They sound like fitting words for our times:
"For the day of the LORD draws near on all the nations. As you have done, it will be done to you. Your dealings will return on your own head." (Obadiah 15)
We live in unprecedented times.Turmoil among the nations of the world has never been greater, and vehement threats against the Israeli nation are at fever pitch. Tremendous pressure is brought to bear against this tiny nation to give up territory presumed to belong to non-Jewish peoples. Yet any territory given up in the near future is destined to be temporary at best. Obadiah's words read like tomorrow's headlines:
"Then those of the Negev will possess the mountain of Esau, And those of the Shephelah the Philistine plain; Also, possess the territory of Ephraim and the territory of Samaria, And Benjamin will possess Gilead. And the exiles of this host of the sons of Israel, Who are among the Canaanites as far as Zarephath, And the exiles of Jerusalem who are in Sepharad Will possess the cities of the Negev. The deliverers will ascend Mount Zion To judge the mountain of Esau, And the kingdom will be the LORD'S." (Obadiah 19-21)
The modern-day conflict, as it has always been, is all about territory. Numerous peoples feel it to be their right to possess real estate in the Middle East inhabited by others. But one thing is certain: the Israeli nation is destined for astounding expansion. Now, lest we feel threatened by this Zionist movement, we do well to remember that by faith we each are a part of it.
"if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to promise." (Galatians 3:29)
The amazing triumph of the Jewish nation is our triumph as well. It is ultimately not about race but grace. People of faith are fully adopted into the lineage of promise through Christ, the descendant of Abraham. As such we have a rightful claim to the land of the Middle East, destined to be the headquarters of the Kingdom of God.
Diplomats are actively seeking a brilliant solution to the centuries-old conflict in the Middle East. Unfortunately, a charismatic political figure will arise to offer a solution that will result in worldwide domination and unprecedented bloodshed. But our hope lies beyond that intense tumultuous time. As Obadiah was inspired to promise, "And the kingdom will be the LORD'S."
With an eye on today's news and our other eye on God's word, we are in an opportune position to live hopefully and to share freely of the greatest good news concerning the Kingdom of God. Don't let today's disturbing news of military aggression or political upheaval deter you from the resolute fact that "the kingdom will be the LORD'S."
As those who know the true outcome of today's events, let's live triumphantly.
Steve
"For the day of the LORD draws near on all the nations. As you have done, it will be done to you. Your dealings will return on your own head." (Obadiah 15)
We live in unprecedented times.Turmoil among the nations of the world has never been greater, and vehement threats against the Israeli nation are at fever pitch. Tremendous pressure is brought to bear against this tiny nation to give up territory presumed to belong to non-Jewish peoples. Yet any territory given up in the near future is destined to be temporary at best. Obadiah's words read like tomorrow's headlines:
"Then those of the Negev will possess the mountain of Esau, And those of the Shephelah the Philistine plain; Also, possess the territory of Ephraim and the territory of Samaria, And Benjamin will possess Gilead. And the exiles of this host of the sons of Israel, Who are among the Canaanites as far as Zarephath, And the exiles of Jerusalem who are in Sepharad Will possess the cities of the Negev. The deliverers will ascend Mount Zion To judge the mountain of Esau, And the kingdom will be the LORD'S." (Obadiah 19-21)
The modern-day conflict, as it has always been, is all about territory. Numerous peoples feel it to be their right to possess real estate in the Middle East inhabited by others. But one thing is certain: the Israeli nation is destined for astounding expansion. Now, lest we feel threatened by this Zionist movement, we do well to remember that by faith we each are a part of it.
"if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to promise." (Galatians 3:29)
The amazing triumph of the Jewish nation is our triumph as well. It is ultimately not about race but grace. People of faith are fully adopted into the lineage of promise through Christ, the descendant of Abraham. As such we have a rightful claim to the land of the Middle East, destined to be the headquarters of the Kingdom of God.
Diplomats are actively seeking a brilliant solution to the centuries-old conflict in the Middle East. Unfortunately, a charismatic political figure will arise to offer a solution that will result in worldwide domination and unprecedented bloodshed. But our hope lies beyond that intense tumultuous time. As Obadiah was inspired to promise, "And the kingdom will be the LORD'S."
With an eye on today's news and our other eye on God's word, we are in an opportune position to live hopefully and to share freely of the greatest good news concerning the Kingdom of God. Don't let today's disturbing news of military aggression or political upheaval deter you from the resolute fact that "the kingdom will be the LORD'S."
As those who know the true outcome of today's events, let's live triumphantly.
Steve
posted by steve @ 10:05 AM
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