This week many people in the United States are on high alert because of the possibility of a late-season hurricane hitting the southeast. Hurricane Helene is expected to slam into the Florida Panhandle as a major category-three hurricane.
Weather forecasters predict the storm’s path will make its way up through the southeast into the southern Appalachian Mountains. Authorities have warned residents about possible major weather-related dangers.
- Tornadoes
- Wind damage
- Flooding
- Lightning
- Waterspouts
With these weather hazards, come dangerous situations for residents along the storm’s path. Power outages may last for days due to downed power lines. Structural damage may cause loss of lives. Communication lines will be broken for an undetermined amount of time. The National Guard has already been mobilized to help with possible rescues.
Most residents of the Southeast have become accustomed to the risks associated with living along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Despite how bad things can get during a hurricane, we must trust God is with us and won’t forsake us (Isaiah 8:10, Hebrews 13:5.)
What Is Forsake?
As the world continues to fall apart as society becomes more corrupt, it is easy to feel like God has forsaken us. The dictionary defines sake as, “To renounce or turn away from entirely.” But for God’s people, that shouldn’t be a problem.
One of the most encouraging promises of God to all of His people is He will never forsake us (Hebrews 13:1-25.) As times get harder in the last days, God’s people can trust Him as their Savior to not forsake them (Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, Philippians 2:10.) The Apostle Paul remembered his Jewish education on how God is faithful to never abandon or forsake His people.
‘Azaḇ
The darkness of the ancient world left many people struggling and suffering. People were desperate for hope it was common for people to turn to idols and corrupt leaders for support and help. People quickly learn that governments and idols couldn’t save them; they were forsaken by the temporary things they put their hope in.
The Hebrew word for forsake used in the Old Testament is ʿāzaḇ and it can also mean, “Leave, refuseth, loose or to depart from,” depending on the context it is used in.
God sent His prophets to Israel to remind them God would never leave them like the false idols of the ancient world (Deuteronomy 31:6-8, Joshua 1:5, 1 Chronicles 28:20, 1 Kings 8:57; 6 Kings 6:13, Psalm 94:14, Isaiah 41:17.)
God even had His prophets put the idols of the false prophet Baal to the test to prove that God is faithful (1 Kings 18:20-40.) Here God proved that He is faithful and able to take care of His people to encourage them to turn from false idols. God is indeed faithful to keep the promises He gave to Israel through the patriarch Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3.)
- Prosperity
- Greatness
- Land
- Abundant crops
- Victory over their enemies
The Jewish prophets believed that God would send a mighty military and political leader as the Messiah to save them. Israel looked for a Savior from an earthly perspective and God sent His Son from heaven to do His Father’s works (John 3:16; 6:38.)
Scripture is clear Jesus came as a descendent of Abraham (Matthew 1:1-17.) Jesus continued the Abrahamic covenant by promising to never leave or forsake His followers (Matthew 28:20, John 14:18.) In John’s vision of heaven, he saw Jesus as the future conquering King of His people because He will never forsake us (Revelation 19:11-16.)
Israel
This week the tension in the Middle East has escalated as Israel and Lebanon have exchanged gunfire, rockets, and missiles. Prime Minister Netanyahu is hell-bent on getting revenge against Hezbollah and Hamas.
Now Israel is preparing for possible land incursions into Lebanon in its quest for revenge. Once again Israel is relying on themselves and turning to man-made gods. Have they forsaken the God of their forefathers for the temporary Gods of this world?
- Deception
- Revenge
- Earthly power
- Pride
As God’s people, we cannot live or act like the corrupt world we live in. In our times of need in the storms of this life, we learn who people truly trust and rely on. God is Lord over all or He isn’t Lord at all!
Charles Spurgeon wrote, “If God says to me, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee,” I never ought to be the victim of fear of man. Let men think what they like of me, let them call me a fool or a fanatic, let them shun me, but what does it signify so long as thou, my Lord, dost not forsake me.” We should only put our hope and faith into a God Who will never zaḇ us.
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