Heaven Bound

    Noah dispatches the raven Elul 10 2105 BC

It’s official.  Unless something changes between now and this coming Saturday, August 21, uranium fuel shipped by Russia will be loaded in to Iran’s first nuclear power plant.  According to former Bush administrator U.N. ambassador John Bolton, (in an article that has been all over the news this past weekend) this presents a very short window of opportunity in which Israel must act if they want to effectively shut down Iran’s nuclear aspirations.  http://www.newsmax.com/InsideCover/John–Bolton–Iran–Nuclear–israel/2010/08/13/id/

I find this interesting as Elul 10, (August 20)  is the anniversary of Noah sending out the raven in search of dry land.  A raven as we know, is an unclean animal, which means that two would have been brought aboard the ark.  In Genesis chapter 8 verse 6, it says:

“After 40 days Noah opened the window he had made in the ark and sent out a raven and it kept flying back and forth until the water had dried from the earth.”

Now this is interesting because had the raven not returned, God’s future use of this carrion bird in feeding Elijah the Tishbite, when he fled wicked King Ahab in 1 Kings 17: 1–6 would have been in jeopardy.  Without a doubt, God had in mind to preserve this bird for a future use.  In thinking about this, it reminded me that we often don’t see the full purpose for an event until a later time.  But, God because he is not bound by time, is a master of exactly that; tieing some times seemingly unrelated and distant events together.

More than likely, Israel will have to act. They really don’t have any choice.  In the last few months, it has become more than apparent to Israel and to every one else watching that the international community will do nothing to thwart Iran’s nuclear ambitions and most likely will stand idly by until full capability is reached by Iran for carrying out one of the many threats to Israel, which they have made.

Israel also knows, once they act, they will most likely face worldwide condemnation from the international community; a community, who will condemn them for not waiting for sanctions to work, (all the while knowing they had no intention of ever enforcing them).

When Noah released the raven, the raven flew back and forth across the water, and it wasn’t until the time was right, that the dove was released and although the dove did not immediately find dry ground, it eventually returned with an olive leaf in its beak. 

In other words, what happens with Iran and Israel in the next few days and months may just be the pre-cursor of a chain of events that God in his sovereign plan will use in bringing about the end of the age and the establishment of the Messianic kingdom.  To me, the raven flying back and forth is symbolic of a process that must take place, but, eventually, the dove, when it is sent out, will return with an olive leaf in its beak – a symbol of the peace and reconciliation that will come with Jesus as King!

 *For a great little article about ravens in the Bible, click here: http://www.minuteswithmessiah.com/minutes/raven.html

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee!”  Psalm 122:6   Waiting and watching with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

                   Slumber in Paradise

 Life is good in Paradise!  Or, so they say.  But, for those living on the streets of Hawaii and along the beaches in ramshackle tents or huts, life may not be so sweet.  Hawaii as you can imagine is a tough place to live economically and with the economic down turn of the last couple of years, the homeless population in Hawaii has exploded.  These are not the photos you will see on your travel brochure.

I love to go walking on Waikiki beach.  With people from all over the world, it’s a menagerie of color and sound which I find  continually fascinating.  In the parks and along the beaches, on any given day, you will find local families stretched out on blankets or mats, strumming ukulele, cooking BBQ and talking story.  This is something I love to see as Polynesian families are very close and every one from the oldest to the youngest comes out to enjoy the water and the sun.  Tourists like multi-colored birds flock along the sand armed with enough tanning oil to make up for all the oil lost in the Gulf and then some.  Snow birds from Canada or the colder parts of the US relax in folding chairs enjoying the balmy weather and the cooling breezes of the trade winds.  Young people play volley ball, throw a frisbee or sit on surf boards waiting to catch the next big wave and for those who come to Hawaii to shop and eat there are designer shops and up-scale restaurants at every turn.  There is truly something here for everyone – almost.

 the invisible people

And in the midst of all of this, there is the ever-present man or woman who can be seen digging through a trash can looking for scraps of food for their next meal, pushing a shopping cart loaded down with everything they own covered in plastic grocery bags for dry and safe keeping, stretched out under the shade of a Palm tree or curled up in a  door way for protection from the rain.  These are the invisible people, I know, because for a very long time, they were invisible to me.

 For quite a long time, my own personal issues with pain and anger following a divorce I didn’t want, kept me from being able to see the needs and suffering of others.  I realize now that anger and pain are very self-centered emotions. But, God has since brought healing to my life and it seems that I now have new eyes with which to see the pain and suffering of those around me. Amazing the work God does in us as he takes us through the most difficult periods of our lives.  In thinking about this, these words came to mind – as a saved sinner, I am an object of his mercy, but when he uses me to minister to others, I become an instrument of his grace.  I really like those words and they have stuck with me.

In the last year or so, I have been making a concerted effort to meet some of these people on the street and one of the things I have learned is that they quickly become used to being invisible.  When approached, they seem absolutely shocked when spoken to and shy if not a little bit hesitant when asked their names.  One of the simplest and most startling things, I’ve found is how responsive people are to simply being recognized and having their names remembered.  Which shouldn’t come as a surprise as recognition is one our most basic human needs.  I’ve also learned that not every one on the street is “doped-up, drugged-up or boozed-up” and that some of those who are homeless are amazingly educated and astute.  My first clue about the mental status of a person when I’m speaking to them, is the look in their eyes.  If their eyes are clear, I know I can have a productive conversation with them.

 Angels among us

Earth angel (or at least that’s the english translation of her Hawaiian name) is one of the women I’ve met.  Angel was sitting at a small table along the beach when I first saw her, her shopping cart parked next to her and a Dr. Pepper in her hands.  A friend was with me on this particular day and when we saw Angel sitting alone, we walked over to talk to her. Angel was at first hostile and a bit suspicious as we tried to initiate conversation with her, but, warmed a bit as we asked her about herself. As we talked, we  tried to share the love of Jesus with her and just before leaving, we asked Angel if we could pray for her;  her response  –  “Sure,” she said acridly, “if it makes you happy.”  (It did!)   – It would be a few weeks before I would see Angel again, so you can imagine her surprise when I remembered her.  When Angel realized that I not only remembered her, her name and the fact that she had been drinking a Dr. Pepper when I had last seen her, her countenance totally changed and this time I was greeted not with suspicion but, with a big smile! 

Another man I have become friends with is Sam. Sam is an interesting man.  He is a Viet Name vet, he is black and he is also Jewish.  I came across Sam one day as he was sitting in his wheel chair, Sam drew my attention because he was wearing a yarmulke, a kippa, the Jewish head covering.  I found out by talking to Sam that he attended Hebrew school when he was a child and has a good understanding of the Torah.  I’ve had some good conversations with Sam, he is reading the New Testament and is open to hearing about Jesus.

Sue is a beautiful woman of Hawaiian descent. In her mid 50’s or so, she has beautiful thick long hair, her dark tresses glistening now with the silver that comes with age,  In spite of the sun, Sue’s face is amazingly unlined, but, her arms and feet are an angry mass of open sores, sores which Sue says comes from her skin constantly burning and peeling.  Sue is also crippled.  I asked Sue how I could pray for her this week and she asked for prayer for safety on the streets.

You know, there was a time when I thought the end of my marriage was the end of my life, but, in some ways, it’s been just the beginning.  I have a couple of friends who are interested in ministering with me on the street and we are currently working on what we call grab bags; small bags filled with basic toiletries and scripture to give to people we meet.  Please pray for Sam, Sue, and Earth Angel.  And also, please pray that we, (my friends and I) will be able to effectively share the good news and the wonderful grace of Jesus with all those that we meet.

 From one of my favorite childhood hymns: 

 Wonderful Grace of Jesus

Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it,
Where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden,
Setting my spirit free;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee”  Psalm 122:6  Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

   the sword of Islam

In 1148 AD, a young Jewish man and his family, under the threat of forced conversion to Islam or death, fled the city in which he had been born on the eve of Passover 1135, the Spanish city of Cordoba.  The young man whose life and faith were spared by fleeing the city was Moses Maimonides, a young man who would later grow up to become one of Judaism’s most revered and respected scholars.  Maimonides is famous for his writings on Jewish law and ethics and for his summarization of the central tenants of Judaism known as “the thirteen principles of the faith”.   How much young Moses was impacted by his early years in Cordoba may or may not be known, but, it is impossible to believe these early years living under Islamic persecution would not have had an impact on this budding young scholar.  When Moses and his family left Cordoba, he was 13 years of age; Bar Mitzvah age,  the age at which a young man is expected to know and be accountable to the law of God. 

Cordoba, or Qurtuba (as it was known in Arabic), is a city in the southern most part of Spain known as Andalusia – both of which made news this week:

 1) Mrs Obama and daughter Sasha traveled to a luxury resort in Marbella, Spain in the region of Andalusia this past week for yet another vacation – the details of which you can read here if you like:   http://www.france24.com/en/20100803-spanish-resort-city-readies-host-michelle-obama-daughter )

 2)  Cordoba in the same region of Andalusia; the namesake for the Islamic Mosque which will be built adjacent to ground-zero next year as announced this week by NYC Mayor Bloomberg. 

*In an announcement made August 3, it became official; the Islamic Mosque and Cultural Center will be built, the tentative date for its opening set for Sept. 11, 2011.  Flanked by ten leaders of various religions, Mayor Bloomberg had this to say in the course of his announcement:

   RARE YELLOW LOBSTER

How many of you either read or saw this photo this past weekend from the news article titled,  “Rare Yellow Lobster Caught Off Narragansett Bay Off of Rhode Island”?  If you did, you wouldn’t be alone as this guy and his crusty friend have been making news all weekend long.  If you took the time to read the news article, you would have found out that; yes, a yellow lobster is indeed a rarity. How rare you say? Well,  the chances of pulling a crustacean the color of the melted butter they’re usually dipped in at the dinner table is one in 30 million.  Pretty impressive ……  rare, yes, but, even at those odds it happens more often than you might think. 

 While googling yellow lobsters, I found out that we have our very own yellow lobster living right here on Oahu at the Waikiki Aquarium.  How this rare lobster became a main Hawaiian attraction is more interesting than the lobster itself, as he or perhaps I should say she, (as she has subsequently been named Leilani), arrived in a shipment from Nova Scotia on April 30 of this year to a local restaurant where she was destined to be someone’s very expensive and ono (delicious) dinner until she was rescued by some very alert and astute fish handler.  

By now I’m sure you’re wondering what super dynamic prophetic implication I’ve discovered in this lobster tale and the answer would be – none, zero, zilch – not a thing you’ll need to call on Art over at NewWineskins for help on that one!

Actually, this post came about as a result of a sermon we had at church this morning. As I was driving home and thinking about the sermon, I remembered the story I had read about the yellow lobster and the odds of finding one, which were 1 in 30 million.  For some reason the story and the figure had stuck with me, which is interesting, because this morning the sermon had something to do with odds as well, and I’m not talking horse racing!  

This morning, we had well-known author and apologist Don Stewart speak on his new book Ten Reasons You Can Trust The Bible.  For those of you who may not be not familiar with Don, he is a wonderful speaker who has traveled to many countries, where he speaks on Bible prophecy and Bible apologetics.  (He also just finished a fascinating book on the third temple which I heard him speak on earlier this week).  Anyway, this morning, one of the things Don covered, was how high the odds would have to have been for Jesus of Nazareth to have fulfilled – not all of the Bible prophecies, but just 3.

Incredibly, for Jesus to have been born a descendant of King David as prescribed in 2 Samuel, born in Bethlehem as prescribed in Micah and then cut off or crucified before the destruction of the second temple as prophesied in the book of Daniel the odds would be an astonishing one in one hundred million!  Can you believe it!!!  One in one hundred million!!!!   And, even more incredible than that – to have fulfilled even 8 of the sixty major prophecies would be a whopping 1 in 100, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000.  That’s 17 zero’s folks!!!  What I want to know is this?  If our yellow crustacean friend can make front page news with a measly one in 30 million odds, why is it most people in Bible saturated America are woefully ignorant of the overwhelming and miraculous evidence that exists for Jesus Christ?

Of course, this is not new information for most of you, but, I hope it will serve as a reminder as to just how awesome our God is and perhaps you will find an opporunity to share these incredible statistics with someone this week. If you do, I would love to hear about it in the comments section. 

While I’m at it,  I would also like to point you to a couple of resources which I think you will find helpful in sharing your faith in an informed and intelligent manner.  One is  Don Stewart’s webpage, titled “the Bible Answer Site”  -which you can find on my blog roll or by clicking here : http://thebibleexplorer.com/default.aspx .  You can also find a link to Probe  Ministries, by Dr. Pat Zukeran on my blogroll.  Pat spoke at our evening service tonight and gave an excellent presentation on how to witness to atheists.  You will find some great information at his site on how to witness to those involved in the major world religions as well as the cults. 

While I was googling on the subject, I came across this article from Christians Answers.net titled, “What the Odds Are”  which I thought was very good.  It’s short, readable and a good one for passing on to friends and family who might find it of interest.  http://www.christiananswers.net/q-aiia/jesus-odds.html

 Well, if I have time, I will mosey down to the Waikiki Aquarium on August 27, where Leilani will debut as Queen of crustaceans on family day, in the mean time, I am reminded once again of just how great our God is!  What are the odds?  Indeed!

Until next time, “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee.” Psalm 122:6   Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

   SONG OF SONGS

“Who is this coming up from the desert, like a column of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and incense made from all the spices of the merchant?  Look! It is Solomon’s carriage, escorted by sixty warriors, the nobles of Israel, all of them wearing the sword, all experienced in battle, each with his sword at his side prepared for the terrors of the night …. Come out, you daughters of Zion, and look at King Solomon wearing the crown, the crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding, the day his heart rejoiced.”  Song of Songs 3: 6-11

++++++++++++

Jesus is coming soon!  Of that we can be certain!  With great expectation, many of us have watched as one date after another has passed and yet the Lord has still not yet returned.  Are we discouraged? No.  Are we disheartened? No.  Are we more sure than ever that he is coming and coming soon?  YES! 

FORTY DAYS

On August 11, the Jewish calendar changes from the month of Av to the month of Elul.  Elul is an interesting month and one that lends itself to a high degree of expectancy for many reasons. From Wikipedia, the name of the month is derived from a word which means harvest and begins a time of repentance in preparation for the high holy days of Rosh Ha Shanah and Yom Kippor.  It also marks a 40 day period of purification and cleansing which begins with Elul 1 and finishes on Yom Kippor, the day of Atonement.  The number 40 is significant because it was on the first day of Elul that Moses ascended Mount Sinai returning 40 days later with the second set of stone tablets.  It also rained for 40 days and 40 nights in Noah’s flood and it was during the month of Elul that Noah dispatched the dove (Elul 10) which brought back the olive leaf  (Elul 17) and it is in 40  measures of water that the ritual bath, the mikveh is required before entering the temple.

This becomes interesting because we see the combined themes of repentance (stone tablets/law) and purification (flood waters/mikveh) developing during the month of Elul as well as that of harvest and wedding.

The month of Elul is uniquely tied to the Song of Songs, through the acronym that is formed by the Hebrew name for the month of Elul which is according to the Talmud, is “Ani L dodi V dodi li” which means “I am my beloved and my beloved is mine” a direct reference to Song of Songs 6:3.  This ties the repentant, cleansed and purified bride as ready to be harvested or caught away by the bridegroom.

It is also customary during the month of Elul to blow the shofar every day except Shabbat from the first day of the month until Rosh Ha Shanah, the feast of Trumpets and to recite Psalm 27 daily from the first day of the month until the last day of Sukkot.  Psalm 27 is a prayer for protection, for the bridegroom who takes his bride away is also coming back as a warrior.

 THE WARRIOR BRIDEGROOM

In Song of Songs, chapter 3, we  read a reference to “Solomon” – (the bridegroom)  coming up from the desert escorted by sixty warriors, all with swords at their sides and ready to combat the terrors of the night – something which is also reference to and described in Psalm 91:5.

“You will not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.”  

 An interesting and pertinent portion of scripture I think, for it’s similarity to that of Psalm 27, the theme scripture for the month of Elul.

“When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear, though war break out against me, even then will I be confident … For in the day of trouble, he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.  Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy.” Psalm 27:2-6.

Elul is the hottest of the summer months in which it can reach as much as 90 degrees on the coast with much higher temperatures inland.  It is a time when figs, peaches, apples, grapes and pears ripen for harvest. 

Will the rapture of the Church occur at the end of this month of “harvest” with the blowing of the Shofar on the Feast of Trumpets?   Will the harvest of the ungodly begin with the ripening of the grapes – a time of terrors of the night?   Will the daughters of Jerusalelm (or the remnant thereof), be hidden away, while Yeshua (Jesus) the newly married King (as evidenced in Song of Songs 6:11) comes up from the desert to fight as a warrior on their behalf?  Only time will tell   – until then, let’s use this month and our few remaining days wisely for the harvest of souls and for our own personal repentance.

For an excellent article on the Feast of Trumpets rapture,the Feast of which “no one knows the day or hour” – click here: http://watch.pair.com/rosh-hashana.html

Until then, grace and blessings to you and please – “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee.”  Psalm 122:6

Waiting and watching with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

  Dancing Daughters of Jerusalem, Tu B’ Av

On Monday, July 26 (Av 15), the joyous occasion of Tu B’ Av will be observed on the Jewish calendar.  Considered in Judaism to be but, a minor festival, (in the sense that it is not one of the seven major festival days commanded by God in Leviticus 23), it is never the less important, for it was on this date, and this date only, that the twelve tribes of Israel were allowed to inter-marry.

In modern-day Israel, Tu B’ Av has become similar to what we in the Western world call  Valentine’s Day.  A symbol of love, courtship and marriage.  But, in ancient times, women of Israel  would dress in white on this one of a kind day and go out into the vineyards to dance.  There they would be selected by one of the many eligible men from the various tribes who were looking for a wife.  It isn’t hard for us as believers to look at this festival and find a New Testament application as we are told in the scripture that Yeshua himself will choose for himself a bride clothed in white and catch her away on another one-of-a- kind day, the rapture. 

For those of you who may not be familiar with Tu B’Av or would like more information about it,  I encourage you to check out one of the many informative articles which have been posted on  Five Doves Forum in the last few days.  Or, you can check out this article from Wikipedia for a short and concise definition –  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tu_B’Av

On a little bit different note, I received an e-mail from reader Michael Wellman today, which I thought was of interest and may tie in.  According to an article in the Canada Free Press, Monday July 26th (and the days surrounding it) could be prime candidates for the start of the Iran/Israel conflict. According to writer Jim O’Neill, the birthday of the 12th Imam will be observed on this date, which in his opinion could make it a likely time for the start of the long brewing Middle East war.  Interesting when you consider July 26th Tu B’ Av, is a prime candidate for another highly anticipated event – the rapture.  http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/25609

Thank you Michael for passing this article on to me.  May the next few days be one of watchful prayer and expectation for all of us who await our beloved bridegroom.

     From Song of Songs 6:2-3

“My lover has gone down to his garden, to the beds of spices, to browse in the gardens and to gather lilies. I am my lover’s and my lover is mine, he browes among the lilies.”

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee”  Psalm 122:6   Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

Gooey tar balls mar pristine Florida beaches

Just days ago, First lady, Michelle Obama on visiting the devastated regions of the gulf, had this to say to her fellow Americans:

“It is vacation time.  Folks are looking for things to do with their kids, and this would be a great opportunity to do a few things — help this community, send a different message about the extent of the spill, and also think long term about how the rest of the country can help this economy and the folks down here,” Mrs. Obama said at the Panama City Welcome Center.

You would think following these words, that the President and the First lady, with a desire to lead by example, would take their next scheduled vacation to one of the  many devastated regions of the gulf.  But, unfortunately, if you thought that, you would be wrong.  For less than a week after speaking these words, President Obama, Mrs. Obama and the children traveled not to a one of the many devastated regions of the gulf, but, rather to an elite resort in the far north state of Maine for their next mini-vacation.

 Hmmmm ….  can anyone spell hypocrisy?  Might also explain the poor fashion choice, or lack of sensitivity, if nothing else, in the wardrobe selection by Mrs. Obama on her recent visit to the gulf.

I don’t know about you, but, I have to wonder, how anyone can be so clueless; so out of touch.  Surely, at this level, every nuance is considered, when appearing before the public eye.

Today, while American’s hold their breath that the latest cap placed over the BP spill will hold, the Obama’s cavort about Maine, eating ice cream, taking in sights and dining out on lobster drawn from the cold, clear waters of Maine, while far to the south, dark waters lap at Southern coastlines, killing marine life and destroying the livelihood’s of those who live there. 

As I read about the Obama’s vacation to Maine, I came across a couple of interesting things which I think may pertain. 

One of the places the Obama’s visited today was Cadillac Mountain in Arcadia National Park.  Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard and at 1,530 feet, boasts a spectacular view of the bay below.  It is also, the first place in the United States, on which the first rays of the morning sun fall during the autumn and winter months.  But, during the summer months, it is not Cadillac Mountain, first kissed by the rays of dawn, but, the summit of another nearby mountain, a mountain known as Mars Hill.  Mars Hill, which incidentally, over looks not the bay, but, a valley, known as St. John’s Valley.  Wow!

I can’t help, but, see the contrast in this.  Cadillac Mountain; the very word of which, (Cadillac), in our modern culture denotes prestige and wealth due to the luxury automobile that bears its name. Ironic isn’t it, that the President should tour a mountain with a name so identifiable to that of an oil based industry, while, the country is in the midst of an oil related crisis.  No coincidence, is it then, that Cadillac Mountain, should be the highest point of the region; as height, in the sense of loftiness from a spiritual perspective is always symbolic of pride. 

Mars Hill, on the other hand, is a name familiar to Christians as the location in the New Testament, from which the apostle Paul gave one of his most important and insightful sermons.  And, St John, of course, is the name of the beloved apostle to whom the Lord gave the apocalyptic vision of the book of Revelation, while he was exiled to the island of Patmos.

In his Mars Hill address, the apostle Paul had this to say:

“…. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead”.  Acts 17:31

In the early morning hours of July 16, a 3.6 magnitude earthquake struck within 30 miles of the White House.  The biggest earthquake to strike the area in 35 years.  Later that morning, the Obama’s left for their Maine vacation.  And, on July 16, Maryland became the second state following Pennsylvania to receive federal dollars to fund abortion.  Something, President Obama had stated very clearly, would never happen.

Cadillac Mountain or Mars Hill?  A study in contrasts.  As Paul stated in his Mars Hill address, “God has set a day when he will judge the world with justice”.

The Obama’s for whatever reason, chose to tour Cadillac Mountain instead of watching the sunrise from Mars Hill. I’m not sure what their reasons may have been, but, in doing so, they missed the blessing of seeing the first sun rays of the day touch our nation at Mars Hill – symbolic, perhaps, of our national rejection of the gospel message preached by St. Paul – and perhaps, – symbolic of the summer return of the son (and the end of the wheat harvest), both of which, will initiate the events of the apocalyptic vision given to the apostle John, as symbolized in the valley below. 

 And, maybe, just maybe, that’s why they stayed away.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee.”  Psalm 122:6   Waiting and watching with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

            Haman’s gallows

On October 16, 1946 ten Nazi war criminals were hanged for crimes against Jews.  For some of us that seems like aeons ago, but, as funny as those old black and white photo’s seem, it really wasn’t that long ago.  I bring this up because I learned something  recently which I think applies to those of us who are closely watching the Jewish calendar.

The other day, my daughter and I were talking and she mentioned to me that she had heard that the Nazi war criminals were hanged on Purim.  I didn’t know if this were true or not, so, I decided I would google it when I got home later that night.  If what she told me were true, I thought, it would be an amazing fulfillment of scripture.  Could it really be coincidence that ten convicted Nazi war criminals were hanged on the same day as the ten sons of Haman, who had plotted so many centuries ago to annihilate the Jews?  

So, when I got home, I did just that, I googled it and here is what I found out –

No, the Nazi war criminals were not hanged on Purim, ……. but, they were hanged on another very important day on the Jewish calendar – the last day of the Feast of Sukkot, Hoshana Rabbah, –  which, once I understood the significance of this day, left no doubt in my mind, that the hand of God was involved.

Hoshana Rabbah is known as the day of the final sealing of judgment which begins at Rosh Hashana during the fall Feasts.  At Rosh HaShana, it is believed that the books are opened and the fate of the wicked, the righteous and those in the middle are determined.  A period of ten days is given between Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippor for repentance, and while judgment is considered to be closed on Yom Kippor, there is still yet time to repent, up to and until the final day of Sukkot, the day which is known as Hoshana Rabbah. 

 It appears to me therefore, that God allowed a time of repentance for even these most heinous of crimes and that by the time the hangings were carried out, judgment had been sealed on their unrepentant hearts. 

I’m posting the link to this fascinating story and I hope you will take time to read it. I can’t begin to duplicate it here, nor would I want to, as there is much more detail to the story than I could cover in one short post.

 http://rinah-shalom.tripod.com/id48.html

 I think for me, the impact of this story is two-fold.  1) –  it reminds me, that those of us who are watching the Jewish calendar are right on track – as this is part of the way God reveals his hand at work in history.   2) – as potential prophetic dates come and  go, don’t be discouraged, for Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but, my words shall never pass away”. Luke 21:33.  In other words, we have his word, that in due time, our watching will be rewarded.  

We have just passed the third solar eclipse to fall consecutively on Av 1,  don’t fret, don’t worry!  God set the signs in the sky;  he hasn’t forgotten what he was going to do with them!  They are significant and we will see why – in due time.

As Esther replied, to the King Xerxes when he asked her for her request after the triumph of the Jews over their enemies, “Give the Jews in Susa permission to carry out this day’s edict tomorrow also, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged on gallows.” Esther 9:13 

From all appearances, the tomorow Queen Esther requested was fulfilled on October 16, 1946.  Never fear that God’s enemies and the evil they do will go unjudged.  Just as God’s arm is not to short to save, it is also not so short that it cannot reach through time, to dispense his holy and righteous judgment on those who refuse to repent.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee!”  Psalm 122:6   Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

          Immense monolithic figures of Easter Island gaze out to sea

Tomorrow, Sunday July 11, the monolithic figures of Easter Island known as Maoi, will witness a total eclipse of the sun, an historic first, as it is believed these mysterious figures were first erected sometime after the last solar eclipse embraced the island some 1400 years ago.

Maoi is the Polynesian term for the hundreds of immense stone figures which stand watch over the island. Carved from porous volcanic rock, it is believed that these giant figures with over-sized heads and under-sized bodies, represent the deified ancestors of the Polynesian people who lived on the island during the time period in which they were carved. Standing as tall as 33 feet in height and weighing several tons each, it remains a mystery as to how these giant figures were moved from the site in which they were quarried to the various locations around the island where they now stand.

Easter Island, as it is known today, was discovered on Easter Sunday of 1722, by Dutch explorer, Jacob Roggeveen, while searching the Southern Pacific for Davis or David’s Island.  Located 2,180 miles west of Continental Chile, Easter Island is considered to be one of the most remote regions on the planet.  It is also believed from archaeological studies as well as oral tradition that the first people to inhabit the island were Polynesians, who had traveled from the Marquesas Islands across vast ocean expanse by canoe or catamaran.

On September 9, 1888, the island was annexed to Chile and officially named Isla de Pascua, which is Spanish for Easter Island.  Interestingly, according to Polynesian history, some of which is oral tradition, the original name for the island was Te pito o te henua, which according to Wikipedia, means, the navel of the land or the ends of the land – pito meaning both navel and umbilical cord, was considered by the early inhabitants of the island to be a link between the world of the living and the spirit world; a world, which they believed was east of them beneath the ocean.  One of the earliest known names for the island according to oral tradition was, Mata-ki Te-rangi, which means “eyes looking to the skies”.

In a few hours, the moon will come between the earth and the sun, casting its shadow across a narrow swath of the Pacific from Easter Island to the tip of Chile.  The eclipse will begin at sunrise approximately 1200 miles northeast of New Zealand and will last approximately 5 minutes and 20 seconds.  It’s only visible viewing points from inhabited locations will be Easter Island, the Cook Islands and the tip of Argentina and Chile. Interesting, when you consider that Easter Island belongs to Chile and Chile was the site of the 8.8 magnitude earthquake earlier this year. It is also interesting to note, that tomorrow’s eclipse will be the third of three in a row to fall on Av 1 of the Jewish calendar.

For those of us who are watching, the signs pointing to the soon return of Jesus are many.  Could this third eclipse figure in some how?  Might it be a third and final warning to the gentile nations regarding the pending judgment of God?  Will a great earthquake accompany the eclipse?  Is it a coincidence that the eclipse will take place during the final minutes of the World Cup?  Do the monolithic figures of Easter Island who have been watching the skies for centuries mean anything?  If so, who or what might they be watching for?  Is it coincidence that the modern discovery of Easter Island was made on Easter Sunday and that its ancient name means “eyes looking to the skies”? 

These are all questions I’m thinking and praying about as the hours and minutes to the third eclipse of Av 1, tick by.

“Hear the word of the Lord, O you nations, and declare it in the isles afar off; and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd does his flock”.  Jeremiah 31:10

“Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee.”  Psalm 122:6   Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!   Cindy

   Rift Zone

A large area of the earth in which plates of the earth’s crust are moving away from each other forming an extensive system of fractures and faults

 Unless the world has recently developed a collective case of “short-term” memory loss, the words by President Obama denying the previously strained relationship between his administration and that of the Israeli’s, would be almost laughable.  In spite, of all the warm fuzzies, friendly handshakes and an invitation to tea by Mrs. Obama to Mrs. Netanyahu, it wasn’t that many days ago, when Mrs. Netanyahu’s husband, Bibi, sat dinnerless in the Roosevelt Room at the White House while the President took his time dining upstairs.  For a bond that is supposedly “unbreakable”,  I’d say it has been stretched pretty thin these past few months.

On March 25, President Obama met Prime Minister Netanyahu with a list of 13 demands, which went unmet – thus the rift.  From all the toothy grins we’ve been seeing in the news the past 24 hours, it appears that the rift (that supposedly was never there) has been healed – at least for now, and that both sides went home with something in their pockets.  For President Obama, the promise of a two state solution and for Prime Minister Netanyahu, the promise of security for Israel.  In other words, in exchange for work on the two state solution, Israel will not be pressed to sign the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty and will be offered at least some help with Iran.

If this is the case, (and, I think it is), Israel is about to learn a very hard lesson.  For the only unbreakable bond there is, as far as Israel is concerned, is the eternal covenant relationship which was established between Yahweh and themselves.

Isaiah 49:15 – “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and have no compassion on the son of her womb? (Israel) Even these may forget, but, I will not forget you.” 

Israel has yet to realize, outside of Biblical Christians, she has no real friends – and, when the church is gone – she will be left standing alone.

– the rift zone

There is a series of events shaping up, so powerful, that the foundations of the earth will be shaken. The Bible tells us that in the last days there will be an increase in the number and severity of earthquakes. And, we are seeing this.  What people do not realize, what the world does not understand, is that pressure on Israel to divide the land is tantamount to an attempt to sever the relationship God established between himself and his covenant people, Israel.  Make no mistake about it, God’s covenant with Israel and the land that he gave them is forever; anything else, makes God a liar.  As pressure on Israel reaches its cataclysmic conclusion, the earth itself will suffer the effects.  Revelation 16:20 describes an earthquake of such magnitude that the islands fled away and the mountains could not be found.

++++++++++

The day is coming when Israel will recognize their Messiah, (Zechariah 12:10), but, it isn’t here yet.  Pray for Israel, her darkest days lie ahead ….. but, in the end, so do her brightest!

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee”  Psalm 122:6    Waiting and watching with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy