Withdrawal and the Watchmen

"Hear the word that Yahweh has spoken… O sons of Israel . .. Surely Yahweh the Lord does nothing unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. A lion has roared; who will not fear? Yahweh the Lord has spoken; who will not prophesy?" (Amos 3:1, 7-8)It is the destiny of the prophetic to deal with tension. Tension exists between Heaven and earth. Yeshua calls us to pray that "Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven". His invitation to us presupposes that not all is right on earth, and that we need to pray into our planet’s situation.

The prophet Micaiah the son of Imlah was once threatened by the authorities of his day. He was told to "speak encouragement to the king" – to make sure that his prophetic input fit in with the soothing prophetic consensus. But Micaiah courageously declared, "As Yahweh lives, that which Yahweh will say to me – that I will speak out!" (1 Ki.22:8-14)

We live in a day when many run to and fro, and prophetic opinions (especially about events in Israel) increase daily by leaps and bounds (see Dan.12:4). Yet is it not time for the prophetic to slow down and speak with one voice, clearly, understandably and unmistakably? How else shall God's army know that an alarm is sounding? "If the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?" (1 Cor.14:8).

Isaiah wept that in his day some prophetic watchmen were developing spiritual cataracts. The watchmen who were supposed to be Israel's spiritual guard dogs were coming down with a case of prophetic laryngitis (see Isa. 56:10). Today the hour has come to ring out a warning and to call intercessors to take their place on the walls, especially as the enemies of Israel in Gaza gleefully anticipate drinking the new wine for which the sons of Israel have labored:

"On your walls O Jerusalem I have appointed watchmen. All day and all night they will never keep silent. You who remind Yahweh, take no rest for yourselves, and give Him no rest until He establishes and makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. Yahweh has sworn by His right hand and by the arm of His strength, 'I will never again give your grain as food to your enemies, nor will foreigners drink your new wine, for which you have labored'" (Isa.62:6-8).

In this context, prayerfully note the headline of a recent article by Hillary Leila Krieger in the Jerusalem Post (JP) Thursday June 30 2005 p.2, "In Gaza, Palestinians may reap what Israelis have sown".

Hang in there, intercessors!

The Apostle Peter once explained, "For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, even though you already know them and are established in the truth which is present with you. And I think it is right . . . to stir you up by reminding you …" (1 Pet.1:12-13).  The urgent need of the hour is to stand with the Jewish people. Prayer is of paramount importance as Israel prepares to withdraw under fire from the Gaza Strip and northern Samaria, as we Israelis abandon parts of our divinely promised biblical inheritance.

As Bible believers and followers of Messiah Yeshua Son of David, the time is now to clearly remind ourselves about the truth and to zoom in with prayer. We need to know beyond the shadow of a doubt whether or not this withdrawal is strategically wise for Israel; whether or not Prime Minister (PM) Ariel Sharon's decision is supported by a majority of Israelis; and what the Bible teaches about the territories under discussion. We need to accurately know what Israelis are thinking, saying and feeling. We need to clearly grasp God's heart on the matter, and not simply react to fast moving political events and the schemes of men. Let's explore these areas now.

IS WITHDRAWING FROM GAZA STRATEGICALLY WISE?

Israel is getting ready to withdraw from Gaza, even under fire, and to forcibly uproot and remove all Jews from that area. Is this operation in Israel's strategic interest or not? Actually there has been no government debate in Israel or even public explanation regarding the strategic issues or military risks of this operation. All attempts to start such a debate in the Knesset have been quashed by PM Sharon.

"All Israelis who don't have a death wish are concerned with the security implications of handing land and strategic positions over to a junta of terrorists who have repeatedly stated their intention to use that land and those positions to advance their terror war against the State of Israel. Yet, to date . . . no government official – from the Prime Minister on down – has been called on to answer how Israel will be militarily better off without Gaza and northern Samaria. Indeed, no government spokesman from Sharon on down has been able to coherently explain how Israel will defend itself when Gaza and northern Samaria are under Hamas and Fatah control.  The security consequences of the plan have been systematically ignored while the full brunt of media scrutiny has been placed on its religious opponents. They are reviled as  zealots, criminals and extremists." ("Scorched-earth Kulturkampf", Caroline B. Glick, JP, Tues July 12, 2005, p.16).

The following are quotes 'from the horse's mouth' – quotes from Israel's top military and security leaders, statesmen and Members of Knesset (MKs), as well as from internationally respected strategic thinkers and commentators regarding the security and strategic aspects of this withdrawal..

The former head of the Shabak or General Security Services (Israel's equivalent to the FBI) Ami Ayalon "said that the government ha(s) to openly discuss why it (is) taking Israel in this direction" ("Government is failing to explain disengagement", David Horovitz, JP, Tues June 28, 2005).

The former Chief of General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), equivalent to the US Head of Joint Chiefs of Staff, is Moshe Ya'alon. He is also former commander of Sayeret Matkal (Israel's Delta Force) and former Chief of Military Intelligence (AMAN). He recently stated that he was not consulted by PM Sharon on the strategic and military aspects of the disengagement. "Former Chief of General Staff Moshe Ya'alon revealed on Tuesday that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon did not consult him on the risks of unilateral disengagement before deciding to advance the plan. Ya'alon was speaking to the Knesset State Control Committee which convened to discuss the recently published book Boomerang that suggests that Sharon devised disengagement to deflect pressure from the criminal investigations against him. 'I was brought into discussions after the decision was made and not before it' Ya'alon said. 'I got the plan as a done deal'" ("Ya'alon: I wasn't consulted on disengagement", Nina Gilbert, JP, Wed June 29 2005, p.3).

And what is Ya'alon's perspective on the strategic implications of the disengagement? Uri Dan, respected commentator and long-time personal friend of Sharon candidly stated that Ya'alon "warned that after disengagement Palestinian shelling can be expected not only of Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip but also of cities in the center of the country, from Palestinian bases in Judea and Samaria, if Israel doesn't continue to make concessions to the Palestinians in the West Bank also" ("The Ya'alon-Dichter Divide", Uri Dan, JP, Sun June 19 2005, p.14).

In his first interview as a private citizen after over 35 years in the IDF, Ya'alon said, "We have a situation of reverse asymmetry. The State of Israel is ready to give the Palestinians an independent Palestinian state, but the Palestinians are not ready to give us an independent Jewish state. . . Despite their military weakness the Palestinians … have a feeling of success, (w)hereas we are waging a battle of withdrawal and delay... Look, the whole question is whether your withdrawal is perceived by the other side as an act of choice or an act of flight. If it is perceived as a flight, they will continue to come after you" ("Parting Shots", Ari Shavit, Ha'aretz, June 2, 2005).

Former Chairman of the Governing Board of the World Jewish Congress, Isi Leibler, explains what was PM Sharon’s reaction to General Ya’alon’s de facto strategic evaluations: “General Ya’alon felt obliged to tell his prime minister that in his military estimation, the proposed unilateral; disengagement is a recipe for disaster. An outraged Sharon … responded by effectively sacking the military chief a year before Ya’alon’s retirement . . . If the Knesset ignores Ya’alon’s cri de coeur that the House of Israel is in danger, history will judge our leaders harshly for failing to live up to their responsibilities during a time of crisis” (“For a real Knesset debate”, Isi Leibler, JP, Fri June 17, 2005 pp.9-10).

Former Prime Minister of Israel, MK and Minister of Finance Binyamin Netanyahu agrees with General Ya’alon. “if the Palestinians sense a pattern of unilateral withdrawals under terror and without any Palestinian reciprocity, this poses a great danger to us. We’ll have to wake up to it at a certain point. But the later we wake up to this danger, the more we pay . . . The principal problem with the withdrawal as it is taking place is that it … set(s) in Palestinian minds the belief that there is a pattern of Israeli behavior: We received terror in Lebanon, and withdrew. We received terror in Gaza, withdrew. We received terror in Judea and Samaria, we will withdraw. And then under terror the Jews will withdraw from Palestine” (“We must reduce the terrorists’ sense of victory”, David Horovitz & Gil Hoffman, JP, Wed May 11 2005, p.7).

Former Brigadier-General and commander in Sayeret Matkal (Israel’s Delta Force) MK Effi Eitam says, “Disengagement … could turn into a major strategic defeat for Israel, just like our withdrawal from Lebanon. . . And if now, heaven forbid, we flee from Gaza and dismantle the settlements in Gush Katif … this will signify the success of terrorism and guarantee its continuation within Israel by Israeli Arabs” (“A different kind of battle”, Ruthie Blum, JP, Thurs Jan 13 2005).

Former Soviet Jewish refusenik and MK Natan Sharansky adds, “The disengagement plan is a tragic mistake that will exacerbate the conflict with the Palestinians, increase terrorism and dim the prospects of forging a genuine peace” (“Why I am quitting your government”, Natan Sharansky, JP, Tues May 3 2005).

Israeli Arab and Druse Likud MK Ayoub Kara says, “I am a patriotic Israeli and I don’t think disengagement will bring benefit to Israel. I have lost two brothers, uncles and cousins in battle, and I myself was wounded … But why should I support a unilateral move that will increase terror, endanger people and not bring peace? . . . My opinion is completely based on security . . . I am also against the plan because there was a referendum in the Likud that decided against it … I represent the Likud. I am being loyal to my party and not to its chairman, because party heads come and go” (“The Right kind of ally: Why is Druse MK Ayoub Kara one of the leaders of the battle against disengagement?”, Gil Hoffman et al, JP, Tues July 26 2005).

Director of the Middle East Forum and a prize-winning columnist for the New York Sun and The Jerusalem Post, Daniel Pipes’ website, DanielPipes.org, is the single most accessed source of specialized information on the Middle East and Islam. Mr. Pipes was one of the few analysts who understood the threat of militant Islam prior to 9/11. The Boston Globe states that “If Pipes's admonitions had been heeded, there might never have been a 9/11.” The Wall Street Journal has called him “an authoritative commentator on the Middle East.”

In an article titled “Ariel Sharon’s Folly” (NY Sun, April 5 2005) Pipes says, “Name another democracy that has forcibly removed thousands of its own citizens from their lawful homes … The planned withdrawal of all Israeli installations from Gaza amounts to an act of monumental political folly.  Because the decision to retreat from Gaza took place in the context of heightened violence against Israel, it vindicates those Palestinian voices arguing for terrorism. The Gaza retreat is, in plain words, a military defeat. It follows on the ignominious Israeli abandonment of its positions and its allies in Lebanon in May 2000, a move which much eroded Arab respect for Israeli strength, with dire consequences. The Gaza withdrawal will almost certainly increase Palestinian reliance on terrorism.  Mr. Sharon betrayed the voters who supported him, wounding Israeli democracy. He divided Israeli society in ways that may poison the body politic for decades hence. He aborted his own successful policies vis-à-vis the Palestinians. He delivered Palestinian, Arab and Muslim rejectionists their greatest boost ever. And he failed his American ally by delivering a major victory to the forces of terrorism”.

The cream of Israel’s military and security leadership opposes Sharon’s disengagement on strategic grounds.  This reality is reflected in the title of Jerusalem Post reporter Caroline Glick’s recent article “Sharon the tactician: He has lost sight of the significance of strategic realities” (JP, Tues March 29 2005, p.16).

Some Palestinian perceptions of Israel’s withdrawal

Co-founder and senior leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip Dr. Mahmoud al-Zaher declared, “History has proven that the rockets … have forced Israel to withdraw from the Gaza Strip, and they will end the occupation in the future. It’s the resistance and not the negotiations that brought about the end of the occupation” (“Hamas says rockets, not talks, brought pullout decision”, Khaled Abu Toameh, JP, Tues July 19 2005, p.3).

The Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei is planning victory celebrations and military parades. “The Palestinian Authority is planning celebrations in the Gaza Strip after the Israeli withdrawal from the area, PA Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei announced Thursday . . . Sources close to Hamas said the Islamic Movement was also planning ‘mass celebrations and military parades’ in the settlements after pullout” (PA, Hamas plan celebrations in Gaza Strip after withdrawal”, Khaled Abu Toameh, JP, Fri July 23 2005, p.4).

Hamas “is planning to hold a huge victory celebration after Israel completes its withdrawal from Gush Katif, including parades similar to those held by Hizbullah after the IDF pulled out of Lebanon. Sources in Gaza said the terror group already purchased 30,000 uniforms ahead of the planned victory parades . . . The movement is hoping to utilize the parades to convey the message that the Gaza Strip withdrawal is a direct result of the group’s military triumph over Israel” (“Terror group purchases 30,000 uniforms ahead of planned post-pullout celebrations”, Ronny Shaked, Ynet.com, Fri July 8 2005)

Former Palestinian terrorist leader “Nayef Hawatmeh, head of the Marxist-Leninist Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), announced Thursday that he will move to the Gaza Strip after Israel completes its withdrawal. Hawatmeh, who is based in Damascus, is the first leader of a radical Palestinian group to announce his intention to move to Gaza after disengagement. The leaders of Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) have also reportedly expressed their desire to move to the Gaza Strip . . . ‘I will return to the Gaza Strip after a full Israeli withdrawal from the area,’ Hawatmeh said … One of the group's most notorious attacks was the raid on a school in Ma'alot in 1974, when a squad of DFLP terrorists took over a school where scores of children from Safed on a field trip in the region were sleeping. Twenty-four people, most of them children, were killed” (“Hawatmeh to Gaza when Israel leaves”, Khaled Abu Toameh, JP, Fri July 22 2005, p.1).

U.S. State Dept perspective on the strategic significance of the Gaza withdrawal

Secretary Of State Condoleezza Rice: “Because the real point about Gaza is not to stop with Gaza. The President has been clear, we've been clear with the Israelis that it cannot be Gaza only” (U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman, Shannon, Ireland; June 17, 2005. Press briefing by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to the traveling press en route to Shannon, Ireland June 17, 2005)

Secretary Of State Condoleezza Rice:  “President Bush asked me to come here in the wake of the President’s very good visit to Washington to follow up with the parties about plans leading to the disengagement of Israeli forces and settlers from the Gaza that will take place shortly.  We must all focus on the disengagement as our best chance to reenergize the roadmap . . . What I’ve been very heartened by today and appreciate very much is the degree to which the President, in particular, but also many of his ministers are focused on making sure that this Gaza disengagement works.  Because we’ve said many times that this is not Gaza only; this is the first step on a process that is outlined.  The roadmap says how we get to final status, it says how we get to a Palestinian state” (U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman, Jerusalem, Israel. June 18, 2005. Joint Press availability with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas Ramallah, West Bank  June 18, 2005).

An Israeli Sarcastic Op-Ed on PM Sharon’s political credibility

Who’s for the destruction of the Likud?

Uri Porat (Yediot Aharanot, Mon July 25 2005; translated Avner Boskey)

 “For Sharon, his word is his bond. In April 2002, a few months before he was re-elected as PM by an unprecedented crushing majority, he burst into anger when rumors were floated about IDF brass who suggested disengaging/evacuating outlying settlement enclaves. Opposing those rumors he proclaimed, ‘There is no basis to these declarations! No settlement will be evacuated! Such an evacuation would only encourage terrorism and increase pressure against us. What goes for Netzarim (ed., in the Gaza Strip) goes for Negba (ed., a kibbutz close to Beersheva which held out bravely against Egyptian army attacks in 1948), Yad Mordechai (ed., a kibbutz overrun by Egypt in 1948 and later retaken) and Tel Aviv!’ During the same week he emphasized this position in a government meeting, when presented with the possibility of any form of disengagement as a ‘national imperative’. Striking the table with his fist in anger, he declared in a tone not given to the slightest misunderstanding: ‘As long as I preside over this office, there will never be a debate over the evacuation of settlements, including outlying settlements!’ After such words, nothing remains to be said. Every one of his words is as immoveable as the Rock of Gibraltar”.

THE  WITHDRAWAL – A DEMOCRATIC  ISRAELI  DECISION?

Was the disengagement plan ever voted on by the Israeli electorate? What was the legal outcome? Does a majority of Israelis stand behind Sharon’s strategy?

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The following quotes explain the process of how disengagement was adopted. They are taken from an op-ed titled “Democracy and disengagement” (Evelyn Gordon, JP, July 20 2005) www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/Printer&cid=1121825993157&p=1006953079865

"A brief history of the plan suffices to show why many protesters today are disillusioned with democracy. It begins with the January 2003 elections, in which the central campaign issue was Labor's proposal for a unilateral withdrawal from Gaza, which Sharon adamantly opposed . . .  (T)he results were unequivocal: Sharon's Likud Party, running on an anti-withdrawal platform, won more than twice as many seats as Labor, giving Sharon the largest electoral victory in Israel's history. Then, in December 2003, Sharon suddenly adopted Labor's unilateral withdrawal platform – the very policy he was elected to block. He thereby single-handedly nullified the democratic victory won by pullout opponents 11 months earlier.

. . . When Sharon announced a referendum of Likud members on his plan and pledged to abide by the results . . . once again they won a stunning victory: . . . a 60% majority against (disengagement) at the ballot box. . . . Ignoring his pre-referendum promise, Sharon brought the plan to a vote in the cabinet and Knesset, where he and his cronies defied party members' unequivocal directive and approved it.

Thus in the only two electoral contests ever held on disengagement, pullout opponents won decisive victories through strictly democratic means. Yet the plan continues to sail toward implementation. So thousands of anti-disengagement activists have drawn the only possible conclusion: Democracy does not work – because no matter how many democratic contests you win, those in power will still do as they please unless forcibly prevented.

The media . . .  routinely describes Likud MKs who honored the referendum results by voting against disengagement as ‘rebels’ – the implication being that it is illegitimate to prefer the voters' will to that of the prime minister. But how can one argue that democracy works if it is illegitimate for MKs to honor their voters' wishes? . . . The accumulation of evidence over the past two years has been overwhelming: Israel's power centers – the politicians, the media and the justice system – may pay lip service to democracy, but they have no qualms about riding roughshod over its most fundamental principles anytime the democratic process fails to produce the results they desire”.

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The following quote is taken from an interview with former coalition partner MK Effi Eitam titled “A different kind of battle” (Ruthie Blum, JP, Jan 13 2005) and suggests that Sharon is achieving his political goals by radically anti-democratic means. (www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1105504413071).

“We have a prime minister who bent all the rules – who circumvented all the checks and balances of our democracy – from the minute he began his election campaign, in which he denounced Mitzna's platform and on that basis won the election. By implementing disengagement, he is committing the greatest embezzlement a leader can commit against his electorate.

Of course, one has to make a distinction between representative democracy and its specific representatives. Of course there has to be some leeway and flexibility for the voters' ‘emissary.’ But such an about-face goes way beyond what is acceptable. . . One could argue that the prime minister is using legitimate democratic tools to implement his plan, such as firing ministers who don't agree with him . . . But, whether the legality of the process is intact, the spirit of democracy – according to which there has to be a concrete majority in order to make fateful decisions – is lacking. This behavior is going to lead to a schism”.

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“Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the pre-eminent halachic authority for Sephardic Jews, has come out against disengagement on the grounds that it endangers Jewish lives by encouraging terrorists to pursue violence for further territorial compromise” (Rabbi rules: Disengagement entails 14 biblical sins”, Mati Wagner, JP, Thurs Feb 24 2005, p.2).

“A Druse soldier has sent a personal letter to Chief of General Staff Dan Halutz asking to be excused (from) duty that would involve evicting Jewish settlers from their homes and land. ‘If I am required to act against Israeli citizens, evict them from their homes and uproot them from their land, my conscience will never give me rest’ the soldier said in his letter” (“Druse soldiers: Don’t make me evacuate settlers”, David Rudge, JP, Sun June 19 2005, p.3).

“Sharon … must also stop misleading his own people. He can no longer fall back on his oft-repeated ‘trust me’ mantra. It is past time for him to report to the nation and make us privy to his intentions . . . At present most of us are plagued with doubts as to Sharon's intentions and many are disinclined to believe anything he says. The time for openness and transparency is long overdue. We are at a crucial turning point in our history and we should not be obliged to read Sharon's mind. Mr. Sharon: Speak to us.” (“Mr. Sharon Goes to Crawford”, Isi Leibler, JP, Thurs April 7 2005, p.5)

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What percentage of the Israeli people actually back Sharon’s plan? The answer depends on how and to whom you ask the question.

“When asked ‘Are you for or against withdrawal under fire in the disengagement plan?’ only 37% of respondents in a recent Maagar Mohot Institute survey supported disengagement” (“The Disengagement Lie”, Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu, JP, Mon July 18 2005, p.13).

“A full 41.8 percent of Israeli Jews believe that no settlements should be dismantled as part of a peace agreement, a new survey released by the University of Haifa reveals. Furthermore, 41.8% of Israeli Jews said no territories should be handed over to the Palestinians even in the framework of a peace agreement … By contrast, 91.6% of Israeli Arabs polled favor such a withdrawal” (“Poll: One in five Israeli Jews ready to block roads”, Talya Halkin, JP, Wed June 29 2005, p.3).

“‘Israeli Arabs totally reject the notion of a Zionist state’ said Prof. Sammy Smooha of the University of Haifa department of Sociology and Anthropology, and one of the main organizers of a survey conducted by the University. Of the Israeli Arabs polled, only 13.8% agreed to Israel’s right to exist as a democratic Zionist state in which Jews and Arabs live side by side” (“Poll: Most Israeli Arabs oppose Zionist stae”, David Rudge, JP, Tues June 21 2005, p.6).

In an article in Yediot Aharonot titled, “Youth against the disengagement”, Sever Plotzker points out some surprising facts. In a poll conducted by Dr. Mina Tzemach and the Dahaf Institute among Israeli Jewish youth 15-18 years of age, 55% come out against the disengagement, 68% classify themselves as rightists, and 64% are for selective refusal during disengagement. He concludes his Hebrew article (Avner’s translation), “Concerning the burning issue at hand – the disengagement – the stance of Israel’s youth is directly opposite from that of their parents. Whereas a majority of adults – 58% – support the disengagement, 55% of the youth oppose the disengagement. There are many reasons for their opposition – from personal identification with the settlers to a crystallized hawkish world view. The ‘youth revolt’ …, this ‘orange revolt’(ed., the color orange represents the anti-withdrawal forces) is seen by Israeli youth as a cry of protest against the current corrupt political order, and as a sincere shout against politicians who said one thing during their election campaign and now are doing the exact opposite after they were elected.” (“The youth turn toward the right: Youth against the disengagement and for selective refusal”, Sever Plotzker, Yediot Aharonot, Musaf Shabbat, Fri July 22 2005, pp.4-5).

Sharon’s abandonment of his own election platform, his disregard for his party’s legal constitution and member’s referendum, his firing of cabinet members who upheld party positions – all these have taken their toll on Israeli attitudes toward democracy. A recent poll “conducted by Mina Tzemach for the Knesset Channel found that 87% of the public does not believe the Knesset represents it. In another alarming statistic, 48% could not name one MK who they felt served them well” (“Public puts little trust in members of Knesset”, Nina Gilbert, JP, Tues July 28 2005, p.5).

Natan Sharansky, a world-respected former Soviet dissident/refusenik and also a former coalition member in Sharon’s cabinet, quietly stated, “The government’s approach to disengagement is dividing Israeli society. We are heading toward a terrible rift in this nation; and to my great chagrin, I feel that the government is making no serious effort to prevent it” (“Why I am quitting your government”, Natan Sharansky, JP, Tues May 3 2005).

As you pray over these issues, remember the soldiers who are being asked to turn their strength against fellow citizens instead of against the enemy. IDF OC Manpower Maj-Gen. Elazar Stern drafted a booklet of guidelines to help commanders deal with such problems. He states, “This reality places, on occasion, IDF commanders and soldiers … in a moral collision course between their personal views and positions and the obligation to carry out the missions they were tasked with by the political echelons” (“Guidelines issued for troops who refuse to evacuate”, Arieh O’Sullivan, JP, Wed Mar 16 2005, p.2).

The above quotations show how PM Sharon’s decision for disengagement violated both his electoral mandate and his party referendum. In a healthy democracy Sharon would have been required to ask the voters for a new mandate by holding fresh elections. Though Sharon has kept things barely legal, he has lost the hearts of many in his own party, the trust of many common citizen and the support of the majority of youth in the country. Sharon's withdrawal is not a high point for democracy in Israel.

GAZA & NORTHERN SAMARIA – PART OF THE BIBLICAL PROMISE?

The God of Israel clearly promises the Gaza Strip in its entirety exclusively to the Jewish people. The same is true for northern Samaria. Texts involved include Gen.12:3; 13:14-18; 15:7, 18-21; Num.34:4-6; Deut.1:7-8; Joshua 13:3; 15:1-6, 47; Isa.11:13-14 et al. Though other nations might attempt to settle on those territories and claim them for themselves (see Ezek.36:2-7, Psa.83), the God of the Bible does not recognize such claims. The gifts and calling of God upon the Jewish people are irrevocable and include the entire land of Israel. Pray for your own nation’s leaders to receive God’s revelation and heart about these matters (see Zech.14:1-3; Joel 3:1-2).

God is in the process of bringing the Jewish people back to their ancient homeland.  The majority of us are being brought back in a state of unbelief, as Ezekiel 37 describes. As we have been returning, we've begun to reclaim the deserts and the swamps, defending our biblical homeland with our own blood and watering it with our sweat and tears. Though the enemy may attempt to dislodge us by using superpower pressures and terror attacks, God is still calling us to reclaim our inheritance, to re-dig the ancient wells and to enter into a personal relationship with our God.

For those of us Israeli Messianic believers who serve or have served in the IDF, these are not just abstract concepts. We live our daily lives with these realities before our very eyes. God’s purposes certainly involve shaking Israel and the nations (see Amos 9:7-10) but at the same time most Messianic believers in Israel believe with determination that we are to hold on to our calling and to our land with all our strength. In the same way that we do not understand disease to be God’s gracious gift to believers but we pray for healing as commanded by Yeshua Himself, so we do not make excuses for Arafat, Bin Laden and Hamas as they attempt to rob us of our divine inheritance!

Pray for us as a nation, that God would use these times of the dire straits to purify and soften our hearts, to grant us the gift of repentance and eternal life, and to lead us in standing fast on the land that He promised to the descendants of Jacob as an everlasting possession. We ask you to pray with and for us, that we as a nation and as a Messianic body would look beyond partisan politics and into the wounded hearts of our people. Pray for our healing through a revelation of Yeshua as our Messiah and King on David’s throne (see Zech.12:10-13:1).

A famous Israeli writer Natan Alterman penned what was perhaps his last poem before his death in 1970. This prophetic verse originally written in Hebrew symbolizes our Israeli nation as we press toward our divine calling, surrounded by enemies who would destroy us.

Then Satan Said by Natan Alterman

Then Satan said, “How will I overcome this one who is under siege?

He possesses bravery, ingenuity, weapons of war and resourcefulness”.

And he said, “I’ll not sap his strength, nor reign him in, nor put a bit in his mouth,

Nor fill his heart with cowardice, nor overwhelm him with discouragement

As in days gone by.

I will only do this:

I will cast a shadow of dullness over his mind until he forgets that his cause is just”.

World War Three is Here

Years ago a prophetic man, Bob Jones, declared that WWIII had broken out with the assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat on October 6, 1981. Two men involved in planning that murder were Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman (later convicted of conspiring to blow up the World Trade Center, as well as planning the bombing of the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels and the George Washington Bridge) and Ayman al-Zawahiri, one of Osama bin Laden's two top lieutenants. The assassination of Sadat heralded the resurgence of jihadi Islam. Though Mohammed established jihad in the Koran, and even though jihad is considered one of the pillars of Islam, modern Western political correctness prefers to call jihadis ‘Islamists’ or ‘followers of radical Islam’.

Israel is at the forefront of the struggle against jihadi Islam. Al-Qa’eda recognizes this fact, as does Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah. The Western world has by and large not yet joined the dots. The Palestinian terror movement sees it self at the forefront of jihadi Islam, as Islam's spearhead against the Jews. Jihadists understand the struggle in Gaza and the West Bank to be apocalyptic in nature.

Senator Hillary Clinton once said that “Israel is the canary in the mineshaft: what happens to Israel will happen to the rest of the world” (JP, Sunday, Feb 24 2002, p.1).  In times past a caged canary was taken by coal miners down into a mine.  If the canary stopped singing and passed out, the coal miners knew that deadly gases were present and they took appropriate action.  A canary in the mine shaft is a tripwire, a lightning rod.  What happens to Israel is also a sign of coming events for the rest of the world. If the world ignores Israel’s frantic chirping and warnings, the same attacks now being carried out against Israel will happen to the rest of the world. Bombs blew up for years in Jerusalem, in Tel Aviv and in Netanya. Now they have begun to explode in New York and in London.

It is instructive to listen the advice of Ephraim Halevi, former head of the Mossad, (Israel’s equivalent to the C.I.A.) in his article “Rules of conflict for a world war” (JP, Fri July 8 2005). Halevi now heads the Center for Strategic and Policy Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

 “We are in the throes of a world war, raging over the entire globe and characterized by the absence of lines of conflict and an easily identifiable enemy. There are sometimes long pauses between one attack and another, consequently creating the wrong impression that the battle is all over, or at least in the process of being won . . . With the passage of time, our memories fade and we return to our daily lives, forgetting that the war is still raging out there and more strikes are sure to follow.  It cannot be said that … we can see its conclusion. We are in for the long haul and we must brace ourselves for more that will follow. The 'Great Wars' of the 20th century lasted less than this war has already lasted, and the end is nowhere in sight . . . International cooperation … cannot replace the requirement that each and every country effectively declare itself at war with international Islamist terror …This war is already one of the longest in modern times; as things appear now, it is destined to be part of our daily lives for many years to come”.

A recent AP-Kyodo poll sampling 1,000 Japanese and 1,000 Americans discovered that 6 out of every 10 Americans believe that World War Three will occur in their lifetime (https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=971221). If the prophets are to be believed, World War Three is not an event in the future; it is already here among us. And the withdrawal from Gaza is part and parcel of this global conflict.

This newsletter has been longer than usual. We hope that you will take the time to chew on what is said here, and that you will pray with us over these urgent and highly strategic matters. It is good to labor with you for Yeshua's glory, for the sake of His Kingdom and for the harvest of His people Israel!

Once again, we want you to know how much you mean to us. Thanks for standing with us in prayer and financially.

In Messiah Yeshua’s love,

Avner Boskey (for Rachel, Daniel, David, Asaph and Elisha)

Donations can be sent to:

FINAL FRONTIER MINISTRIES

BOX 121971

NASHVILLE TN  37212-1971 USA

A perspective on the recent Asian earthquake and tsunami

“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven – a time to give birth and a time to die . . . a time to uproot what is planted  . . . a time to tear down . . . a time to weep . . . a time to mourn . . . a time to search, and a time to give up as lost . . .” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-6)

The shocking earthquake which occurred more than six miles below the ocean floor off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia has brought staggering death and destruction to over 150,000, as well as dislocation and disease to possibly 5 million more. The world stands horrified and mute at the scale of human tragedy and disaster.

A human disaster of biblical proportions

An American reporter, Michael Dobbs from the Washington Post was swimming in the ocean and nearly killed in the tsunami. He said ”The speed with which it all happened seemed like a scene from the Bible – a natural phenomenon unlike anything I had experienced before. As the waters rose at an incredible rate, I half expected to catch sight of Noah’s Ark. Instead of the Ark, I grabbed hold of a wooden catamaran...” www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1308957/posts

A British tourist James Scoffield described his experience in the port of Tricomalee: “The wave came out of nowhere. People were running, screaming. I saw bodies littering the streets, floating in the pools. . . I am not a religious man but this is a disaster of Biblical proportions.”

Another British tourist Al Howard described the city of Banda Aceh shortly after the tsunami hit. He said “Everything was flattened. It was like a nuclear bomb had hit the place. I’ve seen bodies before but nothing like this. We lost count. The destruction was of Biblical proportions.”  www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=04/12/29/161210

Thailand’s Prime MInister Thaksin Shinawatra declared on national television, “Nothing like this has ever happened in our country before”. The director of Sri Lanka’s National Disaster Management Center N.D. Hettiarachchi said, “I think this is the worst ever natural disaster in Sri Lanka”. Enzo Boschi, the head of Italy’s National Geophysics Institute said the shaking had disturbed the Earth’s rotation.”All the planet is vibrating’’, he told SKY TG24 TV. Geologist Gianluca Valensise of the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Vulcanology said that ”this felt more like an omen.”

Bread for the World President David Beckmann, quoted in The Washington Post, Dec. 29. 2004, said “This is a disaster of biblical proportions . . .”  US House of Representatives (Dem - Queens) Joseph Crowley said that this disaster was one of “biblical proportions”.

Something major and of earth-shaking importance is happening.

A geological disaster of planetary proportions

Geologist Gianluca Valensise of the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Vulcanology explained, “It has been calculated that the energy released on Sunday was 23,000 times that of the explosion of the nuclear bomb at Hiroshima . . . The whole world resonate(d) like a bell that has been struck . . . A big piece of the planet’s mass has been moved around. This actually altered the axis of the earth’s rotation”

Enzo Boschi of Italy’s National Geophysics Institute likened the quake’s power to detonating a million atomic bombs the size of those dropped on Japan during WW II. David Booth, seismologist at the British Geological Survey, said, “A big column of water has moved, we’re talking about billions of tonnes. This is an enormous disturbance.”

The U.S. Geological Survey put the earthquake’s magnitude at 9.0 on the Richter Scale. This makes it the world’s fifth largest quake since 1900 and the largest since 1964, when a 9.2 quake hit Prince William Sound in Alaska, also causing tsunamis. Kerry Sieh, geologist at the California Institute of Technology said that “Sunday’s was one of the biggest earthquakes in the region in the past 200 years . . . It causes the planet to wobble a little bit, but it’s not going to turn the Earth upside down”.

The quake occurred at a spot where the Indian Ocean geological plate rubs against and is forced beneath the Eurasian plate. Indonesia is located over part of a network of fault lines called the “Ring of Fire”, one of the world’s most quake-active spots. 95% of the earth’s seismic activity is released in the “Ring of Fire”.

A biblical disaster of spiritual proportions

How are we to understand and interpret this unprecedented disaster in light of the Bible and God’s heart?

Tears

The first stop on our journey must be shock and grief. Empathy. Compassion. Tears. Agony of soul. “And should I not have compassion of Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hand, as well as many animals?” (Jonah 4:11) The human tragedy is massive and nearly incomprehensible.

Giving Aid

“What can we do to help?” might be the next step. Concrete steps could include: contributing to a disaster relief fund; praying for the survivors; taking an ongoing interest in long-term help for those scarred and orphaned by the quake’s aftermath.

A Heart Exam

It will be necessary to take a heart exam as well. Are judgmental attitudes rising in our own hearts against the Asian peoples, or the Moslems? Remember Yeshua’s words in Luke 13:1-5: “Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And He answered and said to them, ‘Do you suppose that the Galileans were greater sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered this fate? I tell you, no, but, unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? I tell you, no, but, unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

The sobering thing about disasters is that they are a wake-up call to all who hear. It would be missing the mark to conclude that Indonesian babies are guiltier than other nation’s babies, or that Swedish tourists are more worthy of condemnation than tourists of other nations. A wake-up call is meant to bring a sober spirit to the fore. It is meant to bring the fear of God to center stage. The world is being called to account by God to sit up and take notice –  to take notice of the God of the Hebrews who is also the Sovereign All-powerful Lord of history.

“Ascribe to YHVH, O sons of the mighty . . glory and strength, .. . the glory due to His name.

Worship YHVH in holy array.

The voice of YHVH is upon the waters.

The God of glory thunders, YHVH upon many waters.

The voice of YHVH is powerful.

The voice of YHVH is majestic.

The voice of YHVH breaks the cedars . . .

The voice of YHVH hews out flames of fire.

The voice of YHVH shakes the wilderness. .

The voice of YHVH . . . strips the forests bare and in His Temple everything says ‘Glory!’

YHVH sat as King at the Flood.

Yes, YHVH sits as King forever!” (Psalm 29:1-10)

The Fruit of Repentance

Wake-up calls are God-sent opportunities to get things right with Him. They bring our lives to a screeching halt. They cause us to look deep within and to ask ourselves if there is any wicked way within us (see Psalm 139:24).

In August 1999 Bob Jones, a prophetic brother in America, prophesied that America would receive two wake-up calls, and that the Lord would unsheathe His sword if America would not heed the wake-up calls. 9/11 was that first wake-up call. God intended it to move hearts to repentance. For a few months churches were full But eventually across America a strong nationalism subtly edged out biblical repentance, and a deep turning back to God did not come to pass. Can it be honestly said that there is more prayer and intercession taking place in America now than there was just after 9/11? Could it be that a second wake-up call is coming to America?

The tsunami is a wake-up call to the nations of the world to turn their hearts back to the God of Israel – to repent of materialism, cruelty, pornography, abortion, murder, anti-Jewish hatred, etc.

Isaiah points out that at the end of days geological judgments are going to get heavier and not lighter:

“Behold, YHVH lays the earth waste, devastates it, distorts its surface, and scatters its inhabitants. . . The earth is also polluted by its inhabitants, for they transgressed laws, violated statutes, broke the everlasting covenant. Therefore a curse devours the earth, and those who live in it are held guilty  . . . For the windows above are opened, and the foundations of the earth shake. The earth is broken asunder, the earth is split through, the earth is shaken violently. The earth reels to and fro like a drunkard, and it totters like a hut, for its transgression is heavy upon it. . . “ (see Isaiah 24:1-21).

Birth Pangs Among the Waves

Like a burning trumpet, the voice of YHVH is ringing out at Christmas time, heralding the onset of a birth – or at least, of birth pangs. Yeshua the Messiah spoke to His disciples about the end of days and taught: “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth dismay among the nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken” (Luke 21:25-26).

The roaring of an Asian tsunami and its deadly waves are part of what Yeshua had in mind when He prophesied these things. These events, He said, would bring perplexity to all who witness them. And this perplexity really is happening all across the world today. Yet Yeshua gave us believers in Him a special promise: “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near!” (Luke 21:28).  We are to take courage and draw renewed confidence from this bold declaration. And we are to look heavenward with unconcealed expectancy for Messiah’s soon return: ”And then they shall see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27). That is what Yeshua wants from us. That should be our heart response to His words.

This return, the Second Coming of Yeshua, may be 5 or even 50 years down the road, But it is fast approaching! Yeshua used the term ‘birth pangs’ to refers to the period of time immediately preceding His return (see also Matthew 24:8). In the natural, birth pangs come after a full term pregnancy. A pregnancy lasts for 9 months, and then there are sudden and powerful contractions of the womb, lasting between 2-48 hours on the average.  Birth pangs are a clear and indisputable sign that the pregnancy is just about over and that the arrival of the baby is next on the agenda! We are right now in that time of birth pangs, and God’s baby is surely on the way!

The final harvest of the nations is what is next on the agenda. The full repentance, regathering and restoration of Israel is next on the agenda. Now is the time to prepare. Now is the time to intercede. Now is the time to roll up our sleeves for the work at hand. Yeshua invites us to not be bent over with fear or anxiety, but to straighten up and to rejoice greatly. We are about to see what prophets and angels have longed to behold (see 1 Peter 1:101-12)!

A Warning

In Pharaoh’s day, YHVH declared, “Thus says YHVH the God of the Hebrews, Let My people go, that they may serve Me! For this time I will send all My plagues on you and your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth. For if by now I had put forth My hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, you would then have been cut off from the earth. But indeed, for this cause I have allowed you to remain, in order to show you My power, and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth!” (Exodus 9:14-16).

God declares unashamedly that He was the Author of the ten plagues, and that they came to the earth from His hand. But Pharoah responded to God’s judgments with ambivalence. First he repented and permitted Moses to begin the Hebrew exodus, but then he refused to obey what God required of him. Pharoah was given the opportunity to acknowledge and obey God, yet eventually he hardened his heart and refused to believe that Almighty God was guiding the whole process.  In the same way there are many people who are chewing on the events since the tsunami, who are considering whether or not God has anything to do with the “desolation wrought in the earth”. It is important for all who love the God of Israel and His Messiah Yeshua to acknowledge that the God of the Bible has indeed shaken this planet in times past. We need to also recognize that He is truly shaking His rebellious planet once more. So let’s make up our minds to follow this earth-shaking God whatever the cost.

As we move closer to the day of His return, let’s remember what Peter struggled with toward the close of his earthly life: “Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking ... saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation!’ .. . The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for anyone to perish but for all to come to repentance . . .Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in shalom, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord (ed. as something which will lead to) salvation” (2 Peter 3:3-4, 14-15)

We thank you for standing with us in prayer and financially.  We are your partners in the harvest field of Israel.

In Messiah Yeshua’s love,

Avner Boskey

Donations can be sent to:

FINAL FRONTIER MINISTRIES

BOX 121971

NASHVILLE TN   37212-1971   USA

Donations can also made on-line (by PayPal) through: www.davidstent.org

A Perspective on Disengagement – What's Lurking in the Fog?

Dire straits

On Sunday, 20 February 2005, Israel's cabinet set the date for a total Jewish evacuation from the Gaza Strip and four small communities in Northern Israel (near the Jezreel Valley). The exodus is slated to begin on a date dripping with prophetic significance – on the evening of July 24, the day after the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz. The Fast of Tammuz kicks off the period traditionally known as 'bein hameitzarim' or the 'time of the dire straits' (evening of July 23 through evening of August 14). Many significant tragedies have befallen the Jewish people during this season, which climaxes on the 9th of Av (the Fast of Tisha B'Av),

There are historical reasons why traditional Orthodox Jews consider this season to be a time of foreboding and doom. Here is a partial list of disasters which occurred during the 'time of the dire straits'. On the 17th of Tammuz 70 A.D. the Romans breached the walls of Jerusalem. Solomon's and Herod's Temples were both destroyed at the conclusion of the dire straits period, both on the Ninth of Av, 650 years apart. The Crusades were inaugurated during this season. Over a period of 200 years the Jewish populations of England, France and Spain were exiled during the 'dire straits'. The Ukrainian Khmelnitski massacres and various Holocaust decrees were also initiated during this period. The government of Israel could not have picked a day with worse symbolic meaning on which to initiate the forced removal of Jews from parts of the land of Israel promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

A few weeks ago the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chose an operational codeword for this evacuation process, calling it "Shevet Ahim". The Hebrew phrase comes from Psalm 133:1, describing the goodness and pleasantness of the Jewish people dwelling together in unity. Since the forced removal of the Jewish Gazans also involves settling them in another place ('settling' in Hebrew is grammatically connected to the word shevet), some obtuse army officer concluded that this codeword might put a positive and quasi-biblical spin on the whole process. Perhaps he thought that exiling Jews can end up being a pleasant task, and that forced evacuation will simply encourage them to live together in closer unity with other Jewish brothers!

In the land of Israel biblical phrases and concepts are never far away from daily life, streaming across the computer screens of our consciousness. It seems that what goes on with this people always has echoes of eternity, always has biblical proportions. As Paul said, the gifts and calling of God upon the Jewish people are irrevocable.

* * *

What is the heart of the matter here? What is going on in the hearts of world leaders? What motivates Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to unilaterally withdraw from areas that he 'pacified' with an iron hand? Why is Sharon's Likud ruling party a house divided on this matter? Have the various Palestinian leaderships really reformed and chosen the path of peace? How can a born-again US President advocate and encourage the dividing up of the land of Israel? What can be uncovered about the secrets of men's hearts (see 1 Cor.14:25; Prov.25:2)?

Sharon 's heart

Ariel Sharon is known in Israel as 'the bulldozer'. Like Joab in King David's day, he has been a brave and bloody general who delivers victory on the battlefield. Often considered a maverick by his commanding officers, he frequently disobeyed orders in order to carry out what he felt were better strategies – and usually won the day. Sharon's past military reputation is that of ignoring clearly mandated orders while trying to score a battlefield knockout punch.

On January 28 2003 Sharon was elected in a landslide victory with a clear mandate including no withdrawal from Gaza, the West Bank or any part of Jerusalem; no negotiations with the Palestinians as long as terror continued; and a strong counter-terrorist military and intelligence response to Islamic jihad operations against Israelis. Within 12 months he did a total about face, advocating unilateral withdrawal from Gaza and part of the West Bank. In a Western democracy such a flip flop would have required Sharon to seek re-election. But due to the tightrope-like nature of Israeli parliamentary politics, Sharon has managed to cobble together a coalition of his own opponents while overriding his own party members. By threatening and outmaneuvering his cabinet, he has rammed through his disengagement strategy in spite of his electorate and party platforms.

What caused Sharon's drastic change? What caused him to abandon loyalty to his own party? Certainly no politician is immune to the temptations of making a name for himself in history, or staying in power for another term. Upon assuming office every world leader also discovers new facets, perspectives and pressures – factors which may cause him to reconsider and even change previously held convictions.

Yet Sunday's recent events point to a simpler reason. First, Sharon announced the unilateral disengagement from Gaza and Northern Samaria. Three hours later his cabinet approved a revised route for the defensive security fence, holding on to regions close to Jerusalem (the Maale Adumim and Gush Etzion districts). It seems that Sharon is hoping that the US will be satisfied by the disengagement and put less pressure on Israel as a result, asking it to give up less land elsewhere. As one nameless diplomatic official said, "This is a very strong statement regarding limits Israel believes the US is willing to accept" (Jerusalem Post [JP] p.1, Feb 21 2005).

Natan Sharansky explains his similar decoding of Sharon's strategies (JP Weekend, Feb 18 2005):

My theory is that he is desperate because of the fact that, for so many years, Israel has tried again and again to make peace, only to find again and again that we don't have a partner. . . And that the world is against us. No matter what we do, no matter that the Palestinians keep trying to destroy us, more and more is always demanded. I think Sharon is trying to stop this cycle by saying 'We'll make one dramatic step that will be very difficult for us, and we won't link it to any demands [on the Palestinians] because we don't believe that they would fulfill any demands. And then we will get some relief from the rest of the world'. However, I believe not only that we will not gain 10 years [of peace], but that we will not even gain one day.

Sharon may well believe that his risk is worth taking, and that he can pull off another great victory on the diplomatic battlefield. He hopes that he will be able to temporarily hold off the international wolves, those leaders of unfriendly nations who snarlingly demand that Israel divide up its own God given land (see Joel 3:1-2).

But we are seeing history repeat itself rather quickly. In May 2000 former PM Ehud Barak stated that a unilateral withdrawal from Lebanon would not set a precedent. On May 14, 2004 the Jerusalem Post spoke about the “Lebanonization of Gaza” and quoted IDF Chief of Staff General Moshe Ya’alon stating that “the Gaza Strip is not Lebanon.” Sadly, the opposite has turned out to be true. Today it is Sharon who is applying Barak's bankrupt strategies, gambling recklessly with Israel's future and inheritance.

The Likud party

Whereas in 2003 the Likud rode to a stunning victory opposing disengagement, today barely one handful of top Likud leaders espouse the same position. The reason is not hard to uncover: PM Sharon has threatened his own cabinet members with dismissal and has bullied party hacks until they stood with him. The majority of top party members have fallen into sullen line. Those Likudniks who have remained steadfast to 70 years of party ideology and have opposed Sharon's about-face are labeled "the Likud rebels" by the media and by Sharon's PR men. They have discovered that it can be dangerous to hold fast to one's own party's platform, and that a politician's enemies can even be those from his own party!

Peres and the Labor Party

Shimon Peres, catalyst of the Oslo Peace Process, still guides the Labor ship of state. Now deputy PM in Sharon's coalition government, Peres and his followers believe that Gaza must be evacuated first, and then comes most of the West Bank. His arguments, briefly stated? "We must make an accounting of what has happened to us over nearly 40 years, and how much it has cost us in human life, how much it has cost us in resources, and how much it has cost us in our international standing." Peres says that the constant terrorist attacks, resulting in Israeli civilian and military casualties, have taken their toll. The Islamic jihad terrorists have forced the hand of a sovereign Israeli government and changed its policies. Incidentally, this goal of "dividing, confusing and conquering" the enemy has always been one of the terrorists' stated strategies.

Peres believes that Israel's international standing in the world will rise as a result of the disengagement, though Natan Sharansky has described this hope as totally unrealistic. Peres and his disciple Yossi Beilin believe that Israel must shrink its borders if it is to be fully accepted into the New Middle East. A new era of peace, prosperity and understanding will soon be upon Israel if she only lets go of unnecessary land, according to this view. Needless to say, Peres feels that those who advocate the Biblical perspective of God-given borders will only bring the entire region to the point of conflagration.

Israelis

Israelis have a high pain tolerance. We have suffered repeated wars, skyrocketing inflation, painful terror attacks, deadly motorists and rude shoppers. We follow our leaders, often blindly (see Ezek.34). This 'leader complex' works for good and for bad. On the good side, when Israel's leaders repent en masse for rejecting Yeshua's Messiahship, many Israelis will follow them in returning to the Lord (see Zech.12:12-14; 13:9).

Back in January 2003 the majority of the electorate strongly opposed disengagement. But since Sharon has pushed strongly for it, overturning all obstacles and the media have strongly supported Sharon's path. Slowly the majority of Israelis has warmed to the idea. Though Sharon has betrayed his electorate, he has now managed to win a significant percentage of them over to his side. Only the collapse of his coalition, the outbreak of new terrorism, or a traumatic evacuation of Gazan Jews would cause Israelis to abandon support for Sharon at this point.

Messianic Israeli Jews

Messianic Jews in Israel deal with a lot of social, religious and spiritual pressures in Israel. We tend to be divided on political issues, as are many other Israelis. Since the majority of Israelis have now swung over to support Sharon, this swing towards disengagement is also reflected among Israeli believers. Some, it is true, have are strongly opposed to disengagement, and others can be found reviling and speaking ill of our elected leaders in violation of Ex.22:28 and Acts 23:5.

Perhaps one of the best ways to consider this matter is by asking three simple questions:

1. Is it God who has restored Gaza and the West Bank to the Jewish people?

2. If so, are we thankful to Him for this?

3. If we give these lands to our sworn enemies, will God be happy or angry with us, pleased or displeased?

Most Israelis would probably not volunteer a bold answer on any of these points. Romans 1:21 says that lack of thankfulness to God can have severe spiritual consequences. Rejecting God's good gifts is an expression of a lack of thankfulness, and this also has severe consequences. To be found disengaging from God's good gifts is not to be found in a good place.

President Bush and contiguity

President Bush is a fellow believer in Yeshua the Messiah. He is the leader of the most powerful, generous and wealthy nation on earth. He is committed to reading and obeying the Holy Scriptures. Yet his national policies seem to have been formulated without awareness of the biblical teaching regarding God's last days judgment on any nation who helps to divide the land of Israel (eg., Zech.14:1-3; Joel 3:1-2). It seems that State Department logic and human compassion unenlightened by God's Word has shaped the President's strategies. This is a matter for deep regret, for earnest intercession and for great hope of repentance.

President Bush spoke only a few hours ago in Belgium. AP quotes him as saying, "So Israel must freeze settlement activity, help Palestinians build a thriving economy, and ensure that a new Palestinian state is truly viable, with contiguous territory on the West Bank. A state of scattered territories will not work . . .I've asked Secretary Rice . . . to convey America's strong support for the Palestinian people as they build a democratic state".

In plain language President Bush is calling on Jews to abandon significant portions of their God given land (see Jer. 31); to help establish on that land an Arab state which unfortunately will seek Israel's destruction (see Ezek. 36); and pledges American support to this future Arab entity which will soon seek to displace Jews from their inheritance (see Psalm 83).

The word "contiguous" means touching or in physical contact with something. So President Bush has called for a new Palestinian state whose two parts (Gaza and the West Bank) need to be physically connected. The down side of this is that the State of Israel would be cut in two. When the West Bank and Gaza touch, then Beersheva, Eilat and Kiryat Gath are cut off from Jerusalem, Ashkelon, Tel Aviv and Haifa. Contiguous borders mean the partitioning or dividing up of the State of Israel! This means that even more border changes are waiting in the wings. It also means that the USA is applying pressure on Israel to shrink itself and divide itself. And so we come to understand the present pressures on Sharon, why he is trying to downsize Israel before our American big brother gets into the act!

Abu Mazen and realpolitik

The new leader of the Palestinian Authority is Mahmoud Abbas, also known by his PLO fighting name Abu Mazen. Abu Mazen was involved in graduate studies at the Moscow's Oriental College, and authored a doctoral dissertation in history denying the Holocaust and accusing Jews and Nazis of being comrades ("The Other Side: The Secret Relationship Between Nazism and Zionism"). He was the paymaster for the 1972 PLO Munich Olympic massacre, and has funneled at least $100,000 USD to wanted terrorists during the recent Palestinian election. He has until recently referred to Israel as "the Zionist enemy", and has called for a return of Palestinians to Galilee and Jerusalem. This 'return' would flood Jewish Israel with Palestinian Arabs and is another buzz word for a destruction of the Jewish state.

Abu Mazen has declared that violence is not an acceptable strategy at present during the peace negotiations, but has left future possibilities open. His foreign minister Nabil Sha'ath has declared that "there are no differences over the objectives" between Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the PFLP and Abu Mazen (Jeff Jacoby, Boston Globe Jan 10 2005). Abu Mazen's decision not to dismantle the terrorist infrastructures in Gaza and the West Bank will keep the terror option alive and well, ready for the time when the peace process eventually fails to yield more territory.

Pray that God may grant health, safety and wisdom to Prime Minister Sharon and President Bush. Pray that God will raise up leadership in Israel that hears God's voice and has the courage to obey. Pray that believers will shine like lights during these times of shaking, and that Yeshua would be manifested throughout Israel to Jew and Arab alike. Pray that God would raise up a mighty army of prophetic musicians and artists and intercessors throughout this nation.

Even though much of the above seems bleak, God is using these pressures to bring His beloved Jewish people closer to Him. As King David once said, "For His anger is only for a brief moment, but His good pleasure is life itself! Weeping may endure for an evening, but in the morning? Joy!" (Psalm 30:5)

Once again, we want to tell you again how much you mean to us. We thank you for standing with us in prayer and financially. We are your partners in the harvest field of Israel.

In Messiah Yeshua’s love,

Avner Boskey (for Rachel, Daniel, David, Asaph and Elisha)

Donations can be sent to:

FINAL FRONTIER MINISTRIES

BOX 121971

NASHVILLE TN 37212-1971 USA

Birth pangs and anti-Semitism - Uli's prophetic dream

Greetings in Yeshua's name!  Once again, our hearts are full and we have much to communicate.  At the beginning of this new year, there is a quickened sense that we are to "be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer"  (1 Peter 4:7).  Here are some insights to help inform your thinking and praying for Israel and the Jewish people.

The Lord is 'putting the squeeze' on His people Israel. Israel is again being shaken – at home in the Jewish state and wherever the Jewish people reside around the world. God is drawing Jacob closer to the birth canal of 'dire straits'.  Two present examples are reflected in today's news. The Jerusalem Post (JP) headlines (Jan 24 2005) state that "violent anti-Semitic attacks skyrocket by 50 percent in Britain"  in the calendar year 2004. The article goes on to state that anti-Semitic incidents are increasing around the world, especially in France, Russia, the Ukraine and Western Europe.  The squeeze in Israel today centers around the 'disengagement' process – Prime Minister Sharon's decision to evacuate to hostile forces parts of the land promised by God to the Jewish people as an everlasting inheritance. This disengagement is causing much soul-searching in our nation, and deep questions are being raised about our national identity, calling and purpose.

Simultaneously the Holy Spirit's activity among the Jewish people is growing.  A small but steady stream of Israelis are putting their faith in Messiah Yeshua.  Intercession and identificational repentance are slowly increasing among Israeli believers.

Birth pangs and awakenings

Here in Israel the media reflects increasing spiritual awareness and hunger.  Popular secular Israeli songwriters are grappling with Israel's spiritual calling and relationship to God. Recent articles in January 2005's Jerusalem Post (www.jpost.com) point to this increasing awareness.

Mark Levinson comments that the Israel Song Festival's musical mood was ... "about being disoriented, alienated, and without moral support."  The winning song sighs,  'Another little branch breaks within, boom; another blow, one more and I won't be able to get up again.  All I want is to go home.  Someone big up there will take care that I don't fall.  A soft hand will come to me.'  Several songs expressed a similar need for comfort." (JP Jan 2)

Israel's former Chief Rabbi Yisrael Lau, who commented on the growing discord regarding the disengagement plan, says, "The curses mentioned in Leviticus and Deuteronomy came true during the Holocaust . . . Perhaps it is too much to expect of one generation to also make true the prophecy of returning Israel to the borders mentioned in the Bible. Just as we have yet to realize Isaiah's prophecy that the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, so, too, we have not yet attained of Eretz Yisrael Hashleima (the Whole Promised Land of Israel)." (Jan 4, JP)

Mati Wagner writes about how some rabbis are grappling with the pastoral fallout of disengagement. "Religious Zionist rabbis grapple with 'theology of disengagement,' that these rabbis are trying to provide theological answers to those who struggle with the disengagement issue.  For those who are struggling 'a feeling of betrayal can result in frustration and depression'." (Jan 6, JP)

Knesset member Effi Eitam describes how many Israelis are being torn apart by the potential upcoming disengagement. He uses an analogy of Israel as a patient awaiting surgery:  "No patient can survive surgery that separates the body from the soul." (Jan 13, JP)

Saul Singer writes about how Christians are responding to world suffering, especially with regard to the tsunami disaster.  He describes an American missionary group called WorldHelp which airlifted 300 'tsunami orphans' to a Christian children's home in Jakarta, and comments "... I can't help but find the spirit behind it admirable, even enviable."  He contrasts Christianity and Judaism's involvement in humanitarian aid, and asks if the Jewish people are accomplishing their God-given purpose as a people. "Christians know that they are supposed to 'save' souls.  Do Jews know that they, too, have a global mission, or the means they are told to achieve it?"  He goes on to say that "Our demographic crisis seems rooted in having become 'a messenger who has forgotten his message . . . Not only have we forgotten our message, but we've done so at the instant of delivery, the moment when we have more potential to actualize it than any time in the last 2,000 years." (Jan 21, JP)  Singer's words remind us of Isaiah 26:17-18 " ... as the pregnant woman approaches the time to give birth she writhes and cries out in her labor pains.  Thus were we before You, O Lord.  We were pregnant, we writhed in labor, we gave birth as it were only to wind.  We could not accomplish deliverance for the earth, nor were the inhabitants of the world born."

David Klinghoffer in an article about the Jewish community's response to Mel Gibson's film The Passion writes that the fears of the Jewish community (that Gibson's film would spark anti-Semitic responses) were unfounded.  He goes on to say that "Christian affection for Israel, and for Jews, is not going to go away anytime soon."  Klinghoffer then asks if the Jewish people are fulfilling their calling.  "I worry about the function God assigned to the Jewish people 3,000 years ago at Mount Sinai.  There He called us to be a 'kingdom of priests' (Exodus 19:6), and many passages in the Hebrew prophets make clear what this should mean.  We are called to function as ministers to the world, which is meant to be our congregation, teaching other peoples about God.  ... The time has come to acknowledge our mistake, even to apologize.  Not to Gibson, but to God.  Jews have a job in the world, which He gave us.  We're not doing it now ..." (Jan 21, JP)

A helpful prophetic dream to encourage believers

The Jewish people are about to enter the greatest challenges in their entire history, and the Body of Messiah around the world is being called to stand together with them. We recently hosted dear friends from Austria, Helmuth and Uli Eiwen, pastors of Ichthys Congregation in Weiner Neustadt near Vienna, Austria.  We have been their friends for twelve years. The Lord has given the Eiwens a deep calling to stand with the Jewish people and Israel. Recently Uli had a powerful prophetic dream which we feel should be heard by many.

Uli's dream:

"I was standing in the Jewish square (Judenplatz) in Vienna among many Jewish people.  Suddenly some men came from a sidewalk around the corner.  They were dressed in red uniforms with black buttons and black belts.  Immediately they started to shoot with their guns into the crowd and many people were wounded.  I heard the sound of the bullets in a very real way and I was deathly frightened.  I was cowering next to the wall of a synagogue and I didn't know if I was injured.  As fast as these men came, they disappeared.  I checked myself, and I wasn't injured.  Now I only had one big desire – to escape from this place and to go home!  There was only a tunnel-like passage through a house to get away from this place. I started to run through this passage and then on each side of this tunnel I saw doors with a black "J" written on them. I knew that these were entrance doors to apartments where Jewish people were living.  While I was running through this passage I realized that a lady was running/following me the whole time.  Now both of us stopped. As I looked at her I knew that she was a Jewish lady.  She introduced herself to me and said to me: "My name is Eckstein."  (ed. note: This is a German Jewish name which is translated 'cornerstone' in English or 'rosh pina' in Hebrew).  This lady said to me "I had breast cancer and my breasts were amputated.  But now my breasts are growing again."  Then she opened her blouse and showed me her left breast.  I couldn't believe what I saw.  In front of my eyes her breast was growing.  Then she ran/followed after me the whole way to the end of this tunnel. There I saw five streets which might lead me to my home, but I didn't know which street was the right one.  I chose the closest street and began running down it.  At the end of the street I realized that this street was going back to the Jewish square from where I had started.  I then chose the second street, but the same thing happened to me, because this street led me back to the Jewish square.  All five streets eventually led back to the Jewish square. I realized that there was no possibility for me to escape. Then I woke up."

The interpretation of Uli's dream:

Uli represents the Gentile Body of Messiah (the Church which is made up of born-again believers in Yeshua).  The Jewish woman named Eckstein ('cornerstone') represents Messianic Jews – those Jews who believe in Yeshua as their Messiah.  The 'amputation of the breasts (mastectomy) recalls the fact that when the Jewish leadership rejected their Messiah, some of the Jewish branches were cut off from the place of blessing (see Romans 11:17). As a nation the majority of Jewish people fell short of their national calling to nourish the nations with God's spiritual milk – spiritual light and truth. But in our day Israel's breasts are growing again as more and more Jewish people declare loyalty and fealty to Yeshua Son of David their Messiah (see Psalm 2:12).  The prophets declare that at the end of days Israel and Jerusalem will satisfy, nourish and comfort the world with her bountiful breasts (Isaiah 66:10-13).

The red and black colors of the anti-Semitic terrorist uniforms remind us of the colors of the Nazi flag. This indicates that the same spirit which motivated Hitler's armies is on the rise, seeking the humiliation, weakening and the destruction of world Jewry.  The black letter "J" reminds us of the Nazi practice of using a yellow star of David as a mark of persecution, and a black "J" on identity documents to single Jews out for tribulation and destruction.

The name 'Eckstein' or 'cornerstone' refers to the Jewish people being rejected by the nations of the world, just as their Messiah was also rejected by Israel's own leaders and by the world powers of His day (see Psalm 118:23; Acts 4:11, 27-28). 'Eckstein' indicates that the Jewish people have a foundational, pivotal and outstanding role to play in the last days ministry, in world revival and Messiah's return (see Matt.23:37-39; Acts 3:19-21; Rom.11:12, 15)

As we enter the tunnel of end-time persecution of the Jewish people, the true Church is being called out to join hands with Messianic Jews and with the whole Jewish people. Messianic Jews are being called forth to join hands with the primarily Gentile Church.  All the Body of Messiah will need to stand with the Jewish people in this persecution.  And together we will see Israel enter into her end-time calling – to bring spiritual nourishment, life from the dead, to the whole world (see Rom.11:15).

In the dream all five roads led to the same destination. There is a sense of destiny that the Gentiles' calling and redemptive role is bound up with helping the Jewish people. Even the fivefold ministry in all its glory is destined to bring the Church to the sobering recognition of this prophetic reality.

We believe this dream was given as a specific exhortation and encouragement to born-again believers in Yeshua to stick with Messianic Jews and with the Jewish people – to know that the best is yet to come for all of us as we all enter into our end time calling.  We will yet see Israel nourishing the world!  Here is another word of encouragement from the Lord to you who love Jerusalem:

"Be joyful with Jerusalem and rejoice for her, all you who love her! Be exceedingly glad with her, all you who mourn over her, that you may nurse and be satisfied with her comforting breasts, that you may suck and be delighted with her bountiful bosom.  For thus says the Lord, 'Behold, I extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall be nursed, you shall be carried on the hip and fondled on the knees.  As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.'  Then you shall see this, and your heart shall be glad, and your bones shall flourish like the new grass; and the hand of the Lord shall be made known to His servants, but He shall be indignant toward His enemies."  (Isaiah 66:10-14)

Other recent events

On January 4-6 we were privileged to lead worship at a three day conference of spiritual "mothers and fathers" from Germany and Israel, held in Zichron Ya'akov.  About 30 spiritual leaders from Germany and Switzerland joined with about 25 spiritual leaders from Israel for a time of sharing of hearts and mutual encouragement.  We experienced much blessing as the oil of unity flowed over us all. There was not a dry eye for any of us.  These German and Swiss leaders brought very specific encouragement to us here in the land to keep on pressing on with our work, because our labor is not in vain and it really is leading to what we are all waiting for – the salvation of Israel!  Significant spiritual bonds were made and milestones were passed as we blessed and loved each other.

In our home in Omer, twice weekly worship and intercession gatherings continue to bless us and (we believe) touch the heart of God as well.  We sense that our calling is to "make smooth in the desert a highway for our God" (Isaiah 40:3).  Various brothers are helping to lead the worship and intercession gatherings.  We appreciate the fellowship we are experiencing with a small group of local Israeli believers from the Negev in our home.  We also have a time of studying the Word and praying for each other.  Please pray with us that this tender plant will be nurtured and sustained by our Heavenly Father.  Pray for a deepening of worship and intimacy.  We feel a real excitement and joy about what is happening.  We have been encouraged by a family who moved to Omer last Fall to join in what the Lord is doing here.  In the next week, a seasoned and gifted couple will be joining us for a season.  As well, we are delighted that another dear gifted intercessor/worshipper will be moving to Omer next week!  Please pray for all of us as we continue being built into a community of the Lord's choosing.

We have been blessed to help occasionally with worship watches at the Jerusalem 24/7 Tabernacle of Praise, overseen by Rick and Patty Ridings.  We rejoice to see worship and intercession growing among believers in the land of Israel.

Continuing operating expenses for Final Frontier Ministries

Over the past 12 years we have seen the Lord provide for Final Frontier Ministries in unusual ways. We have seen God provide for ongoing ministry needs and for salaries through FFM, for the most part without us having to leave Israel and travel outside of the country to raise support by speaking, teaching and ministering. We are thankful for being able to minister outside of Israel to friends and comrades when God calls us to do that, and when He quickens those opportunities with His blessing and wind! We realize that this is not the usual way that most ministries function, and we are very thankful that God has blessed us and allowed us to focus most of our time and ministry in the country of Israel.

At the same time, we know and feel that financially we are "walking on water" or "walking on air."  When we do have pressing financial needs, we do feel the freedom to make these needs known to you.  At present we need to let you know that there are immediate financial shortfalls for us in FFM.  We are presently functioning with no financial reserves and on a month by month basis. Sometimes we feel like the children of Israel in the desert, waking up to God's daily provision of manna.  At times this dynamic is His will and part of His way of drawing us close to Him.  At other times this "living with invisible means of support" can lead to a real increase in pressure, tension and strain.  We are deeply thankful to those of you who stand with us through your monthly financial gifts.  These gifts cover only part of our monthly needs. These needs include ongoing salary for us and for our administrative assistant in Nashville, Sandra Elkins, as well as FFM's operating expenses.  Often the Lord surprises us with one time gifts.  Though we have been able to pay our bills, we do need an increase in monthly giving.

There are many things we would like to do if there were increased financial provision:

*  We would like to obtain a decent sound system and an overhead projector for the worship and intercessory meetings.

*  We would like to print Avner's book Israel the Key to World Revival.  This book has been available in photostated version since 1997. We feel that it is time to make this book available in printed form. The result will be more attractive, smaller and more readable. It will also lower costs per unit, and make the printing profitable for the ministry. At this point the book is often sold simply at cost.

*  We have been operating under Jim and Michal Ann Goll's Encounters Network's 501(c)3.  It is time for us to have our own status as a non-profit organization. There are costs involved in setting up a non-profit.

*  We are sensing that we are to begin holding training/teaching seminars on the prophetic for Israeli believers. There will be expenses for these seminars.

*  If we had the funds, we would consider adding staff members to what we are doing in Israel.  We need administrative help and we just cannot keep up with the volume of work coming our way, especially in terms of connecting via e-mail with believers around the world.  Some people who are joining us here in Omer for prayer and intercession are also living by faith.  We are seeking the Lord as to His will regarding others joining us under the Final Frontier Ministries umbrella.

Please pray and ask the Lord to increase our financial provision.  Consider what the Lord might want you to do in helping financially, either one-time or on a continual or increased basis.

Please keep praying for Israel.  You will be deeply satisfied with the results of your prayers!  Life from the dead, the restoration of all things and being nourished at Jerusalem's comforting breasts await all those who carry Israel in prayer. 

Thank you for standing with us as we partner with you in the harvest field of Israel.

In Messiah Yeshua’s love,

Avner and Rachel Boskey

Donations can be sent to:

FINAL FRONTIER MINISTRIES    

BOX 121971     

NASHVILLE TN   37212-1971   USA    

Donations can also made on-line (by PayPal) through:

www.davidstent.org

A PERSPECTIVE ON THE RECENT ASIAN EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI

A PERSPECTIVE ON THE RECENT ASIAN EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI  by Avner Boskey"

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven – a time to give birth and a time to die . . . a time to uproot what is planted  . . . a time to tear down . . . a time to weep . . . a time to mourn . . . a time to search, and a time to give up as lost . . ." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-6)

The shocking earthquake which occurred more than six miles below the ocean floor off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia has brought staggering death and destruction to over 150,000, as well as dislocation and disease to possibly 5 million more. The world stands horrified and mute at the scale of human tragedy and disaster.

A human disaster of biblical proportions

An American reporter, Michael Dobbs from the Washington Post was swimming in the ocean and nearly killed in the tsunami. He said "The speed with which it all happened seemed like a scene from the Bible – a natural phenomenon unlike anything I had experienced before. As the waters rose at an incredible rate, I half expected to catch sight of Noah's Ark. Instead of the Ark, I grabbed hold of a wooden catamaran..." www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1308957/posts

A British tourist James Scoffield described his experience in the port of Tricomalee: "The wave came out of nowhere. People were running, screaming. I saw bodies littering the streets, floating in the pools. . . I am not a religious man but this is a disaster of Biblical proportions." www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2004600538,00.html 

Another British tourist Al Howard described the city of Banda Aceh shortly after the tsunami hit. He said "Everything was flattened. It was like a nuclear bomb had hit the place. I've seen bodies before but nothing like this. We lost count. The destruction was of Biblical proportions."  www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=04/12/29/161210

Thailand's Prime MInister Thaksin Shinawatra declared on national television, "Nothing like this has ever happened in our country before". The director of Sri Lanka's National Disaster Management Center N.D. Hettiarachchi said, "I think this is the worst ever natural disaster in Sri Lanka". Enzo Boschi, the head of Italy's National Geophysics Institute said the shaking had disturbed the Earth's rotation."All the planet is vibrating'', he told SKY TG24 TV. Geologist Gianluca Valensise of the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Vulcanology said that "this felt more like an omen".

Bread for the World President David Beckmann, quoted in The Washington Post, Dec. 29. 2004, said "This is a disaster of biblical proportions . . ."  US House of Representatives (Dem - Queens) Joseph Crowley said that this disaster was one of "biblical proportions".

Something major and of earth-shaking importance is happening.

A geological disaster of planetary proportions

Geologist Gianluca Valensise of the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Vulcanology explained, "It has been calculated that the energy released on Sunday was 23,000 times that of the explosion of the nuclear bomb at Hiroshima . . . The whole world resonate(d) like a bell that has been struck . . . A big piece of the planet's mass has been moved around. This actually altered the axis of the earth's rotation" www.msnbcmsn.com/id/6759529.site/newsweek/ 

Enzo Boschi of Italy's National Geophysics Institute likened the quake's power to detonating a million atomic bombs the size of those dropped on Japan during WW II. David Booth, seismologist at the British Geological Survey, said, "A big column of water has moved, we're talking about billions of tonnes. This is an enormous disturbance."

The U.S. Geological Survey put the earthquake's magnitude at 9.0 on the Richter Scale. This makes it the world's fifth largest quake since 1900 and the largest since 1964, when a 9.2 quake hit Prince William Sound in Alaska, also causing tsunamis. Kerry Sieh, geologist at the California Institute of Technology said that "Sunday's was one of the biggest earthquakes in the region in the past 200 years . . . It causes the planet to wobble a little bit, but it's not going to turn the Earth upside down".

The quake occurred at a spot where the Indian Ocean geological plate rubs against and is forced beneath the Eurasian plate. Indonesia is located over part of a network of fault lines called the "Ring of Fire", one of the world's most quake-active spots. 95% of the earth's seismic activity is released in the "Ring of Fire".

A biblical disaster of spiritual proportions

How are we to understand and interpret this unprecedented disaster in light of the Bible and God's heart?

Tears

The first stop on our journey must be shock and grief. Empathy. Compassion. Tears. Agony of soul. "And should I not have compassion of Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hand, as well as many animals?" (Jonah 4:11) The human tragedy is massive and nearly incomprehensible.

Giving Aid

"What can we do to help?" might be the next step. Concrete steps could include: contributing to a disaster relief fund; praying for the survivors; taking an ongoing interest in long-term help for those scarred and orphaned by the quake's aftermath.

A Heart Exam

It will be necessary to take a heart exam as well. Are judgmental attitudes rising in our own hearts against the Asian peoples, or the Moslems? Remember Yeshua's words in Luke 13:1-5: "Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And He answered and said to them, 'Do you suppose that the Galileans were greater sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered this fate? I tell you, no, but, unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? I tell you, no, but, unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."

The sobering thing about disasters is that they are a wake-up call to all who hear. It would be missing the mark to conclude that Indonesian babies are guiltier than other nation's babies, or that Swedish tourists are more worthy of condemnation than tourists of other nations. A wake-up call is meant to bring a sober spirit to the fore. It is meant to bring the fear of God to center stage. The world is being called to account by God to sit up and take notice –  to take notice of the God of the Hebrews who is also the Sovereign All-powerful Lord of history.

"Ascribe to YHVH, O sons of the mighty . . glory and strength, .. . the glory due to His name.

Worship YHVH in holy array.

The voice of YHVH is upon the waters.

The God of glory thunders, YHVH upon many waters.

The voice of YHVH is powerful.

The voice of YHVH is majestic.

The voice of YHVH breaks the cedars . . .

The voice of YHVH hews out flames of fire.

The voice of YHVH shakes the wilderness. .

The voice of YHVH . . . strips the forests bare and in His Temple everything says 'Glory!'

YHVH sat as King at the Flood.

Yes, YHVH sits as King forever!" (Psalm 29:1-10)

The Fruit of Repentance

Wake-up calls are God-sent opportunities to get things right with Him. They bring our lives to a screeching halt. They cause us to look deep within and to ask ourselves if there is any wicked way within us (see Psalm 139:24).

In August 1999 Bob Jones, a prophetic brother in America, prophesied that America would receive two wake-up calls, and that the Lord would unsheathe His sword if America would not heed the wake-up calls. 9/11 was that first wake-up call. God intended it to move hearts to repentance. For a few months churches were full But eventually across America a strong nationalism subtly edged out biblical repentance, and a deep turning back to God did not come to pass. Can it be honestly said that there is more prayer and intercession taking place in America now than there was just after 9/11? Could it be that a second wake-up call is coming to America?

The tsunami is a wake-up call to the nations of the world to turn their hearts back to the God of Israel – to repent of materialism, cruelty, pornography, abortion, murder, anti-Jewish hatred, etc.

Isaiah points out that at the end of days geological judgments are going to get heavier and not lighter:

"Behold, YHVH lays the earth waste, devastates it, distorts its surface, and scatters its inhabitants. . . The earth is also polluted by its inhabitants, for they transgressed laws, violated statutes, broke the everlasting covenant. Therefore a curse devours the earth, and those who live in it are held guilty  . . . For the windows above are opened, and the foundations of the earth shake. The earth is broken asunder, the earth is split through, the earth is shaken violently. The earth reels to and fro like a drunkard, and it totters like a hut, for its transgression is heavy upon it. . . " (see Isa.24:1-21).

Birth Pangs Among the Waves

Like a burning trumpet, the voice of YHVH is ringing out at Christmas time, heralding the onset of a birth – or at least, of birth pangs. Yeshua the Messiah spoke to His disciples about the end of days and taught: "And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth dismay among the nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken" (Luke 21:25-26). 

The roaring of an Asian tsunami and its deadly waves are part of what Yeshua had in mind when He prophesied these things. These events, He said, would bring perplexity to all who witness them. And this perplexity really is happening all across the world today. Yet Yeshua gave us believers in Him a special promise: "But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near!" (Luke 21:28).  We are to take courage and draw renewed confidence from this bold declaration. And we are to look heavenward with unconcealed expectancy for Messiah's soon return: "And then they shall see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory" (Luke 21:27). That is what Yeshua wants from us. That should be our heart response to His words.

This return, the Second Coming of Yeshua, may be 5 or even 50 years down the road, But it is fast approaching! Yeshua used the term 'birth pangs' to refers to the period of time immediately preceding His return (see also Matt.24:8). In the natural, birth pangs come after a full term pregnancy. A pregnancy lasts for 9 months, and then there are sudden and powerful contractions of the womb, lasting between 2-48 hours on the average.  Birth pangs are a clear and indisputable sign that the pregnancy is just about over and that the arrival of the baby is next on the agenda! We are right now in that time of birth pangs, and God's baby is surely on the way!

The final harvest of the nations is what is next on the agenda. The full repentance, regathering and restoration of Israel is next on the agenda. Now is the time to prepare. Now is the time to intercede. Now is the time to roll up our sleeves for the work at hand. Yeshua invites us to not be bent over with fear or anxiety, but to straighten up and to rejoice greatly. We are about to see what prophets and angels have longed to behold (see 1 Pet.1:101-12)!

A Warning

In Pharoah's day, YHVH declared, "Thus says YHVH the God of the Hebrews, Let My people go, that they may serve Me! For this time I will send all My plagues on you and your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth. For if by now I had put forth My hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, you would then have been cut off from the earth. But indeed, for this cause I have allowed you to remain, in order to show you My power, and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth!" (Exod.9:14-16).

God declares unashamedly that He was the Author of the ten plagues, and that they came to the earth from His hand. But Pharoah responded to God's judgments with ambivalence. First he repented and permitted Moses to begin the Hebrew exodus, but then he refused to obey what God required of him. Pharoah was given the opportunity to acknowledge and obey God, yet eventually he hardened his heart and refused to believe that Almighty God was guiding the whole process.  In the same way there are many people who are chewing on the events since the tsunami, who are considering whether or not God has anything to do with the "desolation wrought in the earth". It is important for all who love the God of Israel and His Messiah Yeshua to acknowledge that the God of the Bible has indeed shaken this planet in times past. We need to also recognize that He is truly shaking His rebellious planet once more. So let's make up our minds to follow this earth-shaking God whatever the cost. 

As we move closer to the day of His return, let's remember what Peter struggled with toward the close of his earthly life: "Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking ... saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation!' .. . The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any one to perish but for all to come to repentance . . .Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in shalom, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord (ed. as something which will lead to) salvation" (2 Pet.3:3-4, 14-15)

We thank you for standing with us in prayer and financially.  We are your partners in the harvest field of Israel.

In Messiah Yeshua’s love,

Avner Boskey

Donations can be sent to:

FINAL FRONTIER MINISTRIES    

BOX 121971     

NASHVILLE TN   37212-1971   USA    

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Sharon’s Disengagement

Worldwide Islamic terrorism

On the third anniversary of 9/11, the swamp gases of Islamic jihad terrorism are bubbling up across the globe. The past three weeks have left a bloody toll of jihad casualties:

The present wave of cat-and-mouse terror attacks carried out by Islamic jihad forces against the Western world began in October 1981 with the assassination of Egypt’s President Anwar al-Sadat. Some prophetic voices say that this assassination was the opening shot in what is developing into the Third World War (a conflict between the West and Islam). Amazingly, it took Western strategic radar screens a full twelve years before they began to kick in and recognize that hostilities had actually broken out. Only after the first World Trade Center bombing in February 1993 (6 murdered; 1,042 wounded) and the attacks on two U.S. embassies in East Africa in August 1998 (224 murdered; over 4,000 injured) did some Western leaders heed the powerful wake-up calls (see The Man Who Warned America by Murray Weiss, Regan Books, 2003).

September 11 2001 (al-Qaida; nearly 3,000 murdered) brought home to the Western world that a deadly war has been declared by Islamic jihad forces, not only against Israelis and Jews but also against Christians, Westerners and especially Americans (see www.why-war.com/files/qaeda_1998_fatwa.pdf, the Feb 23 1998 World Islamic Front Statement). But even today many Western spokesmen downplay the Islamic jihad element in world terrorism. These leaders try to explain (and often inadvertently justify) these attacks as primarily sociological and political in nature. The unappetizing truth is that these jihad attacks are spiritually motivated in nature, and are based on a literal reading of the Koran and Islamic Hadith.

It is strategically important to join the dots, to understand the connection between individual Islamic terror attacks and the overarching Islamic jihad goals. These goals include a divide and conquer strategy toward the Westen alliance; the goal of destroying Western economies through oil embargos; the attempt to weaken Western connections with Israel and to undercut sympathy for the Jewish people; the destruction of Israel through terror and open warfare; the spread of Wahabi jihad Islam across the planet and especially throughout the Islamic world. For more information, feel free to read Avner’s e-booklet “A Perspective on Islam” at www.davidstent.org (also can be purchased on-site in printed form).

Pray for the Holy Spirit to block, frustrate and expose jihad strategies and actions; to grant wisdom, discernment and successful counter-terrorist strategies and actions to all those working to defeat Islamic terrorism; to liberate many followers of Islam from dark thoughts and views and for them to receive saving revelation of Yeshua; to establish the peace of Jerusalem and the salvation of God’s chosen people.

Peace in Israel - short-term or shorter term?

Many Israelis are quietly experiencing a great agony of soul during the upcoming High Holidays. Much of this travail will not be due to a wave of spiritual repentance in preparation for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, but over the controversy surrounding Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s vow to disengage from the Gaza Strip and portions of the West Bank. This plan would involve relinquishing Israel’s control over lands promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as the eternal inheritance of the Jewish people. It would entail the transfer of thousands of Jews away from those farms and communities. It would mean the handing over Jewish fields, kibbutzim and small towns, as well as some military bases and observation posts, to an Islamically radicalized population and terror organizations -- all committed to the destruction of the people and state of Israel.

A boiling cauldron of dissension and violent debate, threat and counter-threat characterize discussions about disengagement among Israelis. These tensions underscore how divided the Israeli electorate is, and how unsure it is about the overall soundness of Sharon’s strategy. Since Israelis hotly contest this issue and have not come to any clear consensus, what should Bible believers think? How should we pray? What should we do?

I picked up a paperback in an airport recently, The Jericho Sanction by Colonel Oliver North. In this realistic novel, a crusty Marine explains one of his life maxims. “The choice is not between good and bad, but between bad and worse.” Most Israelis can readily identify with this proverb. They are convinced that their own solution to Israel’s quandaries is bad, but that their political opponent’s solution is definitely worse! In some cases these same divisions are found among believing Messianic brethren here in Israel. What can be done to clarify the debate, to throw more light and less heat on the subject?

Some facts can lay a helpful groundwork for further discussion. Prime Minister Sharon was elected on January 28 2003 in a landslide victory that doubled his party’s number of Knesset seats -- from 38 seats to Labor’s 19.  He now had a decisive majority and a clear mandate, receiving 29% of the popular vote compared to Labor’s 14%. This mandate included no withdrawal from Gaza, the West Bank or any part of Jerusalem; no negotiations with Arafat as long as terror continued; and a strong counter-terrorist military and intelligence response to Islamic jihad operations against Israelis. The election was understood by journalists and pundits to be a decisive popular rejection of Yitzhak Rabin’s, Shimon Peres’ and Ehud Barak’s Oslo Peace Process. In any event Yasser Arafat had thrown Oslo overboard some time back, choosing to renew terrorist violence against Israelis as a hard-ball “negotiating” strategy.

Nearly one year later Sharon did a complete turn around. At the Herzliya Conference on December 18 2003 Sharon announced his intention to unilaterally withdraw Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and to evacuate four Israeli settlements from Gaza and a small section of the northern West Bank. Since Sharon had been elected on a platform diametrically opposed to these moves, his own party insisted that his radical new plans be brought to a vote. Eventually three separate votes were taken, and each time the results were not what Sharon had desired.

On May 2 2004 Sharon’s disengagement proposal came up for a vote in a Likud party referendum and was defeated 60% to 40%, with over 50% of all registered voters participating. This was a high voter turnout by Israeli standards. Despite an earlier pledge to abide by the party decision, Sharon ignored his party’s democratic vote and announced that he would still proceed with his plan.

Sharon then announced that he would bring the disengagement plan up for a cabinet vote. If, however, the cabinet refused to stand with him, AP quoted Sharon as saying that “I am determined to pass this plan, even if I am forced to change the make-up of the government or to take unprecedented political steps”. On Friday June 4 2004, ahead of the vote, Sharon fired two coalition ministers who would not be voting for his plan. Three other cabinet members (strongly opposed to disengagement but fearing Sharon’s power) now voted with Sharon. The vote passed 14 to 7. In July 2004 a 90 kilometer long human chain was formed between the Gaza Strip and Jerusalem by between 130,000 and 200,000 demonstrators protesting against Sharon’s disengagement plan.

Last month the Likud Party Central Committee voted 60% to 40% against Sharon’s request to pursue a pro-disengagement political alliance with Shimon Peres’ Labor party. Likud lawmaker Michael Ratzon noted after this vote that “Sharon cannot ignore the wishes of his party”. But the Prime Minister’s Office responded that “the Prime Minister is determined to continue with the disengagement plan.”

These facts reveal a few important points. One is that Sharon has not followed accepted normative Western democratic process in pursuit of his disengagement plan. Another is that Sharon is not following the mandate he was elected to fulfill -- a mandate which has been repeatedly re-emphasized by votes at various levels of his own party’s leadership. Third, a significant portion of Israelis are opposed to Sharon’s disengagement plan. Their ballot was cast for Sharon, who is now opposing the very constituency that brought him to power!

The issues raised by Sharon’s suggested disengagement plan are exposing deep divisions in Israel. It is also clear that at this point in time Sharon does not have decisive backing or a clear majority within his own party.

The disengagement discussion can be pictured as a stool that sits on three legs. These “legs” are the factors, considerations or keys that might bring clarity to an otherwise heated  and volatile situation.  These three legs are relevant biblical issues, relevant security considerations, and relevant political factors involved.

Biblical Issues

One of the central questions that needs to be asked is this: Is it a neutral matter in the God of Israel’s eyes for His Jewish people to give back land to their enemies which was won in a defensive war? The answer to this question will determine one’s theological convictions about the disengagement plan. There are those who point out that King Solomon had no problems handing over 20 villages in the northern provinces of Israel to King Hiram of Tyre (modern Lebanon) in 1 Kings 9:11-13 in partial payment for Temple expenses. In the parallel account of 2 Chron.8:2, however, it states that Hiram later restored these villages to Solomon.

Can any clear ruling, principle or precedent be established from these passages? Could one conclude that Jewish leaders are therefore biblically permitted to hand over parts of the land of Israel to foreign governments for even a good reason? In response to this question, let it be asked: Did Solomon hand over territory to Hiram during a time of war or a time of peace? It was during a time of peace. Was Hiram impressed with the lands offered by Solomon? The Bible makes it clear that he was royally insulted and in the end returned the villages to Solomon’s control. Did Solomon have divine revelation or command to hand over these villages? Again, the Bible says nothing about this. The most one can say is that Solomon’s actions were realpolitik, a generosity that perhaps was not really his to extend. But to hand over land to an enemy in a time of war cannot be justified from those texts.

Another question asked is this: “What is the connection between Israel’s obedience to God and their enjoyment of living in the land?” This is a biblical question, and at many times the Hebrew prophets draw a clear correlation between these two points. On the other hand Ezekiel 37 describes a return to the land of Israel and a settling of that land by the Jewish people while still in unbelief. At times God Himself makes exceptions to His own patterns and draws outside of the lines He has established! This seems to be especially true during this present season when God is restoring His Jewish people both physically to the land and spiritually to His heart.

Are believers allowed to disagree with their political leaders, and campaign to have these leaders removed from office by democratic means? While all believers have the biblical responsibility to pray for their leaders and petition God for peace and evangelistic freedom (see 1 Tim.2:1-4), these same believers are allowed to exercise their democratic civil rights, as did Paul when he exercised his privileges as a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37; 25:11-12). A soldier must always obey his commanding officer, but a citizen is allowed to question and disagree with his elected officials. It is a real challenge to do this in a godly way, showing proper respect while also exercising democratic privilege.

In a speech entitled “Why Evangelical Christians Support Israel” given at the Herzliya Conference on December 17 2003 (one day before Sharon announced his disengagement plan), Pat Robertson spoke prophetically, “I would humbly make two requests of our Israeli friends. First, please don’t commit national suicide. It is very hard for your friends to support you, if you make a conscious decision to destroy yourselves . . . Second, the world’s Christians ask that you do not give away the treasured symbols of your spiritual patrimony. If God’s chosen people turn over to Allah control of their most sacred sites - if they surrender to Muslim vandals the tombs of Rachel, of Joseph, of the Patriarchs, of the ancient prophets - if they believe their claim to the Holy Land comes only from Lord Balfour of England and the ever fickle United Nations rather than the promises of Almighty God - then in that event, Islam will have won the battle. Throughout the Muslim world the message will go forth -’Allah is greater than Jehovah. The promises of Jehovah to the Jews are meaningless’ . . . (T)hose political initiatives that some have asserted will guarantee peace, will in truth guarantee unending struggle and ultimate failure”.

It is our conviction that God has given portions of the Promised Land back to His people. This gift is a test and a challenge for the Jewish people. It is also a litmus test and a stumbling block for the world and ultimately it will be the stone that crushes all nations (see Zechariah 12:1-9). Yet the division of Gaza, portions of the West Bank and Jerusalem are so sensitive and significant in God’s eyes that He has even included predictive prophecy about these areas -- prophecies which call down judgment on foreign nations who attempt to divide these lands (see for example Isaiah 11:11-14; Joel 3:1-2, 12-17; Zechariah 14:1-4). Anyone who believes in the Bible prophecies regarding the Messiah’s judgment of the nations in the Valley of Jehoshaphat needs to be prepared for intensive and searching debate on the question of disengagement. This is serious business, folks!

We need to pray that Israel’s leaders be touched by God’s heart and opinions regarding the issue of disengagement and that they would do only what He commands them to do (see 1 Kings 22:16).

Security Considerations

Israel’s security concerns are multifaceted. Battle-scarred Israeli generals have differing and opposing views as to what serves Israel’s security needs best. In the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War (when an unprepared Israel was surprised by a sneak attack of 12 Arab countries plus forces from Russia, Cuba, North Vietnam, etc.), many Israelis have felt that it is imperative to throw open the doors of public debate regarding potential threats to Israel’s survival. Today some military strategists believe that disengagement is a risk that Israel can easily afford. Other generals and military intelligence specialists insist that disengagement will move terror attacks closer to Israeli population centers, as well as send a dangerous message to jihad Muslims the world over, creating the false and catastrophic impression that Israel is an easy target about to collapse, stumbling into headlong retreat from both the West Bank and Jerusalem.

One of the main questions which needs to be asked is this: “What are the long term intentions of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah and Arafat’s Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades?” If one believes that they are ultimately peaceful, or that they present an acceptable risk, then reasonable opinion could reasonably consider the benefits of disengagement. On the other hand, if these organizations have not given up the clear goal of destroying Israel, and promise to use whatever territorial withdrawals Israel makes to then further hostilities against Israel, a public debate is definitely needed to assess the existential danger to Israel that a disengagement would create.

We need to pray that Israel’s military and counter-terrorist strategists receive God’s strategies and revelation as to how best to defend their people and country (see 2 Kings 6:12). We need to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6) and also that Messiah’s peace be upon all Israel (Psalm 125:5).

Political Factors

Many politicians who become national leaders begin to discover deep within their hearts a love of power, its perks and perspectives. Sometimes they are surprised to find themselves wanting to hold on to power at all costs. In many cases leaders may even go against long held public positions in order to hang on to a few more years in office. Opportunism and ambition were the original sins of Satan, and these sins have tempted politicians since time immemorial. It is true that national leaders are uniquely aware of specific political pressures, intelligence threats and possible strategic solutions that most civilians may never understand. It is also true that national leaders come under intense spiritual warfare to give in to evil strategies and satanic schemes.

We know that no one political party or leader can adequately represent the kingdom of God on earth. Only David’s Greater Son Yeshua and His apostolic and Davidic representatives will one day fulfil our purest and best political and governmental longings. We also know that no human being apart from God’s calling and anointing can lead the Jewish people into their destiny. Moses himself could not handle the pressures. No one apart from Messiah can do it right!

Yet all of these international and Islamic pressures are being used by the God of Jacob to bring His people Israel to the profound realization that only Messiah Yeshua can solve our problems, defeat our enemies, purify our hearts and grant us true peace.

In the meantime, we need to pray that Israel’s leaders not succumb to deceptive enemy strategies, but instead press in to follow hard after the God of Israel and His Messiah Yeshua with all their heart, mind and soul. We need to pray for a mighty revelation of Yeshua to come to all strata of Israeli society, including to the Prime Minister, his cabinet and the opposition parties as well.

Two thoughts in closing

Terrorist atrocities continue and are accelerating in violence, while many of us are slowly getting desensitized to terror. Fear of terrorism is becoming a normal part of many people’s lives, and this constant pressure is wearing down many hearts. Daniel 7:25 describes a last days power who will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One. Yeshua prophesied that in the latter days, because of an increase in lawlessness, most people’s love would grow cold (Matt.24:12). The days Yeshua described are like the days we are experiencing. So guard your hearts and your affections, and run the race with resolve. Don’t let the fear of terrorism or its horrors chill your love for Abba or for His beautiful bride. Keep your passion hot and your heart tender!

Senator Hillary Clinton once said, “I believe it is important for Americans to recognize that Israel is like a canary in a mine shaft. What matters (ed. happens) to Israel at this moment - right now - will largely determine what happens to us and the rest of the world (https://clinton.senate.gov/speeches/020223_Israel.html). These prophetic words are riveting. Though the Jewish nation doesn’t know it, and though the world is unaware, Israel is standing on the front line in the war against terrorism. The world hangs in the balance as Israel weighs her options. And it feels like Israel is starting to cave in to Islamic terrorism. What Israel struggles with today, the world will wrestle with tomorrow. 

Jeremiah once prophesied, “Therefore all who devour you shall be devoured, and all your adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity. And those who plunder you shall be for plunder, and all those who prey upon you I will give for prey. For I will restore you to health, and I will heal you of your wounds, declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast, saying ‘It is only Zion! No one cares for her!’ “ (Jeremiah 30:16-17).

We join with you in praying that Messiah’s Kingdom come and that His will be done here on earth just as it is done in Heaven!

Avner Boskey

FINAL FRONTIER MINISTRIES

BOX 121971

NASHVILLE TN  37212-1971  USA

www.davidstent.org

Satanic strategies and anti-Semitism

World events are speeding up. So much is happening so quickly. Our heads spin with the constant flow of news. Who can keep up with it all?

The race to keep up with the present produces stress and this stress will not disappear simply by gathering or sorting facts. As a matter of fact, it’s worth remembering that too much data can obscure the big picture. Too many details actually downgrade our awareness of what is really happening. Information overload causes a meltdown in our ability to process reality.

Information overload is part of the challenge of living in the 21st century. It is the prophetic downside of living at the end of days, on the edge of the fulfillment of Daniel 12:4, “Many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase”.

Prior to 9/11 the U.S. National Security Agency had amassed huge amounts of detailed signals intelligence (SIGINT) but was not able to make that information understandable or useful in real time.  As a result America was unprepared for what was about to happen. Within a few hours of the terror attack the government and intelligence agencies unanimously agreed to declare a state of emergency. Public opinion was immediately mobilized, airport security was tightened and the Department of Homeland Security was duly established. Americans now felt more secure, knowing that their leaders were seriously on the lookout for pending terrorist threats.

But once lightning has struck, counter-measures cannot erase what has happened. Lightning is not known to strike twice on the same spot. In the same way, though it’s important to prevent the next mega-terror event, an uncomfortable question needs to be asked: how is it that the NSA, CIA and FBI were unable to uncover decades of terrorist preparation? How is it that gradually developing radical Islamic strategies against the West in general and the USA in particular were not identified, unmasked and eliminated? Using an old Mark Twain proverb, Peter Senge has stated: “Like the frog that will sit in a pot of water and let itself be slowly boiled to death, we are very good at reacting to immediate danger to our survival, but we are very poor at recognizing gradual threats.” (Peter Senge, The Fifth Discipline, Currency and Doubleday, New York, 1990).

The gradual rise of radical terrorist Islam is one threat that was not recognized on time. What is even more sobering is that for the most part the threat posed by radical Islam is still not clearly acknowledged. The secular West prides itself on religious tolerance and pluralism. It has not wanted to believe that cruel enemies committed to its destruction or enslavement are lurking just below the water’s surface, camouflaged behind the oil-scented veil of the Muslim world. As the religious philosopher William James has said, “We tend to disbelieve all facts and theories for which we have no use.” (William James, The Will to Believe and Other Essays in Popular Philosophy, New York: Dover Publications, 1956).

In a booklet written just after 9/11 entitled “A Perspective on Islam” (available at www.davidstent.org), I have tried to explain the Koranic perspective which motivates and mobilizes these jihad warriors, to clarify how a Biblical worldview grapples with Islamic jihad goals, and to sketch out some of Islam’s end-of-world scenarios and strategies. If radical Islamic challenges are understood, if countermeasures are devised, and if aggressive action is taken, perhaps the jihad shock troops can be slowed down, impeded and eventually eradicated. An ancient Greek proverb says, “You stand a far greater chance of hitting the target if you can see it.”  But most Western governments are reticent to grasp the clear and present danger that radical terrorist Islam presents. This ostrich mentality does not bode well for the immediate future of the Western world.

Winston Churchill once delivered what turned out to be a prophetic challenge to the USA: “The United States stand at this moment at the summit of the world. I rejoice that this should be so. Let them act up to the level of their power and their responsibility, not for themselves but for all men in all lands, and then a brighter day may dawn upon human history.” The God of Eternity has currently placed the United States of America at the head of the world’s mightiest nations. Its leadership in the battle for freedom and righteousness is an awesome calling.

William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar offers a similar challenge. Brutus urges his friends to seize a fleeting opportunity in the coming battle: “The enemy increaseth every day. We, at the height, are ready to decline. There is a tide in the affairs of men which taken at the flood leads on to fortune; omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and miseries. On such a full sea we are now afloat, and we must take the current when it serves, or lose our ventures.”  (Act IV, Scene 3, written approximately 1600 AD)

How can believers in Messiah Yeshua respond prayerfully and with precision to the daily flood of media that assaults us? The following are some insights and suggestions as to where certain current events are flowing. We hope that these points will be of help to you, and an encouragement to press through in prayer!

1. The growing concern about the axis of evil – China-North Korea-Pakistan-Iran-Syria

On January 29 2002 President George W. Bush gave a State of the Union address. He spoke about the threats to world stability posed by the governments of Iran, Iraq and North Korea. “States like these, and their terrorist allies, constitute an axis of evil, arming to threaten the peace of the world.” Since that time Iraq’s dictator Saddam Hussein has been overthrown and imprisoned. But the axis of evil is still a real and aggressive danger. From Israel’s geographical perspective the head of the spear is Syria, while the spear’s shaft is formed by Iran, Pakistan, North Korea and ultimately China.

Syria has recently been the focus of a piece of legislation passed on November 11 by the US Senate called the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act (SALSA). This bill threatens Syria with US diplomatic and economic sanctions unless it ends its sponsorship of terrorist organizations, development of weapons of mass destruction and occupation of neighboring Lebanon. Syria is a primary sponsor of many different Islamic terror groups – including Hizbollah (Lebanon based and Iranian armed, Islamic Jihad, Hamas, and Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.  The majority of radical Islamic terrorist attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets are planned and directed from Syria. Syria uses Hizbollah as its proxy force to attack Israel from those parts of Lebanon under Syrian control and occupation.

Iran’s radical Shi’ite Islamic dictatorship supplies Hizbollah with advanced weaponry, funneling these arms openly through Damascus. Iran and Syria have planned & executed mega-terror attacks against US forces in Lebanon, as well as against a Jewish community center and the Israeli Embassy in Argentina. With China’s support, North Korea supplies Syria and Pakistan with long range missiles which can be fitted with chemical or nuclear capabilities. Syria and Iran (whose nuclear bomb program is much in the news lately) have openly threatened to use WMD against Israel. North Korean missiles are considered a threat to other countries as well, including Japan and the USA (www.spacedaily.com/2003/030723114010.rgrdsq4n.html). Pakistan has tested nuclear weapons and is the first self-declared Islamic country to go nuclear.

The axis of evil is not dead by any means. In fact the first flashpoints between the West and these forces are already occurring on the borders and within the territory of tiny Israel. The Bible mentions a demonic principality standing behind the kingdom of Persia (modern day Iran, Dan.10:13-21) as well as a combined last days Arab/Central Asian forces intent on destroying the Jewish people and uprooting them from their Israeli homeland (Psa.83; Ezek.36-38, Rev.16:12-16, etc). A cooperative effort between a Communist China bent on world domination and a revitalized jihad Islam seems to be taking form. To borrow language from J.R.R. Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings epic, the battles of Helm’s Deep and Minas Tirith are soon to come to pass.

Be aware that there is a military confederacy developing between these countries, and that for some of them their avowed goal is the destruction of the Jewish nation and all other nations who support it. Pray that God will hold back and confuse the spiritual powers and terrorist agents behind these countries, specifically as they concern Israel and America.

2. The growing recognition of Islam’s strategic role

The Islamic world, and specifically the Arab world, sits on a significant amount of this planet’s oil wealth. The strategic importance of having access to these petroleum reserves is high priority for every super-power. As a result strong pro-Arab and pro-Islamic blocks have arisen within the European Union, the US State Department, the Former Soviet Union and China. The realpolitik of these countries assumes a user-friendly attitude toward the advancement of Islam. Tuning national policy and international relations to support radical Islam’s anti-Israel positions makes good business sense to these shapers of world opinion. Needless to say, were Arab and Islamic countries to be suddenly bereft of their oil resources, the empires of this world would modify their pro-Islamic tilt accordingly.

The only fly in this ointment, for the present, is that even the USA’s main Islamic oil ally Saudi Arabia is an active supporter and propagator of radical Islamic jihad terrorism. Osama Bin Laden’s main sources of support come from that country, while Saudi authorities either turn a blind eye to such activities or impede their prosecution – unless of course the terrorists target the Saudi regime itself! European and US leaders bend over backwards insisting that Islam is a totally peaceful religion eminently suited to co-exist with Western democratic traditions, all the while closing their eyes to the murderous public calls by radical Islamic leaders for total jihad war against the West, its Judeo-Christian religious heritage and its Israeli ally.

The history of this pro-Islamic tilt is one of the subjects of an interesting book I have recently read, The Secret War Against the Jews by John Loftus and Mark Aarons, (St. Martin's Press, 1994, 658 pages). Loftus and Aarons document the influence of oil geopolitics on British and American Middle East policies during the 20th century, and expose the historical roots of State Department cooperation with Saudi Arabia against Israel. It’s a fascinating read!

Radical Islam has a very specific agenda regarding the West. Here are some selected block quotes from my booklet A Perspective on Islam:

“Osama Bin Laden predicted on May 28 1998 in his interview with ABC’s John Miller: ‘I worship Allah, which includes carrying out the jihad to raise Allah’s word and evict the Americans from all Muslim land . . . We are sure of Allah’s victory and our victory against the Americans and the Jews as promised by the prophet peace be up on him . . . Our battle with the Americans is larger than our battle with the Russians . . . We predict a black day for America and the end of the United States as ‘United’ States . .’”

“Islamic futurists believe that war will first be joined against the Jews in Israel and then, after Israel’s defeat, against the West . . . One Islamic strategy influenced by the above eschatology, is the attempt to drive a wedge between the Christian West and the Jewish state of Israel. The principle of ‘divide and conquer’ is older than Machiavelli, and is part of the world strategy of Islamic terror. Islamic revivalists and terrorists are trying to weaken and destroy Israel as a first step. This will lead, in their minds, to weakening and destroying the West. One of the main messages that Islamic terrorism and its fellow travelers continue to drive home to America and the West is this, ‘The main reason for terror attacks against the US is your support for Israel. End support for Israel, and we will end attacks on you!’”

“The West wants to eradicate Islamic terror networks, but at the same time it wants to avoid angering the very volatile Muslim world. The trick is to find a balance between keeping the oil flowing westward and removing the most bothersome terrorist dangers. This explains the many recent American and British declarations which emphasize that the Afghanistan war is not anti-Islamic, but anti-terror. The Western coalition feels that it makes better political sense to ignore the Islamic and terrorist nature of jihad, describing the Islamic faith as altogether peaceful, than to expose the violent Islamic nature of jihad and lose many testy and touchy Muslim allies – and their oil.”

It is of strategic importance to recognize that the world media is spreading spiritual disinformation about radical Islam under the guise of disseminating ‘politically correct’ religious opinions. Radical Islam’s goals include the destruction of America and Israel and the Islamization of the entire world. The secular West, having for the most part rejected its own Christian religious foundations, does not take radical Islam’s open agenda seriously.

“Europeans are still indulging themselves in an imaginary era of post-Cold War tranquility. They still behave as if they were experiencing a peaceful, affluent world, which has basically resolved all major conflicts and can put its resources solely in the service of a carefree, luxurious way of life. The havoc created after 9/11 by the actions of virulent, nihilistic groups which have broken with human civilization is widely seen here asd a passing episode of history, not as a significant change. Some major aspects of the new hatred and violence are therefore being brushed aside as irrelevant to Europe” (Daniel Dagan, “When Europe encounters reality”, Jerusalem Post, Dec 3 2003, p.13)

Pray that the God of Israel Himself will free many millions from the deception and slavery of Islam. Pray that He will expose radical Islam’s destructive agendas and strategies regarding the Western world in general and the USA and Israel in particular. Pray that God will raise up a mighty army of prophetic evangelists and musicians who will touch the heart of the world (including the Muslim world) with the message of Yeshua’s compassionate life, atoning death and victorious resurrection.

3. The tightening noose of anti-Israel feeling

The world is witnessing a stunning rise in anti-Israel attitudes and actions, as well as an astonishing jump in anti-Semitic attacks. Though these two trends are deeply connected, I would like to consider them in consecutive order. I believe that there is a military strategy behind Satan’s choosing of these targets and his present shifting of emphasis from the former to the latter.

Since time immemorial military strategy has involved confusing enemy decision makers by misrepresenting, obscuring or distorting troop strengths, intentions and positions. This tactic of warfare is called battlefield deception. From the Trojan Horse to Operation Bodyguard (the Normandy Invasion) (www.au.af.mil/au/aul/bibs/future03/future03c.htm), advantage on the battlefield can be gained by lulling one’s enemy into a disastrous lack of preparedness. Israel’s Mossad has as its motto King Solomon’s proverb circa 960 B.C.: “For by stratagems (ed. strategic deceptions) shall you wage war.” (Prov.24:6). The classic Chinese military strategician Sun Tzu (circa 350 B.C.) said, “All warfare is based on deception”. As Satan moves into higher gear, it is important for believers to be aware of his deceptive strategies (see 2 Cor.2:1; 1 Pet.5:8).

One of the enemy’s main strategies is to turn the heart of the world against the Jewish nation and their homeland. He makes use of whatever tools mankind provides him. These may be historic anti-Jewish pronouncements and attacks by Christianity’s representatives. They may be anti-Jewish attitudes at the U.N. Consider the UN Conference Against Racism of August 2001 in Durban, where Israel was labeled the world’s top example of racism, apartheid, ethic cleansing and genocide. One ancient yet modern tool in his arsenal is Esau’s murderous bitterness which has found a fruitful soil in the bloodthirsty anti-Jewish jihad teachings of radical Islam.

According to the Bible, Satan’s prophesied strategies focus on shrinking Israel’s borders (Joel 3:2), a series of wars against the Jewish state (Ezek.38:8-17; Zech.12:1-14:3), and the persecution and total annihilation of the Jewish people (Psa.83:1-8; Rev.12). With these strategies in mind, a sharper focus is brought to bear on the goals of Arafat, Islamic Jihad, Hamas and Hizbollah. They are trying to get Israel to withdraw from its own land piece by piece, all the while continuing terror attacks until the destruction or exile of all Israelis is achieved. A ‘piece’ process indeed!

Two Palestinian opinion polls taken in 2003 are revealing. An October poll sponsored by the Jerusalem Media and Communications Center found that half of all Palestinians surveyed believe that the goal of the current violence is “to liberate all of historic Palestine”, that is, to destroy the entire Jewish state. A Pew Global Attitudes Project poll in the spring of 2003 found that 80% of Palestinians agreed that “The rights and needs of Palestinian people cannot be taken care of as long as the State of Israel exists” (Evelyn Gordon, “Believing isn’t Seeing”, Jerusalem Post, Dec 9 2003)

Much of Satan’s efforts have been mediated through the radical Islamic world, using Islamic terror groups and Arab and Islamic hatred of Israel. Whereas in the 20th century Red (Communist) and Black (Nazi/Fascist) Jew-hatred was predominant, at this present time it is Green (Islamic) Jew-hatred that is in the ascendant. Satan’s strategies in the 20th century included Nazi mass murder of defenseless Diaspora Jews. His present strategy is to turn the world against Jews in their own state of Israel and foment a massive focused hatred of the Jewish state. His goal now is the mass murder of Israel’s Jews. Henryk Broder, German reporter and author of The Eternal Anti-Semite, says that what is now occurring is the globalization of anti-Semitism. “What used to be directed at ‘the Jew’ is now directed at ‘Israel’” (Mort Rosenblum, “Jews fear ‘new’ anti-Semitism in quiet German city”, JP, Dec. 5 2003, p.7).

At a recent international forum in Jerusalem, the Holocaust scholar Yehuda Bauer stated that the biggest threat to the Jewish people comes from radical Islam, “whose totalitarian, genocidal ideology is reminiscent of Nazism and Communism, both of which were also fueled by anti-Semitism and which also began as minority movements that were not … taken seriously enough” (Stuart Schoffman, “The Scourge Unleashed”, Jerusalem Report, Dec 15 2003, p.26).

Satan’s battlefield deception tactics here involve using the world media to invalidate the Jewish people’s connection to their homeland, and to call their national existence into question. By falsely presenting Palestinian Arabs as the true and original inhabitants of the Promised Land, the enemy hisses another “Hath God said?” regarding God’s own promise to grant the land of Canaan to the Jewish people forever, full stop.

His next tactic is not only to accuse the Jewish people of being illegal occupiers of their own Israeli homeland, but of being cruel, heartless and unrighteous as well. This tactic has been conveyed well by the world’s media, who selectively present Israeli military responses to terrorism as if these responses were the root cause of Islamic terrorism. Israel’s defense of her own citizens is presented as evil, unjustified and brutal. In one fell swoop the enemy has undercut Israel’s right to defend itself against murderous radical Islamic terrorism, while making the terrorists out to be freedom fighters and plucky Islamic heroes. Satan’s PR spin perverts the Biblical story of David and Goliath into a bizarre Palestinian counterfeit: his modern distortion features a Palestinian David slinging stones at an evil Israeli Goliath!

Amazingly Satan’s strategies have found a resting place in the hearts of many tired Israelis who are sick of fighting a war of survival and are ready to swallow the lie that the Jewish people’s behavior must be the cause of the Islamic hostility directed against them. Sometimes it’s hard for the outnumbered Jewish kid on the block (the so-called ‘neighborhood bully’ of Bob Dylan’s song www.bobdylan.com/songs/bully.html) to take on the entire bloodthirsty Middle-Eastern gang by himself.

Satan’s current tactic of choice is to focus on opposing Israel’s construction of an anti-terrorist barrier fence, portraying it as a land grab in the worst colonialist tradition, or as the policy of an apartheid state. It is worth reminding the world that Israel would definitely be within her rights by responding to jihad terror bombers by re-occupying the entire West Bank once and for all, re-asserting her control over a hostile Palestinian Arab population, and then weeding out the Islamic terror cells one by one. But at present Israel prefers to keep Arafat-backed suicide bombers out of Israeli cities and towns – a stopgap measure to be sure. The situation on the ground is actually a low-intensity war. Though the ‘Geneva Accords’ and the U.S Road Map advocates assert that peace is around the corner, nothing could be further from the truth.

Israel currently prefers to separate its own population from the terrorist enclaves by means of an anti-terrorist fence rather than declaring out and out war with the Palestinians and moving over to urban warfare against Islamic terror cells. But world opinion has been so enflamed and swollen with hatred against Israel, that even such desperate and tentative Israeli attempts at separation are censured and opposed. The world is backing Israel up against a wall. Eventually the Jewish state will be goaded into take clear and unequivocal steps to defend its own interests and its homeland against any and all comers.

Pray that your nation will not press Israel to shrink or change its borders, for such policies will bring Messiah’s judgment on those nations who take such a step (Joel 3:2; Zech.14:1-3). Pray that your media will report on Israel related events with fairness and accuracy. Pray for a recovery of national patriotic vision for Jewish Israel, as well as for a revelation of Messiah Yeshua as our Atonement and King!

As the God of Jacob allows pressure to increase on His own people, pray for a spirit of repentance to cover Israel. Pray for a return to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and to David’s Greater Son. Pray for repentance for many Palestinian Arabs, so that they may inherit salvation and avoid the curse coming on all haters of Jacob. Pray for Israel’s leadership, that Israel will return to making decisions based on the fear of the Lord, our own security and well-being, but not based on fear of unrighteous nations and their military might.

4. The fast-moving spread of anti-Semitism

A tidal wave of anti-Semitism, of Jew hatred, is sweeping the world. Jewish communal organizations are aghast. “Global anti-Semitism is growing unlike anything I have seen in my lifetime” says Rev. John C. Hagee of Global Evangelical Television (Edgar Lefkovits, “US pastor warns anti-Semitism growing fast”, JP, Nov 12 2003, p.4). Daniel Pipes, author of Militant Islam Reaches America, states: “In its attitudes toward Jews, the Muslim world today resembles Germany of the 1930s – a time when insults, caricatures, conspiracy theories and sporadic violence prepared Germans for the mass murder that followed” (www.danielpipes.org/article/1294). Jewish Holocaust survivors declare that today’s events parallel exactly what happened in Nazi Germany in the 1930’s. Anti-Jewish attacks in much of Europe are at their highest point since Hitler’s rule. Though many felt that anti-Semitism would never rise again in the Western world after Auschwitz, it turns out that this spiritual disease has only been in partial remission.

Across the world synagogues, Jewish community centers and schools are being defaced or firebombed. In Belgium, Manchester, Minsk, Kiev and Prague Jewish cemeteries are being vandalized. In Paris religious Jews are being physically attacked and beaten on streets, subways and schoolyards. France’s Chief Rabbi calls on Jews not to walk about alone on French streets, and to replace religious kippot with plain caps while traveling on the metro. In Holland Dutch soccer fans sometimes chant slogans such as “Hamas, Hamas” and “Gas the Jews” at games.

Sweden’s largest newspaper Dagens Nyheter published the results of a study on October 20 2003 prepared by two Swedish social scientists, Sverker Oredssom, and Mikael Tossavainen (www.washtimes.com/commentary/20031028-083517-4718r.htm). They state that “Arab and Muslim attacks on Jews are rising sharply in Swedish society [while] silence surrounds Muslim Jew-hatred . . . Jews in Sweden today often feel compelled to hide their religious identity in public: necklaces with Stars of David are carefully hidden under sweaters and Orthodox Jewish men change their kippot to more discreet caps or hats when they are outdoors. Jews in Sweden nowadays get secret telephone numbers to avoid harassment”.

Al-Qa’ida has attacked in Istanbul, bombing Jewish synagogues on the Sabbath, while in Kenya it blew up Israeli holidayers with a 4x4 and shoulder-fired missiles at an Israeli planeload of tourists. Israeli Minister Natan Scharansky stated that these attacks are “a tragic consequence of the tolerance the world is showing toward anti-Semitism in general and Islamic anti-Semitism in particular” (JP, Nov 16 2003, p.1).

The Prime Minister of Malaysia received a standing ovation from 57 Islamic heads of state when he declared that “Jews rule the world by proxy. They get others to fight and  die for them . . .1.3 billion Muslims cannot be defeated by a few million Jews…We are up against a people who think … They have now gained control of the most powerful countries .. We cannot fight them through brawn alone”. Career diplomats at cocktail parties have described Israel using gutter swearwords. Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis of Zorba the Greek fame, was quoted on Y-Net describing the Jewish people: “Today it is possible to say that this small nation is the root of evil. It is full of self-importance and evil stubbornness” (JP, Nov 12 2003, p.2).

For ten months in 2003 the European Union quashed a study by its own Monitoring Committee showing that radical Islamists and young Muslims are the main source and cause of violent anti-Semitism. The report warns, “The EUMC requests state authorities to acknowledge at the highest level the extraordinary dangers posed by anti-Semitic violence in the European context”.

The stunning rise of European anti-Semitism was met with equally stunning news in early December 2003. Ireland’s UN delegation withdrew a draft resolution on religious tolerance which was to be co-sponsored by the European Union. And what was the reason? Arab and Muslim states refused to allow language in the draft which condemns anti-Semitism.  The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations noted: “At a time when there is a sharp increase in the number of assaults against Jewish individuals and institutions worldwide, a declaration by the international community repudiating this age-old hatred and bigotry would have been most appropriate and timely. . . In the past, the refusal to confront anti-Semitism and bowing to such egregious pressures took a heavy toll, not only on Jews, but on all society” (Melissa Radler, “Arabs torpedo UN anti-Semitism resolution”, JP, Dec 3 2003)

A European Commission October 2003 survey indicates that 59% of European citizens in 15 countries surveyed believe that Israel is the greatest threat to world peace. The Flash Eurobarometer Survey in the Netherlands taken in November 2003 shows Dutch response to the same question hovering at 66%. A November 2003 poll by the Italian ISPO Institute shows that 52% of Italians have little sympathy for Israel, 22% feel that Jewish citizens are not real Italians, and 17% said it would be better if the Jewish state didn’t exist.

One battlefield deception tries to justify anti-Semitic attacks by making it seems that these attacks are average Muslims expressing understandable frustration with the events in Israel. If this false assertion was accurate, one would also expect to see Jews attacking Muslims across the face of this planet as payback for Islamic attacks against Israel. But attacks by Jews on Muslims are not happening. Attacks by radical Muslims against Jews are happening. Leon Wieseltier has pointed out in his recent article, “It is the essence of anti-Semitism, as it is the essence of all prejudice, to call its object its cause. But if you explain anti-Semitism as a response to Jews, and racism as a response to blacks, and misogyny as a response to women, then you have not understood it. You have reproduced it” (Leon Wieseltier, “Israel, Palestine and the Return of the Bi-National Fantasy” The New Republic, Oct 24 2003).

To put it simply, anti-Semitic attacks are not on the rise because of bad Jews. Anti-Semitic attacks are on the rise because bad anti-Semitic people are doing more and more bad things. No matter how much Jewish people and Israelis change their behavior, anti-Semitic attacks will grow. Satan is going for broke on this one. His strategy is to stir up a massive wave of anti-Israel hatred, and then to use the momentum of that wave to launch a no-holds barred attack on all Jews everywhere.

It’s time for the body of Messiah rise up. Believers need to awaken from spiritual slumber and recognize that hateful anti-Jewish deeds of darkness are happening as we speak. Pray to the God of Israel that anti-Semitism’s lies and malice will be utterly broken. Believers need to pray that we will have the courage to expose this new virulent mutation of anti-Semitism, that we will have the strength to speak up and refute anti-Semitic teachings, actions and attacks as these happen. Pray that believers will develop networks of underground railroads to help Jews find refuge as they return to Israel. For a day is soon coming when worldwide anti-Semitic attacks gather momentum and morph into a renewed Holocaust against the Jewish people (see Jer.16:16-17; Amos 9:7-10; Zech.13:8-9).

Regards to you in Messiah Yeshua,

Avner Boskey

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Gulf War II and Purim

Gulf War II is upon us. President Bush the son is wrapping up the unfinished business of 1991’s Gulf War I, concluding a war that President Bush the father had originally fought. In a similar way during the 20th century, World War II was a continuation of World War I, even though 21 years of false peace separated the two campaigns. Today a 12 year gap stands between Gulf Wars I and II.

One prophetic voice has said that both Gulf Wars are actually smaller battles in the initial stages of World War III, and that the opening shot of this greater war was triggered by Egyptian President Sadat’s assassination on October 6 1981. It is worth considering that Osama Bin Laden’s current right hand man, Dr. Ayman al-Zawahiri, was once actively involved in Sadat’s assassination.

The geographical context of Gulf War II is of near-biblical proportions. America is facing off against Iraq, the territory and heartland of ancient Babylon. In light of the many end-time scriptures regarding Babylon’s last days role, we should stop and wonder: Can the territory of ancient Babylon be so quickly overcome, so easily conquered and subdued? There really are primeval forces at work in the territories of Iraq and Iran (Babylon and Persia) and they have been plotting evil for mankind in general (and for Israel in particular) from the time of the Garden of Eden (Gen.2:8-14; 3:1), through Daniel the Prophet’s generation (the demonic princes and principalities of Babylon and Persia ­ Dan.7:1-5, 17:10:20-21) and also into our day (Rev.12; 16:12-18:24).

God’s Prophetic Calendar

The God of Israel moves in mysterious ways. He has an instantly recognizable signature. He habitually leaves clues at the scene which link Him to history’s major events.Often the divine tip-off is connected to the Jewish feasts of the Hebrew calendar. The Bible says that the Jewish feasts are first and foremost God’s own feasts. Their calendar is especially His own: “YHVH’s appointed feasts ... My appointed feasts, are these” (Lev.23:2). There are modern prophetic examples of how God continues to use significant Jewish feasts and solemn days in world events. Two brief examples of thesewould include the Day of Atonement (the 1973 Yom Kippur War, as well as the Shepherd’s Rod visitations and teachings given yearly on that day) and the Jewish Tisha b’Av fast (the 9th of Ab, referred to in the Basilisk teaching, and www.bobjones.org/articles/Basilisk%202002.htm for a list of historical events connected with this tragic day).

The current Jewish feast at the matrix of world attention is Purim, the Feast of Esther, described in the Book of Esther (Est.9:20-32). The feast celebrates how God thwarted a satanic attempt to wipe out the Jewish people which arose out of ancient Persia (present day Iran). Throughout history Satan has tried to destroy the Jewish people in many different ways, sometimes using superpowers and at other times using Israel’s unfriendly neighbors. A partial list would include: Egypt (infanticide), Moab (sexual immorality and demonic worship), Assyria (forced population exchange), Babylon (exile), Edom (claiming the land of Israel for the Arabs), Persia (genocide), Greece (forced assimilation, religious persecution and murder), Rome (the attemptto steal the Jewish people’s spiritual inheritance through replacement theology), Nazi Germany (persecution and mass murder) and Radical Islam (worldwide military jihad war against Israel, as well as claiming both the spiritual and physical land promises through double replacement theology).

Purim and Prophecy

Purim means ‘lots’, the modern equivalent of dice (the singular word is ‘pur’). Lots were thrown by Haman in Esther 3:7-9 to determine the most auspicious day for the Persian Holocaust, the planned annihilation of the seed of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God overturned the day which had been chosen by demonic lottery, and Purim instead became the day when Israel plundered their mortal enemies (Est.9:1-26) according to Gen.12:3b , “He who scorns/makes light of you, him I will curse!”. Purim became a day for rejoicing in the God of Jacob who preserves His prophetic Jewish nation from rapacious tyrants and evil men (Psa.105:8-15). The Bible establishes it as a perpetual holiday for the Jewish people (Esther 9).

So the irony was appreciated by the entire nation of Israel when Gulf War I ended on the Feast of Purim 1991. Little Jewish children exchanged their gas masks for carnival masks and Purim party costumes, while Israeli adults wondered at how Saddam was forced to surrender on the same day that Haman’s forces were decisively defeated.

At the close of 1991 I and my wife Rachel described those events in a newsletter: “The cease-fire went into effect on Purim (the Feast of Esther), the Jewish holiday associated with the destruction of one of Israel’s many Middle Eastern enemies . . . It is Rachel’s and my feeling that what happened during this war is only the opening shot of what will be an extended struggle, and that not everyone will get off as easily in times soon to come.”

Our feeling 12 years ago was that the Gulf War was part one of an extended campaign, and that ‘Gulf War Part Two’ would eventually be upon us. We also felt that the Gulf War (‘Desert Storm’ as it was then called) would be preparing the world for another yet future campaign (call it ‘Desert Jew’, if you like) where all the nations of the world will arise to come against the State of Israel and the Jewish people (see Zech.14:1-2)

It is deeply significant that President George W. Bush’s public declaration of upcoming war with Iraq (Gulf War II) is being made on the Feast of Purim 2003 ­ 12 years to the day on the Hebrew calendar from when Gulf War I abruptly stopped.The world has entered the second installment of a ‘war in two phases’. As Avi Pazner (former Israeli Ambassador to France and Germany) stated yesterday morning on Israel Army Radio, “Ha-pur nafal!” (‘The lot has been cast!”).

A Prophetic Warning

On January 17 1991, the second night of Gulf War I, Israelis went to bed still amazed at the TV images of the massive allied bombardment of Baghdad. That same night at 3:52 am we were all awakened by the sickening, baying howl of air raid sirens announcing that Saddam’s scuds were falling on Tel Aviv and Haifa.

Last month, exactly twelve years later (January 17 2003) on the eve of the Sabbath, I had lain down for a light nap. At 4:30 pm I was jarred awake by the unmistakable howl of two loud air raid sirens, one right after the other, going off just outside my room. Somehow it seemed that I heard them shaking the ground and reverberating across all of Israel. My pulse was racing. “So! The war has begun!” I said quietly.

I immediately switched on the radio to listen for military instructions. Nothing! I jumped off the bed, opened the bedroom door ­ and saw two of my sons intently focused on a computer game. “Did you hear that?” I asked. “Hear what?!” they said. “We heard nothing!” I ran downstairs to the TV and flipped back and forth between the main Israeli channels ­ nothing! I asked Rachel if she had heard anything ­ nothing! Then I realized what had just occurred. A prophetic warning had come ­ war would soon be upon us. In retrospect I realize that the Lord chose the twelfth anniversary of Iraq’s scud attacks on Israel in Gulf War I to highlight the fact that Gulf War II was about to begin. To repeat the emphasis: it is prophetically significant that President’s Bush’s declaration of war has occurred twelve years later, on the same day the previous war left off.

A Wake-Up Call for Diapora Jews

Purim presents some serious parallels and sobering historical lessons for Jewish people living in the Diaspora, the Jewish nation scattered across the face of the globe. Thoughtful men and women should take these implications to heart as the drums of war begin to sound.

In Haman’s time the Jewish nation was living peacefully and in relative comfort throughout the Persian Empire. Some had found a home in Northern Iraq (ancient Assyria), others in central Iraq (ancient Babylon), while others had relocated to Iran (ancient Persia). Though the prophets had pleaded with Israel to return, most Jewish people were content to live in the lap of the world’s superpowers. But with Haman’s sudden murderous plot, the entire Jewish people’s physical survival was threatened.

Today less than º of all Jews live in the State of Israel. Most Jewish people are content to remain in their host countries. Yet Gulf War II may yet trigger a wave of anti-Semitism that will force Jewish people out of their Diaspora comfort zone and back to the land promised to them through their forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Please pray that God will speak powerfully to His scattered Jewish people at this time, and call them back to the land and back to Yeshua Son of David our Messiah, Savior and Atonement!

Hidden God, Uncertain Outcome

The writer of the Book of Esther tries his best to avoid mentioning the name of God. In doing this, he is showing his readers that even when God seems to be hiding His face (‘hester panim’ in Hebrew, a word play on the Hebrew name Esther), He is not sleeping or slumbering. He really is continually watching over His precious dove, the Jewish people (Psa.74:19; Psa.121) to protect them, preserve them and bring them back ­ both to the land of Israel and to Himself.

In the Book of Esther the fate of the Jewish people seemed to turn on something capricious ­ the ‘purim’, the lot, the ‘toss of the dice’. So today there is a chancy aspect regarding the outcome of Gulf War II ­ especially in regard to Israel. Neither Israel, America nor Britain have nationally or officially sought God’s face with a spirit of repentance. It does not seem that, in preparation for this war, any of these nations has sought shelter under the wings of the God of Israel. Granted that Saddam is an evil tyrant, a cold-blooded butcher and a world threat. But believers need to ask if the Captain of YHVH’s angelic armies is sallying forth with the allied forces ­ especially when public announcements of plans to partition the land of Israel are falling from the lips of top allied leaders with increasing frequency?

Please pray for protection and repentance to come upon the armies and military leaders involved ­ that they may seek God’s face and mercy before the battle begins, as well as in the thick of the fighting! Pray for the saving of many lives and the salvation of many soldiers and civilians on all sides of the conflict.

The Prince of Persia on the Move

It is worth noting that there is a Persian element lurking behind the present conflict with Iraq/Babylon. Gulf War II begins/continues on Purim, a holiday which the Bible connects with ancient Persia. Iran (ancient Persia) is also one of the countries presently listed by the USA as being part of an ‘axis of evil’ (the others are Iraq and North Korea). These countries all support world terrorism and are developing and /or proliferating atomic, biological or chemical weapons of mass destruction. As well, Iran is the main supporter, financier and equipper of the Lebanese Shiite terror group Hezbollah which has hundreds of Katyusha rockets aimed at northern and central Israel. Iran and Syria also have close military and intelligence contacts and cooperation. Israel has declared that Iran’s nuclear bomb program is the next existential threat for the Jewish state.

Shaking the Unshakable

There are unforeseen spin-offs in this developing conflict, for this war involves more than first meets the eye. Evil spiritual forces are taking advantage of the upcoming clash to shake what once were solid alliances in the West. While Russia was never able to crack NATO throughout its 56 years of existence, Saddam Hussein (the present lord of Babylon) has managed to drive a wedge between the US and UK on one hand, and Germany and France on the other. Major rumblings and political realignments are occurring, with some European nations waiting hyena-like for America the ‘Lion King’ to make a false step. Europe is rising to the fore as an up-and-coming superpower. These developments may be paving the way for the last days political power blocks described in the Books of Daniel, Ezekiel and Revelation.

Another surprise is Turkey, which has stymied, frustrated and blocked US war plans to date. In light of the significant role that a Turkic belt of nations will play in the prophesied War of Gog and Magog (Ezek.38-39), it bears noting that Turkey is once again ‘stepping up to the plate’ ­ having an influential role in world events.

One last thought to consider. If and when weapons of mass destruction (WMD) will be used by Saddam in this war, there will no longer be an international debate over whether or not he has developed and stored these weapons. Inspectors will no longer have a role to play in settling this discussion. But it seems that even the use of WMD will not cause world powers to reconcile and return to former alliances. Something decisive has changed in world politics, and not for the better.

“Peace in Our Time”?

It has been said that God offends the mind to reveal the heart. The upcoming war is revealing the thoughts of many hearts, specifically vis-à-vis the land and people of Israel. Though Germany, France, Spain, Britain and the USA do not agree on much right now, they all concur that pressure must be applied on Israel as soon as possible both to divide the land of Israel and to form a Palestinian state on a good part of it. British PM Tony Blair has declared that the only way the West can prove itself evenhanded in the Arab and Islamic world is by pushing for a division of the land of Israel between Israel and a Palestinian state. President Bush and Secretary of State Powell have also clearly stated that dividing the land of Israel and establishing a Palestinian is next on the agenda after Gulf War II. They hope for the process to be completed by 2005.

The Hebrew prophets prophesy judgment on any nation that sets its hand to divide the land of Israel (Zech.2:8-13; 14:1-4; Joel 3:1-2 etc).

But there are other reasons why pushing for a division of the land will activate the divine curse. The Islamic and Arab world has for the most part not recognized the valid existence of the Jewish state. Instead it has attempted to destroy Israel time and again for over 50 years. Thank God that their efforts have continually failed. Today, however, most international forums no longer see these attempts for what they are. Israeli attempts to thwart and eliminate Arab and Islamic attacks are reinterpreted as state terrorism, and Arab terrorist aggression is considered more justified and understandable that Israeli defense of her own homeland.

What the UN, the EU and the USA are all advocating is something called appeasement. Just prior to WWII Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain attempted to appease Hitler at the Munich Conference of 1938. He mistakenly believed that Hitler’s demands were moderate and should be met. After signing a ‘peace agreement’ with Nazi Germany, he stood in front of Number 10 Downing Street in London on September 30 and declared, “My good friends, for the second time in our history, a British Prime Minister has returned from Germany bringing peace with honor. I believe it is peace in our time!”

Chamberlain was wrong. His miscalculation led to WWII and his phrase ‘peace in our time’ has become a byword for willfully criminal political blindness. Today the international community has concluded that appeasing the Arab and Muslim world will bring Middle East peace, and has decided to break off pieces of Israel like dog biscuits and feed them to an enflamed and enraged Islamic world. Israel is cast in the role of the planned sacrifice that will soon be offered on the altar of world peace.

With that in mind, it is chilling to consider the headline in Melbourne Australia’s The Advertiser newspaper on Feb 15 2003, describing an anti-Bush and anti-Israel demonstration: 120,000 rally for peace in our time by Jane Metklikovec, Jeff Turner and Rachel Hancock. www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/printpage/0,5942,5986711,00.html

Of course, tiny Israel may decide that it does not want to be the international fall guy. In Bob Dylan’s words, the State of Israel may not agree that it’s “supposed to lay down and die when its door is kicked in” (from ‘Neighborhood Bully’, Infidels © 1983; www.bobdylan.com/songs/bully.html).

At that point the world will probably decide that Israel is not only an obstacle to Middle East peace, but an obstacle to world peace as well! These major international wars in our day are ultimately leading to a very focused future war against Israel. The eventual two-pronged strategy of that coming anti-Semitic campaign will involve partitioning the land of Israel, and attempting to annihilate the Jewish people. “For behold, Your enemies make an uproar and those who hate You have exalted themselves. They make shrewd plans against Your people and conspire together against Your treasured ones. They have said, ‘Come and let us wipe them out as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more!’” (Psa.83:2-4).

Shades of Haman! As Yogi Berra once said, “It’s déjà vu all over again!” But the God of Jacob will triumph in that day, for He is our strong tower! (Psa.46:11)

Avner Boskey

FINAL FRONTIER MINISTRIES

BOX 121971 NASHVILLE TN 37212-1971 USA

From Palestine to Columbia

Israel’s Sabbath rest of February 1 2003 was broken by the abrupt announcement at 1400 GMT that a loss of communication with the space shuttle Columbia had occurred. Within minutes the dry facts were quietly announced. The shuttle had broken up into ‘multiple targets’. It had exploded, said the first eyewitnesses from a small Texan town called Palestine. The brave astronauts had perished quickly in the high altitude conflagration.

Grief immediately filled our hearts as we remembered the heroes of the shuttle team. Israelis were especially proud of Colonel Ilan Ramon, an Israeli Air Force pilot who in 1981 had also taken part in bombing Osirak, Saddam Hussein’s nuclear bomb factory. Ramon had recently spent four years training for the Columbia mission with a top-notch American crew led by Space Shuttle Commander Colonel Rick Husband, a clear-eyed believer in Jesus (www.pchea.org/Family/page_2.htm). Ilan Ramon had grown up and studied at a local high school in Beersheva, and his father Eliezer Wolferman still lives in our small community, in a retirement home where we have presented several concerts of Yiddish and Hebrew folk music. Israel is a small country and the loss feels close to home.

On Tuesday January 21 Ilan had given a 30 minute satellite interview to Israel’s Channel One television. Participants included Israel’s Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Education and Science Minister Limor Livnat, Professor Yuval Ne’eman (head of the Israel Space Agency) and Avi Hareven (the head of Israel’s space program). Many Israelis were glued to their TVs, watching a remarkable outpouring of warmth, joy and appreciation between Ilan and the other astronauts. It was obvious that Ilan was considered a valuable scientific asset to the team. But what was unusual was the measure of honor and warmth that Ilan was strikingly accorded by all of his co-workers. All of Israel glowingly watched as Rick Husband added that if Israelis were as nice as Ilan and his family, then “we know that we will be expecting a very warm welcome when we come to visit Israel.”

I and my family felt that something extra-ordinary was transpiring during this interview. It seemed to be a taste of how things might be when Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) established a genuine appreciation between Jew and Gentile in the near future. One of us commented to the other that it felt like we were watching the ‘one new man’ principle of Ephesians 2-3 in operation.

Soon we learned more about Rick Husband’s faith. He had stated a few days before that as a Christian he was privileged to have an Israeli on board and part of Columbia’s team. As well, in an interview on October 15 2001 for the Panhandle Christian Home Educator’s Association in Texas, Colonel Husband said, “Like anywhere else in life not everyone is a Christian, and so the main thing is to try to live your life the way that God would want you to live and then hope that that sets an example and will give people an opportunity to ask questions so that you can tell them about what you believe.” A recent comment from an Embrace Israel ministry newsletter reveals that at least two of the seven astronauts were believers in Yeshua. Both Rick Husband and his wife Evelyn knew the Lord and had read the Messianic book “One New Man” by Reuven Doron. Their friendship with and love for Ilan Ramon and his family had moved them to pray for them regularly and seek their spiritual good. As well, Michael Anderson (the black astronaut on board) and his family were also believers in Jesus, and members of the same church as the Husbands.

Less than 30 minutes after the crash, I was astounded to hear that Palestine, Texas was the location from which the first eyewitnesses had reported the Columbia’s explosion. They said that the noise was very loud and sounded like a tornado or a freight train. Less than an hour after the crash, my wife and I heard an Israeli commenting that the accident felt somehow mystical. A few minutes later a radio commentator said that “it is our peculiar Israeli irony” that the accident occurred over a town named Palestine in North Central Texas. Yesterday was Sunday in Israel, and talk shows were flooded with calls and faxes arguing whether or not there is any divine meaning to the accident and whether there is anything symbolic in the name of Palestine, Texas.

While Israeli Jews in their grief were asking questions about God, foreign wire services were describing spontaneous Arab celebration and dancing joyfully on the roofs of houses in the West Bank, Gaza and Iraq in response to the tragedy. Iraqi media declared that the crash is Allah’s punishment against America and Israel, while one Palestinian writer said that “anything that is painful for the Americans and the Israelis is seen by the Palestinians in particular, and the Arabs in general, as a blessing. That’s how it is” (Jerusalem Post, Monday February 3, 2003 page 3). Evidently the world has sat up and taken notice, asking for meaning or ascribing meaning. What can believers say?

We love and believe in the God of Israel, in His sovereign rule and unsearchable wisdom – even when we do not fully fathom His ways (see Isaiah 40:12-26, from which President Bush quoted verse 26 when announcing the crash of the shuttle; and Romans 11:33-36). Of all the towns on God’s green earth, and of all the many towns in the great state of Texas, it is no accident that the shuttle Columbia’s explosion was immediately described by the world’s media as occurring over Palestine. Only God could have been aware, could have had foreknowledge of such details.

So what does the name of this town point to, if anything? What were the odds that the Columbia would have exploded over a town named Palestine, especially with the first ever Israeli astronaut was on board? The coincidence seems to have divine overtones. Is God using this awful tragedy to communicate something to the nations? Let’s consider this possibility.

Ilan Ramon realized that his flight had tremendous symbolism and meaning for the Jewish people. On Monday January 20 he said, “I know my flight is very symbolic for the people of Israel, especially…the Holocaust survivors” (www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/space/01/20/shuttle.interview/). Interviewed on the BBC, he said, “I feel I'm representing the whole Jewish people” (news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/2330933.stm). It is not surprising, then, that Jewish people are trying to understand what this symbolism may entail.

Perhaps the name ‘Columbia’ can help us understand something more. The title ‘Columbia’ was often used by early American poets of the Thirteen Colonies to describe the new nation that was to become the United States (see World Book, vol. 4, “Columbia”). At that time many felt that America should have been named Columbia after the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus. Artists often symbolically depicted Columbia as a tall and stately woman in a blue and white starred dress, carrying an American flag. During the 19th century, Columbia appeared in patriotic paintings, on the prows of ships, and in Revolutionary pageants. Today the District of Columbia is the seat of US government. The name ‘Columbia’ can certainly have an historical or a governmental symbolic reference to America.

Whether or not there is symbolic or prophetic meaning to the crash of the Columbia, we should all remember that the explosion is a grievous tragedy in its own right – for the families concerned, for the NASA team, and for the countries represented. That would be reason enough to mourn. But could this shocking explosion also serve as a prophetic warning?

In October 2002 Paul Keith Davis issued an article entitled ‘A Blessing of Dedication’ (www.bobjones.org). In that article he refers to a vision that a prophetic brother Bob Jones had, wherein the Lord revealed to him that a certain line of demarcation had been crossed in America relating to Israel-connected decisions. “Bob was instructed in his vision that certain things have now been ‘determined’ within our nation. That is not to impart hopelessness, but rather a sense of justice and chastening that will pave the way for blessings to follow. Certain governmental decisions have been made contrary to the purpose of God, that have opened the door to this discipline. There remains within our leadership a contrast of positions related to Israel and our support of this sacred land.”

In our last newsletter of January 2003 (available by request through www.davidstent.org), we mentioned that Satan has set in motion a ‘stealth strategy’, one which tends to be hidden behind other more dramatic news events. This stealth plot involves “world leaders being catalyzed into dividing up the land of Israel. The Bible clearly says that any nation which attempts to shrink Israel’s borders will surely face divine judgment (e.g., Joel 3:1-2; Zech.14:1-3; Gen.12:3). The potential upshot of this scheme has more divine fallout than a nuclear suitcase bomb!”

Since July 16 2002 the major world powers are already pressing for precisely this division of the land of Israel. On that date US Secretary of State Colin Powell met with representatives from the European Union, the United Nations, and Russia (the ‘Quartet’) and issued a statement in New York City, part of which is quoted: The Quartet remains committed to implementing the vision of two states, Israel and…Palestine . . .The Quartet calls upon Israel to take concrete steps to support the emergence of a viable Palestinian state . . .The Quartet reaffirms that… the Israeli occupation that began in 1967 must end . . . On September 17 2002 the Quartet issued a further statement, quoted in part: The Quartet is working closely…on a concrete, three-phase implementation roadmap that could achieve a final settlement within three years . . .In its initial phase (2002-first half of 2003)… Israeli withdrawals . . . In the plan's second phase (2003)… creating a Palestinian state with provisional borders . . . In its final phase (2004-5)…consistent with the vision expressed by President Bush, this means that the Israeli occupation that began in 1967 will be ended through…Israeli withdrawal to secure and recognized borders.

The Bible’s perspective on the Quartet’s joint declaration is that these nations who have signed on to the above statements have crossed a line of demarcation, and that these attempts to divide the land of Israel are strongly displeasing to the God of Jacob (see Deut.32:8-10; Zech.2:12).

Could the explosion over Palestine, Texas be God’s way of drawing world attention to the matter of ‘Palestine’ – specifically, to the divine cost America and other nations will have to pay if they continue to be committed to establishing a Palestinian state on the land that God has promised to Israel alone? Could the Columbia shuttle’s name and tragic destiny be a prophetic wake-up call to the world in general and to the Unites States of America in particular? Are American efforts to re-divide the biblical land of Israel leading it toward a fatal crash – a ‘crash into Palestine’? Will there be much collateral damage not only for the USA, but for the nation of Israel as well? And if God is warning world leaders about His own feelings, intentions and plans regarding international treatment of Israel and the Jewish people, are any pf these world leaders listening? Do any of these world leaders care? Is anyone taking Israel’s God, the God of the Bible seriously?

One hour after the Columbia’s explosion, Israel Radio’s newscaster described how the explosion had taken place over Palestine, Texas. She then moved to the next news item. Just one day before, the announcer intoned, President Bush had declared his commitment and intent to work for the establishment of two states, Israel and a democratic Palestine, side by side. The anchorwoman’s easy transition between the two uses of the word Palestine was smooth, but in context the effect of linking those two words was chilling.

On January 26 Colonel Ilan Ramon wrote an e-mail from the space shuttle Columbia to Israeli President Moshe Katzav. In it he voiced a prophetic hope and prayer regarding the Jewish people, that “all that’s needed is the right leadership to bring the people of Israel to the heights of Heaven” (Jerusalem Post, Thursday January 30 2003, page 5).

Avner Boskey

FINAL FRONTIER MINISTRIES

BOX 121971

NASHVILLE TN 37212-1971 USA

www.davidstent.org

Scottish prophetic treasures and Feast of Trumpets dream

September 5, 2002

Shalom dear friends,

Tomorrow evening is the eve of the Feast of Trumpets.  The Feast of Trumpets (or Rosh Hashanah) falls on September 7. Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) is September 16 and the Feast of Tabernacles (or Succot) is September 21-28.  Many Jewish and Gentile believers around the world are aware that God is still dealing with Israel according to the calendar He first instituted at the beginning of Israel's history (Exod.12, Levit. 23).  Our spiritual senses are alert as we watch, together with you, to see the hand of God reaching out to bring salvation to His ancient people and to the nations.

Exactly two years ago on the Feast of Trumpets (which was September 30, 2000), great trouble exploded here in Israel.  On that day rioting erupted on the Temple Mount and within the next days, weeks and months many Jewish people were brutally murdered.  Then, approximately one year later, September 11, 2001, another blow fell on the civilized world.     

Now we are in September again watching and waiting.  The atmosphere in Israel right now could be described as tense and relatively quiet.  The release of this new intense wave of hatred towards the Jewish people began two years ago.  This wave of hatred is still catching Jewish people in its wake, both in Israel and around the world.  Yet, the continuing strife here has produced a certain numbness.  One predictable human response to continual suffering is just to shut down and enter into "denial."  But even though we may be numb, God is ever vigilant. His senses are never dull. 

Feast of Trumpets dream

Two years ago, September 30, 2000, on the morning of the Feast of Trumpets, Rachel had a dream.  Later the same day rioting erupted on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and Israel's current troubles escalated to an unprecedented level.  We believe that the dream was given as a prophetic encouragement, and we'd like to share it with you.

By way of background, a number of years ago the Lord impressed on Rachel something about His feelings for Israel.  He loves Israel with an everlasting love and yet His heart is deeply grieved by Her unfaithfulness, just like a husband with an unfaithful wife.  Therefore He is deeply sensitive and even "careful" in His own heart when He considers Israel.  Israel is like His "soft underbelly."  The Lord shares His own intimate feelings about Israel with people whom He chooses.  He desires to have saints who will talk to Him about Israel with understanding of His sensitive heart.  He wants believers to speak to Him in tender ways and remind Him of His covenant love for Israel.  He desires to draw Israel back to Himself and looks for people who can understand this and communicate with Him in a way the touches Him in that intimate, tender place.

In light of this background about Israel being like the Lord's "soft underbelly," here is the dream:

Rachel was kneeling in prayer next to a big blue armchair in our living room.  A very big lion came up behind her while she was praying.  At first she didn't know if this was a friendly lion or a dangerous lion.  As she was kneeling beside this chair the lion came up and lay down on top of her.  As the lion was laying on her she was somehow able to reach back and rub the lion's soft belly.  The lion wanted her to continue doing this.  The more she rubbed his belly, the heavier the lion was on top of her.  Finally the lion was so heavy that Rachel couldn't move.  She was not hurt, but she couldn't move.  He was very warm and very heavy.  In the dream Rachel knew that rubbing the lion's belly was helping this lion to do the work he had to do.  The work he had to do was to go out and fight the spirit of "Allahu Akbar."   (This Arabic expression means "Allah is great."  This is the spirit of Koranic Islam, which is also anti-Israel and anti-Christ.)  The lion then got up and began to walk away.    

This dream seems to mean that people who are called to intercede (to stand in the gap) for Israel are like ones who will "rub the lion's belly."  We who are called to intercede are to continue to remind God about His promises over the nation of Israel through Messiah Yeshua.  The dream means that as we do this God's presence over our lives will be strong and heavy and protective.  Just like a big cat who loves to be stroked on his belly, God enjoys our reminding Him about Israel.  Israel is on His heart.  Talking tenderly to Him about Israel touches Him in the most sensitive and intimate places of His heart.  These words about Israel are words He longs to hear.

This dream may also indicate something about how God is going to deal with His enemies, and specifically with the spirit of Islam.  There seems to be a direct connection between intercession for Israel and the defeat of the Lord's enemies.

August family vacation in England and Scotland - Hidden Treasures

As a family we spent two weeks in August travelling in England and Scotland.  The Lord had a few encouraging surprises for us while we were there.  By divine appointment we heard about the annual "Soul Survivor" youth conference held not far from Bath, England, and we were able to be there for one day with about 7,000 young people.  The worship was glorious.  

We visited a 600 year old castle near Edinburgh, Scotland, and "stumbled onto" an old study Bible in the chapel there which was published in the late 1700's.--"Brown's Self-Interpreting Family Bible," by the late Rev. John Brown, printed in Glasgow.  As Rachel leafed through this well-worn Bible, with a binding which was falling apart, she found a wonderful treasure.  Among the many pages of Bible study notes was a page dealing specifically with Israel.  Almost 250 years ago this man John Brown understood the clear teaching of Scripture about Israel and the Jewish people.  No replacement theology here!  A brief summary of his notes: 

 "A Collection of Prophecies which Concern the Calling of the Jews and the Glory which shall be in the Latter Days"

(Each one of the following points is followed by many Scripture references.)

  1. The Jews shall be gathered from all parts of the earth where they are now scattered, and brought home into their own land.
  2. They shall be carried by the Gentiles unto their place, who shall join themselves with the Jews, and become the Lord's people.
  3. Great miracles shall be wrought when Israel is restored, as formerly when they were brought out of Egypt (a) drying up the River Euphrates, (b) causing rivers to flow in desert places,  (c) giving them prophets, (d) the Lord Christ Himself shall appear at the head of them.
  4. The Jews being restored and converted to the faith of Christ, shall be formed into a state, and have judges and counsellors over them as formerly; the Lord Christ Himself being their King, who shall then also be acknowledged King over all the earth.
  5. They shall have the victory over all their enemies, and all kings and nations of the earth shall submit unto them.
  6. The Jews restored shall live peaceably, without being divided into two nations or contending with one another any more--(a) They shall be very numerous, and multiply greatly, (b) They shall have great peace, safety, and outward temporal prosperity, (c) They shall be very glorious, and a blessing in the whole earth.
  7. The land of Judea shall be made eminently fruitful, like a paradise, or the garden of God.
  8. Jerusalem shall be rebuilt, and after the full restoration of the Jews, shall never be destroyed nor infested with enemies any more.
  9. A little before the time of the Jews' call and conversion, there shall be great wars, confusion and desolation, throughout all the earth, so that we may say, as Balaam did, prophesying on that very time,  "Alas!  Who shall live when God doth this?" 

Also during our time in England and Scotland we met with a few precious friends.  One friend near Glasgow gave us a book about the "Scottish Covenanters."  The Covenanters were a group of on-fire believers in the 1600's who claimed the Messiah Jesus as their own king.  Many of them paid with their lives.  Once again we read how, back in the 1600's, Israel's salvation was a clear focus of the prayers of these believers!    

Amazing!  We are the generation which is witnessing the unfolding of these very promises.  Saints throughout the ages have looked upon our time with great anticipation and they have bathed our own days with a myriad of their prayers.  We can be greatly encouraged knowing that the redemption of Israel is on the way and the season of the Lord's coming is near! 

May the God of peace and comfort visit your hearts and homes in this holy season!

Much love to you in Messiah Yeshua,

Avner and Rachel Boskey

Final Frontier Ministries, Box 121971 Nashville, TN 37212-1971   USA

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