LEARNING FROM THE LESSONS OF HISTORY?
Given May 7 & 8 this week marked the 70th Anniversary of the D-day landings and VE Day, ending war in Europe, I was saddened that there was not a mention in our ridiculous self-absorbed media of Australia. There may have been a mention somewhere, but I couldn’t find it.
That doesn’t mean there wasn’t anything written somewhere, but the point is, if it was difficult, and in my case impossible to find anything written in the Australian media, it was at the very least, out-of-sight-out-of-mind!
Little wonder this nation who prides itself on not “forgetting” the Anzacs, has a media that has scant regard for historical events of such magnitude.
When WWII ended for Europe, war still raged in many other parts, including Japan and the Philippines.
The following article, like so many others, shows that man does not learn from the lessons of history!
On June 6, 1944, around 160,000 Allied troops crossed the English Channel and stormed the beaches of Normandy.
German soldiers, tricked into expecting an attack on Calais, woke up to find the sea filled from horizon to horizon with ships – nearly 7,000 along 50 miles of Normandy coastline.
The invasion had been planned for the day before but a storm forced a delay.
Overnight, planes had dropped thousands of American and British paratroopers behind German lines. They began to blow up bridges and block roads to prevent a German counterattack on the beaches.
The beaches were divided into five sections and given the codenames Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. The British took command of Gold and Sword, while US forces oversaw Utah and Omaha and Canada oversaw Juno.
Once the beaches were secure, troops began to push inland.
Follow our interactive timeline of D-Day
Soldiers taking part in the Normandy landings came from Britain, Canada, Belgium, Greece, the United States,Czechoslovakia, Norway, Poland, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Australia.
On D-Day alone, up to 3,000 Allied troops died with some 9,000 wounded or missing. German casualties, including the dead and wounded, are unknown but estimated at between 4,000 and 9,000.
By the end of August the allies had taken Paris back from the occupying Nazis.
On May 7, 1945, less than twelve months after the world’s largest seaborne invasion was launched, Germany surrendered to the allies, bringing an end to the European conflict in World War II.
Tying the tragedy of this massive loss of human life, let us take directions from a few references in The Word of God in this very context of war, and the lessons we can learn of their origins, their causes and the effects.
Josh.5:1 And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.
That’s a lead-in as we turn to
Josh.5:6 For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people that were men of war, which came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: unto whom the LORD sware that he would not shew them the land, which the LORD sware unto their fathers that he would give us, a land that floweth with milk and honey.
Going now to Judges chapter 5;
Jdg.5:2 Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves.
Jdg.5:3 Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel.
Jdg.5:4 LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water.
Jdg 5:5 The mountains melted from before the LORD, even that Sinai from before the LORD God of Israel.
Jdg 5:6 In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways.
Jdg 5:7 The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.
Jdg 5:8 They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?
TRUE CAUSES FOR WARS, REJECTION OF GOD!
Friends and Brethren, there is a cause for every effect, and this world has had war after war for thousands of years, with 2-world wars, and sadly, mankind have not learned from the lessons of history, in that they have not accepted their own Creator God, but have rejected every way of God for their own ways.
Of course, they continue to thumb their collective noses at the Great Creator God, many even believing they are SAVED now, at this time, when The Bible clearly tells us that he that endures to the end, the same shall BE SAVED!
And hence WWIII is headed for our Israelitish nations in the form of The Great Tribulation, the time of Jacobs trouble, and Satan’s Wrath upon an unheeding world of sin and wickedness!
What wickedness it is indeed! Homosexuality, “same-sex marriage”, the breakdown of the family unit, the degradation of morals, etiquette, decency and standards in a world “hell-bent” on turning everything on it’s head! Where men want to be women, and women, men, where universalism and equality is perverted out of all context, and where the whole world has virtually been turned upside down and inside out with the twisted ideas of mankind!
As for us, we know that we are among some of those being given the greatest opportunity to be saved out of THE horrors of what is prophesied by Christ. That means having a complete and focussed love of God’s truth, while fearing The Great God, and Father of all spirits.
From all appearances, at least at this stage, the vast majority have rejected The Word of God, for the teachings of men in various doctrinal teachings! A momentous statement which if right, will bring staggering consequences!
Those in the know, will be well aware of the many deviations from the true teachings of Jesus Christ, though it is indeed a mine-field to navigate, and tread carefully we must as I John.4:1 teaches;
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, (teacher) but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world”.
SPIRITUALLY ALIVE, OR SWIMMING WITH DEAD FISH?
Friends and Brethren, though the current “spiritual-condition” of the churches is a very grievous situation, if you see as we do what is currently playing out in the churches in all of this, and set your minds to contiue with Christ, and where necessary suffer with Christ’s people, a great reward awaits according to the word of God.
Better to be a live fish swimming against the tide of degradation, than swim down stream with dead fish!
Those who continue to accept false teachings, rejecting God’s Laws will come to an end they do not wish to, but as The Word of God foretells, will happen.
BRINGING THE SPIRITUAL MIRROR INTO SHARPER FOCUS
On the flip-side, there are many positives for us to take from the current lukewarm and final 7th candlestick era. That may sound odd, when taking into account the loss of so many former followers of God. And yet, what is so clearly viewed in the spiritual mirror is all those today who either became deceived, or preferred the “smooth-way” and followed “it”.
Some might not initially agree, but upon reflection and proper prayerful study and consideration of many Bible prophecies, we can take courage that God is most certainly promising protection and great reward to us if we HOLD-FAST to The Truth of God, as Christ Himself said; “Man shall not live by bread alone, but bby every Word of God! (Matt.4:4)
That may require “sacrificing” some, or even many things considered important to them and their lives, or their childrens lives, but we can be assured that IF we continue on the “narrow-path”, we will continue to learn from the lessons of history, and that also means growing in the grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As Christ said of those who prefer this present world and it’s ways, it’s religions, it’s political processes, it’s “healers” etc, etc; “Love NOT the world, neither the things that are in the world.
Jesus Christ, The Creator of all things through The Father showed the underlying significance of this in saying the following in continuing the rest of this verse;
“If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him”.
1Jn.2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1Jn.2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
TAKING HEED
To close with some relevant scriptural ref’s, let us note the following, which point not only to that which is to come because of NOT learning fromn the lessons of history, but because man trusts in man, man loves this present world. Don’t take me the wrong way in this, many who do cringe at the evil works that are done in this world still do NOT know the way to correct the problems and woes thereof, nor do they seek the-way out, the ONLY TRUE way to PEACE, to TRUE-LOVE, and The-Ways of Life-Everlasting! But, they will, and God will ultimately give ALL Human-kind who do not reject Him in that day, and they shall know all their errors, as we who have repented of them in this current time leading to The Time of Trouble such as has NEVER been, no, nor EVER will be again!
Mat 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
The truth of God as shown in the books of The Holy Bible are not just words written by some old Jewish Guys! Neither are the words of the prophets just some idle words of demented old men with nothing better to do!
One such prophet, known b y the term apostle in the New testament as Peter, stated under God’s inspiration the following; 2Pet.1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
2Pet.1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
He even stated that those who open their hearts to prophecy and listen, even obeying the Word of God do well as they do so. 2Pet.1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, (Christ’s return) and the day star arise in your hearts:
Another such apostle who taught the Gentiles the same truths, said in the following verse, that some would perish because of deception, and unrighteousness, because they did not love God’s truth!
2Thess.2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
Peter again, gives good counsel in this, and encourages those moved by God’s truth to truly love God’s people in sincerity and earnestness.
1Pet.1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
God’s prophets, also warned in prophecies couched in parables that would at the appointed time, reveal the untrustworthiness of Israel as a woman, and tie her with a future church!
THE UNFAITHFUL “WOMAN”
Who is the unfaithful woman? Woman is often referred to in prophecy as a church, or churches, and Israel was also known as a woman who played the harlot against her God who was married to her, but eventually wrote her a “vill of divorce” for her unfaithful ways in playing the harlot with “other god’s” who were no God’s! See the following verses;
Jer.3:6 The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.
Jer.3:7 And I said after she had done all these things, Turn thou unto me. But she returned not. And her treacherous sister Judah saw it.
Jer.3:8 And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.
Zeph.3:2 She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God.
Zeph.3:3 Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.
Zeph.3:4 Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.
Zeph. 3:5 The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.
Zeph.3:6 I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.
Zeph.3:7 I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings.
Zeph.3:8 Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.
Zeph.3:12 I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.
Zeph.3:13 The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
It is manifest that God’s plan is not to completely destroy His people, but correct them in their final correction. And afterwards, shall follow peace and prosperity, FOREVER!
Zeph3:14 Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.
Notice the use of the “daughter” of Jerusalem. A joung woman that comes forth of Jerusalem, and in this context ties the fore runner, Israel, and the GLORIFIED daughter of the New Jerusalem that is the be brought down from out of heaven by The Father at the end of the thousand year restoration of the earth, especially given the marriage of The Lamb to the church that has made herself ready!!!
Rev.19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
These prophetic scriptures of foretelling and tying in old and new, physical, and spirtual types, reveal past present and future events from The WORD of Almighty God!
They are terrifying and powerful in their scope of future events, and at the same time we can take great courage from them as we make sense of what lies ahead far off into the future.
That is the heritage of the servants of our God and His Lord, whom He sent to ultimately be The Saviour of all mankind!!!
THE SCATTERING OF THE HOLY PEOPLE
Further prophetic events point to the time just ahead for any with eyes to see, and ears to hear, that we are standinf on the precipice of the end of mankinds rule, and the beginning of the rule of The God-kind!
Dan.12:7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished!
The churches of God have been almost completely scattered, whether by their rejctions of God’s Word alone is uncertain. Though it is crystal clear that this “luke-warm” attitude to the truth, to the Laws of God, in erroneous teachings, in acceptance of those errors while calling themselves “church of God” will undoubtedly be UNACCEPTABLE to God!
ONLY A REMNANT TO BE SAVED!
As for those seeking God’s special protection of God’s elect whom the elect angels will be sent to encamp round about from the face of the Serpent, called Satan and the Devil.
Rev.12:14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
Further proof of this continues in the following scripitures;
Rev.3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Rev.3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Rev.3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
Rev.3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Who is that remnant today? That’s the question that should be on everyone’s lips, and again, God’s Word gives us many indications, as we have already covered this morning.
THE REMNANT IN OUR TIME…
Finally, God directs us to who ARE the remnant according to the election of grace!
Rom.11:1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
Rom.11:2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
Rom.11:3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.
Rom.11:4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
Rom.11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
CONCLUSION
Let us pray that God will make this knowledge available to us as we obey and seek Him in all meekness of mind and spirit.
1Pe 5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
1Pe 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
1Pe 5:3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
1Pe 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
1Pe 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
1Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1Pe 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
1Pe 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
1Pe 5:11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
May God protect, bless and guide you until next time.
