Israel has been on my mind for some time now, and I have read of the new addition to her air defense - the “Hetz-3". Hetz-3 along with hetz-2, Iron dome and David's sling provide Israel with a protective aerial layer; to counter threats from short and mid-ranged missiles used by terror groups based in Gaza, Hezbollah and possible attacks from Iran. In simple terms, when a missile is launched into Israel and while still in the air, the defense system detects and intercepts the missile in a way that causes little or no damage to civilians. It is quite innovative, and as anticipated the tests for "Hetz-3" was successful. As Christians the talk of Israel touches our emotions as much as Mecca awakens the emotive nature of Muslims. Israel is the source of the Judaic and Christian religions with a total of 34% of world's population. We are always urged to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, now more than ever they need our prayers, and it seems the prayers are being answered. But what is really the point - the point is while the whole world is praying for Israel, Israel is not just sitting on top a pile of prayer lists waiting for plans to unfold itself. On the contrary, according to the defense ministry, “This was the first test of a system that has been years in development. The system still has to undergo further tests before it becomes fully operational." Israel is doing more than just praying to solve her problems. The defense system is borne out of years of study, research, creativity, algorithms, and rigorous exercises.

Today Israelis have carved a niche for themselves. They have great and popular people like Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, Karl Max, Gary Kasparov, Roman Abramovich, Mark zuckerberg, George Soros. Interestingly, over 20 % of Nobel laureates have been won by Jews (including those with Jewish ancestry), and that is just a few of their achievements. They have been quite innovative, and have a trhiving economy. They have also been mysterious - although later debunked, it was initially alleged that no Jew was in the world trade centre when the September 11 planes crashed into it. With all these we might be tempted to think Jews have excellence served to them on a golden platter by default. However, if we peruse Jewish history and read of the anti-Semitism they faced in Europe for several centuries, the annihilation by Adolf Hitler, and the fact that they have had to fight for every square meter of land they have today - we realize that the golden platter if it ever existed has been wrapped with sweat, tears, and blood. Jews seem to learn from misfortunate situations in their timeline. They know that should their enemies send a missile into Israel, fire from heaven wouldn’t fall to destroy it. However, they do know that God can give them an awesome idea which if implemented would put out the aerial threat. Nothing good comes easy, the case of the ninety minutes at Entebbe, Six days war in 1967, Operation Pillar of Defense and several others have involved high level of strategy.

We should learn from the Jews by turning periods of distress to periods of innovation and invention, after all necessity is the mother of invention. Remember that despite the disciples fishing failure, Jesus told the disciples to launch into the deep, he didnt tell the fishes to jump from the deep into the boat - so we should always be optimistic and ready to try new methods. When we seek the face of God he gives us outstanding ideas. If we want a bright future, it is not enough to paint the future in bright colors and hang it on our walls. We shouldn’t be in haste to boast of God's promises and toast to it without we working out our salvation. I once wondered how Moses was going to fashion out the details of the temple God gave him, seeing they were in need of peculiar skills I hadn’t observed Moses had. Alas in the midst of the mild worry I read of God Introducing Moses to Bezaleel. God had equipped Bezaleel with the skill and spirit to do a great work, but imagine if Bezaleel sat down admiring the plan given to him by Moses without committing himself to work. I believe God has given us all we need to achieve our dreams, but we also need ask God for wisdom, take time to meditate on the solution, and when we receive revelation, use our hands to create the solution.