Psalm 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
Isaiah 48:22 There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.
Isaiah 57:21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
Jeremiah 6:14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
Jeremiah 8:11 For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
Ezekiel 13:10 Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter:
Israel has faced a tragedy such as they have never experienced since they came back into their homeland in 1948. This tragedy has been compared to the attack 50 years ago on Yom Kippur. Israel was a newly revived nation at that time. They did not have much of a defence system. The world more or less backed away from them and left them to be slaughtered. However, the God of Abraham intervened and saved them from the vicious enemy attack. This time, God did not treat them in the same manner. He has warned them many times. Israel is a very secular nation. God loves them and does not want them to perish. God also loves the Gentile world and does not want them to perish either.
This latest attack took place on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles. In John 7 Jesus declared:
John 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Jesus made that declaration on the last day of the same feast. Israel was very pagan then already. They were more concerned about material things than spiritual things. The nation then rejected Jesus Christ as their Messiah. The nation now is still rejecting Jesus Christ as their Messiah.
Reports tell us that people were out partying when this attack took place. The “iron dome” which has been praised many times, was overwhelmed by the massive barrage of rockets. Some reports suggest some 5,000 rockets were launched from enemy territory in 20 minutes. The IDF were not prepared and were caught off guard by this attack. Israel was over confident in their material defences. They did not realize the need for God as their defence.
We know that Iran was heavily involved in the preparations for this attack. It could be that Russia had some stake in the preparations as well. Ezekiel 38 comes to mind as we witness what is taking place now. This is not the fulfilment of that prophecy yet, but it is a picture of what is coming. Israel will be overwhelmed at that time and it will be the hand of God that will save them.
There has been much cheering in the streets of the enemies as they succeeded in overwhelming the Israeli defences. Israel is currently retaliating with bombs and rocket fire. There will be much damage done in Gaza as a result of this revenge. Many will be killed as well. However, peace will not come as a result of this.
The U.N. which some call the United Nothing, has already demanded that this war stop. Of course the U.N. is a bastion for Israel haters. They are united against God.
In the aftermath of this attack, Israel still does not realize the need to turn to God. There is no recognition of their great spiritual rejection of God. However, God is still in control. He is still in control of that area as well.
It is important to pay attention to what takes place in Israel. Jerusalem is still the centre of God’s attention.
Psalm 147:12 Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion.
That is God’s design for Jerusalem.
Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
That was the cry of the Lord Jesus Christ while He was on this earth. He presented Himself to Israel as their Messiah and they rejected Him. No doubt this is still the cry of the Lord Jesus Christ today as they still reject Him as their Messiah. The day is coming when Israel will turn to God in mourning and they will repent and they will gladly and willingly turn to the Lord Jesus Christ as their Messiah and King.
The events of the past few hours are a warning to all of mankind, not just to Israel. The hour is late. The Lord Jesus Christ is coming back soon. We do not know the day nor the hour, but we know it is soon. Just as Israel was taken by surprise in this attack, many will be taken by surprise when the Lord returns. Many will be left behind, even though they claim to be Christians. There is such a facade of Christianity today. There is such a lack of interest in truth. There is a running to and fro seeking after knowledge, but the knowledge being sought is void of the Word of God. It is all hype and geared to the emotions.
There are greater disasters coming for Israel yet. Israel has proven herself to be a very stubborn nation. There are also many Gentiles who are just as stubborn. Most people will be out and about or gathering for a turkey dinner today, but few will truly seek after the true God Who provides the things we take so for granted.
Today is the Lord’s Day. It is the day that God has chosen to be the day to go to His house, the local Bible-believing church. God’s desire is to bless mankind with His truth. His truth is that which will set you free. Don’t miss out on the blessing that He wants to give you.
Be one of those who follow the true God today and be blessed by His Word. If you are not saved, go to a good church and listen to the Word of God. The day of salvation is today!
Pastor Bartel
