Come out come out wherever you are!

As I write this, the political situation in Israel is unsettled to say the least. Ariel Sharon lies in a Jerusalem hospital clinging to life (or already brain dead by some unconfirmed reports) after suffering a massive stroke. It is unknown at this time whether or not Sharon will survive but it’s almost certain that he will be unable to resume any sort of leadership role in government. It is probably safe to say that the Sharon era in Israel is over.

At the time of his stroke, Ariel Sharon was at the height of his popularity in Israel and even in the world at large. The reason for this was his willingness to give up land to the Palestinians in exchange for (hollow) promises of peace. As odd as it may seem to conservative Christians in this country, the vast majority of Israeli’s support this so called peace plan. Contrary to what many western Christians believe, Israel is an almost completely secular country. We often hear about orthodox Jews and groups like the Temple Mount Faithful who are actively attempting to rebuild the Jerusalem temple but within Israel most of these groups are considered fringe at best.

The average Jew in Israel today is somewhat westernized, non religious, and carries a secular world view. Most are so weary of war that they are prepared to do just about anything to avoid further bloodshed. To secure this elusive peace, they have bought into the idea that they can trust the promises of their sworn enemies. Anyone who knows anything about the history of ancient Israel can see that there is truly nothing new under the sun.

But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell. Num 33:55 

It is important for the church to understand what is happening in Israel today because natural Israel is God’s prophetic picture of what is soon to come spiritually upon the church.

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 1Cor 10:11

Just as most ethnic Jews are worldly and secular seeking only the material things of life so are most Christians. Just as the average ethnic Jew desires peace and friendship with the world, so does the average Christian. And just as most ethnic Jews fail to heed God’s warning to separate from their enemies, so do most Christians. 

Natural Israel has been sold a bill of goods by their political leaders. Western Christians have been sold the same bill of goods by their religious leaders. Ariel Sharon is hugely popular in Israel because of his willingness to make peace with his enemies. And the apostate leaders of the western church are equally popular for exactly the same reason .

Both natural Israel and spiritual Israel  have accepted the idea that we can make peace with a world that in reality hates us and everything we stand for.

Jesus clearly told us that we must forsake the things of the world to follow him.

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23

But our most popular religious leaders say you can have “Your Best Life Now”

Jesus said we were not to store up treasures on the earth.

Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Luke 12:33-34

But our religious leaders deny the Lord by telling us we should attend the School of Prosperity in the here and now. 

Jesus said to separate ourselves from the idols of the world.

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 2Cor 6:16-17

But our leaders tell us that rather than separate we should be more sensitive to sinners in order to draw them in among us  

Just like natural Israel is losing her natural land, the church is being conned into giving away her spiritual land. We so love the world and the things of the world that we are willing to deny the Lord who bought us in exchange for hollow promises of peace and good will. 

Many in the church who can clearly see the trap being set for natural Israel are completely blind to their own deception. We can see that if Israel does not change course and reject this so called peace plan that they will ultimately be wiped off the face of the earth.  At the same time we are blissfully ignorant of the fact that the same enemy that hates natural Israel despises us as well.

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 2Thess 2:11

And what is the reason for which God himself sends strong delusion?

…….because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.2Thess 2:10

Do you love the truth? Do you love it more than you love the things of the world? Do you love the truth enough to place it ahead of all your worldly pursuits?  Do you really?

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Luke 6:46

The situation in Israel is getting more desperate by the day. The situation in the so called church is equally desperate but few have eyes to see. If Israel does not stop trusting in the plans of men and turn to God she will be swallowed up by her enemies. That statement is true for natural Israel and it’s true for spiritual Israel which is the church (Rom 9:6-8)

It is high time for you to obey the word of the Lord. Don’t delay. Do it today

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Rev 18:4-5

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Steve Lumbley 2006  www.apostasywatch.com
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