(Holocaust) 15/04/2010
This past week the nation of Israel's sirens sounded in memory of the millions that lost their lives in the Holocaust. Each year, in the course of the preceding day and on the day itself testimonies, movies and documentaries are broadcast over the TV and Radio. Our daughter has always loved the story of Ann Frank; so much so that when she was in grade school she did a special study and report on Ann's life. When she was in high school she visited some of the concentration camps in Poland. Yesterday we watched the movie, The Diary of Ann Frank, with another couple who are visiting with us from the States. While watching the episodes of the Nazis hunting the Jews from their hiding places, with the cooperation of some of the local population, I was reminded of several letters that I had sent out in the form of warnings. If you recall, I mentioned that the Islamic hunters were spreading their nets into the nations (letter 434 and "The Forward"), but what crossed my mind was that the next holocaust will not be Nazis hunting for the Jews (house of Judah), but other hunters who will be looking for the House of Israel/Ephraim.
During the First World War many of the top German officers served in Turkey, as the two countries formed an alliance. These officers observed and learned how the Islamic powers systematically annihilated about one million Armenians, while the world stood by, because of fear or indifference. Hitler, seeing that a nation could literally get away with ethnic cleansing with the world turning a blind eye, felt assured that he could do the same to the Jews, expecting a similar non-response. Years later, in the wake of the growing persecutions in Nazi occupied Europe many from the house of Judah were seeking asylum in Ephraimite nations (and other locations), but the doors were firmly closed. Suddenly a question popped into my mind: If and when the hunters begin to come after the House of Ephraim, will the house of Judah open their doors and let them into Israel?
Ephraim
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Day of fasting
This week, in a conversation with friends visiting from the U.S., the subject of New Orleans came up and evolved into an interesting discussion. It was mentioned that some people believe that the destruction was a direct result of America’s policies toward Israel. The Muslims, for their part, are claiming that the devastation, affecting millions in the southern United States, occurred because of the American invasion of Iraq. Then there are those who believe that YHVH is judging iniquity and sin as He did Sodom and Gomorra. And according to the more pragmatic ones, global warming has brought about the problems, while yet others are attributing the situation to the random activities of “Mother Nature” (coupled with human negligence and mismanagement).
But be the reasons what they may, the fact is that hundreds of thousands have been bereft of loved ones, left without homes, jobs and communities to return to. Likewise in Israel, the Disengagement left many without jobs, homes and a future. Overnight several thousand people went from security to uncertainty, confidence to despair. And so, regardless of the reasons that brought about these distressing situations, what should our response be?
As we all know, the Day of Kippur is ahead of us, a day for fasting and afflicting our souls. Let us take a moment to consider our true motivation for the fast. As I was doing some of my own stock taking, I was reminded of our ancient ancestors in Jerusalem who were quite assured of their righteousness. Seeking YHVH daily they seemed to search out His ways, they did not forsake His ordinances and were rigorous in performing His word. As a nation they did what they thought was acceptable in His eyes. Yet, on the day of the fast, although they afflicted their souls, they also complained that YHVH did not see nor take notice of them (ref Isaiah 58:2-3). YHVH’s response to their piousness and complaint was short and sweet. Being aware of the true condition of their hearts, He describes their fast and the motivation behind it: “Indeed you fast for strife and debate, and to strike with the fist of wickedness… to make your voice [be] heard on high” (Isaiah 58:4), so that He would look down at their sackcloth and ashes.
YHVH then goes on to explain to them how He sees this day of fasting: "Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke…the pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?” (Isaiah 58:6-7). These religionists no doubt were very offended by these words. YHVH, however, went on to point to the right kind of fast, telling them that if they would do what He instructed the rewards would be everything that they had ever desired and more.
“If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday. Your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of YHVH shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and YHVH will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am’. YHVH will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Those from among you shall build the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Streets to Dwell In” (Isaiah 58:10-12).
Going back to our subject of Sodom and Gomorra, my friend asked me what was the sin that caused YHVH to judge them. I gave him the standard answer: sodomy, homosexuality etc. In response he pointed out an observation made by the prophet Ezekiel millennia after the devastation of these two cities: "Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty and committed abomination before Me; therefore I took them away as I saw fit” (Ezekiel 16:49-50).
It was no other than the virtuous Jerusalem which was being addressed here and compared to Sodom, in addition YHVH also decries the following: "Your elder sister is Samaria, who dwells with her daughters to the north of you…” (ve. 46).
As the Day of Atonement draws near, oh children of the sons of Jerusalem and Samaria, let us pray that YHVH’s words will fill our heart and that we will gain an understanding of the kind of fast required of us, so that we may truly be pleasing to our Elohim.
But be the reasons what they may, the fact is that hundreds of thousands have been bereft of loved ones, left without homes, jobs and communities to return to. Likewise in Israel, the Disengagement left many without jobs, homes and a future. Overnight several thousand people went from security to uncertainty, confidence to despair. And so, regardless of the reasons that brought about these distressing situations, what should our response be?
As we all know, the Day of Kippur is ahead of us, a day for fasting and afflicting our souls. Let us take a moment to consider our true motivation for the fast. As I was doing some of my own stock taking, I was reminded of our ancient ancestors in Jerusalem who were quite assured of their righteousness. Seeking YHVH daily they seemed to search out His ways, they did not forsake His ordinances and were rigorous in performing His word. As a nation they did what they thought was acceptable in His eyes. Yet, on the day of the fast, although they afflicted their souls, they also complained that YHVH did not see nor take notice of them (ref Isaiah 58:2-3). YHVH’s response to their piousness and complaint was short and sweet. Being aware of the true condition of their hearts, He describes their fast and the motivation behind it: “Indeed you fast for strife and debate, and to strike with the fist of wickedness… to make your voice [be] heard on high” (Isaiah 58:4), so that He would look down at their sackcloth and ashes.
YHVH then goes on to explain to them how He sees this day of fasting: "Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke…the pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?” (Isaiah 58:6-7). These religionists no doubt were very offended by these words. YHVH, however, went on to point to the right kind of fast, telling them that if they would do what He instructed the rewards would be everything that they had ever desired and more.
“If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday. Your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of YHVH shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and YHVH will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am’. YHVH will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Those from among you shall build the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Streets to Dwell In” (Isaiah 58:10-12).
Going back to our subject of Sodom and Gomorra, my friend asked me what was the sin that caused YHVH to judge them. I gave him the standard answer: sodomy, homosexuality etc. In response he pointed out an observation made by the prophet Ezekiel millennia after the devastation of these two cities: "Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty and committed abomination before Me; therefore I took them away as I saw fit” (Ezekiel 16:49-50).
It was no other than the virtuous Jerusalem which was being addressed here and compared to Sodom, in addition YHVH also decries the following: "Your elder sister is Samaria, who dwells with her daughters to the north of you…” (ve. 46).
As the Day of Atonement draws near, oh children of the sons of Jerusalem and Samaria, let us pray that YHVH’s words will fill our heart and that we will gain an understanding of the kind of fast required of us, so that we may truly be pleasing to our Elohim.
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