This world is a broken place. When I venture out into nature and marvel at the beauty of what I see, the thought that never evades me is that what I see has been under a curse and has been decaying for a long, long time.
As I watch mankind pursue new knowledge and achieve awesome things, I often wonder what would be the fruit of his labours if he wasn’t a fallen creature.
As I watch human behaviour on my day to day existence, I see so much anger, greed, and self exultation and I wonder where is that place in man’s heart to remember to be still and know that God is God.
As I watch the value of human beings being determined on how they contribute to a nation’s GDP or a return on shareholders investments, I wonder how we miss this reality that we are so cherished by our Creator that He stepped into our world to die for us.
As I watch the animal world devour itself based on the hierarchy of the food chain, I wonder if these things were meant to be. So much violence. Life is broken and yet needs to be this way to survive.
If one was honest with ones self, one would come to a realisation that the norm actually sucks – and sucks quite bad. It’s like what we experience today is but a shadow of what we were designed to experience. The advances in technology gives us the false impression, a deceitful veneer, that all is well and progressing forward as planned on planet earth, populated with human.
And yet, scratch beneath the surface, beyond the number of Facebook friends you have, or Twitter followers, whether you like PC’s or Mac’s, iPhone’s, Toyota’s or BMW’s or some other brand in any industry and just about anything else and you will find it.
Tucked away in some “do not disturb” part of your existence, you will find a yearning, a groaning of a reality you were designed to experience and yet fail to realise. And because it’s in that “no go” place that you have that “itch has not yet been scratched” and you have failed in this area of fulfilment at it’s most basic and primitive level, you, and the vast majority of mankind simply ignore it as we pop more antidepressants into our mouths to numb our failures.
No. There is something fundamentally wrong with our existence and to turn a blind eye to it is a stupid thing to do. It’s like this whole earth of ours is waiting for things to be restored – and man taking dominion over it once again. But not just any man – mankind redeemed by God – son’s of God. Us in our restored reality.
Next time you walk around nature, society and culture, keep this in mind…
“For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.” Rom 8:19-22
Freedom from bondage and corruption – sounds awesome. God’s heart is to restore all things. He is a jealous God and I get the sneaking suspicion that His heart breaks in seeing things not where they should be on some many facets. He will restore and He will redeem – in all of creation.
One of which is the natural world – and this is so beautifully captured in the following..
“The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them.
The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” Isa 11:6-9
Imagine a restored world where a wolf, lamb, leopard, young goat, calf, cow and bear all hang out together with a child in their midst as he plays with snakes with no risk to his, or any animals safety? This world will be restored one day and the scenes described above are just part of this restoration.
And to give but a glimpse into this reality, you need to check out the following clip and just imagine if this was the norm for all the world.
“We’ll make the world abandon reason. We’ll make them all believe that the Hamas is Mother Theresa.”
So go the lyrics to the parody video that’s come out of Latma – the Hebrew media satire website in light of the Israeli “raid” on “a oh so very peaceful” activist ship choka block full of “aid” to Gaza – while publically admitting their main aim was to infiltrate the blockade.
At the time of writing this, the clip has been viewed just under 1,000,000 times in 4 days. One would say this has gone viral. It’s interesting to read all the comments – even I joined in. Hope you enjoy the following clip…
Maybe, just maybe, a stupid and gullible world is finally starting to stir and wake up to the farce behind this story and realise that Israel has a right to defend itself. After all, the gathering of Israel into the Promised land is step one of God’s plan. The destruction of it’s enemies and the awakening of Israel to their Messiah is part 2. Oh how the peace loving “christians” hate this talk and the liberals and left wingers (and some right wingers) hate this talk, but, at the end of days, this will happen.
Better choose a side sooner or later. For me, as a lay guy, the choice is easy. We live in a world where the “god” of this world – being Satan, has blinded people to the truth of Jesus and His glorious Gospel message.
At the same time, he has blinded the world to God’s redemptive work He will carry out through the people of Israel and has replaced this reality, in the Christian world, with “replacement theology”, and in the secular world, with anti Semitism. And trust me, even these boundaries are blurred.
And when events like this happen, to me, it exposes the work the enemy has achieved into the mindset of man – the hatred of the Jews as God’s chosen people. The enemy has blinded mankind and is a master of media manipulation as journalists “chase down their careers” as they pursue the big stories and executives bow down to the sponsoring dollar knowing full well what they can and can’t discuss – thus the media becomes the ultimate PR tool. Just turn on your TV to witness the nations rage against God’s chosen. And chosen they are…
“As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs” Rom 11:28
Christians – abandon your foolish anti Jewish mindset – as far as the Gospel is concerned, we don’t have much in common with the Jews. But in terms of being loved by God, the people are loved and protected under an ancient covenant that allows God to act in any way He pleases. The net result of this can be captured in the following verse..
Thus says the Lord of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” Zech 8:23
I’m not putting the Jews on a pedestal and neither do I agree with all their actions. But they are unique as a nation in that their journey is always chronicled – be it by God via the scriptures or by man via the media. And I can tell you that if any nation was under the same scrutiny, well, let’s just say that they would also be hated.
But in the end, as God’s chosen people, and being enlightened by God about the reality of the Messiah, the Jew will be a truly unique human race…
“So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!” Rom 11:11
“For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead?” Rom 11:15
Don’t be blind to what God is doing through the Jews. It’s all part of the plan and the enemy knows it and is trying his hardest to blind you. Take off your blindfold.
By now, you have been bombarded by the media’s reports of Israeli aggression against the so called peace activists bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
By now, you probably have concluded that Israel are the aggressors and have bullied and murdered innocent people.
By now, you have seen reports of world wide condemnation and mass protests on the streets – especially from Muslim countries – and have concluded that Israel has done something incredibly wrong.
If this is you. Then stop. And begin to think for yourself instead of being so damn gullible and allow the media to shape your worldview – a media controlled very much by petro dollars.
Here are the facts behind what happened to the “Gaza Flotilla”..
1. A state of armed conflict exists between Israel and the Hamas regime controlling Gaza. The Hamas terrorists have launched over 12,000 rockets against Israeli civilians, and are presently smuggling in Iranian arms and military supplies into Gaza, by land and sea, in order to fortify its positions and continue its attacks.
2. Under international law, Israel has the right to protect the lives of its civilians from Hamas attacks, and, consequently, has undertaken measures to defend itself, including the imposition of a maritime blockade to curb Hamas rearmament. Under international maritime law, when a maritime blockade is in effect, no vessels can enter the blockaded area.
3. In line with Israel’s obligations under international law, the ships participating in the protest flotilla were warned repeatedly that a maritime blockade is in effect off the coast of Gaza and were given due notice of its exact coordinates.
4. Israel repeatedly offered the flotilla organizers permission to land in the port of Ashdod, and to transfer their aid to Gaza through the existing overland crossings, in accordance with established procedures. Thousands of tons of humanitarian supplies are regularly allowed in by Israel through the land crossings. The flotilla organizers rejected this offer, stating clearly that "this mission is not about delivering humanitarian supplies, it’s about breaking Israel’s siege." (Greta Berlin, AFP, 27May10).
5. While the organizers claim to have humanitarian concern for the residents of Gaza they did not have similar concerns for the fate of the abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, and when asked, refused to even make a public call to allow him to be visited by the Red Cross. Shalit has languished in a Gazan dungeon for over three years.
6. When it became clear that the protest flotilla intended to violate the blockade despite repeated warnings, Israeli Naval personnel boarded the vessels of the flotilla, and redirected them to Ashdod.
7. Given the large number of vessels participating in the flotilla, there was an operational need to undertake measures to enforce the blockade a certain distance from the area of the blockade.
8. The intention of the flotilla participants to resist Israeli Naval personnel was made clear in numerous television interviews on 30 May given by the head of the IHH, Bulent Yildirim on board the Mavi Marmara (as he held a year-old infant in his arms, in what he called a "message" to any Israelis planning to act against the flotilla).
9. The Israeli Navy was met with violent opposition, two pistols were found in the hands of protesters, and over a dozen Israeli personnel were hospitalized, some in critical condition. One militant snatched a gun from an Israeli commando and opened fire. The Navy described being met by a “lynching” party.
10. In Ashdod, the flotilla’s cargo will be off-loaded and the humanitarian items will be transferred overland to Gaza in accordance with standard operating procedures. The participants of the flotilla will be subjected to immigration procedures applicable in cases of attempted illegal entry.
But of course, you don’t get this picture on your TV screen – you get an anti Jewish slant wherever you turn and the facts are never known. For example, did you know that the Flotilla was financed by a known terror organisation?
Below is a series of video’s I’ve included to shed some light on this situation…
Israel Navy commander instructs his soldiers before engagement
Israel Navy invites the Flotilla to enter Israel port for delivery of cargo
Israeli Military board the ship (unarmed – assuming this is a humanitarian ship) and get lynched.
Read here the bloody account on board the Mavi Marmara and how the IDF were finally given permission to engage only after all this had already happened.
After all this, the world still screams at Israel. Incidents like this reveal the deep down hatred the world has to Israel. We know who the god of this world is and how he opposes everything the God of the universe stands for.
God is calling His people home and will soon open their eyes to the fact that the Messiah has already come and His name is Jesus. Unfortunately, before this happens, hostilities such as this will lead the whole world to hate Israel and declare war upon it.
And then, when all seems lost, God will step in and destroy the enemies of Israel and they will know Jesus. We are in the times or “wars and rumours of wars” that Jesus spoke about. While scary, it also shows that His testimony is true and He will be back…soon enough.
Mosab Hassan Yousef – the son of one of the 7 founders of Hamas, Sheikh Hassan Yousef. Born in a world of violence in Israel and thrown into the middle of Islamic radicalisation, he now spends time surfing the shores of the west coast of the USA as a follower of Jesus.
But in the years between, Joseph, as he is now known in the West, was exposed to things no child should. Imitating his father, he rose to become the President of the Islamic Youth Movement which eventually led to his arrest, beating and torture by Shin Bet – Israel’s Internal Security Service.
Whilst in custody, Joseph learned of the torture tactics Hamas carried out on their own people and this was the catalyst to him becoming a spy for Shin Bet – The Green Prince.
But I needed to know more about this fascinating character and have begun digging the web to find more. What intrigues me is that he stated that he spied for Shin Bet not so much to help their cause, but to further his own. Have a listen to his interview with the BBC to learn more..
And what is his cause? Interview after interview, he sets out to expose the god of Islam as a liar and a sham. Joseph has not turned his back on his people – he simply wants to expose the lie of Islam to his people. Have a listen to the following interview for a typical example.
This has of course greatly angered those he has left behind. Even his father, one of the seven founders of Hamas has now disowned his son – knowing full well that by doing so exposes his son to an assassins bullet.
“I, Sheikh Hassan Yussef… my wife, sons and daughters announce that we have completely disowned the man who was our oldest son and who is called Mosab”
This has now been confirmed to be the case in a statement by the al-Qaida-affiliated Global Islamic Media Front released a statement written by Abu al-Harith al-Ansari. Read up on the story here for more information, but the crux of it is captured in the following quote:
“If he comes back to Islam great, but if he does not, his fate is as an infidel without honor. The prophet Muhammad said, “Whoever alters his religion, kill him [Ansari’s font changes].” He should not have proper burial rights and he should not be buried with Muslims.”
Joseph escaped the hatred of Hamas – even though he is the son of Hamas. Fox News Channel ran an excellent expose on how the son of Hamas escaped hatred of the region…
Baptised in 2005, Joseph was drawn to Jesus by the words uttered by Him…
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” Luke 6:27
These words must have been living water to a soul dying of thirst in a land that quenches anything good and nourishing. Jesus, reached down and grabbed the attention of the son of Hamas by the words He uttered 2000 years ago and, in doing so, has completely reversed the life of an individual who has the ability to create shockwaves.
What follows is a couple of interviews Joseph has had with Christian groups – explaining his faith and, time and time again, attacking the god of Islam in light of what he is now contrasting to the God of the Bible.
Below is the audio from the official Son Of Hamas page – but considerably reduced in size for easier streaming or download (right click and save). Compelling listening!
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What I like is a post script Joseph put in his book. It goes like this…
“So if you meet me on the street, please don’t ask for advice or what I think this or that scripture verse means, because you’re probably already way ahead of me. Instead of looking at me as a spiritual trophy, pray for me, that I will grow in my faith and that I won’t step on too many toes as I learn to dance with the bridegroom.”
Mosab Hassan Yousef – I for one, welcome you as a dancer to the bridegroom instead of a dancer to Hamas. I welcome your simple steps with the bridegroom over any expertise in your dancing with Hamas.
Next time someone asks the question, “If Christ came today, are you ready?” I’m gonna vomit. Not because it’s a bad question. But because it’s bad theology.
The question implies a religious reaction to the work of Jesus. Because Jesus did this and that, what are you doing in return to make yourself more holy?
Nope – I can never, ever subscribe to that mentality because, if I do, I set myself up to be a walking tampon – Isa 64:6.
Instead I aim to have my Sabbath in my Lord and His finished work. He knew that I, on my own, can never, ever amount to anything. And that’s why He paid my price for me.
If I thought I can “ready myself”, it’s akin to me walking up to the cross, tapping Jesus on the shoulder as He is suffocating, and choking to death and saying, “step aside padre – this one’s on me.”
“For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. But the righteousness based on faith says,
“Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) or “‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).
But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says..
“Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Rom 10:5-13
Am I ready? Nope. But in my defence, I call upon the Name of Jesus. Does that mean I live a dodgey life and let Him take all the blame. Nope. His love for me and His calling out to me should motivate me to live a life sold out to Him.
But this has nothing to do with salvation – that’s His work. When it comes to my salvation, I rest in Jesus. When it comes to working out my salvation, I am troubled and in fear – my sanctification has a lot to do with me and I perplexed at how easily I am the prime stumbling block to this process. The last thing I need is for religion to point its ugly finger at me and demand, “Are you ready?”
For a long time here @ LayGuy, I’ve discussed how religion sucks. Pure and simple. Religion is anything man does to try to earn the favour of God. As a Christian, I see this all the time. Religion rules most of the modern church and it’s adherents are miserable.
You see, religious people all feel, if you scratch hard enough under the surface, like failures – cause deep down they know they suck just as much as you and me. And yet, while filled with this inner turmoil and doing something about it, they turn around and point their fingers at others and announce that “you are not as good as me cause I’m religious and you’re just a sinner.”
So they end up sucking on two fronts! Someone should invent a two sided lollipop – it’ll be a hit with religious people!
Jesus, on the other hand, was radically different. In fact, if you read the Gospel closely enough, you would realise that the major scandal in His life was that he hated what religious people stood for and instead embraced and befriended those “pathetic sinners” so despised by the world.
See Jesus turned religion on its head and exposed its ugly and hypocritical nature. And a great example of this is found in Mark chapter 2 in the story of the calling of Levi (Matthew)..
“He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.
And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:13-17
Dig a little deeper with me for a second. Here you have Jesus walking past Levi the tax collector. Tax collectors were so despised by the people as they literally committed treason against the Jewish people by selling their souls to Rome for the pursuit of money. As outcasts of society, they weren’t even allowed to vote!
As Jesus walked past Levi, He knew that this man was ripe for Kingdom of God to invade his life, Maybe He just simply sensed the complete anguish, isolation, guilt and helplessness in Levi. Others saw him as a tax collector – a mere sinner.
Trust me, Jesus had some stern words for tax collectors. But Levi was different and Jesus, in His omniscience, would have known that this man was desperate for the Kingdom of God to invade his life and simply ordered, “follow me”. And Levi got up immediately, left his business and followed Jesus.
In fact, that night Levi threw huge party for Jesus at his place where his fellow outcasts of society joined him – the bible says “many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus”. So you have Jesus, 6 disciples at the time, Levi – so far 8 – and then add many others. What we have here is a full on feast fest at Levi’s house.
Enter the religious freaks – the scribes of the Pharisee’s. Picture these guys as the thinkers, the policy makers, the high and lofty intellectuals of the notorious Pharisee’s – a cut above your traditional Pharisee – in other words uber religious!
And all they could say is, “Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners”. In other words, “what kind of so called messiah would want anything to do with this low life bunch of scumbags who don’t amount to anything”.
Religion – in all it’s glory! And if you think this doesn’t happen in your church today, you’re a fool. In fact, if you don’t think this happens in your life, you’re a fool. I know that I am a fool.
Jesus simply answered their hypocritical rebellious slander with the words…
“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
I pray that my heart is so broken by the sin in my life that I may never conclude that I am righteous on my own merits. Because if I ever do, Jesus didn’t come for me. Jesus is the most anti religious person that ever walked the face of this earth. Richard Dawkins – eat your heart out!
To top it off, I think this is all captured rather succinctly in the following video…
This world is a broken place. When I venture out into nature and marvel at the beauty of what I see, the thought that never evades me is that what I see has been under a curse and has been decaying for a long, long time.
in March 2010. It’s become a New York Times best seller and I’m currently reading this fascinating book.
