LAND

Land is a precious thing. A treasured possession.   Owning a piece of your own land is a blessing. What’s even more of a blessing is living in a country whose land was founded on the one who blessed us from the beginning.   The Lord himself gave us this wonderful nation we know as the United States of America. It’s a diverse landscape, drawn to life by the creator himself. And he gave it to us. So many supernatural events occurred to bring us into the land we inhabit today. Yet, here we are.

So, let’s talk a little about how this land of 50 states came to be what it is. How is it that untrained colonists such as farmers, teachers and tavern owners were able to pull off perhaps the world’s greatest victory against a world power known as Great Britain? I could go into the miraculous battles fought during the American Revolution and talk about how each victory occurred. In those details alone you would see God’s hand. But, there is something even more substantial I want to make you aware of. It’s something you probably haven’t thought about since American History class. And truthfully, were you even listening? Who remembers High School History Class????

Well, I’m going to be your history teacher for a spell. I want you to pay closer attention than you ever have in your whole listening career, because this is important.   So, here it goes. And yes, I’m going to talk to you like a student……….

Class, today you are going to learn about the single most important land transaction made in U.S. history.   It’s a transaction that literally doubled the size of our nation overnight. This one sales transaction stamped our name on approximately 827,000 square miles of land for the very low price of 15 million dollars.   This huge chunk of land would eventually become 15 states! That’s right- 15!! Do you know what transaction I’m talking about?

Ok, I’ll tell you- It’s the Louisiana Purchase.   It happened on April 30, 1803, with the negotiation of Thomas Jefferson and his close advisors.   The amazing thing about this transaction was that Jefferson initially only set out to buy New Orleans and some areas of Florida. The goal was to retain trade along the Mississippi River, which was vital to the shipment of goods.   Jefferson set out to buy this land from France (who owned the area at the time) and had set aside 10 million to make the purchase. To Jefferson’s shock, Napoleon made an unbelievable offer. He would not only sell New Orleans, he would sell the entire Louisiana Territory – (keep in mind the Louisiana Territory wasn’t the size of the state of Louisiana! It was massive- it was 827,000 square miles).  Of course, the United States jumped right on that deal and signed on the dotted line. From this point on, America made history.   She would go on to become a land with vast resources. Much of this prosperity would be rooted in this new land. The once small thirteen colonies had been handed the deal of a lifetime.   This 827,000 square miles of land would be the first land they’d gained as a new nation. They didn’t gain it by war or bullying. No, it was handed to them. Who do you think really handed it to them?   God of course. We bought it from France, but God had his fingerprints all over it.

Once we gained this vast amount of land we had to explore it and figure out what resources it had to offer. Enter in Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their famous expedition. They called their expedition The Corps of Discovery.   Clark and his men left Camp Dubois, located in present day Illinois, on May 14, 1804 and then met up with Lewis the same day in St. Charles, Missouri. From there they would follow the Missouri River westward.   They followed the river and traveled into the Great Unknown. They mapped every area they encountered with great precision and detail. Plants, animals and Indian tribes would be documented in their journals as proof of what this new land had to offer. By November 7, 1805 they had sighted the Pacific Ocean for the very first time.

Lewis and Clark’s journey was far from easy.   It was riddled with bad weather, skirmishes with Indians, sicknesses and inconveniences. Of course, they had some help along the way. You probably have heard of Sacagawea.   Yes, she was a big help. She and her French-Canadian husband Toussaint Charbonneau, served as interpreters, and often peace makers amongst Indian tribes.

Lewis and Clark’s journey would last a little over two years, but it was a success. They came back with maps of lakes, rivers, tributaries, and mountains. They documented animal and plant life, as well as the abundance of natural resources in the land. They established relationships with the Indian tribes and were able to trade with a large percentage of them.  In addition, they found their way to the Pacific Ocean, after having traveled across our nation. But more than anything, their presence established the United States legal claim to the land. Their journey placed our stamp upon the land.

When Lewis and Clark returned on September 23, 1806 to St. Louis, Missouri, they were greeted with praise and excitement.  They had returned from a journey that paved a path across our new land as a new nation. This land would eventually become 15 states. In fact, the state of Louisiana would be the first state to be carved out of the land. On April 30, 1812, (nine years after the Louisiana Purchase), Louisiana became a state.

The significance of gaining this new land cannot be understated. It essentially kept land in our hands, and away from the Spanish, French and British. As time went on, the United States’ influence and power would become unparalleled. This one purchase helped America become a superpower.

There’s a reason I’m giving you all this background. If you don’t have the background you will miss the point of what I’m about to tell you. So here it goes. Read carefully and see if you see the connections.

The past 240 years have been pretty good here in America. Yes, we’ve had ups and downs. We’ve had wars, depressions and even natural disasters. But, in all, we are still standing tall. We are still free. We are still able to essentially buy what we want and need. And, our land is in one piece. This is all very good, and a gigantic blessing. I can assure you God has his hand on this country, as he has from its early beginnings.

But, let me bring some things to your attention. These things could very well affect the future of this country. I want to take you back to 2005. You may not remember anything significant about this year. It was over ten years ago. So, let me refresh your memory. Hurricane Katrina. You remember that don’t you? It was hard to forget. In fact, it was perhaps the worst natural disaster in American history. If it wasn’t the worst, it had the highest price tag. The final price tag was upwards of 150 billion dollars. Now, you’re probably thinking, “Well, disasters happen all the time. They just happen and there’s nothing we can do.”   But, let me give you a little background about this particular disaster.

By 11 a.m. on August 28, 2005, Katrina had morphed into one of the strongest hurricanes to ever form in the Atlantic. On that date it was labeled a Category 5 Storm.  The storm was heading for New Orleans.  There were warnings about the possibility of the levees in New Orleans breaking, producing catastrophic consequences. New Orleans residents were ordered to leave town, or seek shelter in the Louisiana Superdome.

By 5 a.m. on August 29, the hurricane’s strongest winds had slowed down a bit. Instead of 175 mph, they were now approximately 155 mph.  Then,  Hurricane Katrina makes landfall on the Gulf Coast. New Orleans and areas of Mississippi are devastated by the storm. A storm rips a hole in the Superdome. Approximately 80% of New Orleans is covered in water.   Over 50 levees failed under the storm’s fury, turning the area into a giant bathtub. All of New Orleans had to be evacuated, including those in the Superdome.    The states of Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Florida declare a public health emergency. This eerily reminds me of Titanic, whose watertight compartments failed, flooding the ship and leading to its sinking.

The aftermath of the storm was horrendous. People were left stranded on rooftops.   Trash and debris was piled high in the streets. The stench of dirty water filled with debris and refuse was unimaginable. Though a rescue effort was launched, it came too late. There were thousands of people who had been caught in the storm. It was mostly poor people who did not have the means to leave town when the orders were first given. Many had no way to get out of town quickly. So, they stayed. Help came, but too late. Many people succumbed to the flood waters, while others watched their only possessions being snatched by the flood waters. So many ended up in the crowded, intensely hot Superdome, only to be caught up in something almost worse than a flood. Again, it reminds me of Titanic, where the third class passengers were not given access to the upper deck. The gate on their level was locked for a time, keeping them from escaping to safety. The first class passengers had the advantage since their cabins were located right near the lifeboat deck.

Hurricane Katrina would be remembered as an example of what happens when cities, and people, are left unprepared for disaster.   The flood waters came in and devastated the land, as well as the people. This land, New Orleans in particular, is the very land we purchased back in 1803. This storm leveled the very city we acquired during the Louisiana Purchase, as well as the surrounding Gulf states along the Mississippi. It was the French who sold us the land that would give us control over the Mississippi River, as well as New Orleans during the Louisiana Purchase- thus, sealing our fate as a superpower nation. Yet during Katrina this area would be ripped to shreds. Keep in mind when we set out to buy land from France we initially asked just for New Orleans and some coastal areas of Florida. Yet this is where the Hurricane strikes the worst, and the man-made levees (also known as “walls”) fail.

Remember when I said land was precious. I hope you remembered that. Because now I want to tie in another piece of land. You may have never thought about its importance. You may have no idea how it is even significant to you. So read carefully and see if it becomes clear. You’ve already read that on August 28, 2005, Hurricane Katrina was labeled a Category 5 Storm, ready to strike our land.   Well, thousands of miles away, in the tiny nation of Israel, something else was going on. It was August 28, 2005 and an important land deal was in the final throes. Months earlier, the process of evacuating Gaza, Israel had begun. Israel had agreed to give their precious land (Gaza and parts of the West Bank) to the Palestinians. It was ushered in as a “land for peace” deal. This deal was brokered with the cooperation of the United States (under George Bush).   A deadline of August 16, 2005 was given for all Israeli citizens to leave Gaza. They would have to “relocate” to a new area of Israel since their land would now become Palestinian property. But, what was happening on August 28, since this was after the deadline for citizens to leave?   On August 28, 2005 Israeli Defense Forces were removing bodies from Gush Katif Cemetery in Gaza, Israel. These bodies of departed loved ones would need to be “relocated” to a new area so they would not reside on “Palestinian land”.     These Israeli citizens (though having died already) were literally being removed from the soil- from the land.   Now, keep in mind, Israel had fought for this land back in the 1967 War (Six Day War) and had also claimed the West Bank East of the Jordan River, which included East Jerusalem. This was prophetic because the holy city of Jerusalem was now unified under Israel’s rule.   Interestingly enough, back in 1967 a series of four blood moons occurred on Jewish Feast Days. Perhaps this was God’s way of saying, “I did this. I helped Israel secure this land, especially East Jerusalem.” In fact, if you look at how outnumbered Israel was in the Six Days War you will know it was God who did it. Like the Louisiana Purchase, where land just seemed to fall into our hands, in the case of Israel the land fell into their hands.  Yes, they fought for it, but it was a miraculous victory reminiscent of the battles of the Old Testament where God fought the battle for the Israelites. My point here is this- the land was given to Israel by God. Who are we to try to broker a deal and tell Israel they should give away their land? Not only that, who are we to tell them to give their land to a terrorist government? The Palestinian Authority has a long record of terrorizing Israeli citizens, as well as their own people.   And did this land deal bring peace? No, since Gaza and parts of the West Bank were given to the government of Palestine, there have been thousands of rockets fired into Israel, not to mention hundreds of tunnels built underground for one sole purpose- to kill Israeli citizens and to terrorize their land.

Interestingly enough, the final disengagement of Gaza was completed on September 11, 2005. On that date Israeli Defense Forces lowered the last Israeli flag in Gaza. The land transaction was complete. Over in America, we were mourning the loss of thousands of lives that occurred just four years prior during the September 11 terror attacks. Our land was attacked by terrorists. Yet, here in Israel we see land being given to terrorists.   Do you see the eerie parallels?

Lewis and Clark finished their surveying of the American frontier on September 23, 1806. The newly acquired land had been mapped and officially claimed.  They arrived in St. Louis, Missouri and officially finished their journey.   Now, Flash forward in time to this past year, 2015. On September 23, 2015, it was the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, as well as the biblical Jubilee Year. In the Bible, during the Jubilee year, land would be given back to its original owner, and debts would be forgiven. If someone had lost their land due to debt, their land would be returned.

Now something else happened on September 23, 2015 (same date as the Jubilee and the 209^th anniversary of Lewis and Clark’s journey’s end). The new Pope stepped foot on American soil for the first time. Not only that, he met with President Obama. Now why is that significant? Well, when we are talking about land it’s very significant because the Pope and the Vatican have already recognized the State of Palestine. This means they are giving legitimacy to the idea that the Palestinians have claim to Israel’s land. Remember when I told you about the giving away of Gaza back in 2005? What did that do? It invited more terrorist attacks. Well, now the Palestinians want East Jerusalem, as well as all land that Israel gained in the 1967 war. Recognizing Palestine is like slapping Israel in the face. The Vatican will recognize Palestine, but the government of Palestine refuses to recognize Israel.   How can the members of the Vatican claim to be stewards of God’s holy word, yet be ok with that?   The Bible clearly states that Jerusalem is where Jesus will return, and it’s where the Lord will redeem Israel, and the whole world.

The “holy Vatican” is recognizing a terrorist nation and ignoring the Bible’s warnings about dividing God’s land. Not only that, they are completely ignoring Israel’s sovereignty in their own land. The Bible is crystal clear about what happens when nations try to divide the land of Israel. Joel 3 says,

“In those days and at that time when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jeohoshaphat. There I will put them on trial for what they did to my inheritance, my people Israel, because they scattered my people and divided up my land.”  

Better yet, take a look at Zechariah 12:

“A prophecy: the word of the Lord concerning Israel. The Lord, who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the Earth, and who forms the human spirit within a person declares: ‘ I am going to make Jerusalem a cup of trembling that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves. ….. On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem.”

It can’t be more clear than that, and that’s only a few verses that warn about dividing God’s land. I am certain that the blood moons that occurred on April 15, 2014 (Passover), October 8, 2014 (Feast of Tabernacles), April 4, 2015 (Passover) and September 28, 2015 (Feast of Tabernacles) are a warning about Israel’s land. All these blood moons were visible from the United States. Since the blood moons these so called “peace deals” keep getting pushed by many nations, with France in the lead. Jerusalem is God’s land, and he meant for Israel to claim it on 6-7-67 (June 7, 1967).   The same series of blood moons occurred in 1967-1968 as the ones that just passed in 2014 and 2015. They occurred on Passover and Tabernacles again.   Keep in mind Jesus is Jewish and he became the Passover lamb for the Jew and Gentile. He brought the two together through his sacrifice. The Jew and the Gentile are on the same branch- the branch is Jesus.   The Feast of Tabernacles signifies God dwelling with his people. It signifies God dwelling in his land with his people! Did you see the word land? Jerusalem is where Jesus will return one day and reconcile the nation of Israel, as well as their land.   Why on earth would we seek to mess with the plan of God by asking Israel to give back East Jerusalem?

France has drawn up what they call a “land for peace deal”. This deal would involve giving back East Jerusalem and land gained in the 1967 war. Here’s what’s interesting- When the United States gained land back in 1803, who did we gain land from? France! That’s right. The same country that helped us gain land is now trying to take Israel’s away! Go as far back as the Revolutionary War and you’ll see it was France who helped us win the war. They even helped us secure the 13 colonies as nation, and break free from tyranny.

Now, you are probably wondering, “Is the U.S. going along with France and their “land for peace” deal? Is the U.S. asking Israel to give back East Jerusalem and the other land they gained in 1967?” Of course, we already know the U.S. encouraged Israel to give away Gaza in 2005 and that coincided with Hurricane Katrina! Surely, the U.S. wouldn’t encourage this. Well, so far our President has been very vocal in his wishes to see a two state solution, with Palestine being a state, along with Israel.   Has that materialized into a deal? Not yet. In fact, this land deal has been pushed back a few times already. Many thought the deal would be pushed through back in September 2015, but luckily it didn’t materialize. However, the Palestinian flag was raised in the United Nations rose garden on September 30, 2015, two days after the last blood moon of the tetrad.  The United Nations was making a bold symbolic statement by doing this.  They were saying their goal is a Palestinian state.

There has just been a meeting to discuss Israel’s land in Paris, France on June 3.   Israel declined the offer to be part of the meeting. That’s because they know the real goal is to make Israel give in. Meanwhile the Palestinians get to continue their campaigns of terror.   Where this will all go is frightening. The world leaders at the June 3 Paris meeting have decided to put this issue on the table for later in the year (probably in September 2016 when the United Nations have their yearly conference).   What will happen when that meeting takes place? In the near future it is possible that even the United States will pressure Israel to give back its land? Let me just say that if the United States pushes for the division of Israel’s land, I believe something worse than Katrina will happen. If we mess with the land God gave to Israel as an everlasting covenant, we are asking for problems in our own land.

One area of land that pops into my mind a lot is the land we acquired during the Louisiana Purchase- the land that put us on the map so to speak.   When I think of this land something else pops into my mind. It’s called the New Madrid Fault. I’m sure you’ve heard of the San Andreas Fault, but what about New Madrid? Where is that even located? Let’s go back to Lewis and Clark. Let’s see, they began their journey to explore the new land acquired during the Louisiana Purchase on May 14, 1804.   Where did Lewis and Clark meet up to begin their journey ? It was St. Charles, Missouri. Hmm…….that’s two hours and thirty seven minutes away from New Madrid, Missouri. That’s where the New Madrid Fault line begins. This fault line specifically threatens seven states which are Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky and Indiana. The last time a devastating earthquake happened along the New Madrid fault line, it was 1811 and 1812. At that time, the effects of the earthquake were powerful, causing complete destruction in New Madrid.   Severe shaking in riverbeds caused the Mississippi River to flow backwards in some areas. The earthquakes caused severe damage to homes and structures. Deep fissures opened up in the ground. The shaking could be felt as far away as Boston and New York City.   But, in all the chaos there was good news. In 1811 and 1812, the areas encompassing the New Madrid fault were not heavily occupied. Not many people lived in the area.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case now. In 2016 we are looking at huge populations of people who are living either near the fault line, or in an area that would be directly affected by it. Not only that, we have oil pipelines underground, and even nuclear facilities that could be damaged in the wake of a New Madrid earthquake.   An earthquake would surely affect the infrastructure of the states mentioned above, but truthfully, other states could be affected as well, depending on the intensity. States such as Louisiana, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin could also be affected.   In fact, much of the beautiful land we gained in the Revolutionary War and the Louisiana Purchase would be adversely affected.   Due to the heavy populations of people living in states along the fault line, the casualty rate would be massive. The price tag for such a disaster would make Hurricane’s Katrina’s $150 billion dollar price tag look like chump change. A disaster of this magnitude would literally “rip our land apart.”

Now I’m not saying there’s going to be an earthquake along the New Madrid fault. I’m just saying symbolically, this land is tied to our nation and its humble beginnings. It’s tied to our blessings as a nation. Our nation shouldn’t go about messing with the land God has set aside for the nation of Israel.   Remember when I said Lewis and Clark began their journey on May 14, 1804? Well, guess what? Israel claimed their new land on May 14, 1948. This happened after the Mandate over Palestine ended and Israel was given the chance to have her own country again. It was just like the Bible prophesied in Ezekiel 37. On May 14, 1948, just after midnight, Israel declared itself a sovereign nation, and regained the first pieces of its biblical land. Eleven minutes later the United States recognized Israel as a nation, and its right to the land. Interesting how the dates match up isn’t it?   I’ve got one more for you. Did you know that Jamestown, our nation’s first permanent successful settlement, was established on May 14, 1607? A cross was placed on the land a few weeks before the settlers of Jamestown claimed the land on May 14. Revered Robert Hunt planted the cross on April 29, 1607, dedicating the land to God.  This settlement would form the foundation for America.   Same date- May 14.   Makes you think doesn’t it? I’m going to tell you something I’ve learned about God. His timing is exact and it’s perfect. He sets all events in motion according to his will. He willed the creation of America and he certainly willed the creation of Israel.   Trust me when I say without God there would be no America.   Without America, there might not be a newly formed Israel. God put our two nations together to help one another. Since Israel’s creation in 1948, America has continued to help defend her. America has stood up for her, and her land. But since 2005 things have taken a turn. America doesn’t seem so certain in her defense of Israel. In fact, it seems Israel is a burden to all the nations around her.

Yet, this is what the Bible said would happen.   Zechariah 12, verse 3 says Jerusalem will be an immovable rock, a burdensome stone.   And that is what she is at this very moment. Who will stop and defend her? Who will stand up for the tiniest nation against terrorist nations ten times her size?

In the book of Joshua the story is told of how Israel ‘s people first entered their land. The Israelites were told to cross the Jordan River and into their inheritance- their land. Yet, the water was full and almost overflowing. How would they cross the mighty river? With God, anything is possible. The Lord told Joshua what to do. Joshua told the priests to take up the Ark and go ahead of the people. They were to reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters and stand in the river. As soon as the priests who carried the Ark of the Lord set foot in the Jordan the waters flowing downstream would be cut off and stand up like a wall. Thus the waters would be parted for them.   And this is exactly what happened! The priests stood with the ark and watched as the whole nation of Israel passed through the river and onto dry land. After the entire nation had crossed through the Jordan, the Lord told Joshua to choose 12 men from among the people. He was to choose one from each tribe. They were to go into the middle of the Jordan and pick up a stone and place it on their shoulder. They carried these stones on their shoulder and into their new land. They placed the stones in their camp as a reminder of what the Lord had done for them.

There are several things that strike me about the story of Joshua, and the people of Israel stepping foot onto their new land. Firstly, the Lord himself was with them. The Ark of the Covenant held the spirit of God and the Ark went ahead of the people into the Jordan. The water formed a wall so the people could cross, which is reminiscent of the parting of the Red Sea during the Exodus. Once the wall was supernaturally formed, the Israelites could pass into their land. Thus, God was making a way for them. The next thing that I noticed is that each Israelite chosen from the 12 tribes had to place a stone on their shoulder, and bring that stone into the new land of inheritance. Why place the stone upon their shoulders? Well, if you go back to the prophecies about Jesus, it is clear why God had the 12 tribes’ members do this. In Isaiah 9:6 it says (regarding Jesus’ birth): “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”   We can see that Jesus was going to take on even the mightiest of men in the government. Perhaps the carrying of these stones was a reminder that in the end it is only Jesus who can carry the weight of the world’s problems- not the government or man. In addition, keep in mind the word of God says Jesus carries our burdens for us. Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden upon the Lord and he will sustain you.”

And what about this verse from Zechariah 12:3- “And in that day when all the nations are gathered against her (Israel), I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.”   This verse is symbolic. When the Israelites went into their land and God went before them, he had them place stones in the land they would enter as a reminder that HE was the one who brought them there. HE was the one who did it. In the last days, many nations will try to take the land from Israel, but GOD WILL NOT ALLOW THEM TO MOVE IT. ONLY GOD HAS THE SAY IN WHO INHERITS THE LAND AND WHO LAYS THE STONE.   Jesus, the chief cornerstone will set his feet on the Mount of Olives one day and set the record straight once and for all. Jerusalem belongs to the Lord. When the Israelites first entered the land the Lord said he would drive out all the peoples who tried to take their land and destroy them. The same will be true in the last days. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who has the government on his shoulders, will be the one to lay the final stone in Jerusalem.

Right now the governments of the world continue to try to bring peace to Jerusalem by negotiating with terrorists. They continue trying to move a stone they are not supposed to move. God has already set stones in place that are an irrevocable inheritance. Anyone who tries to remove those stones or mess with the land will be injured, or their land will be injured!

I’m not saying the government of Israel is perfect and hasn’t made mistakes. But, the truth is they are a democratic nation living around a sea of terrorist nations who hate the freedom of Westerners, and many who despise Christianity. Israel continues to be a light in a dark part of the world. Her very existence is a miracle of God.

The existence of the United States is a miracle as well. Yes, we are much larger than Israel, but the way we were formed as a nation is very similar to Israel.   Our countries are tied together.   This Fourth of July we will celebrate 240 years that have passed since the adoption of our Declaration of Independence. This independence would soon lead to a nation.   A big, beautiful, glorious nation.   Titanic was big, beautiful and glorious as well.   Yet, she sank in 2 hours and 40 minutes. Could 240 years of independence sink to the bottom of the ocean in a matter of hours? Yes, it could. I’ll tell you how, and I’ll tell you why. (Did you catch the 2 and 40 in both ?)

As a nation if we decide to blatantly go against God’s plan, what do YOU think will happen? What happened in the Bible when people went against God’s plan? And this isn’t just any plan. This is the plan for the world’s redemption. It all happens in Jerusalem.

I don’t know how it will all go down. I pray our nation will stand with God, and with his plan. I pray the United States will help Israel and encourage her to keep her God-given land. But I don’t know what our leaders will choose. Either way, I have a choice. I can be a sheep, or I can be a goat. In the Bible sheep listen to the shepherd’s voice. Goats go their own way and do whatever they want. In Matthew 25, verses 32-33, it says, “And he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.” Those on his right (the sheep) will receive an inheritance from the King of Kings.   If you are a sheep of the one true King you will know the word of God and the word says to stand with God’s plan. His plan has everything to do with Jerusalem. I have never read anywhere in the Bible where it says we should rely on government, world leaders or even religious leaders. In the end, you have to carry your own oil. The oil represents the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is Jesus living inside us.   If you have this (Jesus), you will know who to stand with.

Land is a precious thing. It’s precious to God and it’s precious to us.   Remember earlier when I was talking about the Louisiana Purchase and how France sold us this land by the grace of God- not just any land- the first land we acquired as a new nation (and without bloodshed!). Well, something interesting just happened in France recently.   As of early June the city of Paris has flooded. And not just your usual flooding. It reached its highest level in more than 30 years. More than 20,000 people were evacuated. Some nearby towns have not seen this kind of flooding for over 100 years. The Seine River has swelled to high levels and many say the sight of the flooding is a rare scene to behold. The Louvre, which holds some of the world’s most priceless works of art had to be closed, and artworks moved as a precaution. Why is all this significant? Because on June 3 a Israeli-Palestinian peace summit was held in Paris, coinciding with the flooding of Paris.   The French foreign minister is calling on all nations to back a two state solution. France has already laid out what they call the roadmap for a two state solution. This roadmap would put East Jerusalem back in Arab hands. It would ask Israel to give back land that is rightfully theirs. It is asking to divide God’s land.   I would suggest to France that they shouldn’t push this plan. They are asking for trouble. Israeli government officials did not attend this meeting as they are adamant that the Palestinians participate in direct talks with them. The Palestinian government refuses and will not even recognize Israel as a nation. Yet, the Palestinians expect their terrorist nation to be recognized.   It’s ludicrous! The meeting ended with pushing for an International Peace Conference in Paris at the end of the year as I mentioned earlier. I do not know how that will all go down, but I would be praying the U.S. supports Israel, and not the Palestinian government.

As I was in the process of writing this blog a friend of mine visited the St. Louis Arch in Missouri.   This arch is a monument in St. Louis, made from stainless steel. It is the world’s tallest arch, built as a memorial to Westward Expansion. It sits at the west bank of the Mississippi River. The Arch is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson, who sent out the explorers Lewis and Clark to explore the newly acquired land of the Louisiana Purchase. This land led to the expansion of our great nation, and opened the road to prosperity.   Now what I found interesting about this Arch is that it was opened to the public on June 10, 1967. This coincides with the last day of the Six Days War (June 10, 1967), in which Israel captured East Jerusalem and the West Bank from Jordan, the Golan Heights from Syria, and the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza from Egypt.   In this war, Israel significantly increased its land area, as well as its strategic land defenses.   If you look at the casualties for Israel, and the casualties for the Arab countries, it is clear that GOD WAS WITH ISRAEL. God allowed Israel to win.   Egypt lost between 10,000-15,000 soldiers (0ver 4,000 captured), Jordan lost 6,000 (533 captured), Syria lost 2,500 (590 captured), whereas Israel lost between 700-1000 soldiers total and only 15 soldiers captured. If you ask me it looks like a David versus Goliath battle!!! And who won the battle for Israel in that story? GOD! Seems to me if the Lord put this land into the hands of the nation of Israel,it would be best to leave it alone. Like I said before, Hurricane Katrina hit our land the last time we meddled in Israel’s business regarding their land. In fact, the Mississippi region was affected the worst . Perhaps the St. Louis arch, sitting at the western bank of the Mississippi, dedicated to the public on June 10, 1967, the last day of the Six Days War, is a reminder that our land is a blessing given to us by God, just like Israel’s land is a blessing.

What was it that David used to defeat Goliath? Oh yes, it was a stone. Before the battle, David chose five stones from the nearby stream to use in his fight against Goliath.   It’s interesting how God uses stones as symbols. Remember when the Israelites first inherited their new land? God held back the waters of the Jordan River so the Israelites could cross into their land. What did God have the members of the Twelve Tribes take from the river? Stones!!!   Very interesting if you ask me.   You can bet God means to make a point in all the stories of the Bible. Yes, as the Bible says, Jerusalem will become a burdensome stone. Israel is small like David was. Yet, all they will need in the end is God to defend them, which he will. What’s even more interesting is the new weapon that just became fully operational. In December 2015,  the Israel Missile Defense Organization announced they will deliver the DAVID’S SLING Missile System to the Israeli Air Force in 2016. This system not only takes down medium range missiles, but it can also be deployed against enemy aircraft.   It is designed to help protect Israel from the onslaught of threats by countries such as Iran, Lebanon and Syria.   Though, let’s think about the battle of David and Goliath. In the battle, David did not even wear the armor Saul offered to him.  Instead he went out to face Goliath in own clothes, minus the armor. He still won. Why? God.

When the enemy comes in and surrounds Israel on all sides one day, it will look like she is done. It will look like the battle is over. Yet, much like the story of David/Goliath, and the story of Gideon, it is the “little, most humble nation” that will win. At this point, little Israel will be on her last leg. Like the Lord of the Rings movies, it will look like the enemy has won. She will be outnumbered and utterly alone in the world. That’s when God does his best work. Will it be a stone God uses? Well, there will be some hailstones according to the Bible, but truly the victory will be sweeping and quick. It is then that the nation of Israel will see their Messiah, Jesus Christ, “step in the river” for them.   Remember, it was the priests whose feet first hit the water in the Jordan River. Jesus is our High Priest!   One day, it will appear that Israel’s land is no more. But, when it appears the enemy has the last word, Jesus will return with the force of a lion. His saints (his sheep) will return with him. The trumpet will sound and Jerusalem will be redeemed.

Until then who do you stand with? Do you stand with God’s plans for Jerusalem? America has always made a stand for Israel since they reformed in 1948. Where will America stand when the nations call for Israel to give up her land? Will we be standing with the sheep or the goats?

The roadmap to create a Palestinian state was released on April 30, 2003. This plan, headed by George Bush, was only released after the first ever Prime Minister of Palestine was elected- Mahmoud Abbas. It’s ironic that our very first President, George Washington, was inaugurated on April 30, 1789, 214 years before the release of this roadmap. George Washington dedicated our country to God on that very date.   I highly doubt George Washington would approve of the roadmap set forth by the United States Commander in Chief to create a state that doesn’t even recognize Israel exists, and has done nothing but try to kill and harm Israelis. Surely, Washington would know that roadmap can only lead to destruction. The very same Prime Minister (Mahmoud Abbas) who was elected back in 2003 is still in office, and he continually incites Palestinians to murder Israelis.  Wait, there’s one more thing. The Louisiana Purchase occurred on April 30 1803.   Do you see the coincidence of all three dates? April 30.

The blood moons of 1967/1968 were a call to the nations. They were God putting his signature in the sky saying, “Jerusalem is my land.” On 6-7-67 East Jerusalem was once again in Israel’s possession. (Now you know why I call my website 67owls!). The blood moons of 2014/2015 were a wake up a call to the nations as well. Since those blood moons we have seen the rise of ISIS, the world’s worst refugee crisis, terrorist attacks by the dozens, a Presidential race unlike any other, and the stages being set for the division of Jerusalem.   The wake -up call has been given.   Where are the watchmen on the wall? As for me, I tend to agree with Isaiah 62:

For Zion’s (Israel’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……no longer will they declare you deserted, or name your land desolate….for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married……….. so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your god rejoice over you.   I HAVE POSTED WATCHMEN ON YOUR WALLS, JERUSALEM; THEY WILL NEVER BE SILENT DAY OF NIGHT, you who call on the Lord give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.”

Interesting to think that as I finish this blog post, I realized the date. It is June 10, 2016, 49 years after the end of the 6 Days War, where Israel reclaimed much of their land, especially East Jerusalem.   I finished this on the anniversary of the last date of the Six Days War. What are the Chances?

 

UPDATE–  Since posting this blog (originally on June 13, 2016) severe, unprecedented, historic flooding has occurred in LOUISIANA- this flooding is being compared with Hurricane Sandy, which happened in 2012. As of August 19, 2016 the state has been hammered with at least 6.9 trillion gallons of rain.  Over 20,000 people have needed to be rescued, and 40,000 businesses and homes have been affected.  At least 30 parishes of Louisiana are now declared disaster areas.  What is causing the flooding?  The amount of rainfall (and snowmelt) is not able to be absorbed into the SOIL (the LAND), and rainwater is building up faster than the rivers can carry it away from the area.   The economic price tag for this natural disaster will possibly surpass the price tag of cleaning up Hurricane Sandy.  Currently Hurricane Katrina carried the highest price tag, followed by Sandy.    It seems to me our LAND is experiencing some real problems.   Remember – Louisiana was the first state carved out of the Louisiana Purchase on April 30, 1812, just nine years after the original  Louisiana Purchase on April 30, 1803.   Keep in mind that exactly 14 years earlier George Washington consecrated our country to God on April 30, 1789 near Ground Zero in New York City.   This is also the date the roadmap for a two state solution was released on April 30, 2003 (Israel and Palestine).  I’d say we need to stop messing with God’s land, and his plan!

 

Tie in with Titanic–   When Titanic set sail it was April 10, 1912.  Titanic leaves Southampton, England, headed for her first stop, which would be Cherbourg, France.  After this she heads to Ireland to make a stop.  Finally she sets sail for her grand (but disastrous) journey to New York City.  Of course, we all know she never made it there.  As I study the history I see something symbolic.  Titanic’s first stop was Cherbourg, France.  It makes me think of the land deal being negotiated right now- a land deal that would ask Israel to give away land. France is the main country ironing out the details of the deal.  The leaders of France are asking Israel give away Jerusalem.  If the deal is successful it is likely the vote would take place at the United Nations in New York City.  Hmm…..Titanic was sailing to New York City, yet she never made it there.  Instead she sank………..

NOTE:  The picture featured on this blog post is from the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon.  Lewis and Clark traveled along the Columbia River as they explored the Western Frontier.  They were just 450 miles away from the Pacific Ocean when they arrived at the Columbia.  As they entered the Columbia, little did they know they would encounter many dangerous rapids as they made their way to the Pacific.  Once they reached the Pacific Ocean, it was a beautiful, peaceful sight.  In fact Pacific means calm, peaceful.

Yes, we are going to encounter rapids if we make a stand for Israel.   But if we can make it through those rapids a great peace will await us.  The Prince of Peace………………