If you have been following the news, you have observed the fighting in Lebanon - Hezbollah fighting against Israel. Without understanding who is right and who is wrong, there is something very obvious you should note- the names of the combatants. Notice the names of the cities, Tyre and Sidon. Notice the names of the countries-Lebanon and Israel. As far as Iraq is concerned, Sadaam Hussein, has ascribed to himself the identity of Nebuchadnezzar resurrected. Iraq is one of the oldest cities in the world and is the center of the place formally known as Babylon. The Iraqis are the Babylonians of the Bible. You ask, Pastor what are you saying? Let me ask these questions. Did these names exist and then the Bible built this elaborate story of religion around them? On the other hand, do these names and events provide living proof of the Bible’s credibility?

There is a story in Matthew 15 about a woman whose daughter was dying by demon possession. Jesus said to her, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel”. The woman was from Tyre (where the fighting is going on today). She begged him to come with her. He said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and give it to the dogs.” She replied, “Even the little dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the master’s table.” When Christ saw her faith, he healed her daughter. Her faith was greater than that of Israel. Karl Barth said, “You should read the newspaper in one hand and the Bible in the other.” This statement is more real now than ever.

World events have biblical significance! The Lord is calling you to pay attention. This also requires that you take your faith and worship more serious. Attend the church anniversary revival this week because war is going on in Lebanon. You do not want to miss what God is saying and doing. Let your faith inform you about life and “keep your lamp trimmed and burning.”