ISRAEL AGAINST THE WORLD

Once again, Israel is confronted with a new kind of strength-building challenges. Right after the declaration of US President Donald Trump last week, recognizing Jerusalem as the official capital of Israel, hundreds of protesters from among neighboring Arab countries expressed their blatant refusal of the pronouncement.

Most of us knew that Israel is not unfamiliar with these kind of experiences. Since the beginning of their liberation in 1948 up until now, many of us knew of all the struggles they went through and that how they continue to emerge and remain as the triumphant few in spite of the ordeals.

Many ancient Bible prophecies concerning Israel and Jerusalem have already come to pass in previous decades, including the foretold restoration of the Jewish state and the Jewish rule over Jerusalem. The still remaining prophecies lead to an international confrontation over Jerusalem that will cater to something you surely wouldn't like to happen.

According to this prophesy, Jerusalem would become a problem for the whole world. Then, the nations would unite in an attempt to enforce a remedy:

"Jerusalem will be a heavy stone burdening the world... all nations of the earth unite in an attempt to move her..." - Zechariah 12:3 TLB

The Scripture makes it clear that the restoration of Jewish control over Israel and Jerusalem would lead up to a military action against Israel by the rest of the nations. The ancient prophet Joel quoted God as saying, "'At that time, when I restore the prosperity of Judah and Jerusalem,' says the Lord, 'I will gather the armies of the world into the valley of Jehoshaphat - a certain location in Israel.'" - Joel 3:1-2 NLT

I don't want to be presumptuous here as to what would really might happen on the next several weeks or months ahead. Neither do I want to become complacent especially during this season where this unfolding event is apparently leading us into something different- maybe preparation and purification of our spirit, soul, and body is wise to be adhered into. But one thing is sure here; I don't intend to instill fear among the brethren. The Bible reminds us that, "For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." - 2 Tim. 1:7

Moreover, while the initial international clamor was that the said declaration is premature - citing that it may inhibit the success of the ongoing peace process among neighboring disputes - Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Jewish people hailed the decision.

We may not know yet what would be the ultimate implication of this unprecedented development in Israel, but one thing is sure: Their Arab neighbors shall in no way sit on the table to allow one of Israel's dream to come into fruition - that is - to absolutely guarantee that 'Jerusalem' will be their's as its official capital. I could just imagine the neighboring Arabs saying, in effect, "Touch everything in us, but never touch Jerusalem... that would be equivalent to something in which we are more than willing to bet our very lives with."

Adding to Israel's ordeal is the international outcry that the decision is not right and untimely. Though there are few countries who rejoiced with Israel - including my own country, hopefully - it appears that majority of nations are unconvinced.

Meanwhile, what would then be our part on this changes? What would be our role then as Kingdom citizens? Are we merely going to be indifferent, remain as spectators, and just succumb to a wait and see kinda attitude?

The Book of Isaiah timely reminds us by saying, "For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch." - Isa. 62:1 NIV

Can I ask you a favor? I hope I would not be taking much from you if - as the Spirit leads us - we could just include Jerusalem, Israel, the Arab nations, and the rest of the world, in our daily time of prayers. This is very significant, especially during this time, for the leaders of nations to gain Godly wisdom in making the right choices concerning international affairs, particularly about Israel. Pray also that your own nation would take side on what is right, fair, just, and pleasing to the Lord.

Could it be that the culmination of the Kingdom of God is drawing nigh?

"Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is near." - Matt. 4:17

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure." - Ps. 122:6 NIV

GO BEYOND YOUR GOOD RELIGION AND TAKE YOUR SCEPTER

You may still be familiar with this 1994 American animated epic musical film produced by Walt Disney, entitled, The Lion King. Though the film had been released more than two decades ago, garnering awards and honors, I'm just impressed by the way it continues to collect accolades up until this time. Just last year, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant." And you might be surprised to learn that less than a couple of years from now, a remake of the film is scheduled to set off for a July 19, 2019 release in the United States.

There must be something priceless and unique about The Lion King that makes the film remain productive and prolific until now.

Whatever inspired the staff to develop the story - or whatever their moral background maybe - the film carries with it a significant amount of truth that portrays Kingdom principle in operation.

The story of The Lion King is virtually about restoration of kingship; and to refresh us of the stirring account, here is the summary of the story:

In the Pride Lands of Africa, a lion rules over the animal kingdom from Pride Rock. King Mufasa's newborn son, Simba, is formally introduced to the assembled animals by Rafiki, a mandrill who serves as priest and advisor.

Mufasa shows young Simba the Pride Lands and explains to him the responsibilities of kingship, and what they call as the "circle of life" which connects all living things.

Mufasa's younger brother, Scar, covets the throne and plots to eliminate Mufasa and Simba so he may become king. He tricks Simba and his best friend Nala - to whom Simba is betrothed - into exploring a forbidden elephants' graveyard, where they are attacked by three hyenas who are in alliance with Scar. Mufasa is alerted to the danger by his steward, the hornbill Zazu, and rescues the cubs. Though angry with Simba, Mufasa forgives him and explains that the great kings of the past watch over them from the night sky. And one day, he will watch over Simba.

Scar lays a trap for his brother and nephew, luring Simba into a steep chasm and having the hyenas drive a large herd of wildebeest into a stampede that will trample him. He informs Mufasa of Simba's peril, knowing the king will rush to rescue his son. Mufasa saves Simba but ends up hanging perilously from the chasm's edge and is betrayed by Scar, who sends him falling to his death.

Scar convinces Simba that the tragedy was Simba's fault and advises him to flee the kingdom. He orders the hyenas to kill the cub, but Simba escapes. Scar tells the pride that both Mufasa and Simba were killed in the stampede and steps forward as the new king, allowing a large pack of hyenas to live in the Pride Lands.

Simba fainted in a desert and is rescued by Timon and Pumbaa, a meerkat and warthog who are fellow outcasts. Simba grows up in the jungle with his two new friends.

Now a young adult, Simba rescues Timon and Pumbaa from a hungry lioness who turns out to be Nala. She and Simba reunite and fall in love, and she urges him to return home, telling him the Pride Lands have become a drought-stricken wasteland under Scar's reign. Feeling guilty over his father's death, Simba refuses and storms off. He encounters Rafiki, who tells him that Mufasa's spirit lives on in Simba.

Simba is visited by Mufasa - in a trance - at the night sky, who tells him he must take his rightful place as king. Realizing he can no longer run from his past, Simba decides to return home.

Supported by his friends, Simba sneaks past the hyenas at Pride Rock and confronts Scar. Scar taunts him over his role in Mufasa's death and backs him to the edge of the rock, where he reveals to Simba that he killed Mufasa.

Angered, Simba pins Scar to the ground and forces him to reveal the truth to the rest of the pride. Pumbaa, Zazu, Timon, Rafiki, and the lionesses defend themselves against the hyenas while Scar, attempting to escape, is cornered by Simba at the top of Pride Rock.

Scar begs for mercy and attempts to blame the hyenas for his actions. Simba spares his life but orders him to leave the Pride Lands forever. Scar attacks his nephew, but Simba manages to cast him easily from the top of the rock. Scar survives the fall but is killed by the hyenas, who overheard him betray them to Simba.

With his enemies gone, Simba takes over the kingship. The rains begin to fall, restoring life to the land. Later, with Pride Rock restored to its former glory, Rafiki, the priest, presents Simba and Nala's newborn cub to the assembled animals, continuing what they call "the circle of life."

As I've said earlier, the story depicts restoration of kingship. Though it may not be the focal point to which the film was intended, this story conveys a very important message through which the entire human race must have to capture and internalize. A very relevant issue of restoration that covers the whole of humanity must be seriously sought into in order to address major challenges that baffle the whole world. Even the scriptures, themselves, were aimed by the great Author for men to realize their need for this restoration. Unfortunately, man's insatiable quest for religion makes himself vague to see the need.

By the way, in an ecclesiastical level, what do I mean by Restoration of kingship? In an in passing - as I've discussed some of it already in our previous discussion - allow me to share that we are kings, destined for rulership and dominion. But somehow, just like the fake King Scar in the above story, man allowed an unemployed sheriff to lure and trick him into exploring a forbidden elephant graveyard - entertaining strange ideas - thinking that maybe the real King is withholding him of something more beneficial than his inherent and delegated dominion.

Consequently, man was stripped of his power and authority to rule over his environment and circumstances causing him to suffer unrelentingly for hundreds of years, and up until now.

Fortunately, the promised deliverer and restorer has come. The Book of Isaiah recounts, "For unto us, a child is born. To us, a son is given. And the government will be on his shoulders... and of the increase of his government and peace, there shall be no end..." - Isa. 9: 6-7

Likewise, the Book of Deuteronomy assures us, declaring, "Then the Lord your God will restore you from captivity, and have compassion on you, and will gather you again from all the peoples where the Lord your God has scattered you." - Deut. 30: 3 NASB

Moreover, this was reinforced also by Peter the Apostle when he stated, "And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." - 1 Pet. 5: 10 NIV

Indeed, the Restorer has come, saying in effect, "Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. Restore his royalty, authority, and kingship!" - Luke 15: 22

... and Yeshua confirms it further, saying, "Behold, The Kingdom of God is within you!" - Luke 17: 21

To the King!!

"For He has rescued us out of the darkness and gloom of satan's kingdom, and brought us into the kingdom of His dear Son who bought our freedom with His blood, and forgave us all our sins." - Col. 1: 13-14