The destruction of Israel by her own hand has been announced. The destruction will come from the Lord though it is the direct result of Israel's sin. Man does not like to acknowledge that his undoing is his own doing! Misfortune and "bad luck" will be blamed as will extraneous circumstances and unexpected turn of event. However, God is in control of circumstances and can turn events against us when our ways do not please Him. Though many may cheer us on and praise our initiatives, God can bring it all to ruin. Such was the case with Israel. Recent indications are that a majority of voters support the present power-sharing coalition with special praise for the First and Deputy First ministers. No comfort should be taken by a Christian from such support. Indeed, the Saviour issue a solemn warning against such expressions of commendation. "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets," Luke 6:26. Despite the praise of men, indeed, because of the praise of men, the present political course in Northern Ireland shall come to destruction. It is all the more certain because of the contrived way that the present system has been set up. The very concealing of many aspects of what was taking place indicates a sense that it was known to be wrong by those engaged in the establishing of it. But even such as they have hope held out to them. We can destroy ourselves but we cannot deliver ourselves.