Elisha Vision – Commentary

With our attention riveted on hurricanes, I have two comments about God’s place in the massive death and destruction of cataclysmic events of weather and wars. Is God there?

1. Six million Jews died in the Holocaust. (Was that the time of Jacob’s trouble?)
2. Many thousands die in storms, fires and earthquakes.

One is the result of war, the other natural disasters. In either case the question is asked defiantly: Where is God? To answer this question we must distinguish between His dealings with nations from His dealings with individuals.

First, we know that Yehovah God is omnipresent, He is everywhere all the time. Secondly, we know that He is a Father and His primary nature is love. Thirdly, we know from Psalm 19 that His judgments are true and righteous. If you don’t believe that, you reject the God of the Bible.

The law of Yehovah is perfect, converting the soul; ​​the testimony of Yehovah is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of Yehovah are right, rejoicing the heart; ​​the commandment of Yehovah is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of Yehovah is clean, enduring forever; ​​the judgments of Yehovah  are true and righteous altogether. ​​More to be desired are they than gold, ​​yea, than much fine gold; ​​sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. ​​Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward. Psalm 19:7-11

1. Holocaust and wars. Because of the reality of evil and a real devil, there is much sin and death caused not by God but by evil. Ultimately God will end evil. He only delays to allow for many millions more to choose His salvation. Nations hang in the balance of His judgments and receive the consequences of their policies. The Holocaust was the despicable result of Nazi policy conceived by Hitler and the devil straight out of the pits of hell. It is, sadly, quite logical for Jews to ask where God was at that time. Many are atheists rather than accepting a God who would allow such a heinous crime. Yet, individually, Yehovah showed mercy to many as reports attest. And His mercy of salvation personally was still possible for each victim on the basis of their heart toward God and His promise of the Messiah. Only He can know the heart.
2. Natural disasters. God uses such events as wake-up calls for nations to repent from ungodly pursuits, and turn to Him for blessing and favor on their cities and nation. And also, again, individuals have a personal opportunity to call on Him for mercy and salvation. We heard many inspiring testimonies of Jesus from Hurricane Harvey. Where is your heart toward Him? Are you mad at God? Ask for mercy, humble yourself and repent. Call on the Messiah Yeshua and He will save you eternally. We may or may or not survive physically, but we have the hope of life eternal. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we know that we also will be raised to be with Him and the Father forever.

When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14

Therefore, we do pray for our nation in this time of natural disasters of wind and fire. Yehovah have mercy, and may our nation turn back to God. And we also pray for His purpose of restoration, favor and peace for Israel. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists          (Read more)