SBConnect Newsletter October 2023
Dear Fellow-Alumni
On 7th October this year, the world was reeling in shock over the news that Hamas had just attacked and killed thousands of Israelis, including innocent babies, children, women and civilians while Israel was celebrating a Jewish religious festival! Soon after, we heard Israel’s response declaring war on Hamas. Hamas forcibly seized hundreds of hostages and are demanding an exchange for those in Israel’s captivity.
Our Lord Jesus reminded his disciples that in the last days there will be wars and rumours of wars. We have had a lot of wars these past 2000 years. What we are seeing today is an escalation of wars in an unprecedented manner. The war that Israel is now declaring on Hamas will have global implication resulting in insurmountable violence, bloodshed and atrocities.
War is truly never justified. Even this horrendous attack on God’s people and Israel’s retaliation is not warranted. This war is ruthless, unjust and evil.
God sees all things. He knows all things. Nothing takes our sovereign LORD by surprise. Israel was surprised! America was caught unawares! The rest of the world stood still in utter shock! In the midst of this calamity God is our Refuge and Strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1) Uncertainty, meaningless and senseless bloodshed, hatred, deep sorrow and pain are all part of the wages of sin due to fallen humanity! Hamas, Israel, despite being God’s chosen people, have sinned and come short of the glory of God. The Church of Christ has also sinned and is declared as guilty. There is none who is righteous in God’s sight and therefore there is no just war!
The recent atrocities is a wakeup call for the whole world: for the wicked perpetrators, for Israel, the Church of Christ, and the entire world. God is calling us all to repent, turn from our wicked ways, and seek his forgiveness (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Our Lord Jesus is our faithful, righteous and just God and he will return as the King of kings and Lord of Lords and he will declare war on evil and wickedness, and he will right the wrong. He alone is the Captain of the Armies – The LORD of Hosts! Before he declares war, he longs for us to repent, turn from our wicked ways and fall prostrate at his feet in humble surrender, acknowledging his rule and reign over us. He will soon return as the triumphant King, pour out the wrath and fury of God, and rule with equity and righteousness, love and justice.
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped by blood, and the name by which he is called is the Word of God…. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron…. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 19:11-16)
Let us lift up our heads and welcome the King of glory to reign and have his way (Psalm 24)!
At the appropriate time, he will declare war on the nations and he will win the battle! Hallelujah!
Amen! Come Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen (Revelation 22:20-21)
Entrusting our lives to Jesus, our almighty God and awesome King!
Dr Violet James
Singapore Bible College
Alumni Advisor
bvjames@sbc.edu.sg
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