Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.” ~Psalm 2:1-3 Iranian President Ahmadinejad
(photos borrowed from CNN)
This passage jumped out at me today. My husband & I follow middle east stuff closely because we are passionate about end times prophecies. There always has & always will be wars in the middle east and surrounding the Jews until the Lord comes again. But it doesn't stop many of us from wondering why? If the Jews are God's chosen people, why do they suffer so much? Why do the nations rage against them? Why are things done in the name of religion, terrible things?
I've said before that for most of us in North America, it can be rather easy to detach our emotions for the wars in the middle east & in parts of Africa because we feel safe here. But with all the threats that Ahmadinejad has made against the United States, our safety is starting to feel encroached on, even here in Canada.
I wonder what the next 5 or 10 years will hold in the way of war & peace. I wonder if there will even be another 5 or 10 years to go. The saying goes that "it has to get worse before it gets better". Yes, it will get worse won't it. Being on the brink of nuclear war, it can definitely get worse, but the 'better' is the part I'm holding out for. An ETERNITY of better!
Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him ~Psalm 2:10-12
So true Becky. I love what God says further down in Ps. 2, verse 4, "He who sits in the heavens shall laugh, the Lord shall hold them in derision. (an object or scorn, or laughing-stock)"
ReplyDeleteNot that God doesn't care about people/war, but He knows the end from the beginning and one day will say "enough!" He made a covenant with His nation, Israel, and Satan will (vainly) attempt to thrwart it. It will never work, because God says so. I'm glad God keeps all His promises. Satan has it in for God and any of His followers, but that old liar/destroyer will ultimately lose, PTL! verse 6 & 7 says, "Yet I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree; The Lord has said to Me, You are my Son, Today I have begotten You." (Sound familiar - John 3:16?)
Sorry, I'm very passionate about Israel. Our church even flies the American Flag and Israel's flag outside.
BTW-I'm putting together a blogroll soon. May I include yours? And I finally added books, music, etc. to my profile. Looks like we both like Lori Wick : ) I've read all her novels except for the new one. Need to pick that up soon!
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ReplyDeleteHi Becky~
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by Yahweh's Retreat!
I am holding out for eternity and, like you, wonder if there will be another 5-10 years.
It's nice to meet another new Christian blog friend. I'll be adding you to my blog roll.
Have a great weekend,
Vanessa
I often wonder what the future holds too. It's interesting that when there WAS pain here in the USA (September 11th) the "mood" of our country changed. There was a kinder feeling toward one another. Even our two rival political parties united. People started filling the churches.
ReplyDeleteI'm learning that pain can change our character for the good. God allows pain to enter our lives, and uses it to build our character and draw us to him.
In general I feel that America is slowly turning away from her God. I know in my heart that the only way to bring her back is through hard times. So I predict God will eventually let our country slip from his protection. And many will turn to him.
I have a feeling that God cares about people more than countries.
These thoughts are only my musings. I could be wrong.
Who can figure out the mind of God?
hey Becky, thanks for stopping by my blog ;) i felt so warmed by the msg u left. been a week of thinking and searching, had to fight my flesh and forgive someone i was raging at.. forgive without conditions. that was so hard... i'm sure it will be in a post soon. i thank God for kingdom connections- I can always stop by your blog to be refreshed. God bless... and thank u again.
ReplyDeleteBecky,
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading your post. I watch a lot of the middle east stuff too. Your are very insightful. I am also very interested in the end time prophecies. Have a good week.
Susan - my thoughts exactly! I think every Christian should be passionate for Israel whether its in their cultural background or not. If God loves them so much, and we partake of God's family, then they are our family too!
ReplyDeleteYes, I love Lori Wick - haven't read one of hers in a while but loved everyone I have read in the past! Would be honored to be on your blog roll!
Vanessa - thanks for stopping by. I enjoyed your blog as well. 5 - 10 years seems pretty short in the grand scheme of things but I'm excited for it!
Sharon, I think you're right. Pain, big or small, for an individual or for an entire nation, has a way of drawing people to the Lord. If that's the way He has to get our attention, then that is the way to do it!
Shona - you're in my thoughts! I hope you can win your emotional battles this week!
Janice - I think every Christian should be following what's happening over there & seeing how many prophecies are being fulfilled because of it. Its exciting & scary times right now!