Dear Friends,
Let’s contemplate our nation’s state of the union—from a principally biblical perspective. In what follows, I’ll observe that:
Readers of Genesis learn about our planet’s origins and see Abraham and his progeny (Isaac and Jacob) emerge in a troubled world. Life was never easy, even for the earliest Jews; but God guides and assists them throughout the Narrative. Exodus begins where Genesis leaves off, emphasizing how the Israelite clan suffered miserably beneath their Egyptian overlords. Moses enters the picture, and the Old Testament era begins to blossom with redemptive events that happen during his administration. Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy continue that theme.
Readers learn of God’s ability to rescue and provide for people in dire straits. The Books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth describe Israelite life after Moses. They also underscore how a lack of godly leadership and faithfulness ruins the sinking culture and weakened state. The Book of Samuel describes the rise and demise of key leaders like Saul and David, much as the Books of Kings and Chronicles follow the ups and downs—mostly the downs—of subsequent rulers. The brief kingship stories illustrate how faithlessness at the top plunged the nation to the bottom, bringing spiritual dissolution, social disintegration, and eventual political and economic destruction. Prophets like Isaiah, Micah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel supplement these historical Narratives, all proclaiming God’s Word in troubled times to kings and commoners alike.
We’re told that one king in particular asked God for wisdom to rule, so he could
properly “discern good from evil” (1 Ki 3:9) and thus be a better administrator.
It pleased God to bless him. Not only did Israel benefit from his wisdom, but it
is preserved in a book that’s worth taking to heart. I’m talking about King
Solomon and the Book of Proverbs.
Though called a “book” of the Bible,
Proverbs isn’t really a book in the
ordinary sense. It lacks a sweeping
perspective of biblical history or
thundering prophetic denunciations.
Instead, Proverbs methodically presents
a collection of astute writings, guiding
principles, and insightful perspectives
that are a must for those who govern.
Solomon’s guiding principles (Prov 1:1–6) that he passed on to his prince(s) (1:8) promise success and security for those who embrace the wisdom, and destruction for those who don’t (1:20–33). “My son,” he declares in 3:1, “do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and long life and peace will they add to you… so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow” (vv. 1–2, 10).
Compliance translates into success in life, above and beyond the material wealth touted by those who preach “prosperity doctrines.”
More than 500 years after Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in 1440, we Believers can own and study the Bible, and with it the Book of Proverbs. For those living 2,400 years before the invention of the press, however, the Proverbs of Solomon weren’t in wide circulation. Couple this with the fact that Solomon directed his wise counsel to his son, and most people conclude that Proverbs was written as an instruction manual to guide princes in managing the affairs of life and state.
During March, Zola Levitt Presents will feature several special interview programs plus “The Call” from our Warrior King series and the first of two “Christ in the Passover” programs.
“The Palestinian Zionist” with
Naim Khoury,
pastor of First Baptist Church, Bethlehem; and Arie
Bar David, a Messianic Believer born in Jerusalem.
“The Word From Jerusalem” with Professor
Ronny Reich, archaeologist, discussing the recently
uncovered Pool of Siloam. Wayne and Ann Hilsden,
pastors of King of Kings congregation in Jerusalem,
share about their 24/7 prayer tower and ministry in Jerusalem.
“The Warning” features author Tzvi Misinai, who explains
that 90 percent of Palestinians are originally from people of Israel.
Author Saul Singer reveals that the dispute regarding settlements
is merely a distraction from the real Arab agenda. Hugh Kitson,
a British documentary producer and Believer, teaches that the
British Empire is doomed since turning its back on Israel (a warning
for America).
Lance Lambert, author and Messianic
leader in Jerusalem, explains that nations who come
against Israel will fall, per Zech. 12.
“The Call” considers how David captured the heart of Israel, his selection by Samuel, and the amazing battle with Goliath that catapulted him to renown.
In “Passover—Part 1,” Zola explains the origin and significance of Passover and demonstrates the feast.
Do you suppose that the divinely inspired writing of Israel’s wise king can apply to our nation’s circumstances today? Considering our current financial malaise, let’s evaluate whether Proverbs is both descriptive and prescriptive.
It is, as illustrated below. In 24:30–34 we read:
(30) I went by the field of the lazy man, and the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding. (31) And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; its surface was covered with nettles; its stone wall was broken down. (32) When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction: (33) A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest; (34) so shall poverty come [upon you] like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.
Though framed in agrarian terms, the timeless wisdom speaks as much to modern city dwellers as it does to ancient farmers about the need to be industrious. It underscores how the refusal to be responsible leads to ruin. The “lazy man” is rewarded with “poverty” as his just deserts, is he not?
Similarly, though harking to another image from the field, Proverbs 6:6–11 both warns and ridicules the indolent:
(6) Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise. (7) Which having no captain, overseer, or ruler, (8) provides her supplies in the summer and gathers her food in the harvest. (9) How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? (10) A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep—(11) so shall your poverty come upon you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.
Here, as in the story of the lazy man, the sluggard’s lethargy catches up to him and rewards him with his just deserts—“poverty.” Galatians 6:7 tells us that a man “reaps what he sows.” Though it is politically incorrect to speak in these terms, I wonder how prudent it is to step in and prevent low-performing corporations in our culture from experiencing the consequences of their own decisions.
The “American way”—adopted straight from Judaic principles—cultivates the entrepreneurial spirit. It rewards hard work, ethics, and biblical virtue. These principles need to be reinforced among our citizenry. To some voters, these American, Judeo-Christian values seem to have given way to the inclinations of secular-minded powerbrokers bent on new forms of social and material entitlement. However, indicators point to a dawning new day for Bible-Believers who embrace a biblical vision for a successful society.
It may be that the sun is rising once more, displacing the darkness and calling Judeo-Christian Believers to rise with renewed vigor!
Carolyn Lochhead, of the San Francisco Chronicle’s Washington bureau, recently offered encouragement about America’s prospects. According to Lochhead, January’s conservative upset in Massachusetts “may be seen as a repudiation” of the values guiding the country’s leaders, the seemingly godless agenda.
Writing in the Wall Street Journal Online, Gerald Seib commented that “the absence of an ideological shift [in America] can be seen by examining the Journal/NBC News polling throughout the last four years. The one constant,” he explains, “has been voters’ ideological balance, which is virtually unchanged.”
He attributes the 2008 and 2010 election results to many factors, but not to a shift in ideology. “When Journal/NBC pollsters asked independent voters whether they have become more conservative in the last couple of years, 48% said they have”—an upswing.
This is good news indeed, is it not? It contradicts the secular authorities who claim that America is a post-Christian nation. This seems to be more their wishful thinking than a credible assessment of most Americans’ sentiments. Apparently, many of us still prefer biblical values—praise the Lord!
I contend that encouraging non-performers to feed at the government’s trough causes more problems than it solves. Too-freely rewarding underperformers (and I don’t mean those who are unable to work) contributes to bigger problems. America is in an all-out war: but it’s more spiritual than material. You and I are alive at a very critical time in the struggle.
The best time for handing out medals is after battles, and not in their midst. However, even as the battle royal rages on, please let me thank those of you who have sent prayers and financial resources to the front lines where this ministry advances the Lord’s work.
With thirty-one years of broadcast history, Zola Levitt Presents has had its fair share of struggles. This ministry has survived more than one political philosophy and more than one economic downturn. Though our double-digit decline in revenue in 2009 was disheartening, it wasn’t crippling. Thankfully, we could fall back on reserves. But they won’t last forever, which prompts me to share both this ministry’s vision and our burden. Thanks for remembering my work and this important mission that we share.
Your messenger,
Jeff
P.S. Take your stand with God’s People in the ancestral Homeland—a “promised Land” that’s being restored in this very day. If God is beckoning you to Israel, please call our travel manager, Tracie, at (214) 696-9760 during office hours (CT). She will help you discover the biblical adventure that awaits you should you opt to join us. Our Summer Discovery Tour will travel from June 13–23. This tour follows the same schedule as our autumn tour and adds a morning of digging with archaeologists. Because we are not traveling during peak season, the Discovery Tour costs $500 less!
Our Fall Tour offers four options that include Israel and Petra, Israel and Athens, or all three. Depending on your choice, you will leave October 12 or 17 and return October 27 or 31. I hope you’ll join me in Israel.
Dear Jeff,
Godly leadership and faithfulness can cure a sinking culture and a weakening state.
“Here’s my contribution for March. Continue following Isaiah, Micah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel—who all proclaimed God’s Word in troubled times.”
In this video, Zola explains the origin and significance of Passover, the crown jewel of the Biblical feasts, and demonstrates the feast, where Christ is revealed through its very elements. This is one of the most basic and important Bible studies, shedding clear light on the mysteries of the Lord’s Supper and unearthing Jewish roots of Christianity.
This 2-color, 36-page book guides you through the traditional Passover Seder dinner, step-by-step. This observance reminds us of the Israelites’ rescue from Egyptian bondage, plus we remember Messiah’s last supper, a Passover Seder. What’s so unique about this Haggadah is its focus on Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah and his teaching, especially on his last night in the upper room. You'll find words and sheet music for the songs traditionally sung on Passover. The popular Complete Jewish Bible is used for translations where Scripture is quoted.
The Gospel of Isaiah, written 700 years before Christ, reveals the Jewish nature of our Messiah and the fulfillment of His coming as the Lamb of God. See why New Testament authors have quoted Isaiah more than any other Old Testament source and why this Old Testament narrative is often called the 5th Gospel.
