Worthy Brief - 1/23/2020
Friend, don't look back!
Luke 17:32 Remember Lot's wife.
When Yeshua (Jesus) was describing the societal atmosphere of His return, he said these peculiar words … “Remember Lot’s Wife.” It was a warning … and especially to the generation of believers just before His return.
In Genesis 19, we read of God’s destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and specifically of how Lot’s wife turned to look at the destruction and was turned into a pillar of salt. [Genesis 19:26]
She turned around … and the warning to us is … don’t look back!
While traveling in the States, we’re in the midst of election season once again, remembering President Trump's theme in the 2016 election, “Make America Great Again.”
This powerful slogan, reminding many Americans of the dramatic decline of the nation since their youth, inspired them to vote in hope of witnessing a restoration of former glory. For some, this was a nostalgic longing; for others, a passion for something that seemed almost irretrievably lost. America's greatness, however one recalls or defines it, does seem to be irrevocably fading, and our view is that looking back and longing for its recovery...is looking in the wrong direction.
While some are calling this nation modern "Babylon", or even "Sodom", what we see is a nation of paradox, full of tremendous blessings and sadly also, real wickedness. But however you view her, we believe it is unwise and even dangerous to look back to America's past in hope of that kind of restoration. Since the "Days of Noah" are again upon us, we're not expecting or focused on political solutions, but looking toward the Kingdom that is soon coming!
When I worked for the Christian coalition, I began to realize that the real issues America faces could not be remedied by politics. Political realities simply reflect the internal moral and cultural climate of a nation and its people. In their drive for power, most politicians are simply responding to or manipulating the current passions of the populace. Laws can be changed, but they will reflect the mores of the people which are shaped by media, music, art, and culture in general. Those influences reveal a nation's true soul. While some leaders are morally superior to others, and may seem to offer hope, the real problems which plague society are internal and reflect the deeply rooted sin in human nature. The Gospel of Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) is the only path and hope for any degree of national restoration. Anyone who has studied revivals can see this.
So nostalgically looking at the past with a view toward political transformation might not turn you into a pillar of salt, but may seriously deflect us from the real hope and task of transformation: the Gospel which points to the coming Kingdom and the coming King. Any reclamation of greatness, individual or national, will depend utterly on the transforming power of Messiah and the profound inner work of His Holy Spirit.
Friend, let’s not look back as Lot's wife did, toward whatever the "good life" was in Sodom, or America; [Luke 9:62]. Any "greatness" that's worth regaining will come from looking UP, not back! Our calling is to make disciples, anticipating the coming Kingdom where politics will not be "as usual" but everlasting righteousness in the presence of our King Yeshua.
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Editor's Note: We'll be speaking in New Mexico this week, and in Texas this upcoming weekend! Check out our calendar for our upcoming speaking engagements. If you would like us to minister at your congregation, home fellowship, or Israel focused event, be sure to let us know ASAP. You can send an email to george [ @ ] worthyministries.com for more information.
Editor's Note: Experience Real Israel with us— you don’t want to miss this!! We have limited spaces available. For more information, visit Worthy Israel Tours or send an email to george [ @ ] worthyministries.com.
Editor's Note: If you have a prayer request, or if you'd be interested in becoming an intercessor, be sure to visit the Worthy Prayer Team!
Iran threatens Europe with 'consequences' after move to hold country accountable for violating nuclear deal
Iran is asking European countries to stay in the 2015 nuclear deal despite already violating the agreement.
Last decade was the most expensive for natural disasters, over $1 trillion increase, report says
Severe weather such as devastating flooding and powerful hurricanes contributed to why the last decade was the worst on record for economic losses due to natural disasters around the globe, according to a report released Wednesday.
Another Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps leader killed in Iran
The commander of the Iranian Basij contingent of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps that is used by the government to suppress protests was killed in front of his home Wednesday in Khuzestan province, Iran.
U.S.-Russia 'engagements' underscore danger of oil mission in Syria
President Trump says he is determined to keep control of Syrian oil fields as the country’s civil war plays out, but exactly how far the U.S. military is willing to go to protect those valuable energy reserves remains a mystery and represents a key question for the administration’s broader policy in the Middle East.
US 'likely' to deploy anti-missile system to protect American troops in Iraq
The Pentagon is likely deploying a missile-defense system to Iraq in response to Iran’s ballistic missile attack on an Iraqi base housing American troops earlier this month, U.S. defense officials tell Fox News.
Researchers capture footage of atoms bonding and separating for the first time
For the first time ever, scientists have managed to capture video of two atoms bonding and separating on a scale that is half-a-million times thinner than a human hair.
China virus is 'mutating and adapting' after leaving nine dead
The new virus that has killed 17 people in China is mutating and could spread further, health officials have warned, as Britain announced measures to monitor flights arriving from the country.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Signs in Israel that "Deal of the Century" will be released before third elections
The entire US peacekeeping team arrived in Israel Wednesday after attending the Davos World Economic Forum to discuss what could be a soon rollout of the long-delayed 'Deal of the Century' with Israeli leaders.
White House urging Netanyahu to refrain from annexation, to wait for plan
The Trump administration has urged Israel to hold back from unilaterally annexing the Jordan Valley, recommending that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wait for the US peace plan instead.
PA tells Palestinians: The Western Wall belongs only to Muslims
The Western Wall belongs only to Muslims and must be defended even to the death, Palestinians living in the West Bank were told during a filler piece between programs on official Palestinian Authority TV and in a news article in the official PA newspaper.
Inside the United States
As Dems Demand New Witnesses in Trump Trial, GOP Rep. Blasts 'They're Admitting How Weak Their Case Is'
Democrat House managers began their opening arguments Wednesday afternoon in the impeachment trial of President Trump, laying out their case as to why they think the President should be removed from office.
Big Montana Case at Supreme Court Is All About Religious Freedom for Parents and Students
Montana was giving tax breaks to those who donated to scholarships helping Montana students attend private schools. But when it realized most of those scholarships were going to children at religious schools, Montana stopped that from happening. Parents went to court saying that was blatant discrimination. It's a case that ended up before the nation's highest court this week.
Donald Trump Will Be The First President To Attend The March For Life
President Donald Trump is slated to become the first president to attend the March for Life in the nation’s capital on Friday.