Beirut, Lebanon

28, September 2024

Palig Dawidian

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Proverbs 16:18

Victims indeed, victims of their own governments pride.

To be human is to have an identity that is compatible with human requirements. The human desire to know, and their urge to have faith. To trust and confide in something larger than oneself, despite the absence of physical proof that agrees with a human's limited cognitive powers. Accordingly, being human also means to be limited in power and knowledge. Full of cognitive biases and emotional turbelance, leading to flawed decision making and conflicts. How do you make decisions? Do you deny your human limitations or embrace them? Are you a victim or are you saved? What governs your path? What is your purpose? Being a human means, no matter one’s status, every individual confronts common challenges like mortality and the need for guidance. Thus, Placing complete trust in human capabilities is unwise, as it ignores the complexities and uncertainties of life. Power is often fleeting, as history demonstrates that leaders can rise and fall, underscoring the transient nature of authority. Moreover, with great power comes moral responsibility; leaders are called to serve their communities rather than elevate their own status. When they grow entitled they risk making detrimental decisions that can lead to their own downfall. Man cannot be the creator of peace. The truth stands beyond debate, feelings or finite understanding. God’s word and wisdom is the foundation upon which all truth stands.

"The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon."
Psalm 92:12

Names carry profound meanings, often reflecting deeper truths about identity and purpose. In the case of Lebanon and Israel, these ancient names encapsulate rich spiritual narratives that resonate through history and scripture. In the Assyrian and Syriac languages, the name "Lebanon" is derived from "Lubna," which translates to "heart of God." This definition highlights Lebanon's significance as a place of divine presence and love, suggesting a special spiritual position in the eyes of God.
In contrast, "Israel," meaning "he who fights with God" in Hebrew, reflects the biblical narrative of Jacob, who wrestled with God and was renamed Israel. This name signifies Israel's role as God's chosen people, embodying the complex relationship between humanity and the supremely good divine.

The Promise Land:

In multiple instances we see the Lords promise to the Israelites (descendants of Jacob, ancestors of jews) conditional upon their obedience. In Exodus 19:4 the Lord states “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine. In Deutronomy 4:40 the Lord commanded the Israelites: “Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the Lord your God gives you for all time”. Yet in all scenarios the israelites strayed away from God’s commands. In other words, biblically, Israel’s success or failure in battle is often tied to their spiritual condition.
Their story is not solely one of failure or success. It reflects a broader narrative of a covenant relationship with God characterized by both rebellion and restoration. The cycle of disobedience and redemption highlighting grace, forgiveness and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The focus is on God’s restoration of Israel. Their story is not about them, their story is about who God is.

The End Times:

When war breaks out in the Middle East, the world's focus quickly moves to comparing the unfolding events with biblical prophesies. While there is no disputing that such conflicts may indicate to the end times, the main focus should be on how we live our lives in light of Christ's approaching return. Our call is to live daily, knowing that Jesus could return at any moment. Mathew 24:44 "Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." The Gospel reveals the profound truth of humanity’s creation, purpose, and relationship with God. Initially, God created us in His own image, establishing our inherent value Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. However, sin entered the world, causing separation from God Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. In His immense love, God sent His Son, Jesus, to reconcile us, as noted in John 3:16. Central to this message is Jesus’ death and resurrection, which assures believers of eternal life 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.This salvation requires faith and repentance and leads to a transformed life marked by grace Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ultimately, sharing the Gospel emphasizes hope and reconciliation, inviting others to respond in faith and reflect God’s love in their lives.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

John 3:16