It was on this day in 1945 that Adolph Hitler, the mass murderer of millions, committed suicide. In one measure, it was Judgment Day for Hitler, and so it will be for all of those who oppose the God of Israel and commit violence against His people. In the book of Psalms we are told:

“When my enemies turn back, they shall fall and perish at Your presence. For You have maintained my right and my cause; You sat on the throne judging in righteousness. You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked; You have blotted out their name forever and ever.” (Psalm 9:3-5:)

As is described here, such was the end for Hitler and many of his accomplices. With their death, the world was convinced that, never again, would we witness such unspeakable evil inflicted on other human beings. Unfortunately, though, today we are witnessing the same spirit that drove Hitler to madness and murder raising its ugly head again. The UN consistently adopts positions that are anti-Israel. Far too many governments, including many in the western world, promote the Palestinian cause and push for Israel to retreat to untenable 1967 borders. Israel is viewed as the antagonist and as an oppressor by these powers which, in turn, encourages others to become violent. In Europe, attacks against Jews are increasing daily. Even in America, Jews and Christians are being harassed, threatened and attacked with increasing intensity.

Centuries ago, a very paranoid Herod the Great attempted to kill the King of Israel when He was just an infant. One of the fascinating things about King Herod is that he was neither Jewish nor Roman. According to Josephus, he was an Edomite, meaning that he was a descendant of Esau, the professed enemy of Israel. How did a descendant of Esau come to rule over Judea? Rome, or shall we say “the West,” was responsible for putting him in position to rule, thus giving him a platform to launch his attacks against God’s people. Considering this example from history might it be that, by trying to force Israel into a corner, western powers are doing for anti-Jewish groups the same thing that Rome did for Herod? Is it possible that, by trying to force Israel into compliance, the nations of the world are setting the stage for the next Hitler? According to Scripture, all the nations who would prefer to see the land of Israel divided are unwittingly pitting themselves against God. 

“For behold, in those days and at that time, when I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, 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.” (Joel 3:1-2)

It is not an accident that, as nations try to force Israel into a position that the world considers acceptable, attacks against God’s people are on the rise. Nevertheless, we are not to be discouraged nor faint at this news. To the contrary, we should be encouraged to stand against it. Messiah foretold of these things and said, that in spite of all of the attacks, He was going to be with us, even until the end of the age. The wicked will, in time, meet their end but the righteous are promised that, in spite of the wickedness that permeates the earth, in Messiah we will triumph. 

“The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” (Matthew 13:41-43) 

Let us hold fast to that promise and may we be those who shine forth as the sun. 

Shalom.