The Destruction of Gaza- Predicted Over 2000 Years Ago.

 I would be remiss if I did not speak about the events taking place in the Middle East. While the world has been focused on Russia and Ukraine, events in the Middle East are fulfilling Bible prophecy concerning end-time events. 

The Bible prophecy concerning the destruction of Gaza and Damascus is a topic that has captivated scholars and believers alike. The awe-inspiring nature of these prophecies leaves us in awe concerning the foresight found within Scripture. 

 According to biblical accounts, these prophecies predict the downfall and devastation of both Gaza and Damascus. The specific details outlined in these prophecies have astounded many, aligning with recent events unfolding throughout the past weeks. 

 As we delve into the intricacies of these prophecies, we are left awe-struck by their relevance and impact on our understanding of present events. The accuracy with which they describe the destruction and turmoil foretold for these ancient cities is genuinely remarkable. 

 Examining such prophetic passages gives us a deeper appreciation of the power and significance of end-time prophecies. These prophecies continue to spark curiosity, leaving us in awe of their ability to foreshadow events that would unfold centuries later.  In exploring this topic, we are reminded again of the timeless wisdom of sacred scriptures and their profound impact on our understanding of past, present, and future events. 

Please turn with me to chapter 2 of the Book of Zephaniah. Here, we have the judgment of Gaza. To put this in the present perspective, let us look at what is happening now. 

The Israeli military is going on the offense against Hamas with force "like never before," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed, more than 48 hours after a devastating and "surprising attack" that has left at least 900 people dead in Israel. 

In response, Israel has pounded the enclave with airstrikes. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza's health ministry. 

Hamas said civilian hostages would be executed and the killings broadcast if Israel targets people in Gaza without warning. The group claims to hold over 100 hostages, including Israeli army officers. 

US President Joe Biden said at least 11 Americans were killed in the Hamas attacks, and others are likely being held as hostages. 

Who is Hamas 

Hamas is an Islamist militant movement and one of the Palestinian territories' two major political parties. It governs more than two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, but the group is best known for its armed resistance to Israel. In October 2023, Hamas launched a massive surprise attack on southern Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers and taking dozens more as hostages. In response, Israel has declared war on the group and indicated its military is planning a long campaign to defeat it.  

Dozens of countries have designated Hamas a terrorist organization, though some apply this label only to its military wing. Iran provides it with material and financial support, and Turkey reportedly harbors some of its top leaders. Its rival party, Fatah, which dominates the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and rules in the West Bank, has renounced violence. The split in Palestinian leadership and Hamas's unwavering hostility toward Israel have diminished prospects for stability in Gaza. 

A spin-off of the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood in the late 1980s, the Islamist militant group Hamas took over the Gaza Strip after defeating its rival political party, Fatah, in elections in 2006. 

The United States and European Union have designated Hamas a terrorist organization because of its armed resistance against Israel, including suicide bombings and rocket attacks. 

Israel has declared war on Hamas following its surprise assault on southern Israel in 2023, the deadliest attack on the country in decades. 

One should ask why Hamas would strike Israel, knowing they would not win the war. The audacity and determination to attack Israel, despite the odds stacked against them, makes one ask the question: does Hamas care what happens to the people they represent? Knowing that victory may seem unattainable, one might wonder why they would embark on such a dangerous mission. However, it is essential to consider that Hamas operates under different circumstances and motivations. Their actions are driven by a deep-rooted hatred for their cause and an unwavering commitment to the destruction of Israel. While the odds may appear unfavorable, they are driven by a hatred that defies conventional logic. Hama's' attacks on Israel serve multiple purposes beyond simply achieving military victory. They aim to raise awareness about their grievances, assert their presence and resistance in the face of oppression, and galvanize support from both domestic and international audiences. If they can turn world opinion against Israel, they will have accomplished a significant victory. With the overkill response of Israel, world opinion is changing in favor of Hamas. Moreover, Hamas understands the power of asymmetrical warfare tactics. They leverage guerilla warfare strategies, such as rocket attacks and suicide bombings, to damage Israel's security infrastructure while evading confrontation with its formidable military forces. The Hamas leadership remains far removed from the destruction that is taking place in Gaza. While the Palestinian people are dying, the Hamas leadership safely hides away from the destruction. In essence, Hamaas' decision to attack Israel despite the apparent imbalance in power showcases their unwavering resolve and dedication to their cause. It is a testament to the depths of the hatred that drives them forward, even in seemingly impossible circumstances.

What does the Bible say about Gaza?  

First, look at what the LORD promised to do regarding judgment. 

The word of the LORD, which came to Zephaniah.

The word of the LORD which came to Zephaniah: This first verse of the prophecy of Zephaniah sets it apart from most other prophets in that he told us both his time and his lineage. Zephaniah was an unusual prophet because he was of royal lineage, descending from the godly King Hezekiah. 

"I will utterly consume everything. From the face of the land," Says the LORD; "I will consume man and beast; I will consume the birds of the heavens, The fish of the sea, And the stumbling blocks along with the wicked. I will cut off man from the face of the land," Says the LORD. 

 (4-6) Judgment is promised to idolaters. "I will stretch out My hand against Judah, AND against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I will cut off every trace of Baal from this place, The names of the idolatrous priests with the pagan priests'

Those who worship the host of heaven on the housetops; Those who worship and swear oaths by the LORD, But who also swear by Milcom; Those who have turned back from following the LORD, and have not sought the LORD, nor inquired of Him." 

  Against Judah: The promise of judgment in Zephaniah 1:2-3 was broad enough to include the whole earth and to allow some to think that God did not mean them. Now, God focused on His people in the land of Judah, and He would not let them believe that He spoke just to others. 

God said: "Baal and the idols are going to go. You can get rid of them in righteousness, or I will get rid of them in judgment, but rest assured that they are going to go."  

Be silent in the presence of the Lord GOD: God addresses the royalty of Judah in a way they aren't used to hearing. He tells them to "shut up" and listen to His pronouncement of judgment – a sacrifice of judgment made against a wicked nation. 

I will search Jerusalem with lamps: No one can hide against God's judgment. It is coming; even if God must get out the lamps or searchlights, He will find them. 

 "Unlike Diogenes, the pre-Christian Greek philosopher who was searching for an honest man, the LORD in this context does not seek righteousness but sin to punish and eradicate."

 Punish the men who are settled in complacency: The LORD promised judgment against those who felt that God was distant or detached from their lives and have thus become complacent. A Gallup survey in 2015 determined that 65% of Israelis say they are either "not religious" or "convinced atheists," while 30% say they are "religious". 

The LORD will not do good, nor will He do evil: Some people believe in God as a great "clockmaker" who created the universe, wound it up, and then left it ticking without any further intervention from Him. Those who believe there is no God, or if He is, He has nothing to do with man, are terribly and tragically wrong. 

  

The description of judgment. 

(14-16) The intensity of judgment. 

The great day of the LORD is near; It is near and hastens quickly. The noise of the day of the LORD is bitter; There, the mighty men shall cry out. That day is a day of wrath, A Day of trouble and distress, A Day of devastation and desolation, 

A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness, A day of trumpet and alarm against the fortified cities And against the high towers. 

  

The great day of the LORD is near: The term day of the LORD (used more than 25 times in the Bible) does not necessarily refer to one specific day; it speaks of "God's time." The idea is that now is the day of man, but the day of man will not last forever. One day, the Messiah will end the day of man and bring forth the day of the LORD. That day is a day of wrath: It is a day of wrath because man will not give up without a fight and because mankind will receive the just penalty for his rebellion against the LORD. Zephaniah paints the picture powerfully with the repeated description, "a day of…" 

 . (17-18) The certainty of judgment. 

"I will bring distress upon men, and they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD; Their blood shall be poured out like dust, And their flesh like refuse." Neither their silver nor their gold Shall be able to deliver them In the day of the LORD's wrath; But the whole land shall be devoured By the fire of His jealousy, For He will make speedy riddance Of all those who dwell in the land. 

I will… I shall: God wants to make it plain and sure that He will judge a rebellious Judah. If they do not repent, there will be no holding back from the completion of His judgment. 

 Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them: Men trust in silver and gold, but it will do them no good on the day of God's judgment. 

 This is what the LORD has promised to do. 

The last chance. 

(1-2) Repent while there is still time. 

Gather yourselves together, yes, gather together undesirable nation, Before the decree is issued, Or the day passes like chaff, Before the LORD's fierce anger comes upon you, before the day of the LORD's anger comes upon you!  

Gather yourselves together: The idea is to gather solemnly to demonstrate national mourning and repentance. Before the decree is issued: All the announcement of judgment in the previous chapter is understood as a warning and an invitation to repentance. The often-unwritten theme behind every prophecy of judgment is, "This is what will happen if you do not repent." Here, the prophet pleads with the nation to repent before it is too late. 

Before the day passes like chaff: Here, the prophet called for a sense of urgency in repentance. Each day passes like chaff, and there is nothing to show for the day if we neglect what is most important: getting right and staying right with God..  

How easy it is to let the days pass like chaff and never get right with God! Often, the devil's most potent lie isn't that there is no God, Bible, or truth – often, his most potent lie is that there is no hurry. Nevertheless, today is the day of salvation. 

The last chance. 

Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth, Who has upheld His justice? Seek righteousness; seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden. In the day of the LORD's anger. 

Seek the LORD, all you meek: Even the righteous must heed this warning. It would do them no good to say, "The LORD speaks to my wicked neighbor and not me." Even the righteous must seek the LORD at a critical moment of national danger. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the LORD's anger: In more than one place, God promises to hide His righteousness in the day of great judgment. This is especially relevant to the time of the Great Tribulation when Jesus warned us to Watch therefore and always pray that we may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happened and to stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:36) 

Judgment against the nations. 

(4-7) Judgment against the Philistines. For Gaza shall be forsaken, And Ashkelon desolate; They shall drive out Ashdod at noonday, And Ekron shall be uprooted. Woe to the inhabitants of the seacoast, The nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines: "I will destroy you; So, there shall be no inhabitant." 

The seacoast shall be pastures, With shelters for shepherds and folds for flocks. The coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; They shall feed their flocks there; In the houses of Ashkelon. They shall lie down in the evening. For the LORD, their God will intervene for them and return their captives. 

For Gaza shall be forsaken Judgment will come against an unrepentant Judah but also against the pagan nations neighboring Judah. God promises to destroy the cities of the Philistines and give their land as pasture for the remnant of the house of Judah. 

There is nothing we can do to stop what the LORD has set in motion. The LORD moved upon the prophet to tell us what is coming and to prepare us for the judgment of the LORD. The Synagogue of Satan will be destroyed. Judgment will fall upon the Edomites of Israel as well as the ungodly wicked deniers that Jesus is the Son of God. What is important is your soul is ready to meet the LORD.

  

  

  

  

  

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Bitterness A Deadly Sin

 I have been speaking on the Sermon on the Mount for the past few Sundays; the last message was Forgiveness and reconciliation. This message will continue to build on the text found in Matthew 5:24. Forgiveness and reconciliation are essential to prevent the root of bitterness from defiling the church. 

I came from a family of nine children. I was taught the importance of your family. My mother knew that if issues were not addressed quickly, feelings would develop to divide the family. Her method of discipline was different from my father's. My father used physical punishment to discipline us. He believed that "spare the rod spoils the child." He made it very clear: do it again, and you would get more of the same. The problem was it did not change our feelings toward one another. We waited our time to get back at the one we were fighting with.

 On the other hand, my mother would have us stand facing each other and say I am sorry, forgive me and then we had to hug each other and kiss. I would rather take a beating than say sorry, ask Forgiveness, and hug and kiss my brother or sister. My mother would stand there, tears running down her face, waiting for us to act. Sometimes, she would have us pray and ask the LORD to forgive us for how we treated our brother or sister. If that were not enough, during our family prayer before going to bed, she would pray for us by name and ask the LORD to help us to love one another. 

I am the oldest of nine children, and I must say that I love my brothers and sisters and want them to make it to heaven. They are my family. I do not wish to have regrets for unresolved issues between my family.

I have the same wish for my church family. 

Do you know what makes it challenging to be a pastor? Understanding the problems and wanting to do the work of the Holy Spirit. Why would you listen to me if you will not listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to you? 

How often do we sing the song The Family of God and we will not speak to one another over some petty difference? We allow Satan to bring discord and division because of our pride and the root of bitterness in our hearts.

Hebrews 12:15, in the King James Version, refers to a "root of bitterness" which, if it springs up, will "trouble you, and thereby many be defiled." What exactly is this "root," and how can it defile many? True to the purpose of the Book of Hebrews, we can find some explanations in the Old Testament, which are confirmed by other uses in the New Testament. 

 First, a more recent translation of the entire verse is helpful. The New International Version reads, "See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many" (Hebrews 12:15). This passage is directed at the whole church. 

 In the Hebrew culture, any poisonous plant was called a "bitter" plant. Poison destroys, and the result of ingesting a toxic plant would be bitter. The author of the book of Hebrews uses a "bitter root" as a metaphor for that which would harm the church. 

 A verse in the Pentateuch closely mirrors the wording in Hebrews. In Deuteronomy 29, Moses reviews the covenant between God and Israel. In this context, he says, "Make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison" (Deuteronomy 29:18). This particular "bitter poison" is idolatry in defiance of the covenant. Throughout the Old Testament, the Hebrew word translated as "bitter poison" refers either to the unfaithful (Deuteronomy 29:18; Amos 6:12) or to their punishment (Jeremiah 8:14; 9:15; 23:15). 

 Moving to the New Testament, we have another reference to the destructive power of bitterness. While rebuking Simon the Sorcerer, Peter tells him to repent of his wickedness, with an added insight: "I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin" (Acts 8:23). Simon's wickedness was his desire to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, treating God as a commodity to enhance his career as a magician. 

 So, the "bitter root" in Hebrews refers to a source of evil or wickedness within the church. A root may grow small and slow but is malignant and dangerous if it carries poison. Sin in the church must be diligently rooted out; the result of tolerating wickedness is that "many" will be defiled. 

 Often, within the church, we feel that all one needs to do is ask God to forgive us, and all is well. God's Forgiveness is the first step to being reconciled with God. The second step is forgiving those who wronged us and finding reconciliation with them. The wrong we perceive that has been done to us causes bitterness. We need to address the root cause of the bitterness in our hearts.  

 Jesus is giving us the steps to resolve the bitterness hindering our relationship with God and our fellow man. 

The root causes of bitterness, a topic that delves into the depths of human emotions, is what I will address in today's message. Bitterness, that lingering feeling of resentment and anger, can have various underlying factors contributing to its emergence. 

 One cause is unresolved conflicts or grievances. When we hold onto past hurts and refuse to address them, bitterness can take root and fester within us.  

 When we hold on to past grievances, it is often projected onto others without realizing what we are doing. 

 Resolving conflicts can be a challenging and emotional process. Sometimes, when we encounter individuals who remind us of these unresolved conflicts, bitterness can arise within us. It is as if the wounds are reopened, and the pain resurfaces. 

 How often have you heard someone make the statement, I cannot stand that person; they remind me of my mom, dad, brother, sister, you put in the person. 

 The mere presence of these individuals can trigger a range of negative emotions - anger, resentment, and frustration. It feels like they hold a mirror to our unfinished business, reflecting the unresolved issues we have yet to confront. 

Do you realize that your continued focus on the person who wronged you will mold you into the person you despise? Have you ever heard someone say you are just like your father, mother, or person you cannot stand?

 In such moments, it is essential to acknowledge these reminders' power over us. They serve as catalysts for growth and self-reflection. As uncomfortable as it may be, facing these reminders head-on can lead to profound healing and personal transformation.  

 By embracing this opportunity for introspection, we can better understand ourselves and our triggers. We can learn to navigate bitterness with grace and compassion towards ourselves and those who inadvertently stir up our unresolved conflicts. 

 Through this process, we can break free from the chains of bitterness and find solace in resolution. 

Another source may be unmet expectations, when our hopes and desires are dashed, leading to disappointment and bitterness. 

Furthermore, comparison and envy can fuel bitterness as we constantly measure ourselves against others' achievements or possessions. This toxic mindset breeds resentment and a sense of inadequacy. 

Personal betrayal or perceived injustice can also be catalysts for bitterness. When trust is broken or we feel wronged by others, it can be challenging to let go of the resulting bitterness. 

With awareness comes the potential for growth and transformation. Let us explore these causes further to cultivate a more harmonious existence free from bitterness. 

Bitterness in the heart can be a heavy burden, but fear not, for you can take steps to overcome it. You can find solace and regain your inner peace by embracing these steps with an open mind and a determined spirit. 

Firstly, self-reflection is critical. Take the time to ponder on the root causes of your bitterness. Is it a past hurt or betrayal? Understanding where it stems from will help you gain clarity and perspective. It would be best first to acknowledge your bitterness's root cause.  

Once you have acknowledged your root cause, ask God to forgive you for the bitterness in your heart. 

Next, Forgiveness is a powerful tool in healing a bitter heart. It may not be easy, but by forgiving those who have wronged you, you release yourself from the prison of resentment and allow room for growth and healing. AS God has forgiven you, forgiving others is foundational to your relationship with God. 

133 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;

3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, Rom. 15:5

 By following these steps with determination and an open heart, you can gradually overcome bitterness and embrace a more joyful existence.