March 31

Today (which is still several days behind our current reading) was the story of David and Goliath. I couldn't really think of much to add to the ancient story but the way I see it, we have a modern day story of David and Goliath unfolding before us. I've already mentioned that Goliath was a Philistine, which is where the word Palastine comes from. There seems to be increasing mantra for a 'two state solution'. Palastine and Israel. First let me say, there a many wonderful Palastinians, many of them are born again Christians. I support a Palastinian child through World Vision. But, politically, I'm as against a 'two state solution' as I am against Goliath standing there and taunting Israel and their God. I think that part of the problem is that when people defend Israel, they talk in terms of "God gave them the land", 'They are God's chosen people" etc. All true. But, that leaves the argument open for those who don't believe in God or at least in that part of Israel's history to consider that the Palastinian's should have an equal share of the country. But, without any of the 'biblical' arguments, Israel still belongs to Israel. They got it in the same way every nation including our own has- the won it militarily- in 1948 in the War of Independence. And they should not give it back any more than we should give back the colonies to England, the west to the Native Americans or Texas to Mexicans. Our country is ours and their country is theirs.

We often hear "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem". I've often struggled with that notion because I know that there will never be lasting peace there before Jesus comes to rule and reign. So why pray for something that is not possible? We can pray that things can be as peaceful as possible. We can pray that peoples eyes are opened to the truth and not just the garbage that the media feeds us. We can pray that Christians will rise up and support Israel financially and in prayer. We can pray for intellengence and technology success. We can pray for many on both sides to come to know the Savior, for the 'lion to lay down with the lamb'. Pray that the Jews will open their eyes to the fact that their Messiah has already come and is coming back. Pray for strong leadership. Pray for more appropriate US policy and support. Pray for God to confuse and confound the enemy and thwart the stated plans to 'wipe Israel off the face of the map'.

Jesus, who conquered sin and death is well up to the task at hand.