Village Schools of the Bible

Max's Weekly Musings
Vol. 11, No. 15, for the week of May 11 - 17, 2008
Israel's 60th Anniversary

It is a beautiful Wednesday morning here in Albertville, MN. Sun is shining brightly. The trees are beginning to show forth their garments of green - some bright, some darker shades. Tulips are blooming and the flowering trees will soon burst forth into beautiful pinks and whites. I even planted a few flowers last week, although nothing that could be harmed by a late season frost - which, given the cold spring we have had so far, I would not want to bet against.

Marlys and I travel over to Rice Lake, WI for an afternoon funeral for our son's mother-in-law who passed away last Friday night after a long illness. She was a great student of the Word and love to study. We know that she will be greatly missed. I know Barry and Carol and their family will appreciate a prayer or two during these days.

I thought I would focus this week upon some of the significant events that are happening in our world...even as we visit together this way. The weather-created disasters are almost beyond comprehension. The death toll in Myanmar from the cyclone staggers the imagination. Estimates of over 100,000 killed and millions of others displaced from their homes. Then there was the earthquake in central China just a few days ago. I was reading this morning in the paper that this could be the greatest natural disaster to affect the world in the past three decades. Even our own country has not been immune from devastation caused by storms. Over 900 tornadoes have caused millions of dollars in damage and have taken nearly 100 lives since the first of the year. These numbers are almost unprecedented. What is going on? Is God trying to tell us anything? I believe the answer is a resounding yes! You might remember that Jesus, in what we call the Olivet Discourse recorded in Matthew 24 and 25, told His disciples that in the last days there would be famines and earthquakes...natural disasters would abound. I know there have been famines and earthquakes before. But have they occurred with the frequency that they are now? A few weeks ago thee was even an earthquake that shook St. Louis and parts of the Midwest. New volcanic eruptions destroying villages. I recall the words of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans, chapter 8, that the whole creation groans awaiting its redemption. I have entertained the thought that perhaps we are hearing some loud groanings from the natural world. Could it be that the natural world is more in tune with God's plans than we are? Could it be that the natural world is telling us that the Redeemer is soon to come? You see, the natural world longs for is redemption and release from the curse that has held it in bondage since the fall. When Jesus comes, that curse will be lifted.

Today marks the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel. During those sixty years there have been times of joy and times of sorrow; there have been seasons of uneasy peace as well as seasons of violent conflict. There have been those who have wished to push her into the sea, and there have been a few who have given her a steady hand of friendship. May 14, 1948, marked the first time in history that an ancient people, along with an ancient language, had given life in an ancient homeland. This could only have been a miracle of God. Some Bible scholars even believed that that day marked the beginning of the fulfillment of the promises in Ezekiel 37. Israel is a truly remarkable country where in a moment of time one can travel from the 21st century back into the 3rd century BC. It is a land of blossoming deserts and of fruitful valleys. It is a land of white sand beaches and a snow-capped mountain. It is a land of synagogues, churches, and mosques for religious toleration is practiced openly. It is a land where those steeped in traditionalism dwell alongside of those who have adopted modernity. So, we wish the people of Israel a "happy 60th birthday." I have a strong feeling that before another 60 years rolls around, that nation will know the joys of having its King sitting upon the throne of David in the City of David. Then, both Israel and the world will enjoy the peace that it is so diligently seeking for today.

Well, these are great days, aren't they? Our God is truly at work. How wonderful it is to know that our lives are in His hands. How reassuring to know that "He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." I am reminded of the need to keep alert and to remain at work. Then we will be ready when He comes.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: The lesson of history tells us that no state or government devised by man can flourish forever. (Billy Graham)

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