RUDENEJA

Autumn, fall, summer’s end. Call it what you will, but it is the most spectacular display of colors and beauty in the foothills and in the mountains. It’s that sound of crackling, crispy leaves as one wanders and treks through the forest. It’s the changing colors from green hues to vibrant reds, oranges and yellows. It’s the dancing leaves that float down or race across the grass as they are blown about by the gusts of wind. This is “rudeneja” - the way nature and the weather begin to feel. Cooler evenings and frosty mornings. Winter peeks its head around the corner dazzled by the spectacular display of God’s handiwork.

Peace, tranquility, rest. This is what we long for either at the end of the day or in our world today. With the recent Middle East conflict, there is a display of power and military might. It’s the sound of cracking guns and deadly explosions as people scatter, screaming, running for cover from the mahem. It’s the war we never want to see. This is humanity - history repeating itself over and over. Nations sparring and guns ablazing. Human lives are lost and tear streak faces are seen, mourning cries are heard and death’s smell permeates the air. We are shocked, dismayed and confused by man’s actions.

The bible’s prophets told us that there would be wars and rumours of wars, but this one is affecting the entire world.

A Message of God, the Master: Years ago when I spoke through my servants, the prophets of Israel, wasn’t it you I was talking about? Year after year they prophesied that I would bring you against them. And when the day comes, Gog, you will attack that land of Israel. Decree of God, the Master. My raging anger will erupt. Fueled by blazing jealousy, I tell you that then there will be an earthquake that rocks the land of Israel. Fish and birds and wild animals—even ants and beetles!—and every human being will tremble and shake before me. Mountains will disintegrate, terraces will crumble. I’ll order all-out war against you, Gog—Decree of God, the Master—Gog killing Gog on all the mountains of Israel. I’ll deluge Gog with judgment: disease and massacre, torrential rain and hail, volcanic lava pouring down on you and your mobs of troops and people.

“‘I’ll show you how great I am, how holy I am. I’ll make myself known all over the world. Then you’ll realize that I am God.’” Ezekiel 38

Let us pray for Israel - God’s chosen people - prayer for our enemies and for peace during this time in our history.