Which is the greatest prison?

I received word the day before yesterday that my friends Zach and Rick had been releaesed from prison in Malaysia after their hearing--and not only that, they have no problems with their passports and are able to continue to stay in Malaysia. Praise God!! I am amazed by this. The best anyone was expecting was that they would be released but kicked out of the country, but God can exceed our greatest expectations.

I also got this report from a friend in Bethlehem, about the situation there and the desperation people feel:

"This is not a “separation fence” – it’s a solid concrete, 27’ high wall. And it appears as though there will be a gate keeping people in. Already they’re not allowed into Jerusalem – or into most any other city (they’re basically not allowed OUT of Bethlehem)....People aren’t allowed to leave for medical care, to visit sick or dying loved ones, to go to school, to go
anywhere. This is a prison...

"M. said she came home last night through the checkpoint and when she got down by this new section of wall there were 2 young men whom she thought had been turned away at the checkpoint (she’s probably right). She said the one young man walked up to the wall and started beating on it with his fists until they were bleeding and his friend grabbed him and took him away. They’re treated so badly and have exactly zero recourse – and it gets worse daily."

Hearing this story makes my heart break. The injustice of the situation--punishing the guilty and the innocent alike--is a stench before the Lord. And yet, when I think of this "prison," as well as the literal prison that my two friends were in unjustly, I am reminded that there is a greater prison according to the Word of God. The prison of our sin, the slavery to our own selfish desires, is far more terrifying and far more dangerous than any earthly prison could be. I rejoiced to think that my friends in Malaysia, though they were in prison, were far freer than the jailers and officials around them. "If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed." True freedom does not come through favorable hearings or political settlements. True freedom is not granted after a few years "for good behavior." True freedom comes only at the cost of the Blood of the Lamb. The only one who was truly free became a slave, obedient even to death, so that in Him we might gain true freedom. And so, in response, we may gladly call ourselves His slaves, knowing that whatever we give up for Him will be returned to us a thousand-fold. (I have an e-mail address that means "slave of Christ" in Arabic--sometimes I don't take that nearly seriously enough.)

So my prayer is for the prisoners in Malaysia, in Palestine, Israel and everywhere else--that the Messiah would come in their hearts and "proclaim freedom for the captives" (Is. 61:1, Luke 4:18). May these captives claim the promise of God given to those who trust in His redemption, His "yeshu'a", provided to us in the child born in Bethlehem.

For as in the day of Midian's defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.

Every warrior's boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.
-- Isaiah 9:4-7

God bless you all, and may you walk in the freedom given you in Christ, no matter what earthly prison you may find yourself in.

Seth

Thoughts on Jewish evangelism

I was referred by a friend to an article written by a Jewish believer in Jesus on the role of the Gentile in bringing the gospel to the Jewish people. It had a quote I wanted to present:

"A disconcertingly growing number of evangelicals who consider themselves to be friends of Israel have been satisfied with political and social support, often allying themselves with the more extreme elements of Israeli society. We all need to be reminded of the biblical priorities. Israel ensconced over all the Middle East, with the Palestinians at its feet, a temple in Jerusalem, and all the riches of the world available to it is still Israel in its sin, doomed to sin’s just rewards. Only through the gospel will Israel find what it truly needs: forgiveness of sins, a new heart with God’s law written on it and a right spirit."

Praise God! While I believe that it is God's commandment that we show friendship and love to the people of Israel (as well as to all other people on earth), we must not forget that ultimately, neither power nor wealth nor anything else will save us from sin--only the sovereign grace that God provides in Yeshua HaMeshiach. This critical lesson must always be applied to everyone in this conflict, including of course the Palestinians. An independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, will not save the Palestinians from their sin. Ridding themselves of the occupying Israeli army, gaining the right of return, having their children out of jail--none of these things will save them from their sins. Just as we desire the best of God's blessings on the people of Israel, we must also desire God's blessings on the Palestinians--peace, freedom, prosperity, families living together on the land they call home. And we must do what we can to bless both Israelis and Palestinians in practical ways. But ultimately, we absolutely must not confuse practical, material blessings and support of either people with the spiritual food that is Christ Jesus, the bread of life for all people, whether Jew or Gentile, Israeli or Arab or anyone else.

Take time to read the rest of the article as well; I find it very thought-provoking. May the Lord shower down the riches of His grace upon the people of Israel, and bring them to the joy of repentance at the foot of the Crucified. May they also find the inexpressable joy of dying to oneself and finding new life in Jesus, the Anointed King of Israel.

Seth

PS There has been some trouble in the camps in Bethlehem around the Bible College in recent weeks, according to friends of mine there. Please continue to pray for the residents of the camp, the soldiers, and anyone else involved, that they would be brought to reconciliation, that those who seek peace would be protected from their oppressors, and that violent men would be convicted of their sins and turn to Jesus. And pray that people at the Bible College would speak words of truth and love to residents and soldiers alike.