These same Palestinians have fired hundreds of homemade mortar rockets at Jews since the pullout was announced. These same Palestinians have killed hundreds of innocent Jews via terror tactics since the Oslo Peace Accord began in 1993. Yet Sharon and other world leaders continue to believe that capitulation to the Palestinians will solve the problems between Israel and the Arabs. Hoping against hope, they somehow continue to delude themselves into believing that giving up land will somehow bring peace to the Middle East.

 But will Gaza satisfy the Palestinians? On July 27, 2005, Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei (a.k.a. Abu Ala) made the following statement: "Today it's Gaza and tomorrow it will be Jerusalem. Today it's the Gaza Strip and northern West Bank and tomorrow it will be the entire Gaza Strip and West Bank and the Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital."

 Along with Samaria and Judea, Gaza forms the historic land of Israel. Gaza was originally assigned to the tribe of Judah (Jos. 15:47). It was part of the land promised by God to Abraham (Gen. 15:18-21). Because of his obedience (Gen. 26:1-5), his son Isaac and grandson Jacob (renamed Israel by God), as well as their descendents (the 12 tribes of Israel), were to share in that promised inheritance.

 However, now Sharon and his cabinet are planning for the immediate expulsion of Jews from the land that God promised them through Abraham. They are the "scornful rulers" spoken of by the prophet Isaiah who have made a covenant with Death and the Grave (Heb. Sheol):

 ISAIAH 28:14 Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scornful men, who rule this people who are in Jerusalem,

15 Because you have said, "We have made a covenant with Death, and with Sheol we are in agreement. When the overflowing scourge passes through, it will not come to us, for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood we have hidden ourselves."

16 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily.

17 Also I will make justice the measuring line, and righteousness the plummet; the hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters will overflow the hiding place.

18 Your covenant with Death will be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand; when the overflowing scourge passes through, then you will be trampled down by it." (NKJV)

 In seeking to avoid the wrath of the Arabs, who desire the destruction of Israel (Psa. 83:1-8), the actions of the Jewish leaders will instead bring upon themselves and their nation the wrath of Almighty God. By entering into a covenant with those who seek their death, the Israeli rulers hope to appease the Palestinians and the world leaders aligned with their cause. Unfortunately, the "overflowing scourge" of the Arabs, fueled by Islamic hatred, will instead sweep over them because of their faithlessness. As the final part of the prophecy from Hosea quoted earlier states, God will pour out His wrath on these faithless rulers like water (Hos. 5:10).

 The prophet Joel speaks of the eventual punishment that will fall upon those nations that have had a part in dividing the land of Israel:

JOEL 3:1 "For behold, in those days and at that time, when I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem,

2 I will also gather all nations, and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will enter into judgment with them there on account of My people, My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; they have also divided up My land." (NKJV)

 God told Abraham that He would "bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you" (Gen. 12:3). As believers in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we have a duty to oppose those who have aligned themselves with the enemies of God's chosen people. We have a responsibility to stand against those who seek to overthrow the will of God. We have a need to speak out against the unscriptural actions of our leaders (especially President Bush and Secretary of State Rice).

 NOW is the time to let our voices be heard. NOW is the time to stand up for what is right. As a show of our support for the residents of Gush Katif and all the other Jewish settlers slated for future eviction, let us (at a minimum) wear or display orange, the color of opposition to the godless disengagement plan being forced on the people of Israel.

Sha'alu shalom Yerushalaim ("Pray for the peace of Jerusalem" - Psa. 122:6).

We encourage each person who loves The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.....The God of Israel to call their senator's and representatives. Let them know that you are displeased that our government is acting in a way contrary to The Word of God. Ask your pastors and teachers to make everyone in your congregation aware of this matter for it is of great importance as it will determine what The HOLY ONE does with this nation. Encourage everyone to wear Orange T-shirts, ribbon's or arm bands. Make posters and hand-outs. Print copies of this message and give them out to all that you know. Pray each day about this matter and do all that you can.

Some suggestions for saying on T-shirts and Posters and Arm-bands.

For Zion's sake I will not keep silent!

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

We also encourage you to write us and let us know what you are doing. Send us pictures of your congregation in orange so that it can be forwarded on to Israel to help encourage those there. Shalom!