On this day in 1939, Adolf Hitler announced his intention to exterminate all Jews in the event of a war. By this time, however, Hitler had already determined there was going to be a war and that he was going to destroy Europe’s Jews. We know that he already had their extermination in mind, because he stated as much in his book, Mein Kampf, released before he became Chancellor of Germany.

In another book called Exodus, an ancient Pharaoh was directed by God to free the enslaved Hebrews in the land of Egypt. Upon hearing this, Pharaoh instead instructed the Hebrews to increase their work load, compelling them make the same daily number of bricks while having to fetch their own straw. Essentially, Pharaoh created a situation whereby it was physically impossible for the Hebrews to meet his expectation. Hitler, more or less, did the same thing by using the outbreak of war as an excuse to do what he always intended to do in the first place. The Psalmist sums up the feelings for many of God’s people throughout history when he said:

“I am a reproach among all my enemies, but especially among my neighbors and am repulsive to  my acquaintances; those who see me outside flee from me. I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; I am like a broken vessel. For I hear the slander of many; fear is on every side; while they take counsel together against me, they scheme to take away my life. But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’” (Psalm 31:11-14)

From the beginning of time, wicked men have plotted and schemed to ensnare God’s people. These people always present their evil plan as something good and in the best interests of society. In today’s world it is becoming increasingly clear that many people find it in their best interests to dispense with anything that is connected to God, particularly His Word and His people. Still, we must remember that the Psalmist said, “I will trust in you, because you are my God.” Do not become downcast and discouraged because of the plots and schemes of evil people. If His eye is on the sparrow, then we can be confident that He’s watching over us. Be encouraged.

Shalom.