Fear Not

 Fear Not

 What is our reaction, or how do we respond to mounting storms raging around us, or even within our very own circumstances? 

 

“Pharaoh and his army drew near...the sons of Israel looked up...they were filled with fear and cried out to YHVH” (Exodus 14:10).

 

Do we sometimes feel that the kingdom of “sin and death”, in which we were once slaves, is breathing down our necks again?  We may even feel that the ruler of this world and his armies are drawing ever nearer to us. At times of trials and tribulations, we wonder: Why did Elohim bother to take us out of Egypt in the first place? “Were there no graves in Egypt?” (Exodus 14:11).

 

Is our situation and circumstances so trying that we wish Elohim would remove us from this life?  “Oh Elohim, just take me back to Egypt, spare me this wilderness trial, or please whisk me off to the Promised Land!” Times like these enable us to better identify with our forefathers. They also faced real-life situations, which were loaded with real needs and fears daily. For instance, the twelve spies, who returned to camp bearing (according to the Hebrew text) a “slanderous” report regarding the Promised Land. The level of fear that they entertained caused them to make the following observation about themselves: “We were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their [the local population] sight" (Numbers 13:33).

 

Examples, such as this one, are for us to learn from.  “Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come" (1 Corinthians 10:11). These recorded experiences are living blueprints and may serve as roadmaps as we learn to walk in faith. Even in life’s darkest valleys, “He never leaves us nor forsakes us…" (Hebrews 13:5-8). As the words in the familiar Psalm exclaim: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me!” (Psalm 23:4).  YHVH’s solution to this level of fear, is His comforting love.

 

Oh yes, there are times for loud praises, crying out in prayer or doing many exploits, but there is also a time for the Holy One of Israel to declare the following, from the mouth of the prophet: “In repentance and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength” (Isaiah.30:15). “DO NOT FEAR!  Stand by and see the salvation of YHVH which He will accomplish” (Exodus 14:13). “YHVH will fight for us while we keep silent” (v.14). We have no choice, we cannot turn back. But, can we hear the voice of YHVH saying to us: “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward!” (Exodus 14:15).

  

The word combination, “fear not” or “have no fear,” occurs over 170 times in the scriptures. The only “fear” we are instructed to develop is the “fear of YHVH”. With this perfect fear, reverence, awe, comes wisdom: “The fear of YHVH is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Pro. 9:10). Thus the secret of moving forward is to know Him and His perfect love, as, “there is no fear in love, perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). We may not know right away the reason for the trial or tribulation, but He does, and He knows the pathway that will lead us through those times. Particularly relevant for each of us, at this season, are the words that YHVH spoke to Joshua: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for YHVH your Elohim is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). 

 

As just mentioned, "at this season", what season? No one fails to see that for the past number of years, the shifts and changes have been dramatic. Hence the “fear” issue (addressed here). Yet, to state the obvious, at any time YHVH is about to launch a new day, shifts and changes, upheavals and storms are necessary preliminaries. So, wherever you may find yourself at this moment in time, "look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28). "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your Elohim. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' (Isaiah 41:10).

A Brilliant Strategy

A Brilliant Strategy,

Back in the days of Joshua, and right after YHVH delivered Jericho into the hands of Israel, the commander of the army dispatched a small band of warriors to take the city of Ai.  However, the attempt failed dismally, leaving Joshua’s troops astonished at being defeated by this town's military, which chased them back to camp.  YHVH informed Joshua that something was amiss in the camp of Israel, and thus the utter failure they encountered at the hands of the enemy.  As we know, there was sin in the camp.  A family from Judah had stolen what belonged to YHVH. After rectifying the matter, Joshua devised a strategy to defeat the army of Ai.  He sent part of his military by night on a stealth mission to the opposite side of the city, there to set up an ambush. In the meantime, he and the rest of the company camped in front and in plain sight of the town.  In the morning, when the Canaanites saw Israel’s army, they, in complete confidence, left their enclave to fight against their adversary. Joshua feigned fleeing before this foolish army, and at one point signaled to his ambush commanders to attack Ai and burn it.  When Ai’s military turned and saw their homes on fire, they stopped pursuing Israel, but Joshua turned on them with full force and routed them.

You may wonder what this has to do with the current events in Israel. (I wrote this on Thursday, June 12th, today is Friday the 13th, and reality has changed. “Today,” we are at war with Iran.) One might think that the title I am using has to do with the present state of affairs, with Israel’s preemptive strike in Iran, but that is not what I had in mind.  We know that even though Israel will destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities, it will not change the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. 

This conflict began way before the establishment of the State of Israel, between two people groups, each claiming that the territory called Palestine (today Jordan, Israel, and Gaza) belongs to one or the other. However, the Jewish people did not insist on settling on the entire landmass; they made significant compromises and were willing to go even further, for the sake of peace. But with this said, Israel, of course, isn't willing to concede to every demand made by this group, which names itself "Palestinians". This is why there cannot be a two-state solution in the territory once called “Palestine” or in ancient times “Israel”.  Both groups lay claim to it! 

Let’s look at today’s demographics: In Jordan (Eastern Palestine), out of 12 million people, the Palestinians make up around 7 million. In Gaza, there are 2 million. In Israel, 2 million, while in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) 2.7 million. altogether 13.7 million people define themselves as Palestinians. There are no Jews in Jordan or Gaza.  In Israel, the population of Jews is around 7.2 million, including Judea and Samaria.  Together with Israel's Jewry, there are 16 million Jews in the world.

As mentioned, Israel and the Jewish people do not have a strategy to take over all of the territory in question.  As far as I know, there are no strategic plans or attempts to take over Jordan or Gaza. Judea and Samaria, and the Golan Heights are another matter. But do the Palestinians have a plan to take over the lands that Israel claims? If so, how are they going about it?  What is their strategy?

Here is my take on how our opponent is slowly and surely conquering all the land of what was once known as Palestine. Hamas and the Gazans on the western side of our border are openly attacking us and hoping that we will exhaust our military and our resources to fight them as long as they can hold out, and thus also uphold their cause in front of a highly sympathetic world.  On the east side (the West Bank), the approximately 2.7 million Arabs living there are working on planning ambush attacks on our homes in Judea and Samaria and inside Israel, while we are engaged in fighting on the western front.  Unlike Joshua, they also have a third column inside Israel (2 million). These are at a great advantage, as they are well mixed into the fabric of Israeli society. 27% are our doctors and nurses, 80% are pharmacists, others are employed by the government, 80% are builders, and many more are in various forms of services. How has this happened? Very simply, while the Jewish young men and women are training to fight and protect our borders, and giving up a good number of years for this service, the Arab Palestinians are exempt and free to attend universities and be trained in the vital services of the nation.  Their "fight" in this conflict consists of being nice, cordial, and helpful.  Our family doctor, for example, is Muslim and is one of the nicest people you would want to know, and there are many more that we deal with daily who are just like him.  Most of the Muslim Israeli citizens do not identify themselves as Israelis but as Palestinians first.

The Islamic agenda, which the Jihadists are carrying out, is to be at war with any non-Muslim entity and its territory, especially targeting Western civilization.  On the other hand, most Muslims do not consider themselves Islamic extremists. They 'merely' express and uphold higher moral values than other religions or societies.  Thus, this arm of Islam is more dangerous than the evil one.  The entire Muslim world (2 billion) sees Palestine as Islamic territory, one whose cause may be used as a platform for imposing Muslim morals and justice while applying it far and wide (not that the "Palestinians" themselves are particularly loved or cared for by the rest of the Islamic world). 

This conflict and the so-called struggle for Palestinian statehood, along with the Israeli one, is not at all the desired solution.  They may allow Israel to have an autonomous section, but if the Jews stake a claim on the land, only war is and will be the answer. The Arab world is also using the “nice-guy” approach to infiltrate Western (and other) countries, making this a method to accomplish their mission.  As the old saying goes: "If you can’t beat them, join them", but make sure to keep the language, religious customs, and laws intact—a brilliant strategy to accomplish an eighteen-hundred-year-old objective.

 

Betrothal in the Wilderness

 Betrothal in the Wilderness

A few words before we get into the subject matter. The subject of this letter has to do with Ephraim's diaspora, or exile if you will. Perhaps there is a purpose and a reason for a delay in the return of the House of Ephraim to the Land. Bear in mind that you didn't know that you were outside of your homeland until just a few years ago (when you discovered your Israelite identity), and your forebears were even less aware that they were living in exile.  

After YHVH’s chiding, rebuke, and action against our forefathers (faithless Israel), in Hosea 2:14, YHVH lures Israel to the wilderness, there to renew and restore their original relationship. Since this relationship started in the desert, it is only right to return there to make amends. Jeremiah 2:2 reminds us of the 'original' event: "I remember you, the kindness of your youth, the love of your betrothal, when you went after Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown" (Jer. 2:2). Thus, the (renewed) betrothal is also to take place in the wilderness, outside the land (2:19-20).  The restored relationship must be cemented in trust and a genuinely love-motivated heart, and not by any selfish interests. The wedding and its consummation will occur in the future, in the land, which is being prepared for Ephraim's return (2:18). Meanwhile, the betrothal in the diaspora is necessary before the marriage can happen. YHVH's heart toward Israel is one of loving-kindness and mercy, while she, for her part, is to display righteousness and justice (v. 19). In verse 20, emphasis is put on mutual faithfulness – only this way can the relationship be restored in a proper manner.

The proverbial scenario of chapter 2 is repeated in chapter 3. In verse 2 the prophet is told to love an adulteress woman, whom he sanctifies/buys with a number of measures of barley. As we recall, Barley was what the jealous husband was to bring to the priest on behalf of his wife (Numbers 5:14-15).  In verse 3, a period of testing is described. The relationship, again in a form of betrothal, is marked by fidelity and love, but there is no wedding yet. According to the description in verse 4, the sons of Israel "abide many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar, without ephod or teraphim". In other words, a substantial time period is spent outside the land, in the diaspora or exile, without sovereignty or a central worship place. Again, both parties are to display their love and faithfulness toward one another during this season, if the marriage is ever to be consummated. 

Verse 5 (compare to 2:21-23) speaks to the final return of Ephraim to Elohim, and their seeking "David their king". Ephraim is now seen as accepting Judah and its leadership, implying, of course, King Yeshua but also the house that He hails from. When these two parts of the Bride are united as one and "appoint" the Bridegroom as their "head… they shall come up out of the land for great will be the day of Jezreel [YHVH's sowing]" (Hosea 1:11). So, if the present-day "life outside the homeland" is of great necessity, according to this exposition of Hosea's prophecy, then being in the "wilderness of the peoples", per Ezekiel 20:33-38, becomes very relevant and may be the times we are living in - a time when the diaspora experience is highly intensified, as shown by this passage:

 "As I live, says Adonai YHVH, 'surely with a mighty hand, with an outstretched arm, and with fury poured out, I will rule over you.  I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you are scattered [is this a proverbial 'taking out', meaning, being extracted from the world system?], with a mighty hand, with an outstretched arm, and with fury poured out.  And I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there I will plead My case with you face to face.  Just as I pleaded My case with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will plead My case with you,' says Adonai YHVH.  'I will make you pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant; I will purge the rebels from among you, and those who transgress against Me; I will bring them out of the country where they dwell, but they shall not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am YHVH'" (Ezekiel 20:33-38). Here it may be added that the ones who do not rebel will enter the land.

Once more, if indeed these are the very days we are living in, we must heed these words more seriously than ever, wherever we are (of necessity), as this is the betrothal stage with our Bridegroom and thus need to be fully devoted to Him, and wholly engaged (pun intended) in the process. After all, as mentioned above, Ephraim has only recently discovered his identity; hence, the diaspora experience is very new to most. Therefore, an essential requirement is to consent to the present YHVH-ordained conditions and redeem the time (ref. Eph. 5:15) to its fullest extent to be ready for the marriage feast in the homeland.

YHVH's Seven Eyes

 Zechariah's prophecies are replete with descriptions that "dangle" in front of the reader like a grandfather clock's pendulum moving back and forth from one time period to another – contemporaneous with the prophet, his future, and all the way to our day and beyond. With this said, it would seem that one could make this kind of claim regarding much of the prophetic word. However, what is special about Zechariah is that he lived during a time of restoration (the return of the Jewish diaspora from Babylon). Many of his utterances, therefore, were focused on this topic, for his day and the future of a greater restoration, thus forming a template or a model for our day's restoration.

Zechariah's futuristic predictions also touch on the Messiah's first coming, AND on His second, as well as on other related events. The symbolism he uses in his multi-layered narratives, while having a profound meaning for his time, has an even greater significance for ours and for those yet to come. Thus, when Zechariah describes the articles for the Temple that was being built in his day, he does so in a manner that is far more than technical or matter of fact (in contrast to Ezra and Nehemiah, for example). Take, for instance, the seven-candle-branched menorah of chapter 4 with the two olive branches pouring their oil into it, and the appended statement to their description, regarding YHVH's Spirit. Encouraging his contemporaries to be involved in the construction of the Temple, Zechariah elaborates on the spiritual significance of its various parts and also their immediate (Spiritual) relevance to the events at hand.

As mentioned, these narratives are multi-layered, especially as they pertain to "restoration" and therefore have a current meaning for us. Here, for example, is a striking picture (though if the translation deviates from the original, it may not be seen): In chapter 3:9 Joshua the high priest is handed a stone with seven eyes (with the futuristic proclamation of "the iniquity of that land being removed in one day"). In chapter 4:10, these seven eyes are mentioned again: "For these seven rejoice to see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of YHVH, which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth." In the Hebrew original, the reference to the seven eyes is highlighted thus: "these seven are the eyes of YHVH… that are wandering throughout the earth".

At the beginning of the same chapter, the golden lampstand – menorah – with its seven candles is described in detail (v. 2). When it states in verse 10 (in the Hebrew), "THESE are the eyes of YHVH," the question arises: what is the "these" pointing to? Is this an echo of YHVH's seven eyes? The Menorah was the only light source in the Mishkan and the Temple. Some of the Menorah's features resemble a tree (almond). Moreover, the Menorah was fed by the purest olive oil. It is easy to see Yeshua in these descriptions as the light of the world (John 9:5), the tree of life – the life giver (Mat. 20:28; John 1:4, 4:14; Revelation 22:14 etc. etc.), and the anointed high priest (Heb. 1:9; Ps. 45:7). Yeshua tells us that a lamp is not to be hidden, but is to be put on a stand to give off its light (Matt. 5:14-15), while in the next verse He proclaims that His followers are "the light of the world". According to Proverbs 20:2, "the lamp of YHVH is the soul of man which searches the innermost parts" (literal translation).

Together with the lampstand, YHVH's eyes, and the olive branches, notice the mention of the plumb line in chapter 4:10. Zechariah's prophetic pictures line up and reflect the natural and spiritual reality of his day, casting a vision on an even more glorious future.

If we were to summarize, YHVH's eyes, reminiscent of the lights of the Menorah, which is our soul/spirit, scan our innermost being, lighting us up so that we may become His light set up in the world. In this very dark world, these lights turn into revolving search beams of discernment that are needed, as Elohim ushers in the Restoration. Concurrently, with plumb line in hand, YHVH is measuring and preparing His living-stones Temple.

Out of the Archives - Updated "Ancestry and Identity"

 In today’s Hellenistic world of humanism, we tend to focus on our individual identity, choosing what is right in our own eyes. This Greek philosophy of life has led this generation to the ultimate state of no values and no true identity. It ignores any absolutes regarding divine law and order. It perpetuates the selfish, self-centered lifestyle to the point of complete blindness to the operation of the principle of cause-and-effect, or reaping and sowing, and hence exempts the individual from any accountability. The “Woke” mindset that is currently sweeping the Western world and causing chaos within its societies is a direct outcome of the loss of a moral compass and absolute values and standards.

The apostle Paul, writing to the Believers in Rome, makes note of the following: “For this reason Elohim gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain Elohim in their knowledge, Elohim gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality…” (Romans 1:26-29).

When a person does not have a clear idea of his identity, where he has come from, or his destiny, he is lost and prone to search in all the wrong places. In our day, one of those “wrong places”, which is examined and accepted by many, young and even old, is the growing affinity with Jihadist ideology. This is extremely dangerous for the younger generation, as they are presented with a lifestyle of breached boundaries, no guidelines, sexual promiscuity, low moral standards, and violence, especially as the latter is accompanied by some kind of “ideology”. Even before these young ones reach puberty, they think these trends and behaviors are the norm. Again, is this connected to the loss of identity or roots? What about us, as the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who have lost their corporate identity as “Israel/Ephraim?

Through the Prophet Jeremiah, YHVH says: "I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself: 'You have chastised me, and I was chastised, like an untrained bull; Restore me, and I will return, for You are YHVH my Elohim. Surely, after my turning, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck myself on the thigh; I was ashamed, yes, even humiliated, because I bore the reproach of my youth.'” (Jeremiah 31:18-19).

If Ephraim is still lost to his ancestral identity, how will this recognition of guilt for the sin of youth, his repentance, and return to his Elohim ever come to pass? Hundreds of prophecies pertain to Ephraim/Israel, the lost tribes, and their restoration, but with the objects of these prophecies being bereft of the knowledge of identity, some of those prophecies will never be fulfilled (at least not for the ones who are ignorant of who they are). However, has the Word of YHVH ever failed? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

“Not a word failed of any good thing which YHVH had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass” (Joshua 21:45), and I might add, “all still will come to pass”.

YHVH sent His Spirit to blow from the four corners of the earth, to bring the whole House of Israel out from their graves and cause them to stand up as a mighty army in these days. Judah is to be the bow and Ephraim the arrow, and together they are to be a weapon in the hand of the Almighty (ref. Zech 9:13-14). Those sons of Zion are to come against the sons of Greece. But if the sons of Zion are still acting and behaving like the sons of Greece, whether by ignorance or willfully, how can they become a weapon against the Hellenistic influences of our day? Let us pray that the sons of Zion will return to their identity as YHVH’s firstborn, and: “Set up signposts, make landmarks; set [their] heart toward the highway, the way in which [they] went. Turn back, O virgin of Israel, turn back to these your cities. How long will you go about, O you backsliding daughter?” (Jeremiah 31: 21-22).

If we, the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, do not know who we are as their seed in this generation, none of the above scriptures, or for that matter, no prophecy that pertains to all Israel, will be of any consequence. To all of you who have the faith of your father Abraham (ref Rom 4:16), let no one deprive you of your identity, it is your birthmark and hope at present and for the future!

 

Independence Day

 I’m sure that all of you have heard by now about the fires set by the enemy’s arsonists here in Israel. It is not uncommon for these individuals to attack us in this way when we have hot, dry, and windy days. They especially love to target the forests around Jerusalem. 

We mark three special days in Israel shortly after Pesach (the latter being the original birth of the nation).  The first is Holocaust Day, in memory of the 6,000,000 Jewish lives who perished during the Second World War. A week later, we remember all those who have sacrificed their lives, making it possible for this country and State to exist, and along with them we also recall all the many terror victims whose lives were snuffed since the very beginning of the Jewish Aliya (returning to the land), starting in the 19^th century. It is only when this foundation is laid that on the subsequent day we celebrate our independence, on the date, Iyyar 5^th, that our first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion, declared the establishment of the State. However, many of Independence Day's events were canceled because of the spread of the fires on Memorial Day. Our enemies within and without celebrated another victory, as they honor all those who gave their lives to destroy this country so that it will be just a memory in Jewish history. (And just as a reminder, the sirens woke us up again at 5:30 this morning, with a ballistic rocket from Yemen.)

Thus, typical of life in Israel, we did succeed in honoring the Day of Independence despite the fires, the evacuations from many places, and other situations, as the weather became very comfortable and most of the fires were contained. Independence Day is fraught with many official and State events and ceremonies, some of which occur at the President’s residence, while others also include members of world Jewry. The public celebrates mostly outdoors, with music in the evening and with picnics and barbeques during the day. This year, many of the parks surrounding Jerusalem could not be used for this purpose. So life goes on – amid the ongoing war we mourn our dead (past and present), we grieve with their families, we remember, we celebrate, we eat, we sing, we dance…. and as things stand now, sometimes in the midst of it all we run to the bomb shelter (and hopefully many of us to YHVH’s hiding place).

A couple of weeks ago, after reading Parashat Shmini (Lev 9-11), the two fires that played such an opposing role in the described scene loomed large in relationship to our situation here in the land. It seems that we are placed between two choices – either lifting a “holy sacrifice, acceptable to Elohim” (ref. Romans 1:12), or lighting up a “foreign fire which He had not commanded” (Lev. 10:1) by kindling flames of defiance, rebellion, anger and retaliation, something which has been all too frequent here among us. Then came the fires, especially in the vicinity of Jerusalem, which brought to bear the above thought all the more.

As we drove home from our private celebration with many friends, local and visiting, we discussed and wondered if our brothers from the Christian Zionist camp, as well as the Ephraimite camp, celebrated with us and with the Jewish communities out in the nations.  Hopefully none of us forgot that the gathering of the first stick/nation of Judah came about by a divine decree, which means that the same prophecy heralds the ingathering of the second stick of Joseph in the hand of Ephraim (see Ezekiel 37:19).  “Drawing closer” to one another, as it says in the Hebrew original, means celebrating and honoring the Almighty for this national day of Israel’s (re)birthday - a nation that was born in a day. "Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once? As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons” (Isaiah 66:8).  Is Israel’s Independence Day a time to celebrate the hope of one day being united as one nation in the hand of YHVH?  'Thus says Adonai YHVH, ‘Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel, his companions; and I will put them with it, with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they will be one in My hand"' (Ezekiel 37:19).

Gullible or Credulous

 Before getting into this article entitled Gullible or Credulous, let’s define these two words. “Gullible” is based on having or showing too great a readiness to believe things.   “Credulous” is very similar; gullibility stresses being duped or made a fool of, suggesting a lack of intelligence, whereas credulity stresses forming beliefs uncritically, thus indicating a lack of skepticism and/or discernment. 

In between the two World Wars, and especially after the latter, in the wake of the establishment of the State of Israel, the West (including Israel) has had to deal with a very distraught and hostile Islamic world. The Arabs maintained that their lands had been stolen from their (now defunct) Caliphate. Being subjects to and of their superior-to-all-others religious system, it was and is incumbent upon them to try to convert all non-believers to Islam.  If met with resistance, it gives them the right to use force, or, in the event of being at a temporary disadvantage, negotiations are in place. All means are kosher in order to achieve the ultimate goal of dominance. Thus, when dealing with the “infidel,” it is obligatory to do so by the usage of cunning and deception. This approach is being applied today in the negotiations with the gullible peace-seeking Western world. Scripture points out that this kind of peace, “when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11) is futile and dangerous. Such is our reality today, with this credulous mindset being exploited very boldly. We, who are not naïve, see red lights flashing everywhere when, for example, an ISIS leader takes over the government in Syria and declares his desire to join the Abraham Accords. Strangely enough, though, even here in Israel, there are those whose eyes are still blinded to the enemy’s tactics, being gullible, credulous, and… stupid.  

A personal anecdote, veering somewhat off the subject but landing on the same spot….

Recently, I had to renew my American Passport. I sent it to the American Embassy in Jerusalem, but I had no idea, until I arrived, about the location of the compound in question. Getting off a city bus and having to walk a couple of blocks, I resorted to Google Maps, which showed that I was crossing the so-called “green line” (the 1949 armistice border) in order to arrive at my destination.  Once at the Embassy, it was hard not to notice that most of the staff were made up of Palestinians (Israeli residents from East Jerusalem, who are not citizens).  Was this situation, of chosen location and staff, indicative that in “real-life” this American representation venue is actually designed for a future Palestinian state? Over the past several decades, Jerusalem has been expanded to include this area, but was it ever intended as the site for a future American Embassy in Israel? By the way, the old Tel-Aviv one still functions, just like the new one.  

A show of strength, i.e., military power, may cause the enemy to allegedly negotiate a ceasefire or maybe even a peace treaty. However, that too is a war tactic to keep maintaining the upper hand.   Islamic leaders have had 1400 years of dealing with their Western enemies. This Islamic history has helped them advance their agenda. In the past 30 years or so they have made almost more strides forward, in subduing their western enemies than at any other era. Time is on their side. Even if Israel and the United States penalize them by force, they will still come out on top through their style of negotiations. Conversely, wars (even among themselves), for example, are a means for multitudes of refugees to flee to other countries, mainly western ones, and start the process of taking over by becoming landmines in the enemy’s homeland.  This has been the case for several decades, and everyone is in fear of stepping on one of these explosive traps. Humanitarianism has won the hearts of the ‘Christian’ world, blinding them to YHVH’s scriptural realities and solutions for His people’s future. Yet there is always a remnant that the Father will keep for His purposes.  May we be counted among them!