[Nell]

A harbinger is anything that foreshadows a future event; omen; sign. In the present topic, a harbinger is a warning. A warning is not a bad thing. A warning is a good thing. Don't you think? This narrative is part paraphrase and part direct quotes from the book. I hope it does the book justice.

In Cahn's book "The Harbinger" he writes about warnings that began over twenty-seven hundred years ago in the days of ancient Israel. In the final days of that kingdom, before its judgment, there were nine signs of the nation of Israel heading to judgment.

Nations are made up of people, and the people of Israel ignored the signs. They may have even engaged in the same kind of unnecessary, unkind, derisive and rude mockery we have seen. Not at all becoming children of God.

The people of Israel ignored the signs and continued on a path of defiance against God. They were certainly free to do that. It was the path they chose. They were given time to turn back to God or enter into His judgment. They refused to turn back. In 722 BC they were destroyed. For us today, all we have to do is read. Or read someone else who has an interest in the book. We could also politely share a warning of our own and discuss it with civility and respect as the people of Israel may have done. (I have always thought disrespecting others says more about the disrespecter than the disrespectee.)

Those signs of judgment that appeared in Israel's last days are now appearing on American soil. Some in New York City. Some in Washington DC. Some in the form of objects, others as events, even ceremonies. Some have involved the highest leaders of the land.

Isaiah was not prophesying about America, but a biblical pattern of judgment. The pattern revealed in Isaiah is one that Cahn believes is now replaying in America. I see his point/s.

For many Americans, The Harbinger is connecting the dots to something many, if not most, believers have felt in their hearts for a long time: America is in trouble and likely on a path to judgment. Things can't go on this way forever. Can they? Who can fix this mess?

According to Scripture, God is righteous and judges nations. God is merciful and warns of judgment. God acts in a way that is consistent with His nature and His workings as revealed in Scripture, and He is able to warn a nation of judgment that is to come through the Scriptures. If you see these things happening, or think something is happening, it would be a good time to pay attention.

The Scriptures were written for our instruction. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Judgment vs. mercy is just as relevant today as it was in ancient times.

What happened on September 11, 2001 was carried out by evil men. The Assyrians were also evil men who carried out the attack on ancient Israel that brought about the demise of the Northern Kingdom. God was not with them or for them. God was against them. He is also against the evil of al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations.

However, God allows and uses all things, both good and evil, for the purposes of redemption. In that purpose, He spared not His own son.

I don't know which is worse, being surprised by a thief in the night, or, having been warned that the thief was coming but choosing to ignore the warning and instead mock the messengers.

1 Thessalonians 5 (NIV)
The Day of the Lord

5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Nell