Reflections on Life and Spirituality 101: Hizbollah, Lebanon, Israel and Biblical Prophecy

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Hizbollah, Lebanon, Israel and Biblical Prophecy

Conventional thinking cannot hope to understand how three religions originating from the Middle East, who share so much in common set the backdrop for so much conflict. Islam, Judaism and Christianity share a common ancestry, no one can deny. But without a biblical lens, many see the conflict in the Middle East, now with Israel and Lebanon, in terms of political ideologies, cultural divergences, religious differences, the thirst for resources and land, etc. - that is correct but only a partial picture. God has given us a perspective in the Bible to see these developments unfolding. And it's called biblical wisdom.

How specifically should we interpret events?

To be honest, I don't know. But I do know that the prophets of Old Testament and Jesus Himself have a lot to say about the Middle East... Here are some aspects (Warning: This is a long post, nevertheless, read carefully).

This is Christ speaking (Luke 21:9-19):

"But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately." 10 Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. 14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 By your patience possess your souls.

What stood out to me:

The turmoil will be an occasion for testimony of Jesus (v13)

Followers of Christ will be hated for His name's sake (v19)

Jesus also talks about Jerusalem being surrounded by armies (Luke 21:21-28)-- which given events of today, does not seem like a remote possibility anymore:

"But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 25 "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."

So, back to our original question: How can three religions who share so much ancestry cause so much conflict?

Well, the three religions diverge, at the most basic level, in its in the understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ in dealing with the inherent sinfulness of men - for which both Judaism and Islam deny His divine nature. Here I am viewing it from a spiritual perspective - no doubt, there are other social, political and economic perspectives that one can take. The message carried through Jesus Christ's life and preaching in His time on earth is once again at odds with all conventional wisdom of yesterday, and today.

I cannot claim to know that much about biblical prophecy, but I realize that it is in the 'non-sensical' and extreme events of recent days/years that we can even begin to comprehend how biblical prophecy could possibly take place. For all the talk of the world coming into an era of rational thinking and civilized behavior-- at the heart of things, sin still reigns supreme in men's hearts. Modern day thinking and sciences are trying so hard to deny this aspect of humanity.

Jesus says that by our love, the world will recognize who we are... the present violence between Jews and the Arab world (representing the other two great religions) will increasingly highlight the work of reconciliation and love that God through Christ Jesus has done through His death and resurrection. This divine exchange stands out from messages that are merely preached from teachers and prophets.

Bloodshed in the Middle East is a symbolism of conflict, suffering and death. However, in Christianity, bloodshed through Jesus' sacrifice is the path to life, peace with God, and everlasting life.

As I ponder more deeply, it makes me realize how radical the Christian message is, and how at odds it is with conventional thinking and wisdom. Makes you wonder anew - how amazing God's wisdom is over ours; or George Bush, Tony Blair, Ehud Olmert, Condaleeza Rice, Kofi Annan, and the current generation of world leaders scrambling to manage the escalation of violence in the Middle East. I do not wish to sound like the prophet of doom. The Bible clearly tells us not to predict the times and the seasons, but it calls us to prepare for it. Jesus says that when the fig tree starts budding, then you know that summer is coming. The exact details God has not (or will not) reveal but we should recognize the times we are living in. If we did not see it before, now we should begin to take heed of things unfolding in the events in the Middle East - seemingly the beginning of things to come, also spoken by Daniel (Dan 9:24-27):

"Seventy weeks are determined for your people and for your holy city, To finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, To make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, And to anoint the Most Holy. 25 "Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince; There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times. 26 "And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the desolate."

The message above is coded, obviously. But it does sound like something more is transpiring. However, we cannot read it enough to tell the times in any exact way, but we can read it to recognize the seasons. It reminds me that God's purposes are working even in the foolishness of men, and through the hatred of devilish dominions. In the present climate of violence and senseless slaughter between Israel and Lebanon, we have to trust that His purposes are being fulfilled.

God's Word in the Bible calls us to take heed. And that means searching further and going deeper into what He has to say from His Word. Those who have eyes, see. Those who have ears, hear. Those who have faith, discern. It's obvious, yet not so obvious - if you know what I mean. Watch this space, and watch God's plan unfold.

[Related post: Israel, Gaza and the Hope of 2000 Years]

Labels: Current Affairs, Prophecy

# posted by Sal : 6:48 p.m. | Be notified of new blogs | Forward to a friend

Comments:

Dear Sallibuc

Have been thinking about the same issue you brought up...

Media over here in is definitely not painting the right picture. UMNO Youth burning flags of USA & Israel; stirring up the people's emotions by carrying banner stating 'We hate USA! We hate Israel'. I think people are confused; they have not or they choose not to separate a country's sovereignty from religion. They are in a state of great confusion.

We too need to be watchful and rely on the biblical wisdom. We need DISCERNMENT as you mentioned! All the more I see the need to abide in the Word; engraft it in our hearts; more fervent in our fasting and prayer for the lost souls, not forgetting the Jews and Jerusalem. They are the people who need to return to the city to welcome the glorious return of our King and Lord Jesus Christ.

In His Service
S

# posted by

Anonymous : July 28, 2006 5:33 a.m.

I think that in the eyes of Muslims, there is no difference between religion and state. It has come to a point where it's convoluted.

Some factions in the Muslim world will see it as a war between religions; others (like Al-Qeada) will use Israel's actions as an excuse to gather up the presently divided 'brotherhood of Islam' to take arms and further their own political causes. These actions give new meaning to the commandment 'Do not take God's Name in vain'.

Increasingly, I believe that even Muslims or countries who try to be on the fence and neutral will be polarized. Hence, it's not difficult to see biblical prophecies coming to pass. Question is via what means and when, which God has not revealed.

# posted by

Sal : July 31, 2006 1:39 p.m.

World leaders are calling for ceasefires and peace without giving the people a good reason why.

Examples: Condaleeze Rice is pushing for "ceasefire within days/weeks". Tony Blair is advocating moderation over extremism.

But why? Why should there be peace? In each party's eyes, injustice and transgression has been committed against each one over many years. So each party executing these transgressions must 'pay'.

Isn't this the core of why the the cross associated with the death of Jesus Christ is required? This fundamental principle stands out in the message of Christianity: When there is sin and transgression, someone must pay because God is just.

But I pose this question: If men cannot reconcile transgressions between themselves, how can men be able reconcile themselves to stand righteous before God? Every single religion in the world, except Christianity, says that man has to do good works to in order to "be righteous", so that they can stand before God one day. Christianity says that man can do nothing to stand righteous before God -- that is why Jesus came. God has provided a way through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for us to reconcile with Him, without punishing us. Our transgressions are laid on Christ if we trust in what he has done.

This message now seems to stand in starker contrast with what is happening in the Middle East.

~Andrew

# posted by

Anonymous : August 03, 2006 1:17 p.m.

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