Lately, I've been thinking a lot about the week-long "Supernova Sukkot Gathering" in southern Israel attended by around 3,000, some from other countries. On the last day, October 7th, Hamas terrorists descended on the unarmed celebrants by gliders armed with machine guns and massacred at least 260. Though evil had its victory that day, anyone who escaped--the majority--was a miracle, so in that sense, God trumped evil.
That day was no doubt a huge wake-up call for those survivors. That Supernova event was billed as an open-air psychedelic trance music festival and a celebration of "friends, love and infinite freedom." (If you're not familiar with that style of music, go to the "psychedelic trance" link and listen to some samples.) Most were dancing, and some (maybe many) were drinking, drugging, and doing other things that manifested "infinite freedom." What a shock to be suddenly accosted by machine gun fire!!!!!!
However, Sukkot--the Hebrew name for Feast of Tabernacles--is one of the Lord's holy feast days found in Leviticus 23 when Jews remember and celebrate how God took care of Israel during the 40 years they wandered in the wilderness. "Sukkot" means tents, so they remember that they lived in tents in the desert and build "tents" on their patios and in restaurants to eat under for the week. The last day is the happiest of all. Tradition, not Scripture, has made it the day of rejoicing over the Torah (the word of God) when rabbis dance with the Torah scrolls in public with crowds of celebrants.
The Supernova music fest was a far cry from the Lord's purpose for that feast day. It's much like what we have done to Christmas, turning the birth of Jesus into expensive gift-giving and Santa Claus. Both are manifestations of our spiritual sickness. I believe God is using October 7th as a wake-up call to a slumbering, partying people all over the world.
The pro-Hamas rallies throughout the world are proof that Hamas isn't only in Israel, and that its dangers and threats are not just limited to Jews. These foul enemies have always declared openly that they are after the little Satan (Israel) and the big Satan (America). I fear America could be next and that the horrors of October 7 could be realized in our cities as well. Of course, it's been apparent for years (and especially since Biden opened up our borders) that the enemy is already within.
So, I believe October 7th was God's merciful wake-up call to warn us of what's coming. The Bible is clear that Israel will face much worse in years to come. But what of America? I believe God tried to wake us up on 9/11. Katrina might have been another one. How many are asking if October 7 is also a warning for America?
Will we party or pray? It's time for America to repent! But sadly, we--even Christians--are distracted by our toys and trifles. It's time to get serious about eternity and get right with God. PRAY FOR AMERICA!!!
For those of us who ARE awake, how do we deal with the fear of what might come in God's effort to turn America around? A recent story in a Voice of the Martyrs magazine gave me an answer. A Christian pastor ministering in a Muslim country was put in jail with a cell-full of Muslims. One night, one of them jumped on him screaming "Allah Akbar," while another one pulled out a knife. He thought surely he was going to die and said, "Thank you, Lord. I am coming to You." He also thought, "I am going to heaven, and this is a good day." (He didn't die that day because a guard rescued him in time.)
What a great response to the threat of death! Let's train ourselves to focus on heaven and the joy of being with Jesus instead of the horror evil may bring. Pray that this war causes every Israeli to turn their face back to God.
That day was no doubt a huge wake-up call for those survivors. That Supernova event was billed as an open-air psychedelic trance music festival and a celebration of "friends, love and infinite freedom." (If you're not familiar with that style of music, go to the "psychedelic trance" link and listen to some samples.) Most were dancing, and some (maybe many) were drinking, drugging, and doing other things that manifested "infinite freedom." What a shock to be suddenly accosted by machine gun fire!!!!!!
However, Sukkot--the Hebrew name for Feast of Tabernacles--is one of the Lord's holy feast days found in Leviticus 23 when Jews remember and celebrate how God took care of Israel during the 40 years they wandered in the wilderness. "Sukkot" means tents, so they remember that they lived in tents in the desert and build "tents" on their patios and in restaurants to eat under for the week. The last day is the happiest of all. Tradition, not Scripture, has made it the day of rejoicing over the Torah (the word of God) when rabbis dance with the Torah scrolls in public with crowds of celebrants.
The Supernova music fest was a far cry from the Lord's purpose for that feast day. It's much like what we have done to Christmas, turning the birth of Jesus into expensive gift-giving and Santa Claus. Both are manifestations of our spiritual sickness. I believe God is using October 7th as a wake-up call to a slumbering, partying people all over the world.
The pro-Hamas rallies throughout the world are proof that Hamas isn't only in Israel, and that its dangers and threats are not just limited to Jews. These foul enemies have always declared openly that they are after the little Satan (Israel) and the big Satan (America). I fear America could be next and that the horrors of October 7 could be realized in our cities as well. Of course, it's been apparent for years (and especially since Biden opened up our borders) that the enemy is already within.
So, I believe October 7th was God's merciful wake-up call to warn us of what's coming. The Bible is clear that Israel will face much worse in years to come. But what of America? I believe God tried to wake us up on 9/11. Katrina might have been another one. How many are asking if October 7 is also a warning for America?
Will we party or pray? It's time for America to repent! But sadly, we--even Christians--are distracted by our toys and trifles. It's time to get serious about eternity and get right with God. PRAY FOR AMERICA!!!
For those of us who ARE awake, how do we deal with the fear of what might come in God's effort to turn America around? A recent story in a Voice of the Martyrs magazine gave me an answer. A Christian pastor ministering in a Muslim country was put in jail with a cell-full of Muslims. One night, one of them jumped on him screaming "Allah Akbar," while another one pulled out a knife. He thought surely he was going to die and said, "Thank you, Lord. I am coming to You." He also thought, "I am going to heaven, and this is a good day." (He didn't die that day because a guard rescued him in time.)
What a great response to the threat of death! Let's train ourselves to focus on heaven and the joy of being with Jesus instead of the horror evil may bring. Pray that this war causes every Israeli to turn their face back to God.