Gleanings of the Week
A time for understanding
The assassination of Charlie Kirk and reaction around the world continues. Right wing marches in London were energized by this event. Similar marches in other world capitals may be the harbinger of a reaction to wokeism and left-wing politics. Two other events merit comment this weekend.
Israel’s Attack on Qatar
Earlier this week Israel launched a missile attack on Hamas headquarters in Qatar. The Gulf nation has long been the nest for Hamas leadership. Evidently, the attack failed to take out the leaders. However, the brazen attack on Qatar soil was a first for Israel. It drew criticism from the United States and others. It shows Israel is intent on wiping out every vestige of Hamas and removing the threat to the Jewish state. Israel is preparing what seems like a final puck into Gaza to eliminate Hamas’ hold on the territory.
World opinion continues to turn against the Jewish state. At the UN later this month we may see the recognition of a Palestinian state. What is significant is the UK, Canada and Australia have called for this. It represents a break with American policy. Seeing these English-speaking nations call for an Arab state within the confines of the ancient land of Israel has historic implications.
A prophecy from Hosea mentions end time events. “The pride of Israel testifies to his face; Therefore Israel and Ephraim stumble in their iniquity; Judah also stumbles with them” (Hosea 4:5). America and the UK bound together by prophecy and history. Their policies at some point will have consequences for the Jewish state. Events will occur quickly.
America’s strategy of balancing power between the Arab nations is at risk by Israel’s actions. The major players of the region (Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan) may be drawn closer, to preserve their own interests. The Bible shows an end time coalition from the Middle East provokes a conflict that triggers other events (Daniel 11:40).
Russia Drones in Poland
The other event is the incursion into Polish air space of Russian drones. An estimated 19 Russian drones violated Polish airspace on Tuesday night, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization allied assets from Patriots to F-16s scrambled to take down the projectiles. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called the drone foray “absolutely reckless” and “not an isolated incident.”
Poland’s reaction is to call for NATO action. There are security guarantees when member states are attacked. NATO will not respond to this event. However, it highlights President Putin's brazen attitude toward the west. He feels they lack resolve. Despite the meeting with President Trump in Alaska, and the European leaders scurrying to the While House for a meeting, Russia continues to press its goals in Ukraine and resist all calls for a cease fire and end to the conflict.
The lesson? Perceived weakness invites aggression. In Europe this leads to disaster.
Much to watch when the UN comes together this month to mark its 80th anniversary.
Finally...
1 Chronicles 12:32 is on my mind. :...of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command”.
It was the period when David was consolidating his rule over all twelve tribes. One tribe exhibited wise discernment to come together with the rest and form one nation, under David's rule.
I will be writing a Beyond Today article off this theme. These events I have talked about illustrate the social, political and cultural forces at work in the world. One event, like an assassination, can have unforeseen consequences around the world. It is like the world is a tinder box of combustible material waiting for one spark, one event, to ignite forces that accelerate change.
The sons of Issachar “understood the times”. They had time to move in the right direction and secure their future. We are in a moment where we have time to understand and prepare. Spiritual preparation is before us. The kind that “makes our paths straight” (Mark 1.3).
We would all be wise at this moment to make sure our foundations are firm and secure.
Hi Mr. McNeely, thanks for your insight. I appreciate you highlighting the and alluding to some of the parallels we can draw from 1 Chr. 12, along with your comment about how one assassination can act as the catalyst for shaking up the entire world (e.g. 1914 the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand which kicked off WWI). Lots to consider.