Confidence Through Prophetic Light

by PRASHER, G. | Category: Focus | Apr 2003

About two months ago international crisis erupted following deep divisions in the Security Council of the United Nations over Iraq's alleged development of weapons of mass destruction. Fear of large-scale terrorist activities heightened an overall sense of insecurity. Uncertainty through threat of war compounded the situation and the world's money markets plunged to record levels, wiping billions off the value of shares.

Christian confidence during such times of crisis finds a firm anchor in the predictions of God's Word. For as the apostle Peter wrote, 'we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place' (2 Pet.1:19). Of central importance in the wide spectrum of the prophetic word are the great covenant promises of God to Israel. His messages to them through the prophets of Old Covenant times were largely in rebuke of their backsliding, idolatry and social injustice. Yet even in darkest days warning of judgement was interspersed with promise of ultimate restoration and blessing. There would be dispersion among Gentile nations, at times with cruel persecution, but the divine purpose in their preservation was assured, leading to a final recognition of the Lord Jesus as their promised Messiah. Unbelieving Israel's experience under God's chastening hand is remarkably summarized in Jeremiah 30:11:

''For I am with you,' says the LORD, 'to save you;

Though I make a full end of all nations where I have scattered you,

Yet I will not make a complete end of you.

But I will correct you in justice,

And will not let you go altogether unpunished.''

History bears out the truth of this oracle of God. Despite the dispersion of Jewish people among so many nations God has never allowed them to be completely destroyed, and in many eras of their dispersion has greatly blessed them in their exiled situation (Jer.29:4-7).

In God's overruling this is highly relevant to the present world crisis. The power of Jewish influence in world affairs is out of all proportion to numerical strength. The State of Israel as such has a population of only 4.9 million, yet its economic and military strength is outstanding in the Middle East. This has largely derived from American support. The United States allocates between four and five billion dollars a year to Israel, 20% of US foreign aid. How does this come about?

For although there are about 5.6 million Jews in the United States, more than in any other country, that represents only two percent of the American population. So influence through the ballot box would be of itself quite trivial. However, certain Jewish lobbying groups have developed immense influence, notably the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). This Committee keeps track of how every member of Congress votes on every issue of importance to Israel, and uses its great wealth to help suitable candidates for election to raise the needed funds.

American policies are also influenced in favour of Israel through electoral pressure from a non-Jewish quarter. A large number of Christian fundamentalists are politically organized. Many of them recognize the fulfilment of Bible prophecy in the modern revival of the State of Israel and advocate political support for Israel in the present struggle.

In Israel itself Ariel Sharon's victory in the January general election ensured the continuance of hard-line policies towards the Palestinians. This makes the prospect of a negotiated peace settlement more remote, further contributing to the seriousness of the Middle East crisis.

Nevertheless, let us still have full confidence in the God who has given us the sure word of prophecy as a light shining in a dark place. With David we may triumphantly say,

'The LORD is my light and my salvation;

Whom shall I fear? �

Though war may arise against me,

In this I will be confident.' (Psalm 27:1,3)

PRASHER, G. | Apr 2003
Focus