United Nations Bias

The United Nations determined last week Israel is the greatest violator of Women's Rights in the world because it is "violating the rights of Palestinian women." The United Nations Commission on Status of Women (CSW) only condemned Israel among its 193 members.

This action drew sharp criticism from Israeli leaders who stated among the 193 members of the CSW there are dozens who slaughter innocent civilians and impose discriminatory laws that violate women's rights with the primary violators being Iran and The Sudan. Israel's representative to the CSW said recently, "change will come for Palestinian women when their leadership takes responsibility for its own people."

The truth of the matter is Israel in its Declaration of Independence promises "complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants regardless of religion, race or sex." The 2014 World Economic Forum report ranked Israel 57th out of 137 for Female Political Empowerment with the United States ranked 54th and Saudi Arabia ranked 117th. The previous Israeli government had 27 women, both Jewish and Arab, as lawmakers among its members. Israel stands out as a place where gender equality is a fundamental goal of government.

Why such bias against Israel? All of this is another sign of the days and times in which we live. Zechariah 12 refers to a time period called "in that day" in which most Bible Scholars believe is a time period just prior to Jesus returning to earth. Zechariah 12:2,3,9 say the following, "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples. . .and it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it. . .it shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem." We, who love and support Israel, certainly can take comfort from our Lord God's response to these difficult and challenging days in which we live. Hallelujah!

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank            

Bibi's Big Win

Newspaper headlines in Israel are declaring Benjamin Netanyahu's win in Tuesday's election as a "Shocking And Sweeping Victory." Israeli elections are very different than other democratic societies. Israeli voters elect a party from which the Prime Minister comes, who then must form a coalition from the other parties that will govern with the Prime Minister.

Israeli elections determine a value or seat total for each party and the total of all parties is 120. The elected party and its named Prime Minister must form a coalition from other parties of at least 61 seats. The parties forming the coalition will then be the governing body that is called The Knesset. Confusing, isn't it?

Netanyahu's victory is being described as a big surprise with some even calling it "A Miracle." Netanyahu's party (Likud) was projected to win around 20 seats but the final tally showed them winning 30 Knesset seats. Additionally, it appears a sure bet that Netanyahu will be able to form the coalition without much difficulty. 

Let me go back and look at the concept of all of this possibly being a miracle performed by our Lord God! Netanyahu's victory was accomplished even with overwhelming odds against him. The opposition, that did everything they could to defeat him, included the Israeli media; pre-election and exit polls; interference by foreign governments; and opposition parties including a new Arab party. It is also very important to realize that the closest opposition party, the Zionist Union, campaigned on turning half of Israel over to its enemies.

I am going to join the chorus of those proclaiming this victory A Miracle Of Our Lord God! Daniel 2:19-21 proclaim, "Daniel answered and said blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding."

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank  

Middle East Turmoil

Last week in our message, we highlighted Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech to the U.S. Congress and pointed out his feelings about the danger of a nuclear Iran for Israel and the whole world. He also considers the current proposed nuclear deal with Iran will do little to slow down their path to the bomb. He felt it necessary to speak up now for the actual continued existence of Israel and its people similar to Queen Esther's stance for the Jews in ancient Persia.

Today, we will look at an overview of scenarios in most of the Middle East because almost all areas are tense and dangerous regarding the safety of Israel. Last week, Netanyahu also shared we should not be fooled by what appears to be Iran's attempt to reign in the threat of ISIS. In reality, he shared both Iran and ISIS are determined to control and dominate the Middle East and the whole world. He stated about Israel, "The enemy of your enemy is your enemy." Both are immediate and dangerous threats to Israel.

The situation in Jordan suddenly has become curious and tense. Jordan for many years has been a friend of Israel and their leaders have worked hard to bring about peace in the Middle East. Now, the threat of ISIS has changed things dramatically. Recently a member of the Jordanian military was captured and executed resulting in air strikes against ISIS. It appears Jordan might be the Third Target for ISIS domination after Iraq and Syria. If ISIS does conquer Jordan, this means ISIS would be located right on Israel's doorstep.

Then there is Egypt. . .an encouraging report. They have done a good job, of eliminating in Egypt proper and the Sinai Peninsula, of Jihadist terror groups and even went to the defense of Coptic Christians in Libya. Is this the start of an End Times Scenario? Isaiah 19:23-24 says. "In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. . .and Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land." 

In response to these reports, we should all be praying and proclaiming verses from Psalm 47:2,3,7,8 that says, "For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth, He will subdue the peoples under us, and the nations under our feet. For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with understanding. God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne."

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank    

"For Such A Time As This"

As I listened to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech a second time, I realized how difficult it would be to summarize the speech in this format. However, let me share with you the most important points and the possible reactions. 

The Israeli Prime Minister started his speech by thanking the United States for its support of Israel that amounts to billions of dollars each year. He then went on to describe the proposed Nuclear Deal with Iran as a "Bad Deal" which could lead to a "Potential Nuclear Nightmare." Continuing, Netanyahu said the proposed agreement makes two major concessions: it does not require current nuclear facilities to be destroyed and any restrictions will automatically expire in a decade. 

Toward the end of his speech, Netanyahu said, "The proposed deal does not block Iran's path to the bomb, it paves Iran's path to the bomb." He also considers unacceptable any deal that does not entirely end Iran's nuclear program.

I entitled our message today "For Such A Time As This" which is a quote from Esther 4:14. It is very interesting to note the Prime Minister's message took place on the eve of the Jewish Feast Day Purim. Esther is a young Jewish girl living exiled in Persia, current day Iran, who suddenly becomes Queen of Persia. When Mordechai, Esther's guardian and cousin, refuses to pay homage to Persia's evil leaders, a plan is developed to destroy the Jews. King Xerxes did not know Esther was Jewish. Mordechai pleads with Esther to approach the king to plead for her people saying to her, "You have come to a royal position For Such A Time As This." Esther follows his advise and her people are saved.

All of this raises some very interesting and important questions. Did the Prime Minister schedule his message intentionally on the eve of Purim? We do not know! What we do know is his message was also delivered, "For Such A Time As This" and could lead to saving Israel and its people from destruction. Netanyahu knows the immediate danger to Israel of a nuclear Iran plus the danger to the United States. The other question raised is, "Will world leaders properly react to the speech by making the necessary changes to the nuclear deal with Iran?"

We thank our Lord God for Prime Minister Netanyahu's boldness to speak out and ask for special blessings for the Netanyahu family. Let us also pray for all leaders to do everything necessary to prevent a nuclear Iran.

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank