IS THE UNITED STATES FED UP WITH ISRAEL?

Recently, something happened in Israel that had caused the US to grow weary of its most closest and strategic ally. When Vice President Biden came to Israel trying to revive the Mid-East peace process and to push it forward, Jewish Interior Ministry issued a statement approving of building settlements in East Jerusalem. And everybody knows how that would surely kill off any plan to talk further with the Palestinians. As expected, the Arab world erupted with intense frustration and the Palestinian leaders seethed with extreme anger. What is more damaging to Israel is the stinging rebuke of the US, quite unprecedented and never before as furious as this.

Perhaps, for the very first time, many top dogs in America are directly linking the conflict in the Middle East to the US armies fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. They said the Jewish building settlements and the unresolved conflict of Israel and the Palestinians were endangering those American soldiers.

Uri Avnery, an Israel writer and peace activist with Gush Shalom, even suggested that Israel must learn from its history! How the Zealots who rebelled against the superpower of the day, the Romans, had caused destruction of Jerusalem and the burning down of its temple! He put it as an act of madness! He wrote of the Zealots foolishly relying on God and on the purported weakness of Nero at that time. They also got rid of moderate leaders in order to launch their plan.

The US has been in the forefront as usual trying to solve the delicate peace process in the Middle East but as usual, without much success, or perhaps not any. It has become extremely frustrating and deep lethargy has begun to sink in. For some, it must come a time to do some arm-twisting to succeed and any President of America would know, to succeed in the Middle East is to succeed, period. And what a potential golden opportunity Obama and Clinton being presented as that untimely announcement made in the settlements issue brought. They should understand the intense pressure of Israel will embolden the Hamas and the extremists to attack the Jewish nation. Iran will find another reason to justify itself!

Prime Minister Netanyahu is not any normal nationalistic secular top leader in Israel but a downright spiritual biblical man of God he presented himself to be. The Bible is his motivation. To remove any part of Jerusalem out of his heart is to remove his heart, period. As long as he governs the nation, no one can separate the East or any inch from Jerusalem out of him, not even President Obama. And all who are familiar with the Mid-East conflict will know that Jerusalem is the main contention and the centre of it all. Everyone who is from the Abrahamic faiths wants a piece of Jerusalem! And the Muslims simply adore it and would do anything just to own all of it.

The Bible predicted that a time would come when nations would gather to attack Jerusalem. This is telling because if that is true, there would indeed be an Israel nation which is stubbornly standing firm in Jerusalem to warrant such an attack! This could only happen when the protective hands of the superpower like the US begin to pull away. It could only happen with a Prime Minister who is as spiritual (or as stubborn) as Netanyahu. Perhaps someone even more daring like the Zealots of old. And they would rely on God and His Word!

This time, perhaps the scenario is different as in the days of the Roman Empire. Today, we are in the last days of which the Lord Jesus Christ is preparing to return. Everything is set in place for that to happen! It might not be so easy to burn down Jerusalem like in the days of old! There will come a time where Israel does not depend solely on the United States for money, weapons, military skills and strength. It may even lose their support if Israel continued to be stubborn. Instead, Jerusalem belongs to God and His Son, Jesus Christ who would sit on the throne and rule the whole earth!

That time is coming! Soon!

THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER

Russell hears a knock on the door on a windy but peaceful night. His children are fast asleep at the living room while he and his wife are chatting as usual. He opens the door and is startled to find his boss outside. “Mr. Wade, I am surprised. Please come in,” Russell leads him into the cosy corner of his humble home. His wife, Nancy is busy at the kitchen making hot tea for the important uninvited guest.

“Russell, I have news from the company which I want you to hear,” the bearded bespectacled man speaks with a smile. “Can you be my personal assistant?”

Russell’s eyes widen. “Why? Sure. Can I?” he mumbles.

“One thing you also need to know,” his boss puts his hands on his shoulder. “There will be no extra pay BUT I will see to it that you’ll be rewarded later. Don’t worry about being inadequate. I will be your teacher and if you are willing to learn, you can make it soon enough.”

While Nancy serves tea to both of them, she interjects, “That would be an honour for Russ.” Her husband grins at his supporting wife and decides to take the challenge.

“Yes, I will take the challenge. It is an honour, Sir!” Russell speaks convincingly. “I don’t know what to say. For you to visit this unimportant employee has already thrilled me to bits,” he adds.

“Then, it’s done. My words are good as gold,” Mr. Wade stands up and shakes Russell’s hand.

Nancy is surprised at the speed for such a major shakeup. So does her husband.
Russell has always trusted Mr. Wade as his boss has been consistent in his business dealings. Mr. Wade is also known to be kind and charitable. But for him to take over as PA is surely not in his wildest dream.

Next Day at the office…

“Hey Lee, what’s happening, man?” Russell pats Kenneth Lee, his colleague on the shoulders. “Russ, let me tell you something,” Kenneth pushes his friend to a corner.

“Something happened yesterday that you would never believe could happen,” he whispers.

“Mr. Wade went to my house!”

“Oh, what did he say to you?”

“He offered me a job as his PA, can you beat that?”

“Wow! Did you take the job?”

“Take the job? Take the job? You must be kidding me!”

“Why?”

“Do you know what it entails to be a PA? I have not even finished knowing my job right now! Furthermore he said I would not have extra pay. My take, he can keep his PA post to himself.”

Russell walks away a little confused.

Near to his office room, he meets Wayne. He sees a troubled look on his friend’s face. “Hey, what’s the trouble?” he asks.

“Can you keep a secret if I tell you?” Wayne walks into Russell’s room. “Boss came over to my house last night,” the worried man utters.

“What did he say to you?”

“He offered me a job as his PA.”

“Wow! It’s good news! What’s troubling you?”

“Deep down I want to take the challenge but the more I think about it, the more I am afraid.”

“What are you afraid of?”

“You know, Russ. The last time I was promoted as a senior supervisor, I faced so much resentment from my peers and subordinates. They chose to ignore me and gave me troubles in every little thing. I sense a lot of jealously in this company.”

“So, what’s your decision?”

“I think I want to give it a miss. I know it is an honour for this post in such a large company but I think it’s not my time. One more thing though, the post comes with no extra pay.”

Wayne hurries off for his appointment as Russell starts to grow agitated.

Few hours later…

There is a knock on the door. “Come in!” Russell calls out. “Hey, Russ! How’s your day, man,”

Scott pulls out a chair and conveniently sits down. “Okay. So far so good! How’s yours?” Russell speaks casually.

“I am okay too! In fact I am very okay.”

“What do you mean?”

“Last night, boss offered me a powerful post!”

“Okay. Tell me about it,”

“He came over to my house uninvited and asked me if I could become his PA?”

“Wow! Did you take it?”

“In fact, I said, “Yes!” but…”

“But what?”

“I was struggling about it. Last night, as soon as Boss left, I googled for information regarding PA’s works in big corporations. It is really terrifying! I may have to do a lot of travelling, leave my beloved family behind. I am now enjoying my life here and being very comfortable. I come home every night to my family and we do things together most of the time. I don’t know if I can sacrifice everything for this job.”

“But I think you won’t know until you work as a PA. Maybe it’s different with Mr. Wade.”

“I am not willing to take this challenge. Anyway, it will be too late for anything. I spoke to Boss just now about not taking the job.”

Scott gets up to leave and turns around whispering, “Boss said this PA post comes with no extra pay.”

Russell ponders about his own commitment as he heard each of his colleagues’ explanations.

5.15pm….

Russell gets a call from Mr. Wade’s secretary to see him in his office. As he walks along the big corridor leading to Boss office, he is struggling hard about the PA post. He is wondering whether any more employees were spoken to last night.

“Come, take a chair, Russell” Mr. Wade adjusts his spectacles.

“Thank you, Sir!” Russell responds uneasily.

“I see a struggle in your face, young man. What’s wrong?”

“Oh, no! Nothing,”

“I know. You are suspicious that I spoke to three of your colleagues about the same thing.”

“May I ask why you did that?”

“Oh, it’s simple. I needed to see who has the most willing heart to take this all important post.”

“What if all of us agreed to take up the post?”

“Then so be it! That’s why I offered the post without extra pay. Okay, do you also want out?”

“No. I stand by my word. And your words that said not to worry about inadequacy and you will be my teacher and if I am willing to learn, I will make it soon enough.”

“Great! We have a deal!” Mr. Wade stretches out his hand to Russell.

“Yes! Thank you for the post!” Russell smiles.

“I also want you to know one thing before you go. I will not keep it secret anymore,” his Boss speaks softly.

He leans close to Russell, “I am dying with cancer. I want you to take over this company when I am gone!”

The parable of the Sower and the soils is found in all three gospels, Matthew 13:3-9; 18-23; Mark 4:3-9; 13-20 and Luke 8: 5-8; 11-15.

For the first time, Jesus explains a parable to his disciples, the only ones who are interested to know more. The rest, the Scriptures in Isaiah was proven true again, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving” (Isaiah 6:9).

There are many reasons why some are more interested than others. Jesus said, “For this people's (not interested ones) heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them” (Isa. 6:10).

I believe Jesus is not at all surprised by those who hear something wonderful but simply walk away unmoved and untouched. But He is excited by His disciples who take Jesus aside and ask Him for explanation. He exclaims, “But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear (Matt. 13:16).

As I wrote before, Jesus came with a radical Gospel of the Kingdom! The words of the King of kings are life and they stand for eternity. And Jesus wants to completely alter the game plan of all peoples in Israel and the rest of the world. Either you run with the heavenly words or stagger in your earthly pit. The desire of the God Almighty is for everyone to have a heavenly kingdom perspective and live a fulfilled significant life. This is the only way forward and upward!

Yes, we can all make excuses or plead ignorant as the parable suggests but they will be to our own peril! We are not bluffing God but ourselves! Sometimes we are so entwined with our worldly environment that we refuse to step out of the boat of comfort! That is why so many Christians today are nominal and remain non-influential!

So, clear your eyes and check your ears! Make sure they are on the same page as the heavenly words! Then with a passionate and a willing spirit, run the God-given race as to win the prize!

Next: The parable of the Good Seed and the Weeds
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/03/parable-of-good-seed-and-weeds.html

THE PARABLE OF NEW CLOTH AND NEW WINESKIN

Natalie takes a turn for the worse, shivering even though she is double-coated with thick blankets. Dr. Simon and Dr. Carl try to keep her as warm as possible as they head to the former’s office for discussion. Simon is a famous surgeon in this chic hospital, having a string of successes with high profile patients. His friend and partner Carl is concerned lately with the famous surgeon’s drinking habits. He points towards Simon's unkempt hair as they walk along the vast corridors in this posh specialist center. The large office in this famed surgeon is filled with photographs of his past credentials.

Dr. Simon’s credibility takes a dip recently when he failed to save his best friend’s younger sister, suffering from colon disorder. Last week, one more life slipped away from his care. The management has alerted Carl to talk to Simon about his frequent bout with alcohol. It is not easy for Carl being a junior and his senior being the mentor to discuss the problem.

“I think we should try a new formula with Natalie,” Carl suggests. Dr. Carl is an avid reader of medical journals and he is not afraid to try out new procedures. He too has a string of successes with his bold moves to administer different techniques and next in line to be promoted as a senior partner. Simon often finds his friend annoying and recently jealousy is added into his excuses for alcohol.

“No! Carl, I am fed up with your ‘can we do this, can we try that’ thing!” Simon raises his voice a little.

“Natalie’s case is like all others that I have done before. Is that clear, my friend?” he adds with a little sarcasm.

“But we have finished all our tricks, Simon. Is it not the time to try a different approach? I have discovered…”

“No! We just have to run a few more tests on her. Maybe I have misread the previous ones.”

“Simon, I got to be straight with you. Sometimes you think this is all about you but it’s not. We are talking about lives here!”

“How dare you talk to me like this? Do you know I have the power to lay you off this Natalie’s case from your hands?”

“Listen here, Simon. I appreciate all that you have done for me. But today you are not the same Dr. Simon that I knew. My friend, let us help you?”

“Us? You mean the management asked you to talk to me.”

“Yes. They knew about your drinking some time ago. Dr. Simon, you are indeed special to them and they are just concerned.”

“They are concerned that I will kill those patients under my care. They just don’t trust me anymore.”

“Okay. Okay. Let us talk about Natalie’s case first. I have a feeling I can do something to save her life.”

“No! I have been here for thirty years! Thirty years! I can save her! I want you to lay your hands off her for good!”

Carl shakes his head and walks off. He bangs the door so hard that Simon shakes inside him. He never sees his friend being so angry before. Tears trickle down his face as he takes a look at his shaking hands. “What is happening to me?”

Simon takes a quick walk towards Natalie’s room. He sees the skinny woman struggling to keep warm. He puts his hand on her forehead to make sure there is no fever. “I can help you, Natalie. I can,” he whispers to himself.

The next day, Carl goes into Simon’s room for another chance to convince that stubborn man. “I am sorry about last night. Let me try to save Natalie before it’s too late. The tests may have to take the whole afternoon.”

“Carl, this is important to me. I want them to know I am not a failure. I am still the surgeon they want to have,” Simon argues. “Give me another day. I am sure Natalie can pull through,” he adds with conviction.

Simon reads all the results meticulously, decides to have another operation with Natalie. He walks over to the room to give her his professional opinion and before he can reach her, he hears the beeps of death. He kneels down in front of her, sobbing.

“I am sorry, Natalie! My darling, Natalie,” he cries in desperation. He will sorely miss the smile of his beloved wife of 32 years.

The parable of the old/new cloth and old/new wineskin is found in all three gospels; Matthew 9:14-17; Mark 2:18-22; Luke 5:33-39.

God sends Jesus to earth with a powerful mission! He wants to change the minds of people with the radical gospel of grace. To Jesus, it is an all-out assault, they either change or perish. He knows it would be difficult to change people when they are so used to the Mosaic Law mentality for more than a thousand years. This parable is shared when some people question Jesus about His disciples not fasting while John’s disciples and the Pharisees are fasting. In fact, Jesus is feasting! He does it with a purpose, of course! It is not about food or fasting but lost souls! To God, an old wineskin mindset in Jesus’ day is an upside down order. They suppose to celebrate as mighty Jesus is around but they are fasting. Instead of fasting, they (the Pharisees) celebrate when Jesus is on the cross! They are not prepared for the new thing!

In order to change from an Old Testament outlook to a New Testament perspective, Jesus requires all to prepare themselves with new wineskins. The old is not sufficient anymore! It is not enough anymore to hold the new things that are coming. The fermenting of new wine builds up pressure in fragile containers which can burst old skins. It will explode! Jesus begins a new thing not only in Israel but throughout the whole world! The Holy Spirit’s power and new anointing are coming for all people who are prepared with new wineskins! The old wineskin people will reject Jesus and what he has to offer! The old wineskin mentality will burst with misunderstanding of Jesus and the radical Gospel He came to promote! They will oppose and suppress people with the new thing!

And neither patching of a new cloth on an old garment would work. You cannot take some new things what God is doing with old mindsets. You spoil the new and ruin the old. And this parable in Luke adds a little humour to it saying that it is not fashionable. The new cannot go with the old! In this case old is not gold!

This new wineskin mentality is an ongoing process and in every generation, God is pouring out new powers for His disciples worldwide. Those who love the old wine will not change. They will die being insignificant and out of sync. But to those who are willing to change, God will cause giant waves from within them to overflow resulting in revivals and fresh awakenings!

Next: The parable of the Sower and the soils
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/03/parable-of-sower-and-soils.html

THE PARABLE OF THE WISE AND THE FOOLISH BUILDERS

“Hi Bro! How are you doing?” John asks with a heavy heart

“Not…not great…John…please help me!” James pleads softly, crying.

“I wish I could. It’s….it’s just beyond me, bro!” the elder brother wipes a tear from his eyes.

“I should have listen to dad…ohh…why?!” James sobs.

Some time ago….

John hugged and kissed his wife goodbye before he sent his twin boys to school as part of his usual routine. He felt a hug every morning would help their relationship go stronger. In fact, it was his dad who gave him the inspiration, how he loved his wife with such dedication.

John, a successful businessman was honest and reliable. Although being stern when in work, he was amiable to all his staffs. His dad had taught him and his brother, James, all about honesty. “Honesty is not only the best policy in life but it is long lasting. You guys may not feel the effects for the short term but it will establish your good name to last you a life time,” his dad would pull his two boys aside every weekend for counsel. While John took to heart every wise word of his dad, James had other plans. Once in a while, John could hear arguments between James and their father.

“James, please listen. It is not good to go against the principle of goodwill between friends. Money isn’t everything you know?” his father pleaded.

“Dad, you don’t know! They were once my friends but now, we are competitors,” James answered, raising his voice.

“Yah, I know. But you don’t have to put them out of business to promote yourself!”

“Okay, dad. Your generation is different. You won’t understand today’s business environment.”

“But the principles don’t change!” the old man walked off, avoiding further exchanges!

James was a used-car dealer. Jackie, once his best friend, started the business with him and their sales soared, business was booming. Due to some misunderstanding between them, they parted company. Jackie then started his own business, some staff from the previous company followed him. They couldn’t stand James’ temperamental outbursts, considered him a hard taskmaster. James would not take his dad’s advice to always 'look after the people who look after your business'.

Soon, Jackie’s business prospered while James’ dwindled. During those difficult times, he was filled with anxieties and that affected his family life deeply. He would come home and took out on his wife and his children. Scheming and cursing were part and parcel of his routine life. One day, his wife left a note of separation, leaving him angry and empty. John and his dad would try to knock some sense into his head but their words fell onto deaf ears. James would shut them off with tons of excuses. Once he even told them to stop meddling into his affairs. John had to console his heartbroken father. All the years of raising the kids, all the coaching and counselling, yet he just couldn’t figure out what had become of the younger son.

The darkest day came when he was arrested for buying and selling stolen vehicles. He couldn’t stand being over-shadowed by his one-time friend, Jackie and went out to prove himself regardless. That day, the cops came for him. While walking handcuffed to the patrol car, words from his dad came flashing back, “Whether you are poor or rich, walk everywhere with your head held high.” He lowered his head and wept bitterly.

“Okay. 244765, Time’s up!” the officer shouts from across the room.

As he is being led away into his cell, John feels heart sick for his brother but thanks his late father that at least one of his boys can walk with his head held high.

The parable of the wise and foolish builders is found in two gospels, Matthew 7:24-27 and Luke 6:47-49.

There are few thoughts which are secondary to this teaching of Jesus such as the inevitability of storm or flood coming to our lives on earth or even how the houses are built. The sole wisdom from this parable is of course putting into practice the spoken words of Jesus (Particularly in Matthew's gospel). In the gospel of Luke, Jesus was even more direct when he decried those who called Him ‘Lord’ and not do what He said. Someone said, “If Jesus is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all”.

The message of this parable: Either you do what Jesus says or you drown. Woa…wait you say. Why so harsh? When Jesus came to earth, He did not come to play games. He loves us so much and will not stand idle to see our lives waste away by building houses on sinking sand. Anyway, the choice is still with us. You can either abide or ignore the warning of traffic lights or danger signs in life. You can even say to your own peril, “God’s Word, the Bible is not relevant anymore, the world has changed.”

The twelve spies who went into the promise land, ten felt like grasshoppers but two, Joshua and Caleb were excited and ready to rumble. The ten and the rest of the older generation built their houses on desert sand and died for nothing. Joshua, Caleb and the younger generation built their houses on solid ground, remained unshaken in the land amidst much opposition!

Some Jews who are against the teachings of Jesus must have felt uneasy when He teaches this parable. These will go away unmoved, unchanged and even whisper amongst themselves, “It is irrelevant to us!” To those who heed the teaching of the parable, they build their lives to last! Even for some who had passed on, they continue to remain influential to the world.

Sometimes one wonders, two persons coming from the same church, one folds his arms for twenty years, doing nothing while the other, he wants to serve God full time after just two years. The same sermon, one goes away untouched while the other readies himself to serve! Just like in the story above, two brothers hearing and seeing the same values from the same father, James goes astray while John remains steadfast!

The message of this parable: Either you do what Jesus says or you drown. Apart from Christ, everything will eventually fall apart!

Next: Parable of the new cloth and new wineskin
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/03/parable-of-new-clothold-cloth-and-new.html

THE PARABLES OF THE RADICAL GOSPELS SERIES: LAMP UNDER A BOWL

During the biblical days in the ancient Middle East, stories are considered crucial in education where largely illiterate people dwell in small villages and scanty towns. Stories and sometimes myths are being bandied about, orally and meticulously, passed down from generation to generation. Credibility is often the vital connector to these narratives whether they can be verified or not. Therefore history will judge these stories as they are being written down by scores of compilers and authors.

Parable is defined as telling a short story to convey a lesson about life. Teaching through parables for Jesus Christ is a major strategy in his early days of ministry. It is designed to stimulate brain cells of listeners to ask the right questions, thus impacting them when answers are found. To the lazy, they will remain mere parables but to those who are inquisitive and keen, the parables can produce strong emotions, some being uplifted in their spirits while some are angered.

In today’s post modernism, stories and parables are strong teaching instruments for faith in Christ. Thanks to intense popularity for Hollywood movies, they can be used to gain the hearts and minds of all people. Hence, PS Bible Ministry is designed specifically to use stories to impact the lives of the reader, using plain and simple (PS) everyday language.

Parables are recorded in the synoptic gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke. Jesus told the parables to turn people to His radical Gospel against the backdrop of religion and hypocrisy. Some parables are written by all three gospel writers for different reasons while others are exclusive to only one. “Lamp Under a Bowl” appeared four times in all three gospels, Matthew 5:14-15; Mark 4:21-22 and Luke 8:16; 11:33.

Peter scampered towards an empty, broken down house with few burly men in hot pursuit. Luckily for him, they swished pass him, going farther down the street. His danger was not over as he lay between some rusted steel, panting furiously and yet trying to keep the noise level low. His mind jammed with thoughts of torture and death and every little sound would send shivers down his spine. For six or perhaps seven hours, he knew not how long he stayed there, motionless as though dead. In the stillness of the night, Peter moved slightly, cautiously, not to generate any noise at all, bobbed his head to peep. They were gone. He thanked his lucky stars that none of those thugs knew him and where he stayed or else his mom would be in trouble too.

Peter was a boy with strong conviction of telling things as they were. His dad had taught him well to always being able to lift his head in society, no matter what. That day, Peter’s conviction was severely tested when he shouted at a group of men preying on a poor family, harassing them. He saw with his own eyes how they hit a young man his age for protecting his family. He hated for being helpless and just like many others, hoped for security in his town be improved. Throwing a stone at those bullies was the most courageous thing he had ever done for standing up against evil.

When he arrived home, his mom was surprised at his dirty appearence, hugged him anyway. Tears flowed freely as warmth rushed back into his body. “Why, my dear? What happened?” his mom asked softly. His story shocked his mother. She poured a glass of warm water for Peter and then took from the shelf a picture of his dad. “I want to tell you the full story of your father. This is the time,” the petite lady spoke, knowing his son had matured. “Your dad was involved with a gang when he was married to me. He kept that secret or else I would not have fallen in love with him. When you were born and out of my devotion for him, he quit. But….they found out and did not let him live long,” she spoke, focussed his eyes on the photo frame. Running her fingers through the face of her husband, she fought back her tears. “Don’t be angry, Peter. There are consequences for wickedness,” she quickly added as he saw hatred on Peter’s face. “During those difficult days when he quit the gang, those were the days he really lived!’ she continued. “He did the right thing. He made the right decision. I stood by his decision to my dying days!”


"Really lived? Why?” Peter asked surprisingly.

“It's you, Peter! He could have a different you if he had kept on with the gang!”

On his bed that night, Peter had a choice too to make just like his father. Will he continue to speak out against evil or will he wilt after that scary day? The next day, he went to the police station to be a man. Not to report the thugs but to sign up as a cop.

Yet, God called us the light of the world! No two ways about it! Either we light up or we switch off! Don’t even suggest lighting up and hide it! It is absurdity! That’s what the parable is all about! Either you are with God or you are with the world! YOU CHOOSE!

Why did Jesus teach a “no brainer” parable, putting a light under a bowl? Again, it is absurdity to light a light and hide it. No right thinking human does that! That's exactly what Jesus wants the hearers to know! If you don’t want to shine, don’t even light up! Just snug up in your own little world and be comfortable. If you afraid of being a light, no one in your world will get blessed.  

 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.....let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14, 16)

Next: Parable of the wise and foolish builders!
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/02/wise-and-foolish-builders.html

IRAN AND THE FUTURE OF JERUSALEM

Iran announced few days ago to the world that they have the capabilities to enhance uranium enrichment up to 20% more which is according to some experts is a year away from a small nuclear weapon. Moreover they plan to build another 10 nuclear sites. Before the announcement, they even shot a missile capable of carrying a satellite into space. This declaration has given the goose bumps to countries in the West where they have provided ample time frame for Teheran to show the world that their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Yes, Iran have insisted many times that the program is for generating electricity and medical purposes for the people but the signals they sent out recently are extremely suspicious. Dealing and talking with the Islamic Republic can ‘vomit blood’ and one leader of the West is said to be tremendously frustrated. Who wouldn’t when they could not even get an honest answer from the Iranian rulers, constantly flip flopping on their stand throughout the negotiations.

Why Iran desire to be a nuclear-powered nation?

1. Once upon a time, Iran (Persia) was a powerful nation. In fact, Persia was once a superpower in biblical days, where Israel was under their domination. Today, with Islam being their inspiration, they greatly desire to be THE influence in the Middle East. The ultimate aim of Iran and their leaders is to spread political Islam to the whole world. When they found out their capability to build a nuclear program, they jumped to the chance in order to play big brother to nations that surround them. They may encounter obstacles (the Western nations) but that will not stop them from achieving their dream.

2. They know that only Israel have the nuclear bombs in the Middle East and they hate the Zionist movement in Israel. To advance their cause, they borrow the emotional conflict of Israel and the Palestinians, knowing that the hearts and the minds of the Islamic world are behind the suffering Palestinians. More so, Israel is being hated by most Arab states. Often times, President Ahmadenejad would utter annihilation of Israel much to the delight of the Islamic world. Recently, the supreme leader, Khamenei echoed the President’s intention, saying that Israel would soon disappear. They want to use nuclear powers to bring substance to (to “power-point”) want they said.

3. The leaders of Iran believe in a sect of Islam called the Shi’ite Islam where they believe in a Saviour that would come, referred to as Al-Mahdi. It is believed to be the missing Imam during the earlier days of Islam. Before the Imam reappears, there will be chaos in the world. Al Mahdi means “The right guided one” or “Redeemer” will soon come to lead the victorious Islam against the West in a war similarly like Armageddon of the Bible. Only then the Anti-Christ will come. He will be defeated by Jesus (according to them, Jesus is only a prophet) who will come again the second time. After that, Jews will be annihilated by the Muslims in a war for 40 days.

When the Iranian leaders said the destruction of Israel was at hand, perhaps they were referring to the closeness of those prophecies.

The world is becoming more wearied with the war mongering amongst the Middle-Eastern nations, mainly, Syria, Iran and Israel. Even the United States has not put away the option of military strikes at Iran’s nuclear sites. Joining the fray is China, Russia and the strongest European nations, Britain, France and Germany, each carving out their stand on the Iranian nuclear issue. What is most troubling is that China and Russia, both nuclear-powered nations, are quite sympathetic with Iran rather than pressuring them to show forth their commitment in the ongoing talks.

Perhaps we have arrived to a time when the Bible says, many nations will gather together to attack Jerusalem. King Abdullah of Jordan recently said in an interview with CNN, “All conflicts lead to Jerusalem!” His view bulls eyed Bible prophecies and it will happen, the Anti-Christ will lead nations to conquer Jerusalem. And they would win some battles.

(Luke 21:20) "When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near.

(Mat 24:15-16) "So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel (Daniel 9:27) --let the reader understand--then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains…”

The book of Revelation speaks about a limited time of Jerusalem being overpowered, 42 months or three and one half year. This entails a first half of the 7-year Tribulations decreed on the world!

At the end, Jerusalem will win the war as Jesus Christ, the King of all kings comes to the rescue and takes His throne!

(Zep 3:16-18, 20b) On that day they will say to Jerusalem, "Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing….I will give you honour and praise among all the peoples of the earth"

(Zec 14:3-4, 8-9) Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights in the day of battle. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half to the eastern sea and half to the western sea, in summer and in winter. The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name. On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem.

(Zec 14:12) This is the plague with which the LORD will strike all the nations that fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths.

(Joel 3:1-2) 'In those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land.

(Isa 2:1-2) This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: In the last days the mountain of the Lord's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.

Today, many nations are expecting Jerusalem to be pried out of Israel’s hands by all means as they see the Jewish leaders continue to grip tight the holy city within its iron fist. This war against Jerusalem will happen and Iran or Persia stands ready to play a part in it!

PROPHET MALACHI

No one was more agitated than Prophet Malachi in the land where its once glorious inhabitants had lost their passion. He felt like Elijah of the past, carrying the burden all on his own. Serving God seemed like second best to those descendants of Abraham and the remnants God had entrusted to fulfil Israel’s destiny. The voices of the prophets were signs of God’s unending concern for his chosen nation. In fact, Malachi shouted God’s affirmative words, “I have loved you!” Ironically, his love was spurned by a sarcastically-created question by the people, “How have you loved us?” This was just one of the series of questions Malachi faced in his quest for repentant hearts as well as heads.

Perhaps being tired of waiting for the coming of Messiah as promised, they caught hold of the virus of apathy and indifference. From the priests who showed contempt for God’s name to the offering of imperfect animals of people for the sacrifice, the whole land was contaminated. Not forgetting the unfaithfulness to the marriage covenant and the taking in of wives who worshipped idols, Jerusalem was indeed living on dangerous ground. The prophet remembered the cries of King David, “You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Oh, how God would have loved that spirit of brokenness from the people.

Both Ezra and Nehemiah had felt like Moses coming down from the mountain carrying the Law of God and found his people worshipping the golden calf. They had worked hard to maintain a vision for the land, in preparation for the Messiah to take them to greater heights but it was being torn asunder. Prophet Malachi and the leaders of Jerusalem knew of the slippery slope they were walking in dealing with the people, knowing any spiritual slips from them might result in judgment of the Almighty God. It was also the first time God was wearied with the people’s words of apathy. It was an incessant excuse to live outside the will of God.

As Prophet Malachi met with Ezra and Nehemiah for prayer, the reassuring words came from heaven, "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the LORD, as in days gone by, as in former years.”

The Messiah would indeed turn up as promised.

Then Malachi stood up to proclaim an encouragement not only to Ezra and Nehemiah but also to all who walked in God’s ways, “Those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name. God says, ‘They will be mine in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not’”

It was a vindication for them as they knelt there and gave praise to the Almighty. As they worshipped God, Malachi got even more than he bargained for, God showed him the final victory of the Messiah, "Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire," says the LORD Almighty. "Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.”

Indeed, their hearts did leap right there and then at those words!

What would Prophet Malachi say to us if he were to be alive today?

1. God is not slow in keeping His promises. His timing is always perfect!
2. Ask the right questions that help you in your spiritual growth and not those that tear you apart.
3. Watch out for disappointments in life as the devil can use them as tools to destroy you.
4. God’s thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways His ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are His ways higher than your ways and His thoughts than your thoughts.
5. The Messiah will come the second time. He came the first time as promised, didn’t He?

Did the voices of the prophets end with Malachi? In my opinion, I believe prophet Malachi was not the last of the prophets, it was John the Baptist. And when Jesus the Messiah/Christ came, He became the ultimate VOICE not only for Israel but for the whole world.