A Warning from History: The Looming Invasion of the Philippines

A Warning from History: The Looming Invasion of the Philippines

As I delve into the annals of history, a recurring theme emerges—nations that turn away from righteousness, embrace corruption, and forget their spiritual foundations are often met with dire consequences. This theme is starkly evident in the stories of the Jewish people throughout the Bible. These ancient accounts serve as both a warning and a lesson for us today. As I reflect on the state of our beloved Philippines, I am compelled to share these historical parallels with a sense of reverence and urgent warning.

#### The Babylonian Captivity: A Lesson from Judah

In the 6th century BC, the Kingdom of Judah fell into idolatry and corruption, turning away from God’s commandments. The prophets warned of impending doom, but their cries fell on deaf ears. The result was devastating: the Babylonian Empire, led by King Nebuchadnezzar, besieged Jerusalem. The city was destroyed, the Temple burned, and the people were carried into exile in Babylon.

**“On the seventh day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard, an official of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. He set fire to the temple of the LORD, the royal palace and all the houses of Jerusalem. Every important building he burned down” (2 Kings 25:8-9).**

This tragic event teaches us that no nation, regardless of its past glories or divine favor, is immune to downfall when it turns away from righteousness.

#### The Assyrian Captivity: Israel’s Downfall

Similarly, the Northern Kingdom of Israel faced a grim fate due to its persistent idolatry and moral decay. In 722 BC, the Assyrian Empire conquered Israel, scattering the people throughout the Assyrian territories. The Bible records this as a direct consequence of their unfaithfulness to God.

**“In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria. He settled them in Halah, in Gozan on the Habor River, and in the towns of the Medes. All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the LORD their God” (2 Kings 17:6-7).**

This episode underscores the inevitability of judgment when a nation forsakes its spiritual and moral obligations.

#### The Roman Destruction of Jerusalem: A Prophetic Warning

Even in the New Testament, the theme continues. Jesus Himself foretold the destruction of Jerusalem, which came to pass in 70 AD when the Romans, under Titus, razed the city and the Second Temple. This catastrophic event was a fulfillment of prophecy and a consequence of the people's rejection of divine guidance.

**“When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near... They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” (Luke 21:20, 24).**

#### A Call for Reflection and Action

As I reflect on these historical events, I cannot help but draw parallels to our current situation in the Philippines. Corruption, moral decay, and a departure from our spiritual roots seem all too familiar. The signs are ominous, and the warnings from history are clear. We must heed these lessons before it is too late.

We stand at a crossroads. Will we continue down the path of moral and spiritual decline, risking a similar fate of invasion, destruction, and scattering? Or will we turn back to the values that once made our nation strong—integrity, righteousness, and reverence for God?

The choice is ours, but the urgency is undeniable. Let us learn from the past, embrace the warnings, and work together to build a future grounded in righteousness and faith. Only then can we hope to avert the looming dangers and secure a prosperous and peaceful future for our beloved Philippines.

May God guide us and grant us the wisdom to choose the right path.

### Conclusion

History is a stern teacher. The stories of the Babylonian Captivity, the Assyrian Captivity, and the Roman destruction of Jerusalem are not just ancient tales but timeless lessons. As we navigate our current challenges, let us remember these lessons and strive to uphold the principles that will protect and prosper our nation.

**Let us pray for wisdom, strength, and a return to righteousness.**

Eternal Power of God

It is found in 2 Kings 13:20-21. Here’s the account:

Elisha died and was buried. Moabite raiders used to enter the country every spring. Once, while some Israelites were burying a man, they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet.

### Context and Significance

1. **Elisha’s Ministry**: Elisha was a prophet in Israel who succeeded Elijah. His ministry was marked by numerous miracles, indicating God’s power and presence with him.

2. **Miracle After Death**: The miracle of the dead man coming back to life after touching Elisha’s bones underscores the enduring power of God that continued to work through Elisha even after his death.

3. **Symbol of Resurrection and Life**: This event can be seen as a foreshadowing of resurrection, symbolizing that God's power to give life transcends death. It reinforces the theme of life triumphing over death, a key theme in Christian theology.

4. **Confirmation of Elisha’s Prophetic Authority**: This miracle served as a posthumous validation of Elisha’s authority and the authenticity of his prophetic ministry. It was a powerful sign to the people that Elisha was indeed a man of God.

5. **God’s Unceasing Power**: The incident also highlights that God’s power is not limited by human life or death. It continues to operate beyond the physical constraints that humans face.

This account is unique in the Bible and provides a vivid demonstration of divine intervention, emphasizing that God’s presence and power can manifest in unexpected ways and times. 🙏

Grace After Meals

"Grace After Meals," often referred to as "Birkat Hamazon" in Hebrew, is a set of blessings recited after eating a meal that includes bread made from one or more of the five grains (wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt). The tradition originates from the biblical commandment to bless God after eating, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 8:10: "When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you."

The prayer consists of four main blessings:

1. The first blessing thanks God for the food and the land.

2. The second blessing is a prayer of gratitude for the liberation from Egypt, the covenant, the Torah, and the sustenance provided by God.

3. The third blessing asks for mercy and blessings upon Jerusalem, the royal house of David, and the rebuilding of the Holy Temple.

4. The fourth blessing is a general thanks to God for goodness, including specific references to sustenance, divine mercy, support, and peace.

This prayer is a central component of Jewish observance and reflects a deep sense of gratitude towards God for providing sustenance and spiritual nourishment.

"Nil Nisi Te" ( Nothing without Thee )

Thomas Aquinas, one of the greatest theologians and philosophers in the history of the Church, is known for his profound insights into the nature of God, humanity, and the relationship between them. The phrase "Nil Nisi Te," which means "Nothing but You" or "Nothing except You," encapsulates a key aspect of Aquinas's theology. 

### Context

The phrase "Nil Nisi Te" is reflective of Aquinas's understanding of the centrality of God in all things. In his magnum opus, the "Summa Theologica," Aquinas delves deeply into the relationship between God and humanity. He emphasizes that God is the ultimate end and the source of all goodness. According to Aquinas, everything that exists depends on God for its existence, sustenance, and purpose.

### God as the Supreme Good

In Aquinas's view, God is the highest good, the ultimate end, and the fulfillment of all desires. For Aquinas, true happiness and fulfillment can only be found in God. This is because God is the source of all that is good, and all created things are only good insofar as they participate in the goodness of God. The phrase "Nil Nisi Te" reflects the idea that nothing else can truly satisfy or fulfill us except God.

### Dependency on God

Aquinas also emphasizes the dependency of all creation on God. In his doctrine of creation, Aquinas argues that everything that exists is contingent and relies on God for its existence. God is the necessary being, the uncaused cause, and everything else derives its existence from Him. The phrase "Nil Nisi Te" underscores the truth that without God, nothing would exist, and without God, nothing can find true purpose or fulfillment.

### Divine Providence and Grace

In addition to being the creator, God is also the provider and sustainer of all things. Aquinas teaches that God's providence governs the universe, and His grace is necessary for humans to achieve their ultimate end, which is union with God. The phrase "Nil Nisi Te" captures the idea that humans rely on God for guidance, sustenance, and ultimately for salvation. 

### Theological Virtues

Aquinas highlights the importance of the theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity. These virtues direct humans toward God as their ultimate end. The phrase "Nil Nisi Te" aligns with the virtue of charity, which is love for God above all things. According to Aquinas, charity is the greatest of the virtues because it unites humans with God. 

### Conclusion

"Nil Nisi Te" encapsulates the essence of Aquinas's theological insights. It expresses the truth that God is the supreme good, the ultimate end, and the source of all that is worthwhile. It also reflects the dependency of all creation on God and the central role of God in human fulfillment and salvation. In the eyes of Aquinas, nothing else matters without God, and nothing else can truly satisfy or fulfill us except God.

Prevented by the 'Holy Spirit' from Preaching in Asia

In Acts 16:6-8, the passage describes how Paul and his companions were prevented from entering certain regions by the Holy Spirit and the Spirit of Jesus. This means that, in some manner, God was guiding their missionary journey by indicating which areas they should avoid and where they should go instead.

The mention of being "prevented by the Holy Spirit" from preaching in the province of Asia (modern-day western Turkey) suggests that God had other plans for their missionary work at that time. Similarly, when they tried to go into Bithynia, "the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them." This emphasizes the divine guidance they received during their journey.

The exact means by which the Holy Spirit communicated this to them isn't specified. It could have been through a direct revelation, a prophecy, a vision, or perhaps circumstances that made traveling to those regions difficult or impossible. 

The key takeaway is that Paul and his companions were attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, allowing God to guide their steps as they spread the Gospel. The events demonstrate that God has a specific plan and timing for the spread of the Gospel, and that sometimes His guidance may prevent us from going in directions we initially planned.