Proof, Part XVIII

In ancient times there was a reality, in order to kill a God you must kill it's people. Although there is evidence of mixture of cultures and religious activities at times throughout history, another idea is certain. When empires took over and destroyed regions around them, they destroyed everything including their parchments, their statues, the images of their gods, their relics, synagogues, and temples. This was always a bold statement to the conquered people. It demoralized them and the victor not only boasted that he (as King) was more powerful but that his god or gods were more real and also more powerful. This was common place throughout history. The Egyptians had an empire, as did the Greeks, as did the Babylonians, as did the Assyrian's, and Romans, and so on. None of their empires stand today, nor do the religions or gods that they worshipped except Christianity which was adopted later in the Romans case. Paganism died as a major religion because their empires and people were conquered.

Yet, there was this small band of people called the Israelites and Judeans that believed in the one true God and even they were corrupted by pagan religions and served Asherah, Molech, and Ba'al at times. For this, God punished them as He prophesied and warned them that He would. When you look at history, something very interesting is noticed. Israel has been conquered from their land many times. They were always small, they were always surrounded by enemies, those enemies were always stronger with more weapons and resources. Israel was not only conquered many times, temples destroyed, writings burned, temple items melted down to pure gold, but they were also exiled from their land many times. More than any other people in recorded history.

Yet, every time they were conquered, it would not be long until they were back again. When you consider all of these events and the events of the holocaust, it is a wonder that this people still remain. They do not only remain but also still remain in their land that God gave them and thrive. The Muslims (who also suffered perseceution throughout history) broke off from Jewish decent and we as Christians are adopted members of God's family through Christ. Christians who were once just 100 people strong... killed and murdered daily by the Romans and Jews yet they continued to thrive and multiply their numbers even at the cost of their own life.

Though in modern times we have shamefully (ignoring God's teachings and in arrogance) perseceuted and been at war with our own.  Yet, a small band of tribes has now become and makes up 65 percent of the worlds population. Persecueted, killed, abandoned, destroyed, bibles and scrolls burned, temples ruined, people exiled, crucified, impaled, burned at the stake, and banished from their land. Jews and Christians being the most destroyed people, the most persecueted of all time, now thrive and outnumber any other world view. Is it any wonder that little historical evidence remains? They can try to kill us, although they will try again and again... they will never kill or be rid of us and they will never kill our God. He, like us... is eternal!

In this, it is true, God chooses those that are weak, He chooses the small things, those that suffer, those that are poor, those that are humble and frail, those of a broken heart, to put to shame all other things and lift those He calls His (in due time), to greatness and to great riches. Is this not true in David's case, Christ's case, or Joshua's case, or in any other case? One day, I assure you, though we have been tried and suffered scorn, ridicule, pain, weakness, poverty, persecuetion, and death, we will be the greatest people that ever lived.

^{Judges 6:14-16}

¹⁴The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?"

 ¹⁵"But Lord , " Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."

 ¹⁶The LORD answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together."