From My Perspective - - -

Most of us know a Cactus when we see one. It is “any spiny succulent plant in the arid regions of America. Cactuses have swollen tough stems, leaves reduced to spines or scales, and often large brightly colored flowers.” One could try to rename a Cactus but to the eye of the beholder it will always be a Cactus (with a new name). An old saying states: “If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, quacks like a duck – it is a duck.” It is impossible to change the basic design, identity and/or recognition factors.

In the world of political movements, one can only wonder about the level of deception in terms of identity and purpose. In the quick and changing events in Egypt, one can be easily confused and/or deceived by the new objectives for a very influential Arab nation. Obviously, whatever occurs will be either dramatic or disastrous. It is one of those threshold moments on the stage of world events. Part of what the Media does not report is the small presence of courageous Christians who were neither fearful nor ashamed as they fulfilled their Christian duty and service during recent days. From one with knowledge of this activity, the following is included: “One of the largest churches in Egypt is located in Tahrir Square…For the last six years, prayer meetings focused on God’s intervention to change the current situation in Egypt. God answered the prayer from the same square…For the last two weeks the church has been very active in providing services for the wounded, they have supported the poor and those who have been inflicted by the unrest. It also mobilized teams of people to clean the streets from debris. Last Sunday, February 6, 2011, something very unusual took place in Tahrir Square; a group of Christians conducted an open worship service in the square (such activity is absolutely prohibited in Egypt). Christian songs about God blessing the country were sung by Christians and Muslims. Christian pastors and Muslim clerics were shown standing hand in hand in Tahrir Square.”

Who will rise up to govern and lead the nation of Egypt. One group that the Media reported about was the Muslim Brotherhood. Who are they and what will they do and how will they advance their cause? In today’s Wall Street Journal, an article appears that is titled: “Brothers In Egypt Present Two Faces” The summary statement about the brotherhood is written by Charles Levinson – “Moaz Abdel Karim, an affable 29-year-old who was among a handful of young activists who plotted the recent protests here, is the newest face of the Muslim Brotherhood. His political views on women's rights, religious freedom and political pluralism mesh with Western democratic values. He is focused on the fight for democracy and human rights in Egypt. A different face of the Brotherhood is that of Mohamed Badi, 66-year-old veterinarian from the Brotherhood's conservative wing who has been the group's Supreme Guide since last January. He recently pledged the Brotherhood would "continue to raise the banner of jihad" against the Jews, which he called the group's "first and foremost enemies." He has railed against American imperialism, and calls for the establishment of an Islamic state. After Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak stepped down…the Brotherhood became poised to assume a growing role in the country's political life. The question for many is: Which Brotherhood? What is A Cactus by any other name?

In Daniel 2:20-22, we find these words: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.” In times like these, one would be wise to turn to and look to the Living and Sovereign God of Heaven. He created and sustains this world, and will achieve His purposes in it. Let Him be your hope and Confidence. Consider these things with me.