Now that the war between Israel and Hezbollah is over, and we see that not much was accomplished, many are wondering, “What will happen next?” In many respects, the future in Israel looks ominous; Hezbollah will most certainly regain its power and may again attack Israel; Iran continues with its threats to wipe out the Jewish state, and now even Syria begins to make bold statements concerning future action against Israel.

Though many worry about the question of tomorrow, my concern is with the moment in front of me and how I can accomplish being a witness to the gospel today. I continually have to check myself when I feel uncomfortable sharing the gospel or fear criticism and scorn for my beliefs (a regular occurrence for a Jewish believer in Messiah). Ultimately, do I fear God or man?

We can make a difference in the world if we will allow God to transform our inner man through dying to our old selves and being born anew in Yeshua. It is through a life transformed by grace through faith that runs counter to all that is in our culture. And, as we become transformed to the nature of Yeshua in His love and His servant hood, our lives become a light in dark places.

Matt. 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
Matt. 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Matt. 5:15 “Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Matt. 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

It is easy to obsess over the news and try to figure how it will line up in the end. Yeshua warns us in Luke 21:8, saying, “Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and ‘The time is near!’ Do not go after them.” In turbulent and confusing times, let us protect our hearts from the deception of the age with the Word of God. Let us make sure that our lamps are filled with oil, the intimate heart connection with God, that assures our light will not go out, even while the bridegroom tarries and we patiently wait upon Him.

Though no one knows the day or the hour of our Lord’s return, we do know that the culture in which He returns will be steeped in darkness; evil will increase, many will fall away from faith, and love will grow cold in many (Matt. 24:9-12). To that end the culture of our age very often seems well on its way! I want to encourage all of us to walk out our salvation in faithfulness and love, that we would not hold back from sharing the truth of the gospel, even when it makes us uncomfortable or look foolish in the eyes of the world. Cultivate a heart relationship with God so that when trouble comes, when we wait upon the Lord, or when we get discouraged or distracted by the things of this life, the oil in our lamp will be full and our light will not go out!

Israel’s enemies who are God’s enemies can get stronger and stronger in human eyes, but nothing will happen without God allowing it to happen. We know that Israel’s enemies will gather against her, and that in the end, before Yeshua’s triumphant return to Jerusalem, all who are left in Israel will be saved! Until that time, let us not rest from delving into the Word, prayer and fasting, and pursuing the things of God with a longing heart so that we can be bold messengers of the gospel in deed and word, true salt and light to the world!