Mark 12, Jesus was discussing matters with some of the Jewish leaders, some who were trying to "catch Him in His words." He was not to be trapped; and He asked them this question in 12:35: "How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? For David himself said by the Holy Spirit: 'The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.' Therefore David himself calls Him 'Lord': How is He then his Son?" Keep in mind here that Jesus is speaking to these Jewish leaders who regard David as the greatest king of all time. But He points out to them that David called the future Messiah "Lord," showing that David was projecting to a time when there would be a greater king.
Later, after Jesus has been crucified, raised and ascended into heaven, Peter in making his speech in Acts 2 uses this same reference to King David. If the reader here is not familiar with Acts 2, study it carefully because it is the pivotal chapter in all of the Bible. This is where the church begins, where we first have Christians, where they come together for a common purpose. But in making the point, Peter references King David (Acts 2:34), showing that Jesus is the greater king than David and that even David had said that the future king (Jesus) would be deserving of being called Lord. In Acts 2, Peter concludes his speech with this powerful statement to the Jews: " 'Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.' Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Men and brethren, what shall we do?' Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.' " The actions and developments continue from there; and it is an exciting time.
David was the greatest; but in no way comes close to the greatness of Jesus Christ!
Thanks for reading. Have a great week!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Patience
Patience is a virtue that is taught a great deal in the Bible. For this particular discussion I will focus on the teaching of James 5.
In the early part of James 5, the writer is condemning the rich who have lorded it over others who are not able to resist. Then in verse seven he says, "Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. " We need more patience, as is taught here.
There are 3 examples of patience given in this chapter: first, there is the farmer in verse 7. He waits for the produce of the soil and for the rains to come. He understands that he cannot force things to happen or rush them. Secondly, "As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord." Many of the prophets stood up to the people for the Lord, and suffered mightily for it. Finally in verse 11, "Behold, we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful."
The lesson of patience is also a lesson of trust, trust in God. By this, we mean that we must believe that God is willing and able to take care of us...and have the patience to wait for His direction. Jeremiah 10:23 tells us: "I know, O Lord, that a man's way is not in himself; nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps." The lesson here is not that we should stop and expect the Lord to do everything for us; but rather, we should move forward, but ask God to direct our footsteps....and trust that He will.
Thanks for reading. Keep the faith!
In the early part of James 5, the writer is condemning the rich who have lorded it over others who are not able to resist. Then in verse seven he says, "Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. " We need more patience, as is taught here.
There are 3 examples of patience given in this chapter: first, there is the farmer in verse 7. He waits for the produce of the soil and for the rains to come. He understands that he cannot force things to happen or rush them. Secondly, "As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord." Many of the prophets stood up to the people for the Lord, and suffered mightily for it. Finally in verse 11, "Behold, we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful."
The lesson of patience is also a lesson of trust, trust in God. By this, we mean that we must believe that God is willing and able to take care of us...and have the patience to wait for His direction. Jeremiah 10:23 tells us: "I know, O Lord, that a man's way is not in himself; nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps." The lesson here is not that we should stop and expect the Lord to do everything for us; but rather, we should move forward, but ask God to direct our footsteps....and trust that He will.
Thanks for reading. Keep the faith!
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