To View or not to View Bin Laden's Dead Body

Our president stated that it wasn’t necessary and in fact wouldn’t be appropriate to ‘spike the ball’ by displaying Bin Laden’s body or even pictures of his body. Examples of displaying the bodies of fallen enemies, however, are found in the Bible. Such actions are found in both Old Testament history as well as New Testament prophecy.

During the reign of King Saul of Israel, there was ongoing animosity between the Israelites and Philistines. Recall the story of the lad David and the giant of the Philistines named Goliath. The setting was when the Philistines invaded Judah.

“Now the Philistines gathered their armies together to battle, and were gathered at Sochoh, which belongs to Judah…And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together…and drew up in battle array against the Philistines.” I Samuel 17:1-2

Enter Goliath.

“And a champion went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath…whose height was six cubits and a span…Now the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his iron spearhead weighed six hundred shekels…and the Philistine said, ‘I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.’ When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.” I Samuel 17:4-11

But the youthful Israelite named David responded to Goliath’s challenge.

“This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, I will strike you and take your head from you…” I Samuel 17:46

And so it was, with a sling and a single stone, young David slew the giant Goliath.

“So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him…” I Samuel 17:50

At this point it is noteworthy as to what David or King Saul didn’t do with Goliath’s body. Recall during this time in history the Philistines worshipped a heathen god named Dagon. The Israelites did not prepare Goliath’s body for a proper burial to honor his religion. Instead young David ‘spiked the ball.’

“Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine (put his foot on Goliath’s neck), took his (Goliath’s) sword and drew it out of its sheath…and cut off his head with it. And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.” I Samuel 17:51

But it didn’t end there.

“And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem… Then, as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.” I Samuel 17:54, 57

So much for political correctness. What was the reaction of the other Israelites upon learning of David’s victory?

“Now it had happened as they were coming home, when David was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women had come out of all the cities in Israel, singing and dancing…” I Samuel 18:6

These events all occurred within the sovereign oversight of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Near the end of the Bible there is another significant event illustrating the viewing the bodies of enemies and the widespread celebration of their demise. Not only does God permit this event, He orchestrates it to reveal His majesty to all nations.

At the midpoint of the seven year tribulation period, when Antichrist reveals his true nature, God will give power to two witnesses during the final three and a half years prior to the return of Christ. Because of the power given them and the inability of the enemy to destroy them during this time they are hated by the world.

“And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days… And if anyone wants to harm them he must be killed…When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them and kill them.” Revelation 11:3-7

So then, are these two witnesses given a Christian or Jewish funeral? Are there bodies respected and honored?

“And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city (Jerusalem) …and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another…” Revelation 11:8-10

But that is not the end of the story.

“Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, ‘Come up here.’ And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them.” Revelation 11:11-12

Once again, current issues are illustrated in the Bible and Solomon’s words ring true.

“That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9

Obama, Bin Laden, and Old King Saul

President Obama and Osama Bin Laden have made front page news in recent days. The current events relate to the killing of Bin Laden. Similar events are recorded in the Bible. In comparing current events with Old Testament records Obama will be likened to King Saul and Bin Laden will be likened to the king of the Amalekites, specifically King Agag. The backdrop is the way in which nations and kings treat God’s chosen people, i.e. national Israel and the resulting consequences.

The referenced Biblical events began shortly after the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt.

“Then all the congregation of the children of Israel set out on their journey…and camped in Rephidim…Now Amelek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim…Then the LORD said to Moses… ‘I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.’” Exodus 17:1, 8, 14

Approximately a generation after the above declaration, God reiterated to the Israelites His intentions relative to the Amalekites.

“Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you were coming out of Egypt, how he met you on the way and attacked your rear ranks, all the stragglers at your rear, when you were tired and weary; and he did not fear God. Therefore it shall be…that you will blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. You shall not forget.” Deuteronomy 25:17-19

Approximately 400 years later, after the rule of the Judges, it was time to fulfill God’s declaration to rid the world of the Amalekites for their infliction of pain on God’s chosen nation. God spoke to Saul through His early prophet, i.e. Samuel.

“Samuel also said to Saul, ‘The LORD sent me to anoint you king over His people, over Israel…Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he ambushed him on the way when he came up from Egypt. Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them…’” I Samuel 15:1-3

Well Saul began to do as he was told, but then he altered his instructions. He compromised thinking he had a better plan.

“And Saul attacked the Amalekites…But Saul and the people spared Agag (king of the Amalekites) and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were unwilling to utterly destroy them…” I Samuel 15:7-9

Saul’s partial obedience brought immediate response.

“Now the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying, ‘I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.’” I Samuel 15:10-11

When confronted with his error in judgment, Saul replied to Samuel.

“I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your (Samuel’s) words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.” I Samuel 15:24

King Saul admitted to Samuel that he was more concerned with being a people pleaser than to follow God’s instructions. That decision cost him his kingship as declared by Samuel.

“…you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel.” I Samuel 15:26

At this time, Agag, king of the Amalekites, although in King Saul’s custody, was confident his life would be spared.

“Then Samuel said, ‘Bring Agag king of the Amalekites here to me.’ So Agag came to him cautiously. And Agag said, ‘Surely the bitterness of death is past.’” I Samuel 15:32

Agag, however, totally underestimated God’s resolve in dealing with those who harm Israel. The prophet Samuel then did what Saul didn’t.

“But Samuel said, ‘As your sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women.’ And Samuel hacked Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.” I Samuel 15:33

Saul’s successor, i.e. king David was left to deal with the Amalekites during his reign.

Therefore, Agag was killed openly and violently because of the Amalekites’ hatred and persecution of the Jews. Bin Laden’s death was similar to Agag’s in several ways. Their executions were also in accord with previous scripture relative to capital punishment.

“Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.” Genesis 9:6

Capital punishment was instituted immediately after the Genesis flood and never subsequently abolished.

Another significant lesson is that King Saul was deposed because he ruled according to public opinion and not according to God’s instructions. It doesn’t take much imagination to see the similarities between Saul’s leadership style and that which is employed in today’s political climate.

And lastly, National Israel is still the ‘Apple of God’s Eye’ and anyone who messes with them will bring on themselves the wrath of God. And although it may appear the current turmoil in the Middle East does not involve Israel, the truth is that it is all about Israel. Ishmael and Isaac are still at it.

Redeeming the Time

During our walk on planet earth ‘time’ is a finite dimension. While in academia I was deeply involved in Industrial Economics and the Theory of Constraints. The primary constraint as well as the primary opportunity in industry is nearly always the dimension of time. Time can be either a period of time or a specific point on the unending time span. The Bible introduces this dimension in the first chapter of the Bible.

“…Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years…” Genesis 1:14

Time is both determined and consumed by the earth’s annual journey around the sun. The final chapter of the Bible further tells us that in the age of ages there will no longer be need of the sun either for light or time measurement.

“There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light…” Revelation 22:4

The Bible teaches the concept of using the time opportunity wisely because the day is approaching when ‘time will be no more.’

“The angel whom I saw standing on the sea…raised up his hand to heaven and swore…that there should be delay (time) no longer…the mystery of God would be finished…” Revelation 10:5-7

The concept of using time wisely is found throughout the Bible. Perhaps the best known reference is found in Paul’s writings.

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17

The term ‘redeem’ is from the Greek exagorazo and in reference to time means to use all the time available prudently to fulfill the will of God knowing the day is approaching when such opportunity will end. Paul also stresses that the will of God may not coincide with the ways of the world.

“…And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2

While our president has stated that we are no longer a Christian nation, the majority of Americans still believe we are. The question then arises, do we take Christianity seriously? Inasmuch as the Bible outlines succinctly what the future holds, do we conduct ourselves in such a way as to align our present efforts with future known history? We say we believe in both the humanity and deity of Jesus but do we really take Him and His teachings seriously? Do we involve Him and His doctrine in the conduct of this nation’s business or do we relegate Him as an ancillary influence on our personal lives? Do we really believe the following?

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth…teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you…’” Matthew 28:18-20

“For the Father…has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.” John 5:22-23

“He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.” Matthew 12:30

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15

The day is approaching when Jesus will enforce His authority. He will not rule according to opinion polls, nor avoid offending anyone.

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war…Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” Revelation 19:11-15

Knowing the above is the true word of God and its fulfillment is sure, are we really redeeming the time?

“Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near…Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him…for He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7

It is truly a mystery why we as a nation do not align our efforts and priorities according to that which has already been determined and written. Have we become an apostate nation? Recall such ‘falling away’ is a prerequisite for the ‘Great Day of the Lord’. The time is growing nigh and the future of our existing national efforts and priorities is clearly outlined in chapter 18 in the final book of the Bible.

Our secretary of the treasury Timothy Geithner commented recently relative to extending the national debt limit, “Congress can’t buy time.” That is an excellent example of an unintended prophetic utterance.

Comments welcome at http://BibleandCurrentEvents.blogspot.com

Apostasy...What and When?

Although the word ‘apostasy’ is not found in the Bible, its concept is Biblical. The terminology found in the Bible for the concept is ‘falling away.’ The meaning is renunciation, departure, or abandonment of a religion or a previous loyalty. It is the opposite of taking a stand.

In the present context the Bible states that during the latter days of the church period there will be a great falling away. Informal research has intimated that a large percent of those who consider themselves ‘Christian’ are really not. Many, including the Evangelist Billy Graham have estimated the percent of self-proclaimed Christians who are really pretenders to exceed half. The self-proclaimed Christians are subject to apostasy. A true Christian as defined in the Bible cannot lose the promise of eternal life with their Creator.

Jesus Himself revealed that truth which was reaffirmed later by John.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My Hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” John 6:37

Apostasy can and will be traced to many reasons including being deceived by false doctrines or seduced by false teachers.

“Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.” Matthew 24:11

“Now the Spirit expressly (explicitly) says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines…”
I Timothy 4:1

“Now brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first…” II Thessalonians 2:1-3

Each and every Christian was called by name from the foundation of the world via the sovereign act of God termed election in the Bible.

“…knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.” I Thessalonians 1:4

“…just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself…” Ephesians 1:3-5

Those claiming Christianity but not elected by God are candidates for deception and will ultimately abandon their religion. They will subsequently be revealed for who they really are. Based on the Bible, a true Christian could not abandon Christianity for a different religion.

“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.” I John 2:19

Recall, however, man’s free will is in perfect harmony with election. All who leave the true church and spend eternity apart from God will have chosen to reject God’s remedy for redemption. Apostates are those who claim to be religious but on their own terms.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12

During these latter days men will embrace false doctrines and place more significance on political correctness than truth. We recently examined both the olive branch the Muslim community offered to the ‘church’ and the ‘Christian’ response to such reconciliation called ‘Chrislam.’

According to the Bible, Christians will recognize the dangers of such an arrangement and reject it. Following are several suspect statements from the ‘Christian’ response to the Islamic olive branch.

“It is therefore no exaggeration to say, as you have in ‘A Common Word Between Us and you’, that ‘the future of the world depends on peace between Muslims and Christians.’”

“If we fail to make every effort to make peace and come together in harmony you correctly remind us that ‘our eternal souls’ are at stake as well.”

Jesus said that in the latter days, deception will be so prevalent and seemingly real that only the elect will recognize the deception and hold fast to the truth.

“…For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.” Matthew 24:24-25

Jesus further declared that political correctness and passivity were repugnant.

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” Revelation 3:15-16

Very recently religious consultant and Pastor Jack McKinney PhD stated on FOX news channel “We’re turning God into a monster by teaching of a literal hell.” The day following Bill O’reilly stated it was nonsense to believe Jesus was the only way to heaven.

Therefore, when it comes to apostasy it might be prudent to pause and evaluate the political and religious climate in America and then ask…are we there yet?