God and Government - part 2

In the real world, while discussing some things that I believe pertaining to God and faith, a couple of my friends on separate occasions have labeled me a Zionist. I'll confess, I'm unsure what that term exactly means in the true definition because it seems to have several different connotations and explanations. I only use the term here as a reference point to another issue.

The topic under discussion was the Tribulation and the return of Christ as foretold in the book of Revelation. The reason we were discussing it was my belief that we, each of us, has a hand in how fast or slow that prophecy approaches.

It is said that Thomas Jefferson's motto was "Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God." I happen to agree. I think that if tyranny grows, then the dark hours of the end of our world get closer. On the other hand, if we fight back tyrants and put them in their proper place, then we delay the time of the Great Second Coming. (Just think of how much closer we would be if Hitler would have won.)

I know there are those fruitcakes out there who think it's their job to accelerate the pace of this little party called Armageddon but I don't agree. It's not God's style. Why wouldn't he want the Second Coming postponed as long as possible? It's a win-win. God get's more converts and we get to stay here in freedom a while longer. The longer it takes to get here, the more worshippers for him.

I think this is why they used the term Zionist, because I believe in the Second Coming, but like I said before it may be a misunderstanding of the definition on their part or mine.

Along with this discussion, other questions have been raised. Thought provoking philosophical discussions as to destiny and free will and whether the book of Revelation is actually prophecy or just John sitting in a cave in exile being pissed off and writing a rant at the dude who stuck him there.

Me? I happen to believe it is prophesy, which led one friend to go down the destiny road and say "If it's destined to happen, then you can't do any thing about it." To which I replied ""Yes we can, we can help forestall it." Which then got into a free will vs destiny discussion. Personally, I have no problem with the two existing in the same world because if God is all knowing, then he is certainly able to know what you are going to choose before you choose it. That doesn't stop you from making the choice, nor does it force you to either.

Given today's philosophical rhetoric, Peter might have wanted to believe that he lacked a choice in denying Christ. The fact was, he did it of his own free will. Christ even told him about it up front. You would think that being forewarned about something would keep you from doing it, but he was scared for his own life and made the choice three times. The good thing was, he was forgiven the moment he did it. All he had to do was confess it. God's kinda cool like that.

One last thought. I wrote in God and Government part 1 about the power of prayer, urging all of us to pray for our country and its leaders. We need to continue interceding more than ever. Here is why:

I believe an interceding prayer is powerful not only in helping the person being prayed for, it helps the person doing the praying. I believe that when one intercedes for another, you are closer to God's will than at any other time. It is possibly at those moments when God has as close a thing to a direct connection to you than any other. Didn't he say "Pray without ceasing?" I believe that when we intercede for another we are acting in a godly fashion. Isn't there a verse that instructs us to "Act as if you have faith and faith will be given to you." or something like that? If not, it sure sounds good.

The bottom line is this. God loves us. He wants us to be like him. He doesn't want anyone to die. He gave us free will and a choice to make. The question is, what choice are you making? Keep in mind, as the band Rush put it so plainly "If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice."

God loves you, friend. Happy Easter.