The big news earlier this week was the follow-up meeting in Washington, DC, about the war between Ukraine and Russia. The whole world was watching President Zelensky and President Trump meeting for the second time in the hope of bringing peace between Ukraine and Russia.
While Zelensky and European leaders were trying to bring an end to this senseless war in Europe, President Putin continued his ungodly assault on the citizens of Ukraine by attacking civilian targets despite the “Progress” President Putin and President Trump reportedly made during their summit in Alaska last week.
With the senseless ongoing wars not coming to an end, we can see the biblical truths about this fallen kingdom many nations are fighting over:
- Power-Hungry
- Uncompassionate
- Greedy
- Deceptive
So far this year, we have seen no end to man-made wars or true prosperity amongst God’s people. The Israel-Hamas conflict has no end in sight. Israelis live under constant fear and threats from other Arab nations or terrorist groups.
Americans are still facing inflation and financial burdens. Russia is continuing its push into Europe by attacking Ukraine regardless of what Putin and Trump say about peace (Numbers 6:26, Psalm 29:11). Their words are meaningless because their actions don’t agree with what they say or believe (Ephesians 5:6).
What Are Actions?
Actions are verbs and require doing something and not just saying the right things. An action is defined as “The accomplishment of a thing, usually over a period of time: deed or conduct.” When we take action, we apply what we know and say to bring change in some form or another.
God is the only one who can speak things into existence simply by His word alone. The creation must make an effort to do what it says or believes. Our actions prove what we really believe.
That is why the Bible has a lot to say about actions and what we do (Ezra 10:4, James 4: 17, 1 John 3:18). We live in a fallen world that talks about doing good, but really can’t do good (Psalm 16:2, Mark 10:18).
God’s people are called to be good and do good because we are meant to be the opposite of this corrupt temporary kingdom (Psalm 37:3, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Galatians 5:19-26, Colossians 3: 17; 23, 2 Thessalonians 3:13). The Apostle Paul remembered his Jewish education about our actions and how they separate us from the rest of the world.
ʿĀśâ
The ancient world was a lot like the world today; everyone was looking out for their own selfish interests. People wanted earthly power and temporary greatness and were willing to do whatever it took to get them.
God called His people out of the darkness to be different and to do His will (Leviticus 19:2, Deuteronomy 7:6). God’s people’s actions should be different from this corrupt world’s actions and ways if we really belong to God.
The Hebrew word for action in the Old Testament is āśâ, and it can also mean, “Make, wrought, commit, keep, get, perform, or do so,” depending on the context it is used in. This is why Judaism emphasizes the need for good deeds, or actions if you practice the Jewish faith:
- Charity
- Acts of kindness
- Social justice
- Respect for others
- Kindness to animals
- Volunteering or serving
The New Testament writers and Jesus continue this practice about doing good works (Matthew 5:16; 25:31-46, Acts 10:38, 1 Corinthians 16:14, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Galatians 6:9, Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 1:16; 3:8).
However, Christians don’t do good works to be saved, but as a result of being saved (Romans 11:6). Jesus said we would know other believers by their actions and fruits (Matthew 7:16-20).
The basic actions of Christ followers according to Jesus are: caring for the least of these, caring for immigrants, caring for widows, loving our neighbor and brothers (Matthew 5:42; 19:21; 25:35-40, Luke 10:29-37).
Israel
In other big news this week, Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu announced their intent to invade and occupy Gaza City. Unfortunately, when the IDF entered Gaza City, more innocent Palestinians were killed or displaced from their home.
Starvation continues to plague the Gaza Strip during Israel’s ungodly pursuit of revenge. Israel has become the oppressor, much like this oppressive, corrupt world we live in. Israel’s use of force and violence in its pursuit of revenge contradicts the basic teachings of Judaism:
- Do good
- Pursue social justice
- Don’t seek revenge
- Loving thy neighbor
More and more, we see God’s people’s actions don’t align with their words or the ways of God. Despite the atrocities happening in Gaza, President Trump called Benjamin Netanyahu a war hero and also claimed to be one himself in a disgusting act of pride and disrespect for people in need.
Jesus and the New Testament writers warned us about demons who parade around like angels of light and deceive God’s people in the last days (Matthew 24:24, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, 1 Peter 5:6, 2 Peter 2:1.
That is why we must pay attention to people’s fruit, because their words mean nothing compared to their āśâ!
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