Saturday, August 20, 2005
Present-day Gaza and the Hope of two thousand years ago
I was watching Israel withdraw from the Gaza with interest. The pictures were of people clinging to what they consider holy land which God has given them. The scenes that flashed live before me through 24 hour television was surreal - to see a synagogue turn into a place of conflict. It imbued a sense of paradox - a holy place of worship that should be a symbol of hope and peace, became an alter of strife and despair.Rationally I understood why men and women would fight for their possessions, that is not a surprise. Yet, at an emotional level, it was disturbing to see both the fervour and the distress present in the josling of crowds.
I didn't understand. As the rolling cameras recorded this historic event, I was asking myself: How do I get into the mind of each and every one of these Jewish protestors trying so hard to cling on to Jewish land? What is it that they are actually clinging on to?
The land is just land. What's the big deal?
Then, a moment later, I see with a new eyes.
The physical land, represents generations and generations of promises - which God (YAHWEH) has bestowed upon the Jewish people - promises of hope (tiqvah), promises of blessing (barachah), promises of peace (shalom), and promises that 'God is with us'.
I read yesterday in Luke 7:16-23, how Jesus in His day, caused a stir amongst His own Jewish countrymen. In times of trouble, John the Baptist send his disciples to inquire of Jesus: "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?"
Judging from these events in Gaza, I believe the above question still reverberates in the minds of the Jews. What was asked two thousand years ago, continues to resonate in a different way in the recesses of the heart: Where do we find the Messiah (the Coming One)? Are the promises symbolized by God's holy land to us merely in the land itself?
The promises of hope, blessing and peace by having God with us -- Is that not who the prophets and the Jewish New Testament writers recognize Jesus Christ to be during the times surrounding His birth?
- "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet [Isaiah], saying: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)
It does indeed feel like the world is walking on thin ice -- fear, uncertainty and doubt pervade the times we live in. Where is the hope?
Do we see it? Especially in the current times of shaking: Do the Jews recognize it?
- "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice. From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Labels: Current Affairs, Prophecy, Truth
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts and speaking the truth. Do not be disheartened by those who choose to disagree with us. What you wrote may not sound like the way to win friends. We need to recognise the individual freedoms while resisting the temptation to compromise the Christian message. This post we hope, should not result in hostility but serve as an honest examination of our differences.
“We all need to learn how to disagree, without being disagreeable about it” – Thinking Clearly about Truth; Clive Claver
Countless people have experienced enormous relief, freedom, hope, love and joy of coming to Jesus and encountering his divine forgiveness and restored relationship with the Creator.
Like the writer of this post, I have also met Jesus in my heart! Have you? He is now standing at the door of your heart and longing to enter.
How Can We Have The Assurance Of Heaven?
Recognize our sinfulness (Romans 6:23).
Believe Jesus died for us (Acts 16:31).
Receive Him as Savior (John 1:12).
Trust His promise (John 20:31). –ODB 21/8/05
“We all need to learn how to disagree, without being disagreeable about it” – Thinking Clearly about Truth; Clive Claver
Countless people have experienced enormous relief, freedom, hope, love and joy of coming to Jesus and encountering his divine forgiveness and restored relationship with the Creator.
Like the writer of this post, I have also met Jesus in my heart! Have you? He is now standing at the door of your heart and longing to enter.
How Can We Have The Assurance Of Heaven?
Recognize our sinfulness (Romans 6:23).
Believe Jesus died for us (Acts 16:31).
Receive Him as Savior (John 1:12).
Trust His promise (John 20:31). –ODB 21/8/05
# posted by 
: August 22, 2005 4:46 a.m.
: August 22, 2005 4:46 a.m.
Thanks for your responses for my short comment. The question (deleted) was not made to irritate anyone, including the writer. It was just a simple question hopefully to reveal a adversity in our thinking of social/spiritual events. If you think it should not be asked at all, it's fine to say no. But I saw 'Feel free to browse, comment' and I believed so. Well, aparently, it's but a conditional offer.
How I, a less spiritual child of God, think about Gaza?
I think it's a painful scene in these people's lives. No matter they are Jews or Christians, they are human beings with feeling. It's really a bit 'cruel' for Christians to comment on them while they are under pain and loss.
Eveyone would defend his home no matter what he believes. HOME is more than a house or a piece of land.I gather big part of these Jews' affection is built on their hearts towards their HOME rather than religious battle.
It's all right for Christians to be serious but... would it be better if we speak with love?
How I, a less spiritual child of God, think about Gaza?
I think it's a painful scene in these people's lives. No matter they are Jews or Christians, they are human beings with feeling. It's really a bit 'cruel' for Christians to comment on them while they are under pain and loss.
Eveyone would defend his home no matter what he believes. HOME is more than a house or a piece of land.I gather big part of these Jews' affection is built on their hearts towards their HOME rather than religious battle.
It's all right for Christians to be serious but... would it be better if we speak with love?
# posted by : August 24, 2005 11:22 p.m.
: August 24, 2005 11:22 p.m.
Authentic User -
Your post was not removed because it was sensitive, it was removed because there didn't seem to be a context for your question or the point you were making. I then assumed that it was someone posting graffiti rather than wanting to offer perspectives. Please accept my sincerest apologies. I had no other way of knowing, without a name or a more elaborate explaination.
The post was not intended in any way to add salt to the wound. I felt for them and was merely trying to understand how they must be feeling at this moment. You are right in saying that ANYONE would defend their homes... but if you had watched the protests and the message that the protestors are trying to get across, it is not JUST about their homes. Rather, at its very heart it is about God (I didn't say religion) and what He has given them. It is more than holding on to posession, but rather the land I suspect represents part of their identity in, and relationship with God.
As a Christian, I am very much for the Jews. I must admit I do not understand them in any deep way other than what I read in the Old and New Testament customs. Nevertheless, I view and respect them as God's people.
Your post was not removed because it was sensitive, it was removed because there didn't seem to be a context for your question or the point you were making. I then assumed that it was someone posting graffiti rather than wanting to offer perspectives. Please accept my sincerest apologies. I had no other way of knowing, without a name or a more elaborate explaination.
The post was not intended in any way to add salt to the wound. I felt for them and was merely trying to understand how they must be feeling at this moment. You are right in saying that ANYONE would defend their homes... but if you had watched the protests and the message that the protestors are trying to get across, it is not JUST about their homes. Rather, at its very heart it is about God (I didn't say religion) and what He has given them. It is more than holding on to posession, but rather the land I suspect represents part of their identity in, and relationship with God.
As a Christian, I am very much for the Jews. I must admit I do not understand them in any deep way other than what I read in the Old and New Testament customs. Nevertheless, I view and respect them as God's people.
For Jews the land of Israel is a holy place and to be driven from one's home by fellow Jews brings forth a plethora of painfull emotions. I am not Jewish but I do empathize with them in their suffering.
# posted by : August 28, 2005 2:08 p.m.
: August 28, 2005 2:08 p.m.
Glad to know that at the end of the day all of us do sympathise with those who are suffering! After reading the above comments, I stopped from my work and said a prayer for the affected Jews who were distraught and had to be relocated and also for those who are affected by the Katrina hurricane.
It struck my mind as I was praying for the afflicted that all I could offer is just a word of prayer from afar and not on the spot helping hand. God said, “It is o.k. Just look around where I have placed you for those who are in need. Help them!” How often we have been too busy with our own activities and work schedules that we have forgotten those around us who needed a listening ear, a helping hand, an understanding heart etc.
Let’s show love and compassion to the poor and needy that they may know God for God is love!
It struck my mind as I was praying for the afflicted that all I could offer is just a word of prayer from afar and not on the spot helping hand. God said, “It is o.k. Just look around where I have placed you for those who are in need. Help them!” How often we have been too busy with our own activities and work schedules that we have forgotten those around us who needed a listening ear, a helping hand, an understanding heart etc.
Let’s show love and compassion to the poor and needy that they may know God for God is love!
# posted by : September 13, 2005 3:54 a.m.
: September 13, 2005 3:54 a.m.
his precious child-
Thanks for your words. You encouraged me to keep the people in Gaza and those affected by Katrina in my prayers this morning. When the headlines fade, we can so easily assume that the fallout from these tragedies are 'over', when in reality, people are still suffering and re-building their lives. They still need our prayers and support.
- Sallibuc
Thanks for your words. You encouraged me to keep the people in Gaza and those affected by Katrina in my prayers this morning. When the headlines fade, we can so easily assume that the fallout from these tragedies are 'over', when in reality, people are still suffering and re-building their lives. They still need our prayers and support.
- Sallibuc
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