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Something very odd has happened to me lately in the realm of my spirit man. I have had an awakening to the stark reality of
eternity. Eternity is now looking down on me like a rifle scope, with it's cross hairs finely focused. I have awakened to
a new reality. Eternity IS eternal.
I have watched our cousins in Israel struggle, fight and defend itself agianst
overwhelming opposition. The lies and deception of political assaults spread around the world through worldly news mediums.
The nightly news page ten coverage of bloody events that break out within her borders, but the page one coverage of great
world leaders trying to hammer out peace agreements. But year after year the terror of events that threaten the safety and
security of Israel march on.
But over the years I have to admit I was indifferent and cold toward the land and
people of Israel. The events I saw happening did not fit nicely with my study of "eschatology". The pieces of the
puzzle did not fit together as I saw them in my "studies". There were times I would skip right over scriptures that
did not fit my life, situation or circumstances. Except for the golden nuggets I found, the Book of Hebrews seemed vague and
more suited to history. I failed to see it's passionate appeal for the Jewish brethren to realize and accept that the humble
carpenter from Nazareth was the Messiah for which they had so long waited and longed for. In my pride I didn't take fully
to heart; "For if God spared not the natural branches, TAKE HEED lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness
and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise
thou also shalt be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff
them in again. For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into
a good olive tree: HOW MUCH MORE SHALL THESE, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree? For I would
not, brethren, that ye should be IGNORANT OF THIS MYSTERY, LEST YE SHOULD BE WISE IN YOUR OWN CONEITS; that blindness in part
is happened to Israel, until the FULNESS OF THE GENTILES BE COME IN". (Rom 11:21-25)
Recently I had a dream
and found myself in Israel. Although I never have been there, I knew exactly where I was. I was in a high-rise building just
outside the city of Haifa, I looked out the window at the beautiful skies and water. The cars moving back and forth across
the highway. I spoke with myself "I have to sell everything, and find a way to get here and live!". My heart longed
for this beautiful and blessed land. The next instant I was wisked away and found myself walking along the street in the company
of an elder gentleman, who walked with a pronounced limp and a cane. I knew instinctively he was an Israeli who had seen much
hardship and war. He said "Come, I have something to show you". We walked into what appeared to be a museum. It
was full of artifacts and displays. As I walked and beheld this strange setting, I noticed the love of God permeated everything.
I looked and my guide was gone. I looked down a long stairway leading into darkness, and I heard him say "Come, follow
me". I was instantly in a beautiful underground gallery. As I walked along the arched corridor, I noticed many rooms
leading off of it. In one entrance to a room I saw a huge Bible. I realized that each room contained a rich history and record
of God's chosen people, very dear and near to the hear of the Father. My companion and then came into a massive domed room
with an engraved ceiling of magnificent art. The floor was covered as with one soft pillow. Instantly the glory of the new
Jerusalem was upon me. My Jewish companion and I fell slayed in the spirit to the floor. His spirit and mine became enmeshed
as one. An angel came over and ministered and sang songs to us. The peace was nothing I had ever experienced before. I was
flustered to find out I had awoken from that dream!
For two days, my spirit man was filled withe sweet, tender,
love the Father has for His chosen people and their land. Now, I had never seen Haifa before, except as a dot on the map.
I went to the Internet and saw pictures of the city that exactly matched my dreams! Oh, how I realized what a selfish pig
I had been. The heart of the Father was telling me the times of the gentiles is drawing to a close, and His focus is beginning
to turn to His chosen people. Boy, did I feel like a little pipaqueak, while His holy magnificence was magnified! I repented
until the blood of Jesus washed me white as snow and forgave me of my insolence. Praise Jesus, that day by day, I am becoming
smaller, and He is becoming greater in me!
I am grateful to discover a new love for the Jewish brethren. "For
by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been
all made to drink into one Spirit". (1Co 12:13) Lord God, I pray for the courage to live each day as if the cross hairs
of enternity are focused on me. "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be your name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be
done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day or daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, FOREVER. Amen.
Les Lyons
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