Timon Studler via Unsplash
Mark Huey delivers the April 2021 Outreach Israel News update.
This past year has certainly had its ups and downs! Never in recent memory have the people of the world been so consumed by the ebb and flow of information, misinformation, and disinformation that reverberates from one end of the emotional and spiritual spectrum to the other end. This is extremely challenging, because the great majority of men and women around the globe simply want to live a life that is tranquil and without controversy. Waking up every day to a routine that ensures sustenance and the opportunity to exercise basic God-given rights, is what most desire. However, in this increasingly interconnected world, especially since the technological advances of the Digital Age have accelerated the flow and capture of information, access is instantly available at one’s fingertips through the increasingly ubiquitous World Wide Web or Internet. Perhaps these monikers should have been an obvious warning sign that a “web” has been spun to “net” unsuspecting victims into a psychological trap, which has exploited the human proclivity to seek knowledge that would help avoid pain or displeasure. After all, even the Holy Writ recommends wise decision making is a result of multiple counselors:
“Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory” (Proverbs 11:14, NASU).
“Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22, NASU).
“For by wise guidance you will wage war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory” (Proverbs 24:6, NASU).
But what happens when the available informational sources for counsel are deceptively designed to achieve certain agendas, for their own aggrandizement or nefarious purposes? Think back to the Garden of Eden. In their naivete, Adam and Eve were deceived by the wily scheme of the Serpent, which suggested the possibility of them being “like God” to induce disobedience to the one known prohibition in the Garden. Obviously receiving information or “counsel” from ONE source had horrific consequences! Lamentably, humanity ignorantly continues along the path that leads to destruction. Certainly, Believers indwelt with the presence of the Holy Spirit should know better—and not only search out a matter—but recognize and investigate the sources to discern the credibility of the information. After all, as a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9; Exodus 19:6, Revelation 1:6), would it not be wise to take this sage advice used by royalty to search out a matter?
“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter” (Proverbs 25:2, NASU).
In addition, note this promise regarding some of the “secret things” of God’s Creation have been revealed to His beloved children:
“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 29:29, NASU).
However, appreciate the caveat in this statement, “that we may observe all the words of this law,” which means obedience to His ways perhaps to receive His guidance and blessings. Certainly, the historical record found in the Scriptures and down through world history, reflects the different consequences of obedience or disobedience to God’s immutable Word. But these are modern times and scouring ancient texts for wisdom and knowledge is considered antiquated thinking by those “enlightened” by the Information/Digital Age. Or so they say, as they cleverly and conveniently use the omnipresent “light images” emanating from celluloid screens, televisions, computer monitors, smartphones, and now even watches to bombard impressionable minds with their opinionated propaganda. Yet, just a mere two hundred and fifty or so years ago, there was an American generation not encumbered by these persuasive brainwashing tools, who relied instead upon the written words found in the classic literature penned over the millennia. Of course, this included the Holy Scriptures, because by and large, most people simply observing nature understood that there must have been a Creator God:
“[B]ecause that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:19-20, NASU).
Consequently, in America the great majority of the Founding Fathers were, if not Christians, at the very least, Deists who believed in God. Hence, the foundational principles of the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were accepted as “God given” and have been enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and codified in the Constitution of the United States of America. Over the 245 years since the documents were signed and overwhelmingly agreed to by “We the People,” some additional amendments have been added to wisely rectify anticipated changes in the evolution of the Republic. By the grace of God, these documents have survived the test of time, but due to the advancement of science, technology, and the programming implements mentioned above, the ability to sway public opinion has grown exponentially. Now instead of a printed pamphlet like Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, motivating colonists to consider extricating the Thirteen Colonies from the tyrannical clutches of George III, a simple Tweet or image on an electrically connected device by influential people can convince people to disregard the Bill of Rights found in the Constitution. The utopic “Brave New World” envisioned by Aldous Huxley and George Orwell has arrived and logically it continues to use the Hegelian dialectic (a philosophy where a thesis is proposed, a response comes by anthesis, and a resolution is offered by synthesis). This is another way of stating the universal understanding that to attain power of whatever type, one simply divides to conquer. Even the nascent United States of America knew this damaging principle when many of the emerging States included this motto in their state constitutions: “United we stand, divided we fall.”
Providentially, the Messiah Yeshua specifically addressed this diabolically inspired means of surreptitious persuasion, as recorded in the Synoptic Gospel accounts found in Matthew 12:25-28; Mark 3:22-26; and Luke 11:17-20. For brevity’s sake, here is the account from Mark:
“The Torah scholars who came down from Jerusalem said, ‘He’s possessed by beelzebul,’ and, ‘By the ruler of demons He drives out demons.’ He called them and began speaking to them in parables: ‘How can satan drive out satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand but his end has come’” (Mark 3:22-26, TLV).
Here when Yeshua was challenged by the Torah scholars about His ability to cast out demons, He categorically stated the universal principle that when a house, or by extension a family, society, nation is divided, it will not be able to stand. In other words, division is the primary means of destroying any institution on the planet. Now one can understand why certain invisible forces referenced in the following verse are working overtime to divide people in America to radically transform the Republic founded upon Judeo-Christian beliefs:
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12, NASU).
However, the fundamental problem that must be contended with is this: there exists in the world two types of people. Those who (1) believe in the claims about Yeshua the Messiah, regarding His atonement, resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of the Father, and (2) those who totally reject it and believe in their human ability, denying the obvious existence of a Creator (as noted previously in Romans 1:19-20). These diametrically opposed belief systems naturally create the incessant conflict that has been recorded down through the annals of history.
Now as the End of the Age approaches, the battle lines between these two belief systems are evident, as division is being exploited on a variety of issues. Clearly, race or ethnicity, because it is visibly apparent, is the number one divider, just as it has been down through the millennia. Add to that the matters of gender and class status, and the division becomes nearly universal. But for those in the Kingdom of God, the Apostle Paul addressed these differences in his writing to the Galatians, by reminding them of their equal status by their faith in Yeshua:
“But the Scripture has locked up the whole world under sin, so that the promise based on trust in Messiah Yeshua might be given to those who trust. Now before faith came, we were being guarded under Torah—bound together until the coming faith would be revealed. Therefore the Torah became our guardian to lead us to Messiah, so that we might be made right based on trusting. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. For you are all sons of God through trusting in Messiah Yeshua. For all of you who were immersed in Messiah have clothed yourselves with Messiah. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female—for you are all one in Messiah Yeshua. And if you belong to Messiah, then you are Abraham’s seed—heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:22-29, TLV).
This passage is a great reminder about the position of a faithful follower of the Messiah in the Kingdom of God, regardless of race, gender, or class. What more could one want than to be a “joint heir” (Romans 8:17) of the promises made in the Holy Scriptures? However, currently there are even more subtle distinctions being made to divide not only Believers and non-Believers, but also those in whatever category one finds him or herself. Many divergent beliefs, opinions, choices, or decisions are fiendishly designed to propagate division, suspicion—and belligerent reactions between the competing views, ideas, and thoughts. Take, for example, the following list of divisive issues that presently permeate the increasingly post-Christian American culture: (1) election integrity or fraud, (2) vaccinations or anti-vaccination, (3) pro choice or pro life, (4) socialism or capitalism, (5) liberal or conservative, (6) open borders or closed borders, (7) COVID-19 virus or a manipulated hoax, (8) mask or no-mask, (9) SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity) or male and female, just to name a few.
Regrettably, when people take a firm position on any of these topics, they become adamant and unwilling to even listen to any rational arguments on the opposite side. This inevitably has led to strained relationships with family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, or whomever else, whenever a constructive dialog is attempted. Consequently, the result is a serious breakdown of relationships, as common ground is virtually unattainable. Have you experienced the tension? This begs the question: What should those in the Body of Messiah do, given these tenuous circumstances, especially when those with a different opinion on any of these subjects is a fellow follower of the Messiah? After all, it has been said that it is impolite to discuss religion or politics at dinner or in polite company, but has the “woke” culture now expanded the list of verboten topics to a point where civil discourse is uncomfortable or nearly impossible?
Certainly, for the sake of the Gospel and the ability to share the truths about the atonement available because of the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, one hopes not. Nevertheless, there are two different perspectives spoken by the Messiah, which reflect two sides of the controversy that His very existence and the accomplished work of redemption have created. First is the reality that by His very presence and claims people will be divided into the faithful and those without faith. While addressing His Twelve Disciples, encouraging them to be as “wise as serpents, but gentle as doves” when they are sent out to share the good news, He adds these clarifying words that are difficult for many to process:
“So do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed and nothing hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear in your ear, proclaim from the housetops! And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them shall fall to the ground apart from your Father’s consent. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are worth more than many sparrows. Therefore whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I came to bring shalom on the earth; I did not come to bring shalom, but a sword. For I have come to set ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household.’ He who loves father or mother more than Me isn’t worthy of Me, and he who loves son or daughter more than Me isn’t worthy of Me. And whoever does not take up his cross and follow after Me isn’t worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 10:26-39, TLV).
Yeshua reminds His Disciples not to fear men or their actions, or the need for sustenance, but instead only fear the Holy One of Israel. In addition, one primary purpose of His life’s work is to require people to choose to believe He is the Son of God or not believe He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). This binary choice necessarily will not bring peace or shalom, but instead a sword of division, even in households. This is an uncomfortable reality that is ironically being revealed by many of the discussions and disagreements referenced above. Perhaps you have experienced some arguments, quarrels, or conflicts with your parents, offspring, siblings, or lifelong friends who have claimed the same beliefs that you have in the Messiah. This is perplexing to say the least! But because of the plethora of competing opinions and the cleverness of the unseen forces to brainwash unsuspecting souls, utilizing the available tools to inform and persuade, this is understandable.
However, there is a solution provided by the Messiah that does not contradict His earlier advice to the disciples that is found in Yeshua’s closing comments and prayers at His Last Supper or Seder, as recorded in John 13-17. Here, as Yeshua is preparing to be the sacrificial Lamb of God, He offers considerable instructions and guidance that summarize much of His redemptive mission to the world. Perhaps one of the most important commands to His disciples then and followers of the Messiah today is noted in the command to unconditionally love (agape) one another:
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so also you must love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35, TLV).
In many regards, this command to all the followers of the Messiah through the ages is critical for fulfilling the mission to take the good news to the nations. Of course, the enablement to not only unconditionally love one another, and by extension even love (agape) those who claim to be disciples with another opinion on different matters, is only possible by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh). After all, when people allow their emotions and personal choices or opinions to override the imperative to love others, the carnal nature tends to become stiff-necked and uncompromising toward others with a different view on a matter. To overcome this tendency, Believers need to be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit or Helper is trying to communicate through chosen vessels subject to His leading and sharing with others:
“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away! For if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; concerning righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. I still have much more to tell you, but you cannot handle it just now. But when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; but whatever He hears, He will tell you. And He will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify Me, because He will take from what is Mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is Mine. For this reason I said the Ruach will take from what is Mine and declare it to you” (John 16:7-15, NASU).
Ultimately, as the children of God adhere to the promptings of the Holy Spirit when it comes to loving one another among the brethren with different opinions, the supernatural unity in the Messiah, despite the differences, prevails. A notable transformation takes place between people with divergent opinions, because the oneness found in the Messiah superintends whatever petty differences exist on debatable matters. Hence the Body of Messiah can fulfill this conclusion to Yeshua’s prayers to His Disciples:
“But now I am coming to You. I say these words while I am still in the world, so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world hated them, because they are not of the world just as I am not of the world. I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Make them holy in the truth. Your word is truth. Just as You sent Me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I make Myself holy, so that they also may be made holy in truth. I pray not on behalf of these only, but also for those who believe in Me through their message, that they all may be one. Just as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You, so also may they be one in Us, so the world may believe that You sent Me. The glory that You have given to Me I have given to them, that they may be one just as We are one—I in them and You in Me—that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me and loved them as You loved Me. Father, I also want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory—the glory You gave Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world did not know You, but I knew You; and these knew that You sent Me. I made your Name known to them, and will continue to make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them” (John 17:13-26, TLV).
Can you imagine what a testimony the visible unity among Believers around Yeshua’s words of truth, far beyond the differences of opinion on certain topics, will be to the world population that is constantly judging those who claim belief in Him? Of course, the father of lies or deceiver, and wicked rulers in high places, do not want this to happen, so the areas of contention will continue to exist. But is it possible that true Believers can overcome the disputes, without compromise, and continue to extend the love (agape) of the Messiah not only among themselves but to the world at large?
This is our prayer, and quite frankly, it begins with each one of us, one person at a time. After all, for us as American Believers in the Judeo-Christian ethos and the national motto “In God We Trust,” who better to lead the way to initiate the long sought for healing of the great divisions rampant in our culture? For most assuredly, “United We Stand, Divided We Fall!”
Finally, as always, Outreach Israel Ministries and Messianic Apologetics continue to do our parts on the assignments given to us to advance God’s Kingdom on Earth. We are genuinely appreciative of our partners, who pray and financially support our many efforts. Thank you very much!
Until the restoration of all things,
Mark Huey
