GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSES – By Raphael ben Levi
The Jewish people are confident of their continued existence as a greater reality to that of the negative rhetoric and motivations of the UN. History itself is a sombre reminder that those who curse the Jewish people will themselves be cursed. The one thing which the UN has been effective in has been the legitimising and legalising anti-Semitism in the world.
In the midst of darkness, there exists a flicker of light for Israel, beyond the unique opportunity to expose the UN for their crass hypocrisy that routinely ignores some of the most flagrant human rights crimes around the world. Above this, it is a beacon to demonstrate how to deal effectively with the relentless undermining of a country’s sovereign right to manage its own affairs.
Whilst the politics surrounding resolutions against Israel world-wide are smeared with all manner of complicated legalese, with the revisionists busy seeking to rewrite history, the Bible clearly states that God has already sealed the future, confirmed through His covenant promises which are inviolable. Yet Israel should not be daunted by the nations’ raging against them since their isolation has been clearly prophesied in Scripture as something that will be fiercely and conspicuously manifested particularly in these end times. Look what we read, for example, in Psalm 2:1-10:
“Why are the nations in an uproar, the people’s grumbling in vain? 2 The earth’s kings are taking positions, leaders conspiring together, against Adonai and his anointed. 3 They cry, “Let’s break their fetters! Let’s throw off their chains!” 4 He who sits in heaven laughs; Adonai looks at them in derision. 5 Then, in his anger, he rebukes them, terrifies them in his fury. 6 “I myself have installed my king on Tziyon, my holy mountain.” 7 “I will proclaim the decree: Adonai said to me, ‘You are my son; today I became your father. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance; the whole wide world will be your possession. 9 You will break them with an iron rod, shatter them like a clay pot.’” 10 Therefore, kings, be wise; be warned, you judges of the earth…”
Sometimes, we may face situations which cause us to wonder who really is in control – I mean, not theologically, but practically as it directly affects our lives. There is a Midrash of a ship that was on the waters. Suddenly, there was a storm and everybody was panicking as the ship began to sink. There was a little boy lying on the deck, sunbathing.
So, they cried out to him,
‘Hey, why aren’t you afraid?’
He replied, ’My father is the captain.’
There are various levels by which we learn to trust in the Lord with all of our hearts in every twist and turn in life. By this, we draw closer to Him and our light shines more brightly because our theology and relationship harmonise instead of fragmenting.
One more thing: God’s light burns forever even when it looks as though the oil is just enough for one night. When we have enough courage to kindle God’s light for one night, He is able to make it last forever because the Light of the World, Immanuel, is revealed. Is this not what we are celebrating as we celebrate the season of Hanukah?
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