October 7, 2024

Covert Pager Op, College Football Upsets, Helene’s Devastation

October 07, 2024

October 7, 2024

“Doing the will of God leaves no time for disputing about His plans.”

George MacDonald

Israel’s Covert Pager Operation
Upsets in College Football
Helene’s Devastation
Other news you should know
Remnant Resources

Over the weekend, more information came to light about the covert operation conducted by Israel to infiltrate Hezbollah by selling them 5,000 pagers that appeared secure for battlefield communications. Unbeknownst to Hezbollah, these devices were designed to allow Israeli intelligence to monitor their communications and movements. This gave Israel a significant advantage in tracking and targeting Hezbollah operatives. The operation highlights the sophistication of modern espionage and the dangers of compromised technology in warfare.

Hezbollah leadership, like all fools, believes they are able to plan, act, and even think without being known (Psalm 73:11), but the righteous know better (Psalm 139:1-2). The Scriptures remind those who pay attention to God's knowledge and perspective toward the wicked: "But to the wicked God says, 'What right have you to tell of My statutes and to take My covenant in your mouth? For you hate discipline, and you cast My words behind you. When you see a thief, you are pleased with him, and you associate with adulterers. You let your mouth loose in evil, and your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your brother; You slander your own mother's son. These things you have done and I kept silence; You thought that I was just like you; I will reprove you and state the case in order before your eyes.'"

We all would do well to remember that God doesn't need pagers to destroy us or embedded transmission systems to know our every thought (Psalm 94:11). Our every word is known by Him even before it is on our tongue (Psalm 139:4). The spirit of man is the "lamp of the Lord," by which "He examines his innermost parts" (Proverbs 20:7).

While we all marvel at the Mossad's amazing planning and successful execution in this story, we should be sure to do more than marvel at the Lord's provision for our sin and treachery against Him. We should worship Him and thank Him for His mercy, honor Him for His grace, and praise Him for His lovingkindness (Psalm 136, Psalm 107:2). We should also continually remind ourselves that "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10).

There will be a day when all of "our pagers detonate" (Hebrews 9:27) and the Lord "gives to man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds" (Jeremiah 17:10), but we can rejoice knowing that the same "eyes" that are all-knowing are also all-caring (Psalm 34:15) and that even today they "move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His" (2 Chronicles 16:9).

On this anniversary of Hamas' terrorist raid of Israel, let us all be praying for the "peace of Jerusalem" (Psalm 122:6) and be bold in proclaiming the gospel "for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16).

_{By: Todd Wagner}

Upsets in College Football

In a stunning Saturday of college football, Vanderbilt shocked No. 1 Alabama 40-35, earning their first-ever win over an AP top-five team. Quarterback Diego Pavia led the Commodores with an 80% completion rate, as Vandy never trailed, snapping a 23-game losing streak to the Tide.

Other upsets included No. 10 Michigan falling to Washington 27-17 despite a brief spark from QB Jack Tuttle. No. 9 Missouri was dismantled by Texas A&M 41-10, and No. 11 USC lost 24-17 to Minnesota, who shut down USC’s passing game. No. 4 Tennessee also stumbled, losing 19-14 to Arkansas, while unranked Oklahoma State continued its decline with a 38-14 blowout loss to West Virginia.

There's nothing better than an underdog coming out on top. While not exactly biblical proportions, even today's "Goliaths" can fall. These victories remind us that human expectations are not the final word (Proverbs 19:21). Whether it's a kingdom or a college football dynasty, no human institution is invincible (Ecclesiastes 3:19-20).

Vanderbilt's triumph highlights the beauty of perseverance. There's a profound purpose in the process as we spur one another toward a greater goal, reaping the rewards in due season (Galatians 6:9). God, in His kindness, allows us these fleeting victories to bring joy to our days on this side of heaven (James 1:17).

Sports provide an incredible stage for competition and community, but they make for an awful god (1 John 2:15-17). So enjoy your Saturdays with loved ones and root for your team, but remember you belong to an eternal team that will reign victorious forever (1 Corinthians 15:57).

_{By: Jamie Wilder}

Helene’s Devastation

Hurricane Helene had devastating effects on East Tennessee and parts of the Carolinas, unleashing catastrophic flooding, strong winds, and widespread destruction. In mountainous areas, torrential rains turned small creeks and rivers into raging torrents, destroying homes, roads, and entire communities. Overall, the regions faced near-total communication blackouts, loss of access to essential services, and damage on a scale similar to historic floods, with local leaders warning of long-term recovery challenges. The death toll has risen to at least 227 across the six impacted states.

Hurricane Helene has surprised many with its devastating reach past beach-front towns. Untold numbers continue to search for lost loved ones, assess the needs of their community, and wrap their heads around the loss.

In the midst of the dark reality of our broken world and these “last days” (Romans 8:18-23, Matthew 24:6-8), we are encouraged by the bravery of equipped emergency volunteers, the sacrifice of first responders, and the response of generous givers who have stepped up to the plate in the face of a reportedly slow government response. As we mourn with our neighbors (Romans 12:15), may we live as the responders, how the true remnant always has, moving toward suffering with physical provision (Romans 12:13), spiritual hope (Revelation 21:4, Psalm 34:18), and generous giving (1 Timothy 6:17-19).