Arabs and Jews will Reconcile...Someday

      There is perhaps no other place on earth that has such a rich history and profound future as the Middle East which includes the Garden of Eden and Babylon.  That area marked the beginning of the nations and will be the area where the present age will culminate. 

     Israel presently occupies just a small portion of that rich land, however, the Bible reveals numerous times that Israel’s borders will be expanded in the future. 

     “On the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying: ‘To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates…’”  Genesis 15:18

     There was a time in history when King Solomon did in fact have jurisdiction over the Promised Land, although at that time Israel didn’t actually possess the land.

     “So he (Solomon) reigned over all the kings from the River (Euphrates) to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt.”  2 Chronicles 9:26

     The area south and east of Canaan (Israel) was/is occupied by sons of Abraham including Ishmael through Hagar, sons by his subsequent wife Keturah, or other sons through concubines.  The Bible reveals that Ishmael dwelt in Paran, i.e., the Sinai Peninsula, while Abraham’s sons by Keturah and concubines settled east of Canaan.

     “But Abraham gave gifts to the sons of the concubines which Abraham had; and while he was still living he sent them eastward, away from Isaac his son, to the country of the east.”  Genesis 25:6

     There was, is, and will be conflict between the descendants of Isaac and the sons of Abraham through Hagar, Keturah, and concubines, however, the Bible tells of a future time when there will be peace between them.  God described that future time to the prophet Isaiah by speaking as if addressing Zion.

     “The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising…The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you.  The multitude of camels shall cover your land, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come; they shall bring gold and incense, and they shall proclaim the praises of the LORD.  All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you…”  Isaiah 60:2, 6-7

     Isaiah mentions Midian, Ephah, and Sheba. 

     “Abraham again took a wife, and her name was Keturah.  And she bore him…Jokshan…Midian…Jokshan begot Sheba…and the sons of Midian were Ephah...All these were the children of Keturah.”  Genesis 25:1-4

     Midian, Ephah, and Sheba are located in the Arab peninsula.  Sheba is presently known as Yemen.  Recall the words of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon over 3,000 years ago.

     “Blessed be the LORD your God, who delighted in you, setting you on the throne of Israel!  Because the LORD has loved Israel forever, therefore He made you king, to do justice and righteousness.”  I Kings 10:9

     Isaiah also mentions Kedar and Nebaioth (Nebajoth).

     “Now this is the genealogy of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s maidservant, bore to Abraham…The firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; then Kedar…”  Genesis 25:12-13

     The Isaiah passage describes a time of peace which will follow the great tribulation.  The great tribulation, also known as ‘the time of Jacob’s trouble’ is described by Jesus:

     “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.  And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved…”  Matthew 24:21-22a

     After that time, the sons of Abraham will enjoy peace.

     The Bible is not only a wonderful source of historical facts, but also the leading source of future history.  It has proven to be eerily accurate; therefore, it is surprising that it is not the handbook for current foreign policy.

     Time will tell whether wisdom or political correctness will prevail.  Those who choose political correctness will envision Israel’s land area to decrease and applaud a two state solution to resolve the Palestinian challenge prior to the tribulation. 

     On the other hand those who choose wisdom will see Israel’s land area greatly increase and enjoy peace after the tribulation.

    

Muslim Brotherhood back in the News

Muslim Brotherhood back in the News

     Recently Michele Bachmann along with several other concerned legislators has requested an investigation into the influence the Muslim Brotherhood may have within certain federal agencies.

     As expected Muslim congressman Keith Ellison is vigorously protesting such an investigation, as are several leading republicans such as John McCain.  McCain’s opposition is the height of political correctness. 

     Let’s briefly review just who the Muslim Brotherhood is and what they claim they stand for. 

     After the demise of the Ottoman Empire at WWI, a pious Muslim named Hassan al-Banna had visions of resurrecting Islamic influence in the world.  He founded what is now known as the Muslim Brotherhood.   He said:

     “We summon you to Islam…We believe that Islam is an all-embracing concept which regulates every aspect of life, adjudicating on every one of its concerns and prescribing for it a solid and rigorous order.  It is the duty incumbent on every Muslim to struggle towards the aim of making every people Muslim and the whole world Islamic, so that the banner of Islam can flutter over the earth…”

     The Muslim Brotherhood has indeed grown and spread globally and is presently the largest Islamic organization in the world.  How does that affect America?  Their charter and agenda includes:

     “The Muslim Brotherhood must understand that their work in America is a kind of grand jihad in eliminating and destroying the Western civilization from within and sabotaging its miserable house by their hands…so that it is eliminated…”

     “Islam isn’t in America to be equal to any other faith, but to become dominant.  The Koran should be the highest authority in America, and Islam the only accepted religion on earth.”

     The above confirms that Islam’s political agenda is inseparable from their religion.

     Americans generally associate the Brotherhood with such organizations as Hezbollah, Hamas, and Al Qaeda, however, consider the following partial listing of other lesser known Islamic organizations presently operating in the United States.

·        MSA     Muslim Students Association

·        MYNA  Muslim Youth of North America

·        NAIT    North American Islamic Trust

·        ISNA    Islamic Society of North America

·        MAS    Muslim American Society

·        AMC    American Muslim Council

·        CAIR   Council on American Islamic Relations

·        MAYA Muslim Arab Youth Association

·        ICNA   Islamic Circle of North America

·        IIIT      International Institute for Islamic Thought

          So while Michele Bachmann’s suggested investigation into domestic influence of the Brotherhood is labeled as a ‘witch hunt’ the administration has in fact met with the Brotherhood at the Whitehouse.

     Why doesn’t Keith Ellison along with President Obama simply address the American people before a joint session of Congress and openly denounce that part of the Brotherhood’s charter which states that they will destroy America from within.  In addition both of them should be very willing to assist with an independent investigation of federal agencies so as to prove that Bachmann’s suspicions are totally unwarranted and unsubstantiated. 

     The current pending investigation will be history tomorrow, however, the issue of Islam and the Muslim Brotherhood will affect all generations until the end of the age through the great tribulation.  That is not only scriptural; it is also the teachings of Islam.  Remember the nations that will be involved in the final showdown between Abraham’s son of promise and his son of the bondwoman.  There can only be one victor.

      “For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman.  But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise…Now we brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise.  But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now…the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.”  Galatians 4:23-24, 28-30

     The descendants of the son of the bondwoman, i.e., Ishmael are presently involved in the middle east uprising.  

     During this election season many believe this nation’s priorities are misplaced.  Jesus succinctly addressed the priority issue while addressing scribes and Pharisees who He labeled hypocrites.  They were placing more emphasis on pleasing men than on substance.

     “Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!”  Matthew 23:24

    

Is God Vindictive?

     Vindictiveness to many connotes ‘pay back’ or satisfying a grievance.  Actually, that interpretation is very realistic.  The actual word ‘vindictive’ is not found in the Bible, but its meaning and application is found over and over again.  Webster defines ‘vindicate’ with several synonyms including avenge and justify; both of which definitely describe the innateness of our sovereign God.

 

     The Greek base for the Biblical term ‘avenge’ in fact translates to ‘vindictive justice’.  Synonyms include revenge, vengeance, wrath, repay, recompense, and requite.  Research indicates there are more references in the Bible to vindictive justice, its cause and result, than there are references to God’s love and mercy.  Vindictive justice is not an option with God; it is required due to His holiness and justness.

     And while the Apostle John stressed that ‘God is love’ in his writings, God’s love for the world was exemplified when He poured out His wrath, i.e., His required vindictive justice on His Son at Calvary on our behalf.

     Therefore, God’s vindictive justice will be experienced by those who reject the vicarious payment on the Cross.  The Bible teaches repeatedly that Christians are not to seek vengeance on their own behalf; rather such justice is to be administered by God Himself. 

     “Bless those who persecute you…repay no one evil for evil…do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the LORD.”  Romans 12:14-19

     The above New Testament Scripture affirms God’s word from the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy.

     The cry for vengeance on one’s persecutors is found in other Old Testament writings.

      “O LORD…remember me and visit me, and take vengeance for me on my persecutors.  Know that for Your sake I have suffered rebuke.”  Jeremiah 15:15

     Scripture refers to the present time period between Christ’s ascension and His return in power as the last days.  During this age persecution of Christians will increase and revenge will be sought.  Such cries for justice will not fall on deaf ears. 

     Perhaps the most succinct warning for those who reject the truth and persecute those who cling to the truth is found in Paul’s second letter to the Christians at Thessalonica.

     “…to the church of the Thessalonians…we boast of you…for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure…that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble (persecute) you…when the LORD Jesus is revealed…taking vengeance on those who do not know God…These shall be punished with everlasting destruction…”  2 Thessalonians 1:1-9

     God’s chosen ones suffered persecution in Old Testament times, are suffering during this present age, and some will suffer during the future tribulation period for clinging to the truth.  The remedy is the same for all who suffer persecution for holding fast to the truth in any age, i.e., vindictive justice levied by a holy and just God in His timing.

     The Revelation sheds light on those who will be martyred during the coming tribulation period.

     “…I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.  And they cried with a loud voice, saying, ‘How long, O Lord, holy and true, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?’  …and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.”  Revelation 6:9-11

     The Greek for ‘slain’ in the above translates ‘killed’ by various means.  Further in the Revelation is found more detail.

     “…Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image…”  Revelation 20:4

     The Greek for ‘beheaded’ means exactly that and is the same term used to describe the fate of John the Baptist as recorded in the gospel records.

     Thus, God is both love and vindictive.  One term explains the other.

    

Nothing New Under the Sun

     After several centuries of being ruled by judges during their initial years in Canaan, the Israelites demanded a new form of government.  They wanted to be ruled by a king.  The Prophet Samuel warned the people of what it would be like to have a king rule over them, however, the people insisted on a king.

 

     “Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, ‘No, but we will have a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.’”  I Samuel 8:19-20

     Several hundred years earlier when Moses was reviewing God’s instructions to the Israelites prior to entering Canaan, he prophesied that the day would come when they would want a king.  At that time Moses spelled out God’s qualifications for the king.

     “When you come to the land which the LORD your God is giving you, and possess it and dwell in it, and say, ‘I will set a king over me like all the nations that are around me,’ you shall surely set a king over you whom the LORD your God chooses; one from among your brethren you shall set as king over you; you may not set a foreigner over you, who is not your brother.”  Deuteronomy 17:14-15

     The initial qualifications were quite basic, i.e., the king would actually be God’s choice. Further qualifications for the king included that he would be an Israelite with the same heritage, religion, culture, and ideology as the Children of Israel.

     Additionally, the future king would neither seek personal wealth at the expense of his kingdom nor repeat past mistakes.

     “But he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt…for the LORD has said to you, ‘You shall not return that way again.’... nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold for himself.”  Deuteronomy 17:16-17

     And then Moses expounded on what the king must do in order to be successful.

     “Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites... and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom…”  Deuteronomy 17:18-20

     Firstly it is noted that the king would have a copy of the same law that the judges and officers were to use in administering the affairs of the people.  God’s law was to define the king’s ideology and establish his priorities.  He was instructed to observe ‘all the words of the law’.  The copy of the law was to be more than just a book on which the king would place his hand when being sworn in to office; it was meant to be the guide for all decisions.  The consequences of not obeying the law would result in pride, i.e., the king would believe his personal attributes were the reasons for his position.

     History revealed Israel’s first king Saul was established to teach Israel a lesson.  Saul was subsequently deposed because he disobeyed God’s word.  Recall the Prophet Samuel’s words to Saul:

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

     As previously reported the Bible confirms the guidelines for America today are the same guidelines for Israel in the past.

     Recently President Obama stated that Jerusalem’s status should be determined by future negotiations between the Palestinians and Israel.  The presidential contender, however, believes that Jerusalem is the permanent capital of Israel.

     During this election season a major question is whether the Christian incumbent and his ideologies will prevail over the Mormon challenger.  The real question is, “Who has God already chosen, and why”?

A Model for our Judicial System

     As Israel prepared to enter the promised land of Canaan Moses reviewed what was expected of them.

     “Now it came to pass in the fortieth year…that Moses spoke to the children of Israel according to all that the LORD had given him as commandments to them.”  Deuteronomy 1:3

     Note Israel’s expectations were based on obedience to commandments issued by their sovereign God.  The boundaries of their future possession, which included Canaan, were once again specified.

     “Turn and take your journey…as far as the great river, the River Euphrates.  See, I have set the land before you…which the LORD swore to your fathers – to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – to give to them and their descendants after them.”  Deuteronomy 1:7-8

     The instructions given to the Israelites included the requirements of their judicial system.

     “You shall appoint judges and officers in all your gates (towns), which the LORD your God gives you…and they shall judge the people with just judgment.  You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe…You shall follow what is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land which the LORD your God is giving you.”  Deuteronomy 16:18-20

     There are several points that stand out.  Firstly, the future land of Israel is a gift from God.  The only requirement of the Israelites was/will be their obedience to the Giver.  The Israelites were to judge all matters justly without bias.  And very importantly, the benchmark for judgment or true justice was God’s commandments which constituted their law.  The above passage is strikingly clear.  For a judge to show partiality or to take a bribe would pervert justice.  Partiality is shown when a judge considers other factors associated with either party rather than limit the judgment to the facts of the issue being judged.  A bribe is another tactic used to influence impartial judgment and if Israel allowed such tactics the result would be their temporary expulsion from the land promised to them.  However, because the covenant with Abraham was unconditional and immutable Israel will someday in the future permanently possess all the land promised to them nearly four thousand years ago.

     In America today the ultimate benchmark defining what is ‘right’ is the constitution which was originally intended to reflect God’s standard of justice.  Bribes flourish through the affects of lobbying, i.e., the quid pro quo factor. 

        Concerning the non-partiality factor, nearly all federal judges have their own individual political ideology which leans either to conservatism or liberalism.  And while contemporary judges should ideally reflect total impartiality, in reality it is expected their judgments will reflect their ideology.  That is a primary reason for their appointment.

     Israel also had their version of a ‘supreme court’.

     “If a matter arises which is too hard for you to judge…then you shall arise and go up to the place which the LORD your God chooses…According to the sentence of the law to which they instruct you...you shall do; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left…”  Deuteronomy 17:8-11

     The benchmark for justice at both levels of Israel’s court system was God’s immutable, absolute commandments.  The benchmark for America today i.e., the constitution is open to interpretation of both act and intent according to the judges’ ideology.

     Recently when the Supreme Court addressed the Affordable Care Act, a major question that arose prior to the decision was how Justice Kennedy would vote.  He was considered to be the ‘swing vote’ inasmuch as the others were considered to vote according to their perceived liberal or conservative leanings.  Well mostly everyone was surprised when the supposed conservative chief justice Roberts, appointed by a conservative president, leaned toward and sided with the left. 

     The issue of political correctness, a concept thousands of years old, also affects our judicial system.

  

     “Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him…for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”  John 12:42-43

     The concept of impartiality in our federal court system is laughable.  In addition the benchmark for justice in this present generation has little to do with God’s immutable laws.