Israeli Gaza Conflict

God Is Not Done With Israel

Ken

God is not done with Israel. “I say then, Hath God cast away His people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin” (Romans 11:1 KJV). When the LORD established His covenant with Abraham, He unconditionally promised, “I will make of thee a great nation [Israel]” (Genesis 12:2), but He further promised, “in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed [the Church]” (Genesis 12:3). Both Israel and the Church were foreseen. And, no, the OT Mosaic law and feasts are not necessary for the salvation and sanctification of the Church. “In that He saith, A new covenant, He hath made the first old [literally, obsolete]” (Hebrews 8:13). Remember, humanity is equal in the sight of God — “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16) — but, He still has a special place in His heart for Israel — “Ye are My witnesses, saith the LORD, and My servant whom I have chosen” (Isaiah 43:10) — and in His prophetic program — “to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). 

It was no accident that the Gospel message started first “in Jerusalem, and [then spread] in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). All the first converts to Jesus were Jews, who crucified their Messiah. “Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children” (Matthew 27:25). Peter’s instructions to the Jews at the beginning of the Church, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:38-39), which includes the rest of us Gentiles, who have come to Messiah Jesus. 

The essence of Bible prophecy is God’s before-it-happens-certain-declarations of future events. If the OT Jews misread prophecy and missed the Messiah the first time, then shouldn’t the Church pay closer attention to prophecies to prepare for the return of Messiah Jesus the second time? “So Christ [Greek, Christos, anointed one, the Messiah] was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). Isaiah reveals God’s special relationship to Israel. “1 O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. 4 Since thou wast precious in My sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. 5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; 11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside Me there is no saviour. 12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are My witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God. 18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:1, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19). 

That “new thing” (Isaiah 43:19) prophesied by Isaiah was spoken of by Jeremiah, as well. “For the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man” (Jeremiah 31:22). “Created” (31:22) implies divine intervention. “Woman” (31:22) indicates an individual, not a collective noun. “Man” (31:22) compares to Isaiah 9:6, where it refers to God. Jeremiah 31:22 was believed by many in the Early Church as a reference to the Virgin Birth (Isaiah 7:14) of the Messiah: a virgin womb encircling a man without the necessity of a man’s participation, yielding the miraculous result of a Savior. As difficult to believe as this narrative, it would eventually result in Israel becoming a nation spiritually at Messiah’s Second Coming. “Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children” (Isaiah 66:8). 

Paul asked the Romans, “What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision” (Romans 3:1). What strategic advantage had the Jews over the rest of the world? The Jews superiority was their possession of the Word of God. “Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God” (3:2). But, you say, Nearly everyone today has access to the Word of God, so where is the advantage? Scripture has no practical benefit to us unless understood and obeyed. “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified” (2:13). Intelligence is valuable in society, science, government, military, and business, as well. It is not what you know, but what you do with the Word of God. “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him” (2Chronicles 16:9). 

We must remember, the Jews have long been the subject of prophecies: (1) that they would be subjected to the Babylonian captivity of Judah, i.e., “shall be carried to Babylon” (Isaiah 39:6), and (2) that they would be held in the Babylonian desolations for seventy years, i.e., “And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years” (Jeremiah 25:11). 

But, the Jews were also told: (1) when “Messiah the Prince” (Daniel 9:25) would appear, He would be “be cut off, but not for Himself” (9:26), answering to Christ’s atonement [First Coming of the Messiah], and (2) they were also told the Son of Man would have an “everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away” (7:14), answering to the Millennial Reign of Christ and beyond (Revelation 20:4) at the end of the Seventieth Week of Daniel (Daniel 9:26-27) [Second Coming of the Messiah]. 

In summary, the Jews were responsible for the custodial care of the Divine Scriptures (Romans 3:2), furnishing the bloodline of the House of David for the Messiah (Matthew 1:1-17), for the political rebirth of the modern nation of Israel (1948), and providing us a prophetic clock for the reappearance of the Messiah. “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” (Romans 11:25). 

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6). 

Father, You have not cast away Israel, the “apple of [Your] eye” (Deuteronomy 32:10). We pray for Your success in winning back the hearts of Your Chosen People Israel. Cause us the Gentiles to provoke Israel (32:21) to faith in the Messiah (Romans 11:11). We ask that our eyes would be enlightened, and we would not follow Israel’s former example of unbelief. May we see our victories in the immediate inspiration of Your Spirit inciting us to obedience (Ezekiel 36:27). May Jerusalem see Your peace. Messiah Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

Shohei Ohtani: Watching History

Ken

Jesus Christ is ready to return. The Middle East is exploding. But, have you heard, “Did Shohei Ohtani Just Have the Greatest Game of All Time?” God allows us the benefit of a smile, when everything around us seems so grim. “And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof” (Zechariah 8:5 KJV). “Three homers. Two doubles. Two steals. Ten RBIs. And a 6-for-6 outing at the plate,” according to the Wall Street Journal article. Ohtani was responsible for half of the points in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ victory over the Miami Marlins. He completed the game with 51 home runs and 51 stolen bases, a MLB first to achieve 50-50 in a season. Shohei Ohtani is not just a credit to the Dodgers, but to Major League Baseball. “I’m happy, relieved and very respectful to the peers and everybody who came before who played the sport of baseball,” Ohtani said after the game, speaking Japanese through an interpreter. Ohtani’s respectful demeanor towards others, even his opponents, is noticed and appreciated. Reminds us to keep our eyes on the prize. “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

Days of Noah: Making Merry and Marriages

Ken

“But as the days of Noe [Noah] were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe [Noah] entered into the ark” (Matthew 24:37-38 KJV). Jesus gave His Mini Apocalypse or Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 22. Matthew was directed more toward the Jews, and Luke was directed more to the Church. Before objecting about not knowing the “day and hour” (Matthew 24:36) of Christ’s return, which is true, Noah had an idea of the Flood coming, because: (1) Jehovah gave 120 years before He would cease to strive with humanity and flood the world, i.e., “And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years” (Genesis 6:3), and (2) Noah knew the Ark had to be completed, replenished, and populated before the Flood would come, i.e., “And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood” (Genesis 7:7). Before the LORD removes or raptures His Church from the upcoming time of “Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7), Jesus said the Jews would be celebrating with marriage feasts, even as Daniel’s Seventieth Week (Daniel 9:24-26) was soon upon them. This week in the Israeli daily newspaper, Haaretz (September 3, 2024) reported, “Israeli ministers, politicians attend joyous wedding as murdered hostages laid to rest.” Even though “that [exact] day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (Matthew 24:36), CHURCH, we need to be about our Father’s business, for it cannot be long. LORD, help us not to become weary in doing what we are supposed to be doing, maintaining ourselves in this physical world, while we strive to our utmost to prepare ourselves, our churches, and this world for Your soon return. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and amen. 

Obey God’s Spirit

Ken

We wonder why we don’t see the same results or better than the Early Church in the Book of Acts. But, are we so institutionalized and respectable that we don’t know the voice of the Holy Spirit? Philip listened to an angel, who directed him to “go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza” (Acts 8:26 KJV). Then, the Spirit said, “Go near, and join thyself to this chariot” (8:29). And, he “preached unto him Jesus” (8:35). “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him” (8:36-38).

Doesn’t happen today?

What about this lady, who did a handstand for the Lord?

LORD, overcome the spirit of disbelief, which too often overrules the voice of Your Spirit. Make us to walk orderly according to Your Word, but make us to walk after Your Spirit, always giving Jesus the glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Israel: Pariah of the World

Ken

Following the Holocaust of WW2, sympathy for the downtrodden Jew was most prevalent. The modern Jewish state of Israel has repeatedly fought and won wars with neighboring Arab nations since its 1948 reincarnation. With the most recent invasion of Israel on October 7, 2023, it was unreasonable for Hamas to defeat and occupy Israel, but Hamas could fight a limited war, sacrificing the lives of an estimated 36,000 Gazan fighters and residents, in exchange for a growing sympathy from the world for the plight of Gaza and an increased hostility toward Israel. Now, Israel is the pariah or outcast for its war in Gaza. Anti-Jewish and anti-Israel sentiment is now acceptable among the liberal establishment that once championed the right of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or age. What has changed? The secular world is governed by satan, “the god of this world” (2Corinthians 4:4 KJV), who hates Israel because Israel is loved by the LORD, who says, “My kindness shall not depart from thee” (Isaiah 54:10). It may take a bizarre, otherworldly change of events for Israel to have friendly relations again with its near neighbors, much less to fulfill the End Times predictions of the Seventieth Week of Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27). But, the Almighty is positioning all things for this certain confrontation. LORD, You are the God who overrules the wicked one. Cause Your Church to be taught about what will come to pass. Help us to understand the capabilities of Your enemy. Cause us not to be blindsided by our foes from the Unseen Realm. Grant to Your Church the ability and the understanding to appreciate what You are about to do. Even so, return quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen and amen. 

Shoot the Hostage?

Ken

Bomber Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper) is holding SWAT team member Harry Temple (Jeff Daniels) hostage, when Harry mouths the words, “Shoot the hostage,” to Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves), his fellow SWAT team member. Unexpected to Payne, Jack shoots Harry in the leg, forcing Payne to free his hostage in the action film “Speed” (1994). Moral clarity comes from understanding a higher perspective than our own. Yahweh must overcome Satan. Humanity must return to God. The Holy Spirit must somehow bring this all about. Each of us must do whatever the Spirit directs. God will masterfully render the Gordian Knot untied, for He alone has the best understanding and power. Hostages were taken from Israel (2023). Gaza suffers from Israeli bombardment of Hamas. The world community outcries against the unprecedented suffering of Gaza. Does the US simply give Israel a blank check against Hamas in Gaza? Suffering of Gaza alone argues for an immediate end of hostilities, but if Israel can be forced to let Hamas survive, can any free nation defend itself against terrorists? “For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass” (Ezekiel 12:25 KJV). “Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children” (Isaiah 66:8). LORD, we all need a miracle. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen. 

Wrong Side of God

Ken

“And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:3 KJV). An inexplicable truth of history is the relationship of God to Israel. At first glance, Israel is only one of 193 countries of the United Nations; however, it is distinguished as a people scattered by God among all nations in the second century after Christ (Deuteronomy 28:64), only to be reconstituted on May 14, 1948. In actuality, human political mandates accomplished “to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before to be done” (Acts 4:28). Though modern, secular Israel and Zionism are not the OT Israel of King David, Jehovah’s blessing and cursing are still upon those who stand with or against Israel’s right to exist. With American college campus protests against Israel in support of Hamas’ slogan, “From the river to the sea,” Israel is erased from nationhood, which God will not allow. When the Biden administration halted a US heavy munitions shipment to Israel, it impedes a final IDF push to eliminate Hamas (Hebrew, chamas, violence, cruelty) in the southern city of Rafah in Gaza. America is in the dangerous position of being on the wrong side of God. The question is not simply, ‘Will Russia and China view this as weakness for the US lack of support of another ally?’; but, ‘Will God Almighty reciprocate and remove the US from End Times contention as a nation?’ After all, He removed Israel as a nation, in judgment for their treatment of the Messiah. Beware of national policy based solely upon political expediency! LORD, be merciful upon America. Open the eyes of our leaders that You may continue to shed Your grace upon us. Confusion upon Your enemies, and may we be written down as Your friends. Grant Your peace to Jerusalem, and may Your peace also be felt by all our brothers and sisters in Christ in that troubled region. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen and amen. 

Peace in the Middle East

Ken

When will they ever learn? If the enemies of Israel dedicate their existence to the destruction of Israel, then Israel does not have the ability to coexist with her enemies. A stalemate exists without a natural resolution. Only a supernatural solution would work. Supernatural is the Unseen Realm of Almighty God; but also, it is the realm of the adversary the devil and whomsoever is empowered by that wicked one. Peace in the Middle East will initially come through the Antichrist, who is the “prince that shall come” (Daniel 9:26 KJV). Satan or the “dragon gave him his power” (Revelation 13:2). He will usher in a period of peace to begin the Seventieth Week of Daniel. “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate” (Daniel 9:27). Only time will tell, when the Almighty chooses this solution for Israel’s problems. Father God, even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen. 

If I Were Israel

Ken

If I were Israel, in the Israeli Gaza Conflict (2023-2024). I would not let anyone stop me from recovering the hostages, dismantling visible Hamas in Gaza, protecting my borders, and preparing for the inevitably larger conflict with Hezbollah in the north. I would be courting the good will of Christian evangelicals, especially in the United States, to continue American support for Israel. I would continue the shadow war with Iran, assuring them I know where they live. “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:3 KJV). And, I would be reminding Jews worldwide that their survival is represented in the survival of Israel. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6). I would do this without giving in to Islam or converting to Christianity. But, I am not Israel. 

If I Were Hamas

Ken

If I were Hamas, in the Israeli Gaza Conflict (2023-2024). Since my goal would be the utter destruction of the nation of Israel, then I would count the elimination of world support for Israel and the Jews as the major accomplishment of the Israeli Gaza Conflict. “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance” (Psalm 83:4 KJV). And, since I would be willing to martyr my life and the lives of all of Gaza, then any concession from Israel only adds towards their final destruction. All I would need is the tangible ill will of world opinion against Israel, and the fate of Israel would be sealed. “Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered” (Jeremiah 11:19). But, I am not Hamas.