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Unfortunately, in a knee-jerk reaction to Israel ’s apparently heavy-handed response to the capture of three soldiers, many commentators choose to overlook recent events in this war-torn region. What would be the reaction in any country if a major effort to secure peace ( Israel ’s withdrawal from Gaza ) was followed by 500 rocket attacks from its hostile neighbour since the withdrawal was complete? Even so, there is every reason to agree with the observation that a world-shaking “tumult” centred on Israel is fast approaching and recent acts of aggression are most certainly bringing a tremendous conflict - foretold in the Bible - a step closer. Since the creation of the state of Israel in 1948, most of its neighbours have pursued the single objective of wiping Israel off the map. Consequently, for over 50 years now, Israel has been fighting for its existence. Unfortunately, in that fight, there have been innocent casualties, for which Israel itself must share the blame. But given the nature and extent of their struggle, coupled with a long history of aggression against Jews in which few, if any, nations have been innocent, it should come as no surprise to see recent Israeli military tactics that some call disproportionate and heavy handed, while others see as only reasonable.
The arguments for and against aggression by any party in the Middle East will continue to rage for the foreseeable future. Until, that is, a long foretold conflict, centred on Israel , draws all nations into a tremendous battle, the long-term effect of which has never been seen before in human history. Given the escalation of events in the Middle East now, there is every reason to think that we are now very close indeed to that world-changing war to end all wars. In prophecies written thousands of years ago, the Bible not only predicts the re-gathering of the Jews back to their own land – as happened during the last century – it also says that Israel will not win all its battles for national survival on its own. In a graphic description of the aggression against Israel , and its invasion from the north, the prophet Ezekiel (in chapter 38) is not alone in his warning. Other Bible prophecies confirm this God-given prediction of the eventual outcome of events in the Middle East that now make such regular and alarming headlines. So, even if events in Lebanon have not escalated this time into all-out conflict with Israel ’s neighbours, dragging other nations into the war, the Bible makes it quite clear that there is no guarantee of any lasting peace anywhere in the world until God intervenes. The increased tension in and around Israel now is a foretaste of worse to come, that will only end when and how God intends. Since the beginning of the world, God’s plan for his creation has been left on record for everyone to read. That plan includes the replacement of man’s government of himself – with all its failures – with a world-wide government (called the Kingdom of God) led by Jesus Christ. Among its many benefits will be an end at last to all the hatred and conflict that now feature so prominently in our daily news. If this seems far fetched, it is - in the sense that without God’s help this world will always be war-torn, dangerous and unjust. But like all his promises, God intends to keep strictly to the plan he put on record in the Bible so long ago. If the news these days seem very depressing, it’s time to give yourself some more hopeful reading. More information |
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Israel ’s military invasion and naval blockade of Lebanon was denounced in European capitals and at the United Nations as a “disproportionate” response to the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah and Hamas. The Guardian newspaper, in its leading article ( July 14 th 2006 ) also described the conflict as a “dangerous, destructive” development that set back the Middle East peace process significantly. In the words of The Guardian journalist, David Hurst, “ Israel ’s monstrous legacy brings tumult a step closer”.