Friday, February 11, 2011

YEARNING TO BREATHE FREE?

Why are our eyes glued to the turmoil in Egypt?  Setting aside the political and economic and potential security implications for our country...the country of Egypt represents one out of every three persons in the Middle East.
The seed for the future of the Middle East is in Egypt.

Biblically speaking, Egypt is mentioned in the Bible over 600 times.   Egypt sheltered the Holy Family for a short time.  Under the patriarch Joseph's leadership, Egyptian grain saved Egypt and Israel from a severe famine.  We read in Isaiah 19 that Egypt will be part of the end times.

So our hearts go out to Egyptians as they struggle to breathe free.  They say that they are asking for an open, free, democratic, secular society.  We enjoy freedom and therefore we wish them well.  The outcome of a democratic society in Egypt is not obvious today, but here is the picture trail of her last 18 days...

Protestors gather January 25th in Tahrir (meaning "Liberation") Square to demand freedom.
They pray.
and wait...
and clash...

Anger builds.


On Day 13, Pro-Mubarak forces enter the square on horses/camels.  More clashing.

Finally, President Mubarak speaks.  He is not going.

The crowd responds.
Tahrir Square fills up.
What will the army do?

And then...

Mission accomplished.  Mubarak resigns and leaves.
Freedom's price tag was three hundred lives lost with thousands hurt.
We have felt Egyptian frustration and now their exhilaration.
Now the hard work begins as they build the Egypt that they desire.
Let's hope the"change" they want...is the same "change" that comes to our minds.
Christians, pray for freedom in Egypt.



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