Sometimes, I have these posts prepared a week, or more, in advance. However, this is one of those occasions when my own mind has been reeling with the reports, and pictures, from the land of Israel, during the callous, and indiscriminate, killing and kidnapping spree, on Saturday 7th, by the terrorist organisation Hamas - whose leader, by the way, is reportedly safely in Qatar, while his daughter is receiving treatment in an Israeli hospital -!!! Did someone say "Cowardice, and hypocrisy"?
I have a dear Jewish friend, a retired General Practitioner, who spends approximately half of the year in his home in Glasgow, and the other half in an apartment in Netanya just about 30 km. (less than 20 miles) away from Tel Aviv I am never sure where he is at any particular time, but have e-mailed him expressing my hope that he is safe and well. These events that take place a long way from home, are always made more stark when one has a personal connection with someone who may be involved. Along with most of those who were of an age of discernment at the time, I recall "9/11". However, shocked as I was, the reality didn't come home to me until I discovered that a friend died in one of the Twin Towers! The situation, and the satanic actions, in Israel on "7/10" are real to me because a friend may have been affected [thankfully, he has responded, and is well).
So what can one say about that dreadful, bloodthirsty, and evil attack? There are certainly questions that may be asked. The Children of Israel are, according to the written Word of God, the Chosen people of YHWH. Why did He not intervene in this atrocity? Why did He not stop those demonic terrorists in their bloodlust? Why were small children beheaded and burned alive?
My former minister, spiritual mentor, and personal friend, the late Rev. George B. Duncan, was sometimes heard to say: "If I knew everything about God, I would be God!" That is true. The prophet, Isaiah utters these words of YHWH: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says YHWH. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." (55:8-9). While Paul writes to the early disciples of Yeshua, in Rome, in similar vein: "O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways! “For who has known the mind of YHWH, or who has been His counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to Him that He might be repaid?”" (11:33-35).
The book of Job, in the First Testament, is an interesting book that provides some insight to the undoubted problem of suffering. Job is described as a man who "... was blameless and upright, one who feared God, and turned away from evil." (1:1). Now there's a man who, surely, deserved the total protection of YHWH! Yet, as we read on, we discover that he becomes a man who suffers greatly - and YHWH permits it!
That is the key word - "permits"! Theologians speak of the two wills of Almighty God - His Sovereign will and His Permissive will. Without going into too much detail, His Sovereign will refers to all that He has ordained; all over which He fully exerts control, including, of course, all things that were, are, and will be. He does all He pleases all the time. English pastor, theologian, and author, Arthur Pink (1886-1952) appropriately says:
“Subject to none, influenced by none, absolutely independent: God does as He pleases, only as He pleases, always as He pleases. None can thwart Him, none can hinder Him. So His own Word expressly declares: “My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure” (Isa. 46;10).” (The Attributes of God by Arthur Pink, p. 3).
The Permissive will of God may be seen in the experience of Job. This good man suffered, not for any wrongdoing in himself - although, like each one of us, he was a sinner - but because Father God was showing the satan (the adversary, the root of all evil) that Job's faith was solid and real.
Another useful passage to read is Psalm 3, composed by King David when he fled from his own son, Absalom. In that situation, he faced a kind of betrayal that cuts deeper than any other - the betrayal of a family member. This post is already long enough, but permit me to make just a brief comment on David's words - and encourage you to read Ps.3 for yourself.
The opening verses capture a feeling of despair and desolation. David acknowledges the multitudes that stand against him, who doubt his deliverance through God. Last Saturday’s brutal onslaught was a betrayal of the fundamental principles of humanity. As the demonic terrorists ruthlessly took innocent lives, the nation, much like David, felt overwhelmed, surrounded on all sides by hatred and violence. Just as David’s adversaries doubted his deliverance through God, Israel's enemies question and test the survival and resilience of the Israeli people.
However, the psalm does not remain in this space of despair. It moves from lamentation to a profound expression of faith. David speaks of God as a protective shield. “I lie down and sleep and wake again, for YHWH sustains me.” (v.5). These words not only reflect David’s trust in God amidst his personal crisis but also encapsulate the Israeli spirit. Despite the terror, life goes on. People still sleep, wake, and continue with their daily tasks, relying on the sustenance and protection of HaShem, their protective shield.
In these trying times, Psalm 3 reminds us of the indomitable spirit of the Israeli people and their unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Just as David emerged from his trials with renewed faith and strength, Israel, too, will emerge from this crisis stronger, united, and with an even deeper connection to their people, their faith, and their God.
May those of us who love Israel, and her people, be faithful in upholding them in prayer, and supporting them in whatever way we can.
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