Echoes Down the Corridors of History - Part FOUR

Part FIVE

Politics and Religion

Where is the balance when it comes to standing for truth as a Christian and one’s involvement in the arena of politics? Should a Christian have any involvement in politics? Should we remain silent publicly and hide in our prayer closets? 

I personally believe that we must stand true to the moral principles in God’s word and keep His commandments. [See Revelation 12:17; 14:12 and 22:14] Protests against moral issues, as well as against government are rarely peaceful, but often instigate violence, at times leading to injury or death.  I do not see where such a thing is condoned or even supported in scripture.

I do believe that if the Lord calls a man or woman into civil service or into higher positions in government, they should do His will. It takes great courage to be in such positions and stand for truth, especially where deception abounds.  These believers need our prayers (as we all do) for protection, wisdom, knowledge etc. How long would a true believer last in today's government without being assassinated or cut loose in some way?

Murder and killing are two different things. Murder is killing with malice (selfish gain and/or evil intent). Extremists and terrorists commit murder; however, someone can kill someone by accident or in self-defense (rape, robbery, home invasion) or protection (such as in war, defending an endangered individual etc).

People say God contradicted Himself when He commanded people not to murder, yet sent warriors into many battles.  Not so, as there is a difference between murder and killing. I imagine just making these statements, based on moral principles in the word of God I may have disturbed the hornet’s nest, which is not my intent, so I shall leave it at that, for it is not the crux of these articles.

God knows the difficulty in the higher positions in today’s societies.  If, and I do emphasize if, He has chosen a person for a certain position, He has good reason for doing so. If the person is a true believer, they will do His will; if not, God will still accomplish that which He wants to accomplish, whether we understand the grand plan or not. The Word of God will be accomplished.

So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. [Is 55:11]

Each true believer must decide for themselves. Each person must study scripture and pray to God, and do what the Lord tells them. For various legitimate reasons, many believe in having no weapons and depend on God for protection. This decision must be between the Lord and that person, and it should be left at that. Extremism works both ways.

Everyone is given different gifts, skills, abilities and strengths in diverse areas and to varying degrees.  Danger lurks and betrayals take place at all levels and walks in life, as they ever have from the beginning of time.

The ways of removing influential people who oppose the plan for globalization with its One World Government (fascist), monetary system, court, police and One World leader are not only a reality, but technology has advanced exponentially (more on this in another chapter).

We have witnessed leaders who claim to be Christian, yet stand for everything that is against the morals and the very basic principles that the Bible teaches. These are those who preach more on political issues than on repentance, the cross or Jesus’ sacrifice and spilled blood, or about the gift of salvation because of Christ’s sacrifice and God’s mercy and grace.

They invoke the congregation to become involved, and advocate riotous behaviour or disorderly conduct, or to bring condemnation to “sinful people” by their mere presence at certain places, events or functions. Condemnation is not conviction.

The former is of the world, flesh or the adversary, which brings guilt, shame, depression, anger etc, putting one on the defensive, but the latter will open our eyes to what we are doing, which may cause grief, sorrow, remorse or anguish that pricks our heart, producing a desire to change, to turn (repent) from sin.

 In order to convince people to avoid politics or political discussions (which everyone has), some Christians pull out scripture (Mat 6:24) about a person not being able to serve two masters, but will serve either God or mammon.

Mammon – Gk μαμωνᾶς mamónas (Aramaic): riches, money, possessions, property

It is listed as a “Semitic term for “the treasure a person trusts in”, transliterated as mammon (J.Thayer), according to Strong’s concordance. Strong’s include that is likely an Aramaic term that means “to trust” (J. Thayer)

Just a side note: Mammon is a word from the Semitic language, spoken by the original and ancient Arameans and Chaldeans, who migrated around Babylonia and Assyria, the upper Mesopotamia, which is the land between the rivers Tigris/Euphrates, now known as northern Iraq, NW Iran (borders), SE Turkey and Syria).

The word is also listed as Aramaic; a dialect introduced to the Semitic language by an Assyrian king and called Mesopotamian Aramaic, it became known as the mother tongue of the Assyrians (during the Assyrian Empire; called Chaldo-Assyrian) and spoken by Christians in Iraq and surrounding areas even today.  Some historians state that ancient Aram bordered northern Israel, which shares borders with Syria.

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.  [Mat 6:24]

In Matthew 6, Jesus/Yeshua is speaking at length about giving and praying, and the proper heart attitudes and ways to accomplish both. In fact, it is in this chapter that Jesus gave an example of how to pray, and His very words became known as “The Lord’s Prayer”. 

Yeshua then expounds upon fasting and doing it in secret, and the “Father, which sees in secret, shall reward you openly.” [vs 18] It is then that Jesus speaks about laying up treasure in heaven, where it cannot be corrupted or stolen.

Remember, He had been speaking about giving, praying and fasting (precious acts/treasures when it is a sacrifice unto the Lord) that we do/give, not just in a monetary sense, but in a spiritual one.  He speaks about doing these things privately/secretly, but explains how God sees all. This is the “light” within that He went on to speak of.

After teaching the above, only then does the verse about ‘mammon’ follow. Therefore, in keeping the words of Matthew 6 in proper order and within context, please tell me how serving “mammon” pertains to politics or even to being in civil or judicial positions of authority, or to being in the upper echelons of the government hierarchy - unless you are speaking of salaries, bonuses, bribes that pay seductive sums of money and/or other lucrative perks that might come with such positions.

To me, the verse about mammon correlates with other teachings about covetousness and how we are to keep God first, above all things.  Jesus said unto him, You shall love the Lord thy God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. [Mat 22:27; see also Deut 6:5]

In other words, we will either treasure God first and all there is about Him, with every part of our being, or we will treasure the things of this world (mammon). We cannot do both, or we cannot serve two masters. So, in my estimated opinion, it can safely be said that the aforementioned scripture cannot rightly be used regarding politics, unless taken out of context.

Scriptures reveals to us that division, opposition and separation has, does and will happen among the faithful.  On the eve of His arrest, Jesus warned His apostles that they would be offended (aggrieved, upset) by Him later that night, and flee, deserting Him. They had no idea what He meant at the time He said it.

Then said Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.  [Mat 26:31]

It is written that after the arrest of Jesus/Yeshua at the Garden of Gethsemane, the apostles were upset, indeed, aggrieved by Jesus’ arrest.  In fear, they became divided, each one fleeing in different directions – they scattered. They separated themselves from Him, unwilling to let authorities know they had been with Him. Judas had opposed and betrayed Him. Jesus had prophesied it happening.

Paul and Barnabus had gone on their first missionary trip together. When Barnabus wanted his cousin John (known by his surname Mark), to go with them, Paul refused to allow it. He was still angry that Mark had deserted them previously. Each were opposed in their position, resulting in Paul and Barnabus separating.

And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder (separated) one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus 

[Acts 15:37-39]

Real people living in a real world! Paul spoke well of both Barnabus and John Mark in later times, but scripture does indicates that there was respect between them. In 2Tim 4:11, Paul states that Mark was "profitable" (useful, a great help) in the ministry. 

Suffice it to say that their 'sharp disagreement' between Paul and Barnabus was a personal one, and not a doctrinal one at that point. Therefore, we have witnessed those who departed from Jesus/Yeshua because of truth (doctrines), and those who separated for personal reasons that are unrelated to the gospel of Christ Jesus. Major difference!

There are those who claim to believe in God and commit atrocities that He would never condone, yet these certain individuals or groups are very prideful, arrogant and self-righteous.  Most assuredly, they are not acting in obedience, according to God’s will or His commandments.

The purity of the truth in Jesus/Yeshua’s words was offensive to some of the people. Jesus had explained many things to them in parables and other teachings, yet His words brought an offense to many and thusly, a separation, a falling away. However, truth is not relative.

There is a famous quote that truth is absolute and exclusive. Pilate once asked Jesus, “What is truth?”  Jesus remained silent, for if Pilate had ever heard Him teach, He said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, and no man comes to the Father but by Me.” [Jn 14:6] Pilate was staring truth in the face and knew it not.

  We know that Jesus/Yeshua did not lead groups to rally (protest) against Rome. We know that He did not seek leadership as King and stated emphatically that His kingdom was not of this world.

The Pharisees, a very religious, law-abiding sort, questioned Jesus (Yeshua) about whether or not it was right to pay taxes to Caesar (dictator/Roman political leader/prefect). Jesus immediately discerned the intent of their heart.

They were not asking because they genuinely wanted to do the right thing.  Jesus had just spoken a parable about a wedding feast [see Mattew 22 for full story], the guests, and in particular, one guest who did not have on a wedding garment.

The guest symbolized a hypocrite, an uninvited guest, an intruder, who did not belong. The Pharisees had been called hypocrites by Jesus before and they understood the point He was making. In an effort to turn the tables and trap Him, they posed a tricky question, but Jesus discerned the wickedness in trying to tempt (test/trap) Him.

One could say that it was a political question. Think about it. Is not the topic of taxes a political issue? Some would even argue that. Yet the Pharisees pointedly asked Jesus about whether it was right to pay taxes to the governor or not.

Tell us therefore, What think you? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?  But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye Me, ye hypocrites?  (Remember, Jesus had just told the parable of the wedding feast, and the one guest who had no wedding garment, which symbolized a hypocrite amongst believers.)

Show Me the tribute money. And they brought unto Him a penny. And He said unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto Him, Caesar's. Then said He unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.  [Mat 22:17-21]

It was called “tribute” money. Jesus was telling them to be lawful (paying taxes), so Caesar would not be offended, but the (spiritual) tribute belonged to God alone.  A similar test occurred before. Peter and Jesus had arrived in Capernaum. Tax collectors came to Peter and asked if Jesus paid tribute (taxes).

Peter left them without paying and went home, where Jesus was waiting for him. When Peter told Jesus what had happened, Jesus told Peter to go fishing and check the mouth of the first fish he caught, which would have a coin in it. He was to take the coin and pay the tribute (taxes), so as not to upset the officials.

And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money (tax collectors) came to Peter, and said, Does not your master pay tribute? He said, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What think you, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

Peter said unto him, Of strangers. Jesus said unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go you to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first comes up; and when you have opened his mouth, you shall find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for Me and thee.  [Mat 17:24-27]

Opposing Views Regarding Politics

Ironically, the day before I was going to post this next segment of this series (a week and a half ago – November 5), I was sent an email with an article written by Andrew Strom.

I already had the rest of the series almost finished and set to publish, but admittedly, Strom’s article gave me pause. Yet, when I went over it again slowly a few days later, it was not altogether clear to me if Strom was making a blanket statement critiquing every Christian who took a stand on political issues or not. It was also not clear if he only meant certain issues, as he had not mentioned abortion, homosexuality, gay marriage etc.

There have been some articles written by Strom that have drifted across my desk in the past that I did not agree with, but frankly, I do not know the man or his ministry, or much else about him. That being said, it is true that there are those who take their beliefs to an extreme and indeed stir up division, strife, contention, hatred and violence.

When writing about taking a stand on moral issues from a biblical perspective, I gave a few prime examples previously of those who stirred up division, strife and contention, whether by instigating and provoking a group, or also wrote about those with their ‘lone wolf’ violent actions; those who took a stand to deadly extremes.

An act of violence in any measure to bring about a political change is deemed extremism (even terrorism), which I most certainly do not advocate on any front, be it religious, political, environmental, ethno-national et al. 

Notwithstanding, I do believe that we have to stand firm in what the bible teaches, whilst avoiding extremism and terrorism, at all costs. We are to reach out to the lost, but aggressive, abusive or violent behaviour is surely not the way of the Creator or of Jesus the Messiah.

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. [Titus 3:9] There are proper ways to go about standing firm on moral and biblical principles.

Andrew Strom’s article: Politics is Ruining Christianity.  Another article that I would like to bring to the reader’s attention was written in 2006 by a man called Rev. Mark H. Creech.  

In my personal understanding of how to be “in the world, but not of the world” as written in the Bible, I can see in scripture God’s involvement in all aspects of life, particularly when people wanted a king to lead them, but they wanted that king to be a mere man, not God.

Unlike Strom, Rev. Creech postulates a paradigm that realistically blends politics and religion, whilst keeping a biblical perspective. In the article written in early 2006, Creech quotes an evangelical Baptist pastor, Rev. Stephen Davey.

“The mission, energy and investment of the church is not to clean up the evils of society," says Davey. "The mission of the church is to evangelize society."

It is a well-rounded article with scripture references, worthy of reflective reading with an open and understanding mind. The article ends with a quote from Sir Frederick Catherwood, who died last year (2014) at the age of 89 years (born 1925). 

Sir Catherwood was not only an industrialist, but also a Conservative MEP (Member of European Parliament) and a Christian (evangelical).  Rev. Creech ended thusly:

“Faithful Christians seek to both evangelize and bring a righteous influence to bear on the political process. Davey and other evangelicals who share his view imply the latter is futile and even worldly endeavor by the church. However, to paraphrase an argument once made by Sir Frederick Catherwood: To try to improve politics is not worldliness but love. To wash your hands of politics is not love, but worldliness.”

In a more recent article called “Christians Who Oppose Social Justice are Evangelicals”, Rev. Mark Creech writes:

“The heart of the Gospel is that the impoverished of spirit, those blinded by sin, those imprisoned by the bonds and chains of iniquity, those oppressed by sin’s afflictions can be made free in Jesus Christ – not the flawed socialistic dogma and other courses of action pursued under the slogan “social justice”. And that’s not religious extremism or a “perverted interpretation of faith”, but totally “evangelical”.

Andrew Strom and Rev. Mark Creech are both professing Christians who have taken a stand; even if it seems to be opposing views. Both sides adamantly believe their stand is indeed taken from a biblical perspective.

No matter which position one takes, expect opposition. Even amongst believers there will be disagreements, rebukes and even separations. When we read the word of God, we really must pray for wisdom as well as understanding. Sometimes we receive answers quickly, other times we have to wait patiently and sometimes, we do not seem to get answers at all.

Watchman, What of the Night?

The burden of Dumah. He calls to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? [Is 21:11] (This verse will be expounded upon in a later part of this series.]

Can I make mistakes? Absolutely! Like all of us, I do my best to avoid mistakes, but I am not without error. This life is a learning process. The Lord does teach us, but we must not deny the ways in which He chooses to teach us.

We learn directly from the Lord through His word and by the Holy Spirit. Yet at the same time, we cannot deny that He also teaches us through experience, through trials and tribulations (what some call “life lessons”, our sufferings) and we also learn from others.  God’s ways and thoughts are beyond our comprehension.

Mankind cannot know or comprehend all of God’s ways or thoughts any more than an ant can know or comprehend the ways or thoughts of mankind.  God’s ways are unsearchable, unfathomable, beyond our comprehension, for such is His greatness; His vastness!

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (unfathomable) [Rom 11:33]

Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out (comprehend) the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it. [Eccl 8:17]

How often do we determine to understand a matter, but we do not have the answers?  I surely do not have all the answers, nor does the wisest of the wise. We all want to be right, to be without error, but in this flesh, it is not possible.

Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

And base things (of no account, low) of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought (nothing) things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. [1Cor 1:25-27]

Extremism, violence and murder are not of God. It comes from the world, flesh and the adversary (Satan, devil). Many follow after a god, but not the God who created us. Some profess to follow God, but they are blinded to the truth of the gospel.

This series started with what was intended as a simple article to announce the winning candidate of the recent election for Prime Minister of Canada, which was won by Justin Trudeau of the Liberal party.

Having been out of the country (Canada) for many years, I was curious to see if he stood for biblical principles since he had made his Christian upbringing public knowledge.  The more I watched, read and learned about Trudeau, the more I began to see similarities between him and Obama, since I lived in the States whilst away.

However, it was not merely their similarities in campaigning, slogans, charismatic speeches, but also in places they visited and the things they participated in during visits.  Despite that, my focus was not on the two leaders per say, but on a greater and growing concern that my eyes had been opened to.

The Bible tells us to watch and pray; to be watchmen (all believers are called to be watchmen, in my understanding); to be aware of what is going on in the world and all around us, but not to be filled with fear.

As we watch prophecies from the Bible coming to pass at an increased pace, there is an incredible evil arising and spreading globally just as fast as Biblical prophecies are coming to pass. Standing back, it is astounding to witness.

Could it be that many are looking in the wrong direction for the False Prophet? Could it be that many are wrong about what the beast is, and the one they suspect the Antichrist is?  Did God not promise that He would do nothing without first revealing it to His people? The eyes of many believers are being opened to see and understand what the Holy Scriptures foretold us and how it is all unfolding and has been for some time.

Give Us a King

It is written in more than one place and in different ways how God sets kings up and takes them down. Jesus (Yeshua) told Pilate that even as prefect (governor) under Tiberius (emperor), he would have no power at all over Him (Jesus), except what was given to him (Pilate) from above. [Jn 19:11]

As the nations of the world strayed further and further from God, our Creator, they set up their own kings (leaders).  They preferred to listen to man and have one they chose to rule over them, rather than God.  The Sovereign King did not interfere, but watched as they further set up idols and worshipped false gods/goddesses.

Even when Israel desired a king, God gave them what they wanted at that time, so that they would see the difference between a man ruling over them as opposed to the God who created them ruling.

When you are come unto the land which the LORD thy God gives you and shall possess it, and shall dwell therein, and shall say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that are about me; You shall in any wise set him king over you, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shall you set king over thee: you may not set a stranger over you, which is not your brother.  [Deut 17:14, 15]

Israel received her kings, but the nation fell into idolatry time after time, making and worshipping other gods.  A time even came [Jug 17:] when Israel had no king and every man did what was right in his own eyes. One commentary in a bible study section claims that this is the strongest and most common form of idolatry.

Samuel was displeased and prayed to the Lord when the people refused to turn to God to allow Him to rule them, but once again demanded a king to lead and rule over them like the nations around them had. (Compare to Deuteronomy 17.)

And said unto him, Behold, you are old, and your sons walk not in your ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. (like the rest of the world)

And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto you: for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. [1Sam 8:5; 7]

While it is also true that critics can blow anything out of proportion, the plain fact is that the beliefs, associations and policies of anyone who plans to rule and lead a kingdom (country/nation) should be carefully scrutinized. 

Balancing Act

Is a nonpartisan stance or neutrality a wise position? Is impartiality not a principle of justice, to judge without being preferential, without prejudice, without bias? When does a nonpartisan stance or neutrality become akin to sitting on the fence?  In any war, does one not have to choose which side they shall be on?

Where is the balance?  These are all things to consider and a hard call for some in certain aspects and varying portions. No matter which side is chosen in any battle, one must recognize and know their opposition.  

It is understood that every war has many battles, but does each side have a vision of victory, and if so, which side shall win?  I would say that the side that is truly in God’s will and obeys Him will be victorious. Deception is conspicuous, but the valiant will persist to the end.

Like it or not, we all have to make a stand, whether it be for good or for evil intent, motive and advantage.  Nearly every potential leader claims to know God, but which ‘god’ do they serve?  Some believe that they themselves are a ‘god’ and with eloquent speech and empty promises convince the people of their integrity, wisdom and power.

Charles Maurice de-Talleyrand, a French diplomat, politician and bishop popularized the idea that the world was a chessboard with mankind being the pieces, where kings and queens, bishops and knights would be played, one against another until one sovereign, being surrounded by their enemies, has no way to escape (checkmate), or where the king is not in check, but is unable to make a [legal] move (stalemate).

William Shakespeare wrote the famous line, “all the world is a stage, and all the men and women merely players”.  One artist portrayed God and Satan as the key players manipulating the pieces (mankind) on a chessboard.  Yet another artist painted God as angrily swiping the pieces off a chessboard.

It is unclear if the artist’s message was to suggest that God declares, “This is not a game!” or “I do not play games!”, or was the artist endeavoring to reveal God’s wrath against the strategies and moves of His creation by bringing swift judgment upon the earth (chessboard) and the pieces (mankind) in one fell swoop?

That is the beauty of art though, isn’t it? Interpretation of a work of art is left entirely up to each individual.  If a picture is one of nature or a portrait, the degree to which the work is appreciated is dependent not only upon the mastery of the artist, but also upon the opinion of each individual viewer; hence the quote, “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.”

Betrayal in High Places

Governments and their leaders can betray their people. Any one of us can be betrayed, can be caught off-guard. Don’t think so? Jesus was betrayed, but He was not caught off-guard. He knew the betrayal was coming, but it still was a grievous blow, particularly to His followers.

Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? [Jn 6:70]

I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against Me. [Jn 13:18]  (emphasis to scripture mine)

Did King David, who himself had been betrayed, understand he was prophesying about Judas’ betrayal to Jesus (Yeshua) when he penned the following words?  Compare the following verse in Psalms with the words spoken by Jesus (above).

Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. [Ps 41:6]

Yet the Living God is Omniscient (all-knowing).  From the beginning, it was prophesied.  The Lord God said to the serpent in the Garden of Eden (foretelling of Jesus/Yeshua):

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; it shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel. [Gen 6:15]

Satan thought the "he" would bruise the heel of Jesus, by using Judas to betray Jesus, and thus bring about His crucifixion (death). Therefore Satan thought that Jesus would receive the fatal blow to the "head", whilst Satan only had a bruised heel (Judas).

However, Satan did not count on Jesus being resurrected from the dead. As per usual, Satan had flipped truth around; however, Sovereign God flipped it back around. 

The adversary bruised the heel of Jesus, but Yeshua (Jesus) dealt the enemy the fatal blow when He was raised from the dead by the power of God's precious and holy Spirit. Unable to accept defeat, Satan then began the rumour that Christ's body "was stolen by His disciples."  Yes, Satan is the father of lies.

Kings (leaders) have been betrayed by those in the own household. King David wrote about someone close to him, a friend and fellow believer who had even accompanied David into the house of God:

For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him:

But it was you, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.  

[Ps 55:12-15]

Friend or Foe – For or Against?

After Joshua had led the Israelites across the river Jordan (where the waters had parted just as they had at the Red Sea [Josh 3:16]) and camped at Gilgal, near the city of Jericho, he continued to do all that the Lord instructed. The time came to pass that he understood that he must prepare to overtake Jericho.

One day he looked and saw a man with a drawn sword and courageously asked the man, in a manner of speaking, if he was friend or foe. Only after the man answered did Joshua understand that it was one to be revered (many theologians say it was Christ).  I am not expounding on that here, but pointing out that Joshua needed to know where this stranger stood with him. Was the man a friend or foe; for or against?

And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Are you for us, or for our adversaries?

And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?  [Josh 5:13, 14]

We have to choose. We have to make a stand. Therefore, when it comes to those who lead us, we need to know where they stand and if they will guard against the enemies of the nation and its people, or if they will side with known enemies.

(Note* - If you have missed any section, go to Part ONE and follow other links from there.)

To be continued in Part FIVE – Islam   

for His glory

Bonita                                dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com