The Trump Middle East peace plan is being panned by the Palestinian leadership before it is even announced. Reuters claims to have spoken to “three Arab officials briefed on the plan” who say, if the plan is enacted, it will be the end of the Palestinian cause. One Arab official told Reuters, “What we’re seeing from the plan is that it will blow up the Palestinians; the plan doesn’t give justice to the Palestinians.” Another senior Palestinian leader told Reuters, “The Palestinian cause is being liquidated –no Jerusalem (as capital), no right of return for refugees, no sovereign state. That is why this American project is dangerous.” Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has already rejected the plan.

The Palestinian side is refusing to participate in the “Peace for Prosperity” economic workshop in Bahrain. The workshop is the first part of the Administration’s peace plan aimed at facilitating “discussions on an ambitious, achievable vision and framework for a prosperous future for the Palestinian people and the region, including enhancements to economic governance, development of human capital, and facilitation of rapid private-sector growth.”

The Arab officials told Reuters that, if the politics keep failing, the reasoning seems to be, then try dangling tens of billions of dollars before the Palestinians and Israel’s Arab neighbors—and do a deal that could unlock prosperity for the Palestinians and security for Israel.

Reuters reports that Palestinian officials briefed on the plan say the deal envisages an expansion of Gaza into part of northern Egypt, under Egyptian control, leaving the Palestinians with a smaller share of the West Bank and some areas on the outskirts of Jerusalem, and no control over their borders. Reuters says Western and Arab sources confirmed the outline of the plan but White House Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt said “rumors” about an expansion into Egypt’s Sinai desert were false. He declined to give details of the political plan before it is released.

Greenblatt said that the term “two-state solution” would not be used because it lacks detail and nuance, meaning “different things to different people.” Some are hailing the plan as the fulfillment, at least in part, of Biblical prophecy, marking the beginning of what is called the tribulation.

Daniel 9 foretells with extraordinary accuracy of the coming Messiah, his death, and his return. The Beast (antichrist) in verse 27 “shall confirm the covenant with many for one week (7 years): and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease…” This is the peace treaty that begins the seven years of Jacob’s troubles, oft referred to as the tribulation. As Isaiah 28:18 says, “And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand.”

This is not that peace treaty. It is not between the Beast and Israel, nor does it allow temple sacrifices or meet other criteria found in the scriptures. It may be only a prophetic breeze of a type and shadow of things to come.

Have a blessed and powerful day,

The Daily Jot Staff

https://dailyjot.com

Some time ago, I was re-watching the movie “Midway.” Six months after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, they were trying to set a trap for the US Navy and destroy it. The American commanders actually set a trap of their own, and the highly outnumbered US forces won a decisive victory. I am always humbled by the selfless and heroic efforts made by the World War II generation. They sacrificed their lives for something they believed was bigger than them. They knew the value of family; the power of God; and that life and liberty was foundational to being an American, and it was worth fighting for. They were defined by their courage and character, their dedication to what was right and good.

For me, Memorial Day was always a solemn day first, and a day of great celebration second. Growing up, our 4-H horse club always participated in the Memorial Day Parade that wound through Rootstown, Ohio, and ended up at the cemetery. There, we faced the graves of those who served their country, many who died that we might live free. Our horses were to stand at attention, and we were to sit on them, also at attention, our hats removed, as the speakers honored America’s finest. Afterwards, we would load up the horses and head back to the farm, where we had a cookout, usually with Warren and Sue McCarthy, Gene and Betty Flynn, Bob and Doris Harris and their families.

Warren and Gene served on D-Day. They survived it. And they were decorated war heroes. Not much of what they did was ever discussed. But you somehow knew that they were special. My dad, who was a farmer during the war, was best friends with these men. He knew what went on, but would never say. They were among the finest men I knew growing up. My uncle Bob Harris served in the Philippines. There were times when he had flashbacks. My dad would get a call from my aunt, and he would find Uncle Bob, talk him down and hold him until the terror passed. He, too, was a decorated hero. All these men knew the price of freedom, and they understood their civic duty to their families, their God and their country.

I’m sure you have stories as well about the brave men and women who served in our nation’s armed forces.

President Ronald Reagan remembered veterans in his speech May 26, 1986. He said,

“If we really care about peace, we must stay strong. If we really care about peace, we must, through our strength, demonstrate our unwillingness to accept an ending of the peace. We must be strong enough to create peace where it does not exist and strong enough to protect it where it does.”

To me, there will never be peace on earth until the Lord returns. Jesus said, however, in Matthew 5:9,

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

Many have sacrificed themselves that we may have peace and freedom. Let us honor their deeds.

Have a blessed and powerful day,

The Daily Jot Staff

https://dailyjot.com