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Chapter 4: Scripture reveals that Jesus IS the Voice of Hope: George Otis hung his Banner that read, “The Voice of Hope,” at the Good Fence Border Crossing Israel shares with Lebanon. And it was here at the “Good Fence” Border Crossing in Metulla that the Beginning of the Walls of Hostility between the IDF and the SLA began to come down.
It was here at the “Good Fence” Border Crossing in Metulla, the Official Border Crossing Between Israel and Lebanon, also known as the “Fatima Gate,” that God used the “Fatima Gate,” the Gate of the enemy that the Muslims named in honor of the prophet Mohammed’s daughter – for good.
Hebrews 6:19 19 This hope [this confident assurance] we have as an anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it]—a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil [of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells], Amplified Bible
Romans 5:5 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. NKJV
Romans 15:13 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. NKJV
The Walls of Hostility between the Jews and Gentiles began to come down at the “Fatima Gate” – the Official Border Crossing between northern Israel and southern Lebanon in the Upper Galilee where George Otis, Founder of High Adventures Ministry headquartered in Ventura County, California hung the Banner that read, “The Voice of Hope.”
The following is a picture of the Banner of Hope that George Otis hung in the “Fatima Gate” in Metulla and it is this same picture that is memorlized in stone at the “Good Fence Memorial” that the Israeli Defense Forces built in recognition of the South Lebanese Army, a Christian Militia, who came to their aid in their battle against the PLO and Hezbollah who was attacking both the IDF and the SLA. |
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The following picture is of me standing by the memorial inside the “Good Fence Memorial” erected by the Israeli Government in honor of the SLA, the Christian Militia who came to the aid of the IDF in a joint effort to thwart the attacks of the PLO and Hezbollah. And, of all the images at the “Good Fence Memorial,” the stone memorial with the image of George Otis’ Banner “The Voice of Hope” is first and foremost the most significant and it really does honor Major Haddad of the South Lebanese Army in a way that I don’t believe the Israeli Army understood.
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The following is an enlargement of the image above.
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The Gospel of Jesus Christ that was broadcast over the “Voice of Hope” radio station that George Otis founded on the war-torn battlefield of south Lebanon can now be heard on every continent around the world today. No doubt that George Otis was called by God to carry out the Great Commission and take the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world and by all accounts that was the heart of George Otis.
Pause and consider the significance of the fact that Jesus Christ who IS the “Voice of Hope” is immortalized in the stone that cries out in praise of Jesus Christ at the “Good Fence” Memorial that is erected on Israeli soil.
Jesus Christ IS the Voice of Hope: George Otis named his radio station the “Voice of Hope” because he built the radio station to broadcast the Gospel of Jesus Christ who IS the Voice of Hope to those in south Lebanon who were being persecuted by both the PLO and Hezbollah simply because they were Christians. He and Major Haddad, the Christian leader of the SLA, knew that Jesus Christ was the only hope the Maronite Christians as well as the non-believers living in south Lebanon really had from the attacks of the PLO and Hezbollah who were persecuting the Maronite Christians – hence the Voice of Hope radio station that broadcast the Gospel of Jesus Christ. From time-to-time Major Haddad was known to give words of encouragement to the Maronite Christians living in south Lebanon as well as he himself reading Scriptures over the broadcast. However, as the name of the radio station indicates, the main purpose of George Otis’s radio station was to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ to take the Gospel throughout the world. And, today the Voice of Hope radio station that was born on the war-torn battle fields of south Lebanon is heard on every continent of the world.
There is Irony concerning the Stone at the “Good Fence Memorial” with an Image of the Banner that reads “The Voice of Hope”: The “Spiritual Significance” of this particular image on the first of the individual memorials at the “Good Fence” memorial that George Otis hung on the Israeli side of the “Fatima Gate” of the “Good Fence” and is now part of the “Good Fence Memorial” is that at the time the nation of Israel would not allow George Otis to build his radio station on Israeli soil because it broadcast the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And, for that reason George Otis built his radio station just inside the “Fatima Gate” on the war-torn battlefields of Lebanese soil. However, we know that it was according to God’s will as where the “Voice of Hope” radio station was to be built and where the Banner that read “The Voice of Hope” was displayed.
The Name of Jesus Christ is honored at the “Good Fence Memorial”: Again, the irony is that now the Banner of the Voice of Hope that lifts up the name of Jesus and was rejected by the Israeli government is now immortalized in stone on Israeli soil just inside the “Good Fence Memorial” erected by the Israeli government.
First and Foremost Christ IS the “Voice of Hope”: How fitting it was that George Otis named his radio broadcast the “Voice of Hope” because Christ Jesus IS the “Voice of Hope”!
Hope in Christ Jesus is the Anchor of the Christian’s Soul: "Hope” is a fundamental aspect of how we as Christians live our lives. Our “Hope” that is in Christ Jesus is the anchor of the soul.
Hebrews 6:19 19 This hope [this confident assurance] we have as an anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it]—a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil [of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells], Amplified Bible
Hebrews 6:19 19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, NKJV
Note the analogy between the Believer and a ship: We are in this world as a ship at sea, liable to be tossed to and fro and in danger of being utterly swept away. However, just as an anchor keeps the ship from being tossed about – our “Hope” in Christ Jesus is the anchor that keeps our soul from being tossed about by all the trials and tribulations that we are faced with that threaten to shipwreck our faith in Christ Jesus.
According to the Prophet Isaiah those living on either side of the “Fatima Gate” in Metulla were living by the “Way of the Sea”: The analogy between the Believer and a ship brings Isaiah’s prophecy to mind. According to Isaiah’s Prophecy (Isaiah 9:1-2) those living on both sides of the “Fatima Gate” in the Upper Galilee live by the “Way of the Sea.” Again, how fitting it was that George Otis named his radio broadcast the “Voice of Hope.”
Christ; He is the object of our Hope, and Christ is the anchor of the believer's Hope.
Romans 5:5 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. NKJV
Romans 15:13 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. NKJV
Christ is the object of the Believer’s Hope and it is in His second coming that the “Hope of Glory” will be fulfilled.
Titus 2:13 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, NKJV
Romans 8:24-25 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. KJV
The “Fatima Gate” where George Otis hung the Banner “The Voice of Hope” brings to mind that Jesus said “I am the Gate.”
Jesus said “I am the Gate”: God told Abraham that His descendants would stand in the gates of their enemies (Genesis 22:17). And, it was only after George Otis stood in the Gate of the Enemy that the Lebanese called the Fatima Gate that the “Fatima Gate” could truly be used as a “Good Gate” from a Spiritual perspective. It was only after George Otis hung the Banner with the inscription “The Voice of Hope” that the Fatima Gate was no longer just a Good Gate from a secular perspective; however, from a spiritual perspective as well because Jesus, who IS the Voice of Hope, also declared “I am the Gate!” John 10:9
It is important to understand that there are many different gates in the Bible and gates have several different dimensions. Not only are gates a physical reality, they also have both spiritual and prophetic dimensions.
The Spiritual Aspects of Gates: “Gates” in the Bible are places of “Spiritual Authority” and represent cities or spiritual locations. The exception to this is Christ Jesus.
Jesus is the Gatekeeeper of all Gatekeepers. John 10:7, 9 Jesus said, “I am the Gate” (some translations read “door”). Other Examples of “Spiritual Gates” include:
· Genesis 19:1 Lot sitting in the gate of Sodom rose up to meet the two angels who had come to Sodom · Genesis 22:17 God told Abraham that his descendants would possess the gates of their enemies · Genesis 18:17 the Gate of Heaven · Deut 16:18 Judges and Officers were to rule from the city gates · Ruth 4:1 Boaz convened the elders to meet at the city gates to redeem the inheritance of Elimelech and take Ruth as his wife. Both Boaz and Ruth are forebears of Christ Jesus · 1 Kings17:10 the Prophet Elijah found the widown woman in the gate of Sidon · Joshua 20:4 Those who slay someone accidentally and flee to a city of refuge present their case to the elders in the city gate · Judges 5:8 Because the Israelites chose new gods – then there was war in the gates · Job 29:7 Job took his seat in the gate where justice was administered and public business conducted · Job 38:17 the gates of death · Psalm 9:13 the gates of death · Psalm 24 Lift up your heads, O you gates!.... that the King of Glory shall come in! · Proverbs 8:34 Wisdom Cries out at the Gates · Isaiah 38:10 the gates of sheol · Isaiah 27:2 gates of the people; Tyre desires to take over Jerusalem’s gateway to the rich trade routes · Isaiah 28:6 Turn back the battle at the gate (I have been in several gates) · Ezekiel 26:2 Jerusalem – the gateway of the peoples KJV Jerusalem – the gateway to the rich trade routes NLT · Ezekiel 27:3-5 Say to Tyre, situated at the gateway to the sea (NIV) · Micah 2:13 the gates of the enemy cities (I have stood in this gate) · Zechariah 11:1 Open your gates, Lebanon (I have stood in this gate) · Matt 7:13-14 You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the “Narrow Gate” · Matthew 16:18 Christ confronts Satan at the Gates of Hell (I have stood in this gate) · John 10:7-9 Jesus said “I AM the Gate” · Acts 14:13 Pagans offered sacrifices to their gods Zeus and Hermes in the city gates in Lystra; believing that the Apostle Paul and Barnabas were Zeus and Hermes in human form, the pagans wanted to offer sacrifices to both Paul and Barnabas just outside the city gates · Rev 21:12; 25 Angels portrayed as guarding the 12 Gates on whose names of the Tribes of Israel are inscribed. They were stationed there as guards to the New Jerusalem – that no evil would enter. The gates of the New Jerusalem will never be closed. And so on.
When Jesus walked up to the “Gates of Hell” (Matthew 16) in Caesarea Philippi in the Upper Galilee and declared into the Spiritual Realm that the Gates of Hell would not prevail against His Church that had its beginnings in the Galilee – He possessed the gates of His enemies just as the Lord told Abraham. (Genesis 22:17)
Genesis 22:17 17 blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. NKJV
And, so it was at the “Fatima Gate” in Metulla where George Otis stood in the gate of the enemy and raised the Banner, “The Voice of Hope.” This gate was always known by the Lebanese, the PLO and Hezbollah as the “Fatima Gate,” named Fatima in honor of Mohammad’s favorite daughter – hence, the Gate of the Enemy. However, the Fatima Gate that stood for evil – God was able to use for good – hence, the Good Gate.
It all began at the “Fatima Gate” that God used for the Saving of many lives. By 1982 the Syrian-backed PLO had turned the border between Lebanon and Israel in the Upper Galilee into a battlefield – hence, the IDF’s Military Operation code name: “Peace for the Galilee.”
By Way of History: The Syrian-backed Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and later the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, both enemies of Israel, set up strongholds in southern Lebanon because of its proximity to Israel’s northern border. Once they set up a stronghold, the PLO and Hezbollah used southern Lebanon as a base of operations to launch attacks on northern Israel – specifically the town of Metulla, Israel’s northernmost town.
The PLO and Hezbollah attacked the Lebanese Christians living in south Lebanon as well as the Israelis living in northern Israel. And, it was these attacks that brought the South Lebanese Army (SLA), a Christian Militia, and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), into an unlikely partnership that would bring down the dividing walls of hostility between the Jews and Gentiles. (Ephesians 2:14-18)
On June 6, 1982, the IDF launched “Operation Peace for the Galilee,” later known as the “First Lebanon War.” The objective of Operation Peace for the Galilee was to ensure the safety of northern Israel, specifically the town of Metulla. Operation Peace for the Galilee was a conflict between Israel and the Palestinian terrorists (PLO) based in southern Lebanon; Israel’s conflict was not with the people of Lebanon.
Operation Peace for the Galilee: Operation Peace for the Galilee produced an unlikely partnership between the South Lebanese Army (SLA), a Christian Militia, and the nation of Israel that was the result of the conflicts that both Israel and the SLA had with the PLO and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorist organization that were operating from within Lebanon’s southern border.
The Syrian-backed PLO were killing the Christians who were living in southern Lebanon who the Syrians considered to be expendable because of their Christian faith. At the same time the border between Lebanon and Israel became the PLO’s, and later Hezbollah’s, launching pad for attacks on Israel’s northern border and northern settlements from within Lebanon. In 1982, after losing their battle with the IDF, the PLO was forced to vacate south Lebanon and the Security Zone.
The Fiery Serpent Hezbollah replaced the PLO: After the IDF forced the PLO to vacate south Lebanon and the Security Zone the IDF and the SLA had little to rejoice about because from that snake a more poisonous snake was born and took their place, the fiery serpent Hezbollah, which proved to be a much more formidable foe for the IDF and the SLA for the next 17 plus years. The bite of Hezbollah was even more terrible and venomous than that of the PLO.
Again, it was the attacks by the PLO and later Hezbollah on Lebanese Christians, as well as their attacks on the Israelis living in northern Israel that brought the South Lebanese Army (SLA) and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) into an unlikely partnership that would bring down the dividing walls of hostility between the Jew and Gentile Believer – Ephesians 2:14-18. What the enemy meant for evil God used for the good of many. (Genesis 50:20)
When the “Fatima Gate” became the “Good Gate” and “Good Fence Crossing” – God used the Gate of the Enemy for Good
God used the “Fatima Gate” for Good: The Unlikely Partnership between the SLA and the IDF all began at Lebanon’s “Fatima Gate,” the official border crossing between Lebanon and Israel that the Israelis nicknamed the “Good Fence Crossing” when an Israeli Soldier had Compassion for a Lebanese Woman who came to the Border and Cried out to him to help her sick child: The walls of hostility began to come down when a Lebanese mother, desperate for help, went to the border between south Lebanon and northern Israel in the town of Metulla and begged an Israeli soldier to help her sick child. Due to the attacks of the PLO (and later Hezbollah) southern Lebanon was left without medical services, among many other much needed services. Because of this young man’s compassion, he allowed the woman to cross over from south Lebanon through the “Fatima Gate” that the Israelis began to call the “Good Fence Crossing” into Israel to seek medical help for her son. Upon her return to her village, she told others of the kindness and compassion of the Israelis – they were not the enemy that they were led to believe.
Shortly thereafter, other desperate Lebanese would gather at the Good Fence Crossing on a regular basis to cross over into Israel seeking medical treatment for the SLA soldiers who had been wounded at the hands of the PLO, as well as the old and young who were suffering – those that had lost all hope because of the PLO’s attacks on the Lebanese people in southern Lebanon. By the end of the conflict, Israeli physicians had treated thousands of Lebanese who crossed over into Israel via the “Good Fence Crossing ,” all free of charge.
The Good Fence Crossing was what Israel began to call Lebanon’s Fatima Gate (a Gateway of the Enemy”) because of all the good that the Israeli’s were able to use the gate for in spite of the enemy.
As a reminder,
The Lebanese named the gate the “Fatima Gate” in honor of the daughter of Islam’s Prophet Mohammad. So one might ask why the Israelis would think in terms of the Fatima Gate, also known as the Good Fence Crossing, as a Good Gate when Islam is opposed to the teachings of Judaism and their hatred for the Jewish people is apparent? Needless to say, the term Good Fence Crossing is an oxymoron as the meaning behind the Good Fence Crossing and the Fatima Gate contradict one another.
However, the Israeli Defense Forces hoped to use the Fatima Gate that separated Lebanon from Israel as a means toward co-existence – hence, the Fatima Gate was referred to as a Good Fence Crossing. During the 1982-2000 Lebanese Conflict with Israel the IDF allowed the South Lebanese Army, a Christian militia who came to the aid of Israel against the PLO and Hezbollah, and their families to come through the Fatima Gate to seek medical care and find jobs that they were denied in Lebanon because they were Christians. Hence, Israel and the SLA thought in terms of the Fatima Gate, a Gate of their Enemy, as a “Good Gate.” What the PLO and Hezbollah meant for evil, God, the Israelis, and the South Lebanon Army meant to use for good.
However, after 18 years, the IDF withdrew from the Security Zone inside Lebanon. And, after the last IDF soldier crossed through the “Fatima Gate” never to return to Lebanon, the IDF (Benny Gantz) locked the ”Fatima Gate” that God had used for good and the :Fatima Gate” remains locked to this day. And, it was at this point in time that the Fatima Gate that once allowed the Lebanese Christians and the Israelis to co-exist in peace was no longer a good gate. At that point in time, the Good Fence Crossing became the “Front Line” for Hezbollah and anti-Israel protestors who came to the gate to throw rocks over the good fence onto Israel soil – the symbolism being that in due time they would cross through the Fatima Gate onto Israeli soil.
Today, Lebanon’s “Fatima Gate” and the Good Fence that separates Lebanon from Israel can be likened to a “Spiritual Fault Zone” The Spiritual Breach created by Hezbollah at the “Fatima Gate” and the “Good Fence” is a Spiritual Breach in the Land that only God can heal
As the earth cracks and opens itself in violent earthquakes that occur at a fault zone, so it is on the border that separates Lebanon from northern Israel. The whole area along the border is filled with strife and calamity ready to convulse. The imagery of an earthquake is seen in the panic and the fear that those living near the border are experiencing on a daily basis.
And, only God can heal this breach at the border made by Hezbollah.
While trying to bring a new meaning to the Fatima Gate by renaming the gate the Good Fence Crossing – when the IDF withdrew in May of 2000, the concept of the “Good Fence” through which Israel had used to build good relations with the Lebanese Christians collapsed.
Needless to say the Fatima Gate, nicknamed the Good Fence Crossing by the Israelis, had opposite and contradictory meanings. And, that’s why the Good Fence was an oxymoron because fences are built to separate and divide – and even if we call the Fatima Gate the Good Fence, the Fence itself was meant to separate the teachings and beliefs of Islam from Judaism as well as serve as a land border between Lebanon and Israel. The Muslims in Lebanon never saw the Fatima Gate as a good gate in the sense the Israelis did. To the Muslims in Lebanon the Fatima Gate was only a good gate in the sense it honored Islam’s Prophet Mohammad who was opposed to the teachings of Judaism
We can describe the Fatima Gate/Good Gate as an oxymoron because the differing names combines two opposite qualities or ideas that are impossible to combine. The meaning behind the Good Fence and the Fatima Gate contradict one another. To try and change the Fatima Gate to be a Good Gate between Lebanon and Israel forever proved to be impossible. Nonetheless, the Israelis were able to use the Gate of the Enemy for good for over twenty years until the IDF withdrew from Lebanon in May 2000.
Today, all that is left of the Fatima Gate is a “locked” Gate. All that is left is the Fatima Gate and the Fatima Gate is definitely not a good gate nor a good fence border crossing. The Fatima Gate is a “Gate of the Enemy” that God told Abraham his descendants would stand in (Genesis 22:17).
Today, the Fatima Gate is Hezbollah’s “Front Line.” The Fatima Gate is the closest Iran via Hezbollah can come to Israel without crossing over onto Israeli soil – a Front Line that Iran via Hezbollah threatens to cross over.
The “Good Gate”: Lebanon’s Fatima Gate, named in the honor of the daughter of Islam’s Prophet Mohammad, (hence the Gate of the Enemy Genesis 22:17) was known by the Israelis and the South Lebanese Army, a Christian Militia who came to the aid of the Israeli Defense Forces, as a good gate because of all the “Good Will” the IDF extended to the SLA and their families who were being mistreated by Hezbollah because they were Christians as well as all the “Good Will” extended by the SLA when they came to the aid of the IDF in their battles with Hezbollah.
What the enemy intended for evil – God used for good: Romans 8:28 tells us that God will use what was intended for evil for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose for them. And, that is why Lebanon’s Fatima Gate is known by the Israeli’s and the SLA as the Good Fence Crossing because God used it for good. God used the South Lebanese Army, a Christian Militia, to come to Israel’s aid in defeating both the PLO and Hezbollah who were attacking both the SLA (because they were Lebanese Christians who rejected Islam) and the IDF. To reach the Security Buffer Zone the SLA allowed the Israeli Defense Forces to set up and operate inside Lebanon the IDF had to cross through the “Fatima Gate.” At the same time, Israel allowed the SLA and their families to cross through the “Fatima Gate” onto Israeli soil to seek much needed medical care and jobs that the PLO and then Hezbollah denied them simply because they were Lebanese who were Christians.
Romans 8:28 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. NLT
First and Foremost, God used the Israel-Lebanon Conflicts to bring down the “Dividing Walls” between the Jew and Gentile Christians.
Ephesians 2:14 14 For Christ Himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in His own body on the cross, He broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. NLT
The Dividing Walls between the Jew and Gentiles came down: The Security Buffer Zone set up and maintained by both the SLA, a Christian Militia, and the IDF made it possible for the IDF and the SLA to form friendly relations between Israel and the Christian population of south Lebanon.
The “Good Fence Memorial”: To show their appreciation for the South Lebanese Army, in 2021 Israel built the “Good Fence Memorial” next to the “Fatima Gate” to honor the South Lebanese Army, a Lebanese Christian Militia, for coming to their aid in battling the PLO then Hezbollah. It was a Memorial commemorating the many South Lebanon Army soldiers who fell in combat fighting alongside the Israeli Defense Army. The spirit-led Christian will always be Israel’s faithful ally. The “Good Fence Memorial” commemorates those SLA soldiers who paid a very heavy price for their loyalty in coming to Israel’s aid in their battles against the PLO then Hezbollah. Those SLA soldiers who died on the battleground alongside the IDF can be likened to those who Jesus told us that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. And, that is exactly what the SLA and their families did!
John 15:13 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. NLT
Israel meant so much to Major Haddad and His Christian Militia: Read the words of Francis Rezik, Major Haddad’s spokesman, as he explained why Major Haddad, the founder of the SLA, and his troops were truly loved by Israel and why Israel meant so much to Major Haddad and His Christian Militia.
Pause and meditate on his words as you read them:
“Israel is our double savior. First, she gave us the Messiah who saved us spiritually. Then she saved us from physical destruction. The roots of our Christianity are with the Jews. Why should we not be Israel’s ally?”
The words of Francis Rezik are a Living Testament to the spiritual truths of Ephesians 2:14-18, that Christ's death on the Cross broke down the dividing walls of hostility between the Jews and the Church making them one body. Gentiles are now fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Like Major Haddad and his Christian Militia, the Spirit-led Christian will always be Israel’s most faithful ally!
Hence, the “Good Fence Crossing.”
Nonetheless, to Hezbollah and the Muslims living in Lebanon, the Border Crossing the Lebanese once shared with Israel will always be the “Fatima Gate” because it was named in honor of Fatima, the daughter of Islam’s Prophet Mohammad – hence the Gate of the Enemy.
Nonetheless, the Israeli Defense Forces used the Fatima Gate that separated Lebanon from Israel as a means toward co-existence. During the 1982-2000 Lebanese Conflict with Israel the IDF allowed the South Lebanese Army, a Christian militia who came to the aid of Israel against the PLO and Hezbollah, and their families to come through the Fatima Gate to seek medical care and find jobs that they were denied in Lebanon because they were Christians. Hence Israel’s nickname the “Good Gate.” What the PLO and Hezbollah meant for evil both God and the Israelis meant to use for good.
After almost 20 years, the IDF withdrew from the Security Zone they helped the SLA man inside Lebanon. And, after the last IDF soldier crossed through the Good Gate never to return to Lebanon he locked the Good Gate that remains locked to this day. And, it was at this point in time that the Good Gate that once allowed the Lebanese Christians and the Israelis to co-exist in peace was no longer a good gate. At that point in time the Good Fence Crossing became the “Front Line” for Hezbollah and anti-Israel protestors who came to the gate to throw rocks over the fence onto Israel soil – the symbolism being that in due time they would cross through the Fatima Gate onto Israeli soil.
While trying to bring a new meaning to the Fatima Gate by renaming the gate the Good Fence Crossing, when the IDF withdrew in May of 2000, the concept of the “Good Fence” through which Israel had used to build good relations with the Lebanese Christians collapsed.
Needless to say the Fatima Gate nicknamed the Good Gate by the Israelis had opposite and contradictory meanings. And, that’s why the Good Fence was an oxymoron because fences are built to separate and divide – and even if we call the Fatima Gate the Good Fence the Fence itself was meant to separate the teachings and beliefs of Islam from Judaism as well as serve as a land border between Lebanon and Israel. The Muslims in Lebanon never saw the Fatima Gate as a good gate in the sense the Israelis did. To the Muslims in Lebanon the Fatima Gate was only a good gate in the sense it honored Islam’s Prophet Mohammad who was opposed to the teachings of Judaism
We can describe the Fatima Gate/Good Gate as an oxymoron because the differing names combines two opposite qualities or ideas that are impossible to combine. To try and change the Fatima Gate to be a Good Gate between Lebanon and Israel forever proved to be impossible.
Today, all that is left of the Good Gate is a “locked” Good Gate. All that is left is the Fatima Gate and the Fatima Gate is definitely not a good gate nor a good fence border crossing. The Fatima Gate is a “Gate of the Enemy” that God told Abraham his descendants would stand in (Genesis 22:17).
Today, the Fatima Gate is Hezbollah’s “Front Line.” The Fatima Gate is the closest Iran via Hezbollah can come to Israel without crossing over onto Israeli soil – a Front Line that Iran via Hezbollah threatens to cross over.
Back to the Point in Time that the Israeli’s used the Fatima Gate for a Good Gate: One can’t help but reflect on Psalm 24:6-10 – that the “Good Gate” at the border that Israel shares with Lebanon was a “Righteous Gate,” a Spiritual Gate that God had lifted up that His Glory should go through. In His providence, God knew what no man at that time could have known – that He was using this “Good Gate” to bring down the walls of hostility between the Jew and the Gentile Believer living in south Lebanon.
Psalm 24:6-10 6 This
is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Your face.
Selah
On one of the decorative rocks located at the Fatima Gate, the Israelites had chiseled the words of Isaiah 2:4 – a prophecy that will be fulfilled only when Christ returns to set up His Millennium Kingdom and will bring down the walls of division between nations. Just as the Lord brings down the walls of division between the Jews and Gentiles, He will also bring down the walls of division between nations. (Isaiah 2:4; Ephesians 2:14)
Isaiah 2:4: 4And He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. KJV
Because of their hatred, the Syrian-backed PLO meant to destroy both the south Lebanese Christians and the Jewish people living in northern Israel – but God meant it for good. The Jews, the Lebanese Christians, and eventually many of the Shi’a Muslims in south Lebanon, all united in their stand against the PLO. This was a unity that neither the PLO nor the Syrian government who backed them could ever have imagined. And, with the realization that both the Jew and Gentile could actually trust one another, they became united in their efforts to oppose the PLO who was relentless in their attacks on both the SLA and the IDF.
The relationship between the Jews and the SLA, whose founder and leaders were Christians, is an incredible story. The events at the “Good Gate” were only the beginnings of a friendship and unity between the Jew and the Christian SLA that started to bring down the walls of hostility.
George Otis and the “Voice of Hope”: And, that brings me back to George Otis, because the story of the “Good Gate” and the Walls of Hostility being brought down cannot be told without telling how God used George Otis, founder of “High Adventure Ministries” headquartered in Ventura County, California, to travel all the way from California to the Galilee of the Gentiles in the Upper Galilee to build a radio station on the war-torn battlefields of Lebanon. This radio station would bring hope to the Christians in south Lebanon who had all but lost hope because of the ongoing civil war that had ravaged south Lebanon – hence the name, the “Voice of Hope” radio broadcast.
George Otis received a rebuke from both Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Yitzhak Rabin for Ignoring the Plight of the Christians in south Lebanon: George Otis’ life-long commitment to Israel opened the door for him to meet with Prime Ministers Yitzhak Rabin, Menachem Begin and Shimon Peres; all three personally thanked George for his heart-felt commitment to Israel. However, on separate occasions, after asking Prime Minister Rabin and later Begin, how he could help the Jewish people as the Arab-Israeli conflict raged around them, they both demanded to know why he thought the Jewish people could trust him or any other Christian while they were ignoring the plight of the Lebanese Christians in south Lebanon who were being slaughtered in south Lebanon every day by the same Arabs that were attacking Israel? The Jewish people as well as the south Lebanese Christians felt that Christians around the world had abandoned the Christians in south Lebanon.
In response to their reprimand, George Otis explained to Prime Minister Rabin and Begin that he wasn’t even aware of the plight the Lebanese Christians were faced with in south Lebanon. And, when George Otis was offered the opportunity to meet Major Haddad, Christian leader of the SLA, he knew that this was a Divine Appointment and that God had a plan – a plan that exceeded far over and above all that Major Haddad dared asked for or could have imagined. It was beyond Major Haddad’s greatest prayers, hopes and dreams. (Ephesians 3:20)
A Divine Appointment at the Good Gate between Major Haddad and George Otis: When the IDF and Major Haddad (SLA) would meet they would always meet at the “Good Fence” in Metulla, the northernmost town of Israel. And, after Major Haddad passed through the Fatima Gate over into northern Israel they would sit and have coffee at the Arazim Hotel, which was within sight of the “Fatima Gate.” As a side note, the Arazim Hotel is also known as the Cedar Hotel as the word Arazim speaks of Cedar, and many of the houses in Metulla were built of Cedar from Lebanon. The Arazim Hotel was sold and is now under the new management of Selina and this is where I was staying, at the Selina, when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. |
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And, so it was with George Otis the first time he met Major Haddad at the Good Fence within walking distance of the Fatima Gate. In anticipation of meeting Major Haddad for the first time, George Otis waited patiently on the Israeli side of the border in front of the Arazim Hotel where he could see the “Fatima Gate,” as not to miss the very moment Major Haddad crossed through the Fatima Gate from Lebanon into Israel to greet him.
Within a short period of time George Otis saw Major Haddad’s jeep approach the “Fatima Gate,” and as the IDF opened the “Fatima Gate” he watched as Major Haddad left Lebanon and crossed through the Fatima Gate over into Israel where George Otis was waiting in front of the Arazim Hotel to meet him. Disembarking from his jeep that had come to a halt in front of the Arazim Hotel, Major Haddad went over to meet George Otis and from that moment on, to the glory of God, their lives were never the same!
The Fatima Gate and Good Fence was a Spiritual Gate and Spiritual Fence: After they first met at the Fatima Gate, George Otis asked Major Haddad what he and the Christians in America could do to help. Major Haddad was quick to tell George that because the PLO had cut off all their communications he had no way of letting the citizens of southern Lebanon know when there was going to be an air strike so they could take cover. Major Haddad yearned to just give those living in war-torn south Lebanon a word of encouragement – if only he had a small shortwave radio. He wondered if George might possibly be able to provide him with a small shortwave radio that would enable him to communicate with the people in south Lebanon and to offer words of encouragement to those who had lost all hope.
At that time, Major Haddad could not have imagined what
God had in store for him. It was beyond anything Major Haddad imagined or
dared asked for. It was not a small shortwave radio God had in mind – George
Otis raised the funds to build a powerful Radio Station and the “Voice of
Hope” was born. A radio station that was powerful enough to reach people all
over the world.
In fact, George Otis and his ministry were shocked at the daily mail from around the world thanking them for the “Voice of Hope” and the Gospel message and music they were able to pick up on their shortwave radios. Neither George Otis nor Major Haddad had any idea that people with shortwave radios all around the world would be able to pick up the “Voice of Hope.” Nor at the time could Major Haddad or George Otis have imagined that one day the “Voice of Hope” would be heard on every continent in the world. To the Glory of God the reality of Ephesians 3:20 became a “Living Word” in the lives of both Major Haddad and George Otis.
Ephesians 3:20 20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. NLT
After meeting Major Haddad, George Otis was as committed to the Arabs in south Lebanon as he was to Israel to the point where he and those who labored alongside him literally laid down their lives for their Lebanese friends and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
John 15:12-13 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. NKJV
The “Voice of Hope” radio station was always in the crosshairs of the terrorist organizations operating inside southern Lebanon. On October 17, 1985 four armed Shiite Muslim suicide bombers blew up part of the building that housed the “Voice of Hope” radio station killing three of its staff as well as two of the bombers. However, the attack did not deter George Otis or his staff who were dedicated to carrying on the Great Commission. His radio station was back up within a matter of hours and continued to broadcast from inside Lebanon until the IDF withdrew from Lebanon in May 2000.
The ongoing sound of small arms and artillery fire all around them was a constant reminder of the danger they were in; however, they were steadfast in their belief that what they were doing was more important than any of their lives. Like King David, these were men and women who were truly after God’s own heart. (Acts 13:22) Few were their equal!
Christians around the world may have forgotten and abandoned the Lebanese Christians; however, God had not forgotten nor abandoned them – far from it. God heard the cries of Major Haddad and the many Christians living in southern Lebanon, and the world was never the same after Major Haddad and George Otis met at the Good Gate in the Upper Galilee, the Galilee of the Gentiles. Pause and think about that. When the Lord heard the cries and prayers of Major Haddad and the Christians in south Lebanon, He sent George Otis – His faithful servant who was willing to lay down his life for the Christians in south Lebanon – all the way from America to give hope to the Gentile Believers living in the Galilee of the Gentiles. Indeed, God had not forgotten nor abandoned them.
The “Good Fence” and the Great Commission: The “Fatima Gate” and Good Fence Crossing was not just the official border crossing between northern Israel and southern Lebanon – it was the official border crossing between the only Jewish nation in the world and a Gentile nation. Moreover, God’s greater purpose for the Good Gate was to fulfill the Great Commission, which is as relevant today as it was when Christ commissioned His disciples in the Galilee to take His teachings throughout the world. (Matthew 28:16-20)
All Nations: The Jewish people believed that the message of salvation would be confined to their own nation. However, Christ broke down those walls of hostility between the Jew and Gentile when He commissioned His disciples to go throughout the Gentile world and bring the Gentile nations to the knowledge of Himself. And, so it was with the “Voice of Hope” and later, the “Star of Hope,” a mobile TV station situated at the “Fatima Gate/Good Fence Crossing” that broadcast the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. George Otis lived his life in a way that made it possible for him to fulfill the Great Commission, and it was via his radio broadcast station, the “Voice of Hope,” that he took the teachings of Christ to all nations, thus fulfilling the Great Commission in his own lifetime.
The Great Commission was given to the Disciples on a Mountain in the Galilee: We already know that seven hundred years before Christ was born the Prophet Isaiah Prophesied that the identity and mission of the Messiah was linked with the geographical area of Galilee – specifically, the “Borderlands” of the Galilee of the Gentiles in Upper Galilee where the “Fatima Gate,” known by the Israelis as the Good Fence Crossing, is located (Isaiah 9:2) – which brings me to the “Great Commission” and the mountain in the Galilee where Christ met with His disciples. (Matthew 28:16-20)
We know that it was on a mountain in the Galilee where Christ met with His disciples when He commanded them to take the message of His teachings to all the Gentile nations throughout the world. However, because Scripture does not identify the mountain where Christ met with His disciples, no one can say for certain on exactly what mountain Christ met with His disciples.
Given that the mountainous area of the Upper Galilee extends from northern Israel into southern Lebanon, a Gentile nation, it begs the question: Could the mountain where Christ met with His disciples have been in the Upper Galilee where the “Good Fence” is located? I ask that question because the Great Commission was to be taken outside of Israel to all the Gentile nations. I don’t believe it was just happenstance that the “Voice of Hope,” whose teachings of Christ were a continuation of the Great Commission that is now heard in every continent throughout the world, was birthed in the Galilee where the Great Commission was given over two thousand years ago.
A Divine Appointment: Pause and consider that it was here in the Galilee that Christ gave the Great Commission to His Disciples and it was here in the very same Galilee that God called George Otis to come to the Galilee to continue to fulfill the Great Commission via his radio station, the “Voice of Hope.” And, it certainly was not just happenstance that the picture of the Banner with the words “The Voice of Hope” is immortalized in stone at the “Good Fence Memorial” located next to the “Fatima Gate” – the gate of the enemy that the enemy meant for evil, however, that God used for His purposes.
Given Isaiah’s prophecy that Christ’s time here on earth would be tied to the regions of the Galilee and the Galilee of the Gentiles, it’s not surprising that Christ specifically makes mention of Samaria in Acts 1:8 as Samaria was the Capitol of northern Israel – the land of the Galilee where George Otis’s radio station the “Voice of Hope” was born.
Pause and consider the parallels of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:20 and Christ’s command to His disciples in Acts 1:8 to George Otis’s ministry in the Galilee. Surely his ministry in the Galilee of the Gentiles was a Divine Appointment! No doubt, that when George Otis went home to be with the Lord at the age of 90 – the Lord met him with the words, “Job well done” (Matthew 25:21). And, surely George Otis, who ran the race God set before him, has now joined that great cloud of witnesses that is cheering us on.
Hebrews 12:1 1Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
The Radio Broadcast, “Voice of Hope,” is Prophecy coming to pass as prophesied by Jesus Christ in Acts 1:8.
Acts 1:8 8 But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.” Amplified Bible
George Otis was a “Living Martyr” for Jesus Christ: According to Strong’s Concordance, the Greek word for “Witness” in Acts 1:8 is referring to a “Martyr.” And, given that the witnesses for Christ in Acts 1:8 were speaking of living witnesses, then we know that Christ is speaking about those Christians like George Otis who would be willing to risk their own lives to take His Gospel – the Gospel of Jesus Christ – to the ends of the world.
And, isn’t that what George Otis and those who labored alongside him did?
There is no doubt that George Otis and those who labored alongside him manning the “Voice of Hope” radio station in south Lebanon were “Living Martyrs” for Jesus Christ who were willing to risk their very lives for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. George Otis and everyone knew that the terrorists inside south Lebanon had threatened to blow up the radio station the day it signed on the air. And, the terrorists carried through on their threats. Over the years several staff members had been killed, and it was a common occurrence for the radio station to be shelled by cross-border rockets.
The Lord Turned the Battle to the Gate: Through the Compassion of a young Israeli Soldier for a Lebanese mother and her sick child, Major Haddad’s love for the Jewish people, and George Otis’ love for both the Jewish people and the Lebanese people, the Lord gave each of them the Courage and the Strength to Turn the Battle to the Gate where the Dividing Walls of Hostility started to come down! (Isaiah 28:5-6; Ephesians 2:14-18)
Isaiah 28:5-6 5 In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people, 6 And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate. KJV
The “Good Fence Border Crossing” marked the start of a relationship between two countries, “Israel” and the Gentile nation of “Lebanon,” during the time the IDF occupied the “Security Zone” inside south Lebanon in the Upper Galilee.
And, the “Good Fence Border Crossing” also marked the start of the relationship between two Christian men from two different nations: Major Haddad, the Christian Founder of the South Lebanese Army, and George Otis, an American citizen who was willing to lay down his life for Major Haddad and those living in south Lebanon that forever changed their lives to the Glory of God.
The “Voice of Hope” Banner Displayed at the “Good Fence Border Crossing,” as shown in the picture below, displays the flags of both Israel and Lebanon to show the unity between Israel and the Lebanese Christians of south Lebanon that existed while the IDF occupied the “Security Zone” just inside Lebanon’s south Border.
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Not only did George Otis fulfill the Great Commission, but as a spiritual descendant of Abraham, God used George Otis to “possess the gate of his enemies”– hence the “Voice of Hope” Banner that George Otis hung in the “Good Fence Border Crossing,” known by the Lebanese Militants as the “Fatima Gate” that was named Fatima in honor of Mohammad’s favorite daughter, as shown in the above picture. As we all know the followers of Islam believe that Mohammad is the Prophet of Islam.
Genesis 22:17 17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; KJV
When we stand in the gates of our spiritual enemies, God then takes possession of that gate and His Will here on earth will be done as it is in Heaven. And, if we are called to stand in the Fatima Gate that means principalities from within the dominion of the Prince and Kings of Persia will be dislodged from the heavens and bring their wrath to earth. Revelation 12 reveals that it is by the Blood of the Lamb and the Testimony of the Believer that evil angels that fell with Satan will be dislodged from the heavens and cast to the earth. And, because they know their time is short they bring their wrath to earth and war is a manifestation of their wrath – Revelation 12.
We need to keep in mind that Jesus Christ will not return and establish His Kingdom until ALL of His enemies are placed under His feet and that means they have to be dislodged from the heavens and cast to the earth. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 |
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In the Vicinity of the GOOD FENCE crossing – Metulla Copyright: Palphot Ltd, Herzlia |
The Good Fence marked the start of a relationship between Israel and southern Lebanon whose flags flew side-by-side on the Israeli side of the “Good Fence.”
Note the heading on this Post Card reads: The Good Fence - Metulla
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The following pictures show the Good Fence/Gate prior to the IDF’s withdrawal in May of 2000. The inscription on two of the postcards is from Isaiah 2:4 and speaks volumes. The inscription reads: “And they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning Hooks Nation shall not lift up sword against Nations neither shall they Learn War any more” That there would be no more war between the Jews and Gentiles was truly the heart of Major Haddad, the Christian Leader of the South Lebanon Army. Israel will never have a more faithful ally than the Spirit-led Believer in Christ like that of Major Haddad and George Otis. |
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The “Good Fence” marked the start of the relationship between two Christian men from two nations, Major Haddad the Christian Founder of the South Lebanese Army and George Otis who was willing to lay down his life for Major Haddad and those living in south Lebanon that forever changed their lives to the Glory of God - few men were their equal. |
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When George Otis went to the Fatima Gate at the Good Fence Crossing to meet with Major Haddad, he waited for him in front of the Arazim Hotel where he could watch Major Haddad as he crossed through the Good Gate from Lebanon into Israel.
And, this is where I stayed when I was in Metulla, Israel in 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel in the south. I stayed in the section of their Hotel located across the street. The Arazim is under new management and now called Selina.
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The Banner of Truth
The Banner Displayed at the Good Fence by the Radio Station “Voice of Hope” can be likened to the Banner of Truth that the Psalmist speaks of in Psalm 60:4.
Psalm 60:4 4 You have set up a banner for those who fear You [with awe-inspired reverence and submissive wonder— a banner to shield them from attack], A banner that may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. Amplified Bible
Psalm 60:4 4 [But now] You have set up a banner for those who fear and worshipfully revere You [to which they may flee from the bow], a standard displayed because of the truth. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
The following picture of the Banner of the Radio Station, the “Voice of Hope,” is the Banner of Truth that the Psalmist speaks of in Psalm 60:4. And, Psalm 60:4 says it all! |
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The Banner of Radio Station, “Voice of Hope.” Credit: GPO |
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And, so it was with the “Voice of Hope” Radio Station that spread the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout Lebanon and Israel as the war raged around them.
First and Foremost, Christ IS the “Voice of Hope”: How fitting it was that George Otis named his radio broadcast the “Voice of Hope” because Christ Jesus IS the “Voice of Hope”!
Hope in Christ Jesus is the Anchor of the Christian’s Soul: "Hope” is a fundamental aspect of how we as Christians live our lives. Our “Hope” that is in Christ Jesus is the anchor of the soul.
Hebrews 6:19 19 This hope [this confident assurance] we have as an anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it]—a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil [of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells], Amplified Bible
Hebrews 6:19 19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, NKJV
Note the analogy between the Believer and a ship: We are in this world as a ship at sea, liable to be tossed to and fro and in danger of being utterly swept away. However, Praise the Lord! Just as an anchor keeps the ship from being tossed about – our “Hope” in Christ Jesus is the anchor that keeps our soul from being tossed about by all the trials and tribulations that we are faced with that threaten to shipwreck our faith in Christ Jesus.
According to the Prophet Isaiah, those living on either side of the “Good Fence Crossing” in Metulla were living by the “Way of the Sea”: The analogy between the Believer and a ship brings Isaiah’s prophecy to mind. According to Isaiah’s Prophecy (Isaiah 9:1-2), those living on both sides of the “Good Fence,” known as the “Fatima Gate” by the PLO and Hezbolla, in the Upper Galilee live by the “Way of the Sea.” Again, how fitting it was that George Otis named his radio broadcast the “Voice of Hope.”
Christ – He IS the object of our Hope, and Christ IS the anchor of the believer's Hope.
When it pleases the Lord to take me home my Obituary should read:
Heaven is the Harbor to which we sail – and on the day of my death when it pleases the Lord our God to bring me to the sweet harbor of His everlasting rest, a long tossed vessel upon the waves of many afflictions, I will exchange the sorrows of time for the joys of eternity!
However, until the Lord takes me home I have the assurance of Hope and I can live in the present with confidence and face both today and tomorrow with courage, regardless of what today and tomorrow may bring. I can meet the trials of this world victoriously because I know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)
Romans 12:12 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. NLT
1 Timothy 1:1 1 This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope. NLT
The Believer’s perseverance is not submissive resignation. Quite the contrary, for we put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil! (Ephesians 6:10-18) We will face our trials and tribulations with confidence and endurance because our Hope is in Christ and Hope in Christ does not disappoint. Hope is our anchor that allows us to face our opposition. (Romans 5:5)
Romans 5:5 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. NKJV
Romans 15:13 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. NKJV
Christ is the object of the Believer’s Hope and it is in His second coming that the “Hope of Glory” will be fulfilled.
Titus 2:13 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, NKJV
Romans 8:24-25 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. KJV
Scripture Reveals that the Past is Prologue to the Future and that history merely repeats itself. (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10)
And, so it was with George Otis, whose Hope was in Christ, which brings me to Chapter 5. |