When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes dividing them in to four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled, which said: “They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.” John 19:23-24 with reference to Psalm 22:18.
+++++
gambling with Jehovah
Today in Israel, United States Vice President Joe Biden expressed his displeasure at Israel for their continued plans to build in the area of the west bank annexed to Jerusalem. He was quoted as saying: “I condemn the decision” – and went so far as to express his extreme displeasure later, by arriving 90 minutes late for a dinner scheduled at the residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
It’s hard to believe, that leaders who were once friends of the only democratic state in the middle east, now act with such arrogant and insulting behavior. Wearing arrogance as a garment, they unabashedly voice their displeasure with Israel – with little or no regard for invoking the displeasure of the God who has placed her there.
“there are six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness who utters lies, And, one who spreads strife among brothers.” Proverbs 6:16-19
+++++
high stakes game
The leaders of the United States along with Russia, the European Union and the United Nations have entered in to a high stakes game with the Almighty; casting lots, you might say, for what is rightfully His. This “Quartet of powers” as they are often referred to in the news, seek to divide Israel, in the same way, the roman soldiers sought to divide the garments of Jesus into four parts. It is a course destined for disaster. And, although this may not at first be apparent, in time, it will be. Keep in mind, it was the outer garments that were divided, but, the inner garment remained intact. In other words, God is Sovereign. He, and He alone, will decide what may or may not be divided. The garment Jesus wore closest to his body was not allowed to be divided, but, the garment worn closest to God, the veil of the temple, was divided, when it was torn in two from top to bottom, signifying the open access we now have to the presence of God through the blood of his Son.
“At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split.” Matt.27:51
In the same way, the “outer garments” i.e. Gaza, the West bank – areas currently under dispute, may be allowed by God to be divided to an extent, but, the inner garment, God’s holy city Jerusalem, will never be divided! We have God’s word on that and no amount of pressure from the “Quartet of powers” or any one else, will ever change that!
+++++
winner takes all
One of these days, on a road to a valley called Jehoshaphat, the future of Israel will be decided once and for all –
“In those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem. I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter in to judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land. They cast lots for my people …
Multitudes, multitudes in the Valley of decision, for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. The sun and moon will be darkened, and the stars no longer shine. The Lord will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem, the earth and the sky will tremble. But, the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.” Joel 3:1-16
Maranatha! Come soon, Lord Jesus!
Heaven Bound 
This is true as the US will be judged by the GOD of Israel and only HIS people will be saved…..Steve Hollander
By: Steve Hollander on March 10, 2010
at 3:14 pm
WOW!
That post is amazing! I literally grabbed the couch for support, and instantly began praying.
I am saddened, horrified, shocked at the behavior of the US (Biden). I pray for God’s will in Jerusalem, and pray for all the innocent people living there, AND Here. As judgement is surely coming on us here in America…
Thanks for the wonderful post!
By: dana on March 10, 2010
at 4:28 pm
Hi Dana, I too, was shocked at Vice President Biden’s behavior. On thinking about it this morning, I’m wondering if that 90 minute snub in arriving late for dinner might well come back to haunt us – – – a 9.0 earthquake in our future ??? I wouldn’t be at all surprised. Blessings and thanks for writing! Cindy
By: cindybythesea on March 10, 2010
at 6:13 pm
One of the things I’ve always found hardest to understand about the Book of Revelation is how, as the evidence mounts that God exists, that he is sovereign, that he is omnipotent, that he is angry, and that there is still ONE LAST opportunity to accept his grace, huge numbers STILL oppose him. It’s hard to understand why.
What more can one say? Each will cast his lot. God will speak soon enough…
By: ultraguy on March 10, 2010
at 7:28 pm
I was raised to call if I was being detained and was not going to make an appt. on time. It was common courtesy. This so reminds me of a juvenile stunt, in that case I went to bed without dinner, or ate what was left and cold at that. PM should have eaten without biden and served him what was left cold!!!
By: Anita on March 10, 2010
at 10:48 pm
Up-date:
I found something I was looking for last night when I was writing the post, “gambling with God.” I have felt sure for some time now, that the dividing of the garments at the crucifixion has a strong correlation to the dividing of the land in the so-called Peace process today. Because I believe every word penned in scripture is significant and of course, God-breathed, I felt the dividing of the garments into “four shares,” must have a present day equivalent, I think I found what I was looking for in a report I read tonight about the Biden trip to Israel – Quoting from a CNN story, for which I’ll post the link, – it says: “Biden met with Tony Blair, the former British Prime Minister now acting as representative of the “Quartet” of powers pushing for peace between Israel and the Palestinians …” In another article from January 2007, I found the “Quartet” defined as, the United States, Russia, the United Nations and the European Union. Thus, I found, the four I was looking for. These four, like the Roman soldiers may be able to divide the outer garments, but, the inner garment is untouchable. May His Holy name be praised and glorified! Cindy http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/03/10/biden.mideast/index.html?hpt=Sbin
By: cindybythesea on March 11, 2010
at 5:47 am
Wow wow wow wow wow. I love your update. Christ’s garments were divided by four soldiers and afterward the earth shook and the temple curtain was rent in two from the top to the bottom. If the quartet divide Israel, perhaps our country will be somewhat torn in two along the New Madrid fault, from the top to the bottom.
By: Alicia on March 11, 2010
at 11:55 am
Great comment Alicia! It’s such an interesting parallel, isn’t it? The scripture continues to amaze me! Blessings to you and your family and thanks for writing! Cindy
By: cindybythesea on March 12, 2010
at 4:53 am
cindyby the sea–
the update– you need to put that on the main message.
That’s VERY interesting, and I think important for people to read.
Thanks!
By: dana on March 11, 2010
at 2:35 pm
Hi Dana, Thanks for your in-put, I really appreciate it. I really thought about it last night and couldn’t decide which way to go, but, I think you’re right, it probably should be added to the main message. Not sure when I’ll get the chance to re-work it; but, I would sure like to. Blessings! Cindy
By: cindybythesea on March 12, 2010
at 4:57 am
I agree with Dana, your update is very important to include in with your main message. With our world suffering the devastating effects from the earthquake in Chile where all the nations who supported the Goldstone Report have embassies, if the “Quartet” were to impose the dividing of the land, we could see the New Madrid earthquake or destruction that is representative of all Quartet’s common ground such as that which occured in Chile.
By: Connie on March 12, 2010
at 4:14 pm
Hi Connie, Thanks for writing. You make a good point and God willing, hopefully, I’ll have some time this weekend to add it into my post. Grace and blessings! Cindy
By: cindybythesea on March 12, 2010
at 6:24 pm
For those of you asking if I am going to edit this post, I’m still hoping to sometime over the weekend. I just read an article tonight about a phone call today from Hillary Clinton (on behalf of the quartet) to Prime Minister Netanyahu that has me seething. Stay tuned! Cindy
By: cindybythesea on March 13, 2010
at 10:00 am