Light Shines in Darkness
An Israeli Intelligence-Gathering Coup
Last week Israel announced an intelligence-gathering coup of monumental proportions: PM Netanyahu unveiled a giant cache of Iranian nuclear plans that the Israeli Mossad obtained through covert operations. The world [as usual] is in an uproar about this skillful DEFENSIVE measure. Some of us are celebrating since we know the "Iranian nuclear deal" was actually a shameful and potentially suicidal move by sleeping or complicit world leaders.Click here to see a brief part of the PM's report:
PRAY for continued light to shine on Iran's imperialistic and eschatological use of "taqiya" to advance the regime's agenda.The Quran [Koran] and many Muslim scholars teach that Muslims should generally be truthful to each other unless the purpose of lying [taqiya] is to "smooth over differences" or "gain the upper-hand over an enemy".There are several forms of lying to non-believers that are permitted under certain circumstances, the best known being taqiyya (the Shia name). These circumstances are typically those that advance the cause of Islam - in some cases by gaining the trust of non-believers in order to draw out their vulnerability and defeat them.Taken collectively these verses are interpreted to mean that there are circumstances when a Muslim may be "compelled" to deceive others for a greater purpose.Quran (16:106) - Establishes that there are circumstances that can "compel" a Muslim to tell a lie.Quran (3:28) - This verse tells Muslims not to take those outside the faith as friends, unless it is to "guard themselves" against danger, meaning that there are times when a Muslim may appear friendly to non-Muslims, even though they should not feel friendly.Quran (9:3) - "...Allah and His Messenger are free from liability to the idolaters..." The dissolution of oaths is with pagans who remained at Mecca following its capture. They did nothing wrong but were evicted anyway. (The next verse refers only to those who have a personal agreement with Muhammad as individuals - see Ibn Kathir vol 4, p 49)Quran (66:2) - "Allah has already ordained for you the dissolution of your oaths..."Quran (40:28) - A man is introduced as a believer, but one who had to "hide his faith" among those who are not believers.Quran (2:225) - "Allah will not call you to account for thoughtlessness in your oaths, but for the intention in your hearts" Quran (3:54) - "And they (the disbelievers) schemed, and Allah schemed (against them): and Allah is the best of schemers." The Arabic word used here for scheme (or plot) is makara, which literally means 'deceit'. If Allah is supremely deceitful toward unbelievers, then there is little basis for denying that Muslims are allowed to do the same. (See also 8:30 and 10:21)
Check the Map!
To better understand the existential threat to Israel check out this map, which superimposes the Middle East on the SF Bay area - You will have a CLEAR view of the minuscule patch of the Promised Land that Israel inhabits.
PRAY FOR YOUR FRIENDS TO STAND WITH GOD'S COVENANT LAND AND PEOPLEWe are living in remarkable days. As we near the official celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Israel's rebirth, I am reflecting on the narrow path of intimacy with Yeshua. He wants us to walk closely with Him, allowing our vulnerability and dependence on His Spirit to guide us. So many times we try to cover our need for His wisdom. I am determined to "call upon the Lord" as we reach for Habakkuk 2:14 together - “that the knowledge of the glory of the Lord will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea" –Looking for His soon coming to a Jerusalem [and groaning earth] that welcomes Him!
Let's each do our part in the high adventure of King Messiah's story.
This week's Torah Portion
Join Us in Israel This Fall
We invite you to join us for the Voice of Hope tour this coming Fall. You will never be the same!
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