As we continue Counting the Omer, we come to Day #14. In scripture, the number 14 is associated with Deliverance and Salvation. It is the time just after the storm and intensive labor, in which we anticipate God's intervention to deliver us. Here are some biblical examples:
~ Noah had to wait a total of
14 days (twice sending out the dove) to see that the waters had receded and there was new life growing again (Gen 8:9-12)
~Jacob was required to work
14 years in order to obtain the wife of his favor, Rachel. (Gen 31:41)
~The tribe of Benjamin, and a specific clan known as Judah, got
14 towns each in order to being life anew in the Promised Land (Book of Joshua)
~The apostle Paul encouraged the ship's crew to eat on the
14th day of the storm, so that they could make it safely to dry land after the shipwreck. (Acts 27:33)
As we count the Omer between Passover and Pentecost, Yahweh desires that His People are tested and tried so that they may stand strong. There is an upcoming persecution that we must face and without "Olympic trials" we would not be able to endure the "Olympian event" that is coming.
We may slowly begin to have a small inkling of what Jesus must have experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane just before his crucifixion. According to scripture, He was in such intense mental agony that He felt like He was sweating great big drops of blood.
"And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." ~ Luke 22:43-44
The Word "Gethsemane" literally means "oil press". It is generally accepted among Biblical scholars that oil represents the Holy Spirit in Scripture. We are the "olives" and the stress of persecution is the "press". Hopefully what comes out of us during times of intense pressure is the Holy Spirit. Some people, including me, have other things come out of them during times of intense pressure--ugly, unspiritual things such as expletives, rage or despair. Like "Extra Virgin Olive Oil"-we may need extra processing or "pressing" to get rid of the impurities.
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair
~ 2 Corinthians 4:8
There is a famous speech given by Winston Churchill before the House of Commons in the days just before the outbreak of England's war with Germany in WWII. Most people believe we are at the threshold once again of another Great War. With the new nuclear dimension possibilities, just the thought of it is unimaginable. I sweat great big drops of blood spiritually just thinking of it. Churchill's words are eerily prescient and still applicable to the world events today.
"We are in the preliminary stage of one of the greatest battles in history...the air battle is continuous, and many preparations have to be made here at home. I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and suffering. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: Victory. Victory at all costs - Victory in spite of all terror - Victory."
~ Winston Churchill
Today, in the world, there is yet another epic battle going on. This one may be more deeply entrenched in the unseen realm or "parallel universe" (for lack of a better term) than the obvious enemy of Hitler and the Third Reich. There is a struggle between Good and Evil, Right and Wrong, Justice and Injustice. If we lose this battle, we will be defeated from within. Societal collapse will not be at the hands of a foreign entity pounding our cities with the latest Weapons of Mass Destruction (although that may still be the physical result of our disobedience on temporal planet Earth), it will be CAUSED by national suicide from our own egoistical hands.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
~ Ephesians 6:12
At this time of this writing, the American House of Representatives has refused over THIRTY TIMES to ban infanticide. Most nations that claim to cherish liberty and democracy, including Israel, refuse to "let My People go" and continue to harden their hearts on the most vulnerable and innocent among us. It's mind-boggling to realize that, after all the chronicles of their historic persecution, Jews are killing Jewish babies as in the days of Egyptian slavery through the horrific sin of abortion! The rest of Western Civilization should hide our faces in shame for importing this hideous practice to Israel from our pagan idol worship of SELF.
History shows us what happens to countries that insist on enslaving an entire segment of their population. The Civil War was the worst American bloodshed on our soil. The "civil war" of abortion far surpasses that bloodshed TEN TIMES.
In Europe, we see the beginning of the coming flames scorching the land as the landmark church of Notre Dame has burned down. Incredible symbolism, indeed. Do we have the ethical fortitude to survive the challenges ahead? Unfortunately, with the new emerging brand of "Democratic Socialism" whose main ideals are "Me First" and "Gimme, Gimme"---all of Western Civilization may soon well yet resemble Europe after WWII...
incensed rabble and burned out rubble.
