Hi friends…and thanks for your interest!  Slowly I’m learning my way around a new blog, so thanks for hanging in there with me!

I’m about to head to Israel for the fourth time, and am just as excited as the first!  There seems to be at least three questions that are asked when someone talks to me about going to Israel:

1. Why Israel? (See 2/2/14 post)
2. Why now? (See yesterday’s post)
3. Isn’t it Dangerous Over There?

Today, let’s talk about that danger!

It seems there has always been a struggle over that tiny strip of land that we know as Israel!  God led Abraham to the Promised Land, then gave him a 7-fold promise once he arrived!  (See Genesis 12:1-3)  Since that time, it seems the more that Israel strives for peace, her neighbors strive for a piece!  For some, “a piece” is not even enough…they want Israel to cease to exist!

To that, add the fact that Abraham and Sarah thought it would be a good idea to “help God out,” and the trouble escalated!  (Read full details in Genesis 16!  Go ahead…it’s a short chapter!)  Because of that disobedience, we now have the Arab-Israeli conflict…and it won’t reach it’s conclusion until Jesus returns!

As a result, Israel’s enemies continue to antagonize.  Does Hamas really lob rockets into Israeli cities?  Yes (but generally not successfully).  Could the civil war in Syria spill over into Israel?  Yes.  Does Hezbollah really have a stronghold just across Israel’s northern border?  Yes.  Is Iran serious about “wiping Israel off the face of the map?”  Yes.

To the casual observer, it may appear to be dangerous there!  But be reminded that God promised the land to Abraham and his descendents (ie – the Jews), and God has very faithfully kept His hand of protection on Israel throughout the course of history!  Time and time again Israel has been attacked by “bigger, better, stronger” enemies…and each time the Lord has prevailed on Israel’s behalf!

You see, I trust God’s Word from cover-to-cover and believe that He will always stand in Israel’s defense.  Is it conceivable that “something” could happen?  Well, yes….but that is conceivable anywhere!  And yes, the Bible talks about horrific battles that will one day take place in Israel.  But friends, those occur AFTER the rapture!  I don’t plan to be here…how about you!?! (The Bible teaches that those who put their trust in Jesus for salvation will not endure the wrath, or the tribulation, that is to come! 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

As a side note, God has granted incredible wisdom and capability to the Israeli military.  You may not hear much about them, but they have developed some of the best defense systems in the world.  After all, a nation the size of New Jersey and surrounded by enemies dozens of times her size better learn to defend!

As for domestic danger, I would walk the streets of virtually any Israeli city at night before I would walk parts of my own city at night!  Crime in Israel is very low, and soldiers armed with automatic weapons are everywhere!  It is safe!  (Below are some of Israel’s finest, beginning their training in the Old City of Jerusalem.)

God’s hand is clearly on the land of Israel, and He will be faithful to His promises.  I will go there fully trusting that the only way something bad would happen is if my numbered days are over and my work on earth is done!

No need to fear!  If you have an opportunity to visit Israel, do it!