Elisha Vision – Commentary

How the Mighty Have Fallen!

With the news of Ariel Sharon’s death, we must consider the proper attitude for Christians to express toward his memory. My first thought was “How the mighty have fallen!” My commentary of January 6, 2014, Ariel Sharon and Judgment, documented his worst mistake. However, this is the time to honor his memory, not celebrate his passing. Here is a quote from that posting.

“Please know that I take no joy in these facts, but they show an aspect of God that we must embrace if we live by the Bible. Even God Himself takes no pleasure in anyone’s death.”

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord Yehovah. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord Yehovah. “Therefore turn and live!” Ezekiel 18:30-32

So, for an example of our proper response, I see two important points drawing on God’s revealed character and the example of King David.  Look at King David’s cry over the death of King Saul and Jonathan.

Then David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son, and he told them to teach the children of Judah the Song of the Bow; indeed it is written in the Book of Jasher: ​​“The beauty of Israel is slain on your high places! ​​How the mighty have fallen! ​​Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon—​​Lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.” 2 Samuel 1:17-20

1. Honor the anointing: Remember David’s refusal to kill Saul earlier because Saul was “God’s anointed.” David understood that God does not rejoice in the death of a man. He honored the anointing of Saul even to his death. Saul tried to kill David, yet he never wavered from respecting the anointing.

Ariel Sharon was chosen by God to be Prime Minister of Israel, his failures and critical mistakes notwithstanding. The Hebrew meaning of the name “Ariel” means “lion of God.” May Yehovah have mercy on his soul.

2. Don’t gloat about it: David warned about the response of the Philistines. Even today, we know the Palestinians will celebrate Sharon’s death. We must watch what spirit we have. It is a time to grieve not a time rejoice. If you read the full account in 2 Samuel 1, you will see that David ordered the execution of the young Amalekite who bragged that he killed Saul.

Finally, we have the controversial story of the Rabbi who claimed Jesus appeared to him. (See my 1-9-14 blog.) The Rabbi said the Messiah would come after Ariel Sharon died. I pray that the controversy will cause many to seriously consider the claims of Jesus of Nazareth. With the passing of Ariel Sharon (reported this morning) it is a very potent time for the Holy Spirit to reveal the true Messiah, Yeshua, to many. I pray it is so.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists      (READ MORE)