America mourns for 7 brave Space Shuttle Columbia astronauts

February 1, 2003 — America mourns the loss of seven courageous astronauts who perished when the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated high above Texas, nearly 40 miles over the Earth. This tragic morning reminds us of our nation’s fragility and the fleeting nature of human achievement.

News networks are already flooded with speculation and conspiracy theories—especially since the mission included Israel’s first astronaut, Ilan Ramon. While I don’t subscribe to such theories, I can’t help but see prophetic significance in this event. The shuttle’s debris reportedly fell over Palestine, Texas—a detail that may not be coincidental. The message seems symbolic: “The United States and Israel are going down in flames over Palestine.”

During his State of the Union Address just days earlier, President Bush declared:

“In the Middle East, we will continue to seek peace between a secure Israel and a democratic Palestine.”

Though well-intentioned, dividing the Promised Land to appease Israel’s enemies is not part of God’s plan. Every attempt to establish a Palestinian state within Israel’s covenant borders runs contrary to Scripture. Whatever role the United States plays in future peace negotiations or in the coming treaty foretold by the Antichrist, God’s sovereign will shall prevail.

The Sun is Setting—on a Nation and an Era

It is late January 2003, a warm winter unlike any I can recall, yet frost grips the Florida orange groves. Tonight, as the sun sets, I sense the twilight of another era—the Age of the Church drawing to a close.

Thousands of American troops are deploying toward Iraq. The media criticizes the President’s decisions, painting the coming war as unpopular. But the Bible tells us that God appoints leaders according to His purposes. President George W. Bush, like any leader before him, serves for such a time as this.

Saddam Hussein’s regime will soon face its final reckoning. I do not believe the President acts out of pride or a desire to flex America’s strength. His motives, I suspect, run deeper—perhaps tied to intelligence the public will never see, or to our long-standing commitment to defend Israel, God’s chosen nation.

While few welcome another war, if Iraq is on the verge of developing nuclear weapons, then it must be confronted now—decisively.

Seeking Answers in Uncertain Times

Messages and questions have been pouring in from readers. Many are anxious about what lies ahead—some even fear we stand on the brink of World War III. Could the world truly be approaching the battle of Armageddon, in the Valley of Megiddo in Israel?

Yet even amid dread and uncertainty, we must remember: God remains in control. His Word assures us that judgment and mercy walk hand in hand.

As if the Middle East crisis were not enough, tensions continue to rise in Asia. North Korea, under Kim Jong-il, grows increasingly defiant. Could another war erupt there while America is engaged in Iraq?

Recent reports suggest that the U.S. may even consider nuclear retaliation under two extreme scenarios—if attacked with biological or chemical weapons, or if destroying fortified underground sites becomes necessary. The stakes could not be higher.

In this time of mourning for the Space Shuttle Columbia, let us remember that human strength is limited, but God’s purpose is eternal. Through tragedy, He calls us to repentance, faith, and readiness for the days ahead.