All Eyes On Israel

     I never imagined that I would see in my lifetime Biblical prophecy unfold on such a large scale as we have seen in recent years. Even people who reject the Bible can sense that something really big is about to happen in our world. It’s sort of like watching the wick burn down on a stick of dynamite. I am certainly no prophet, but if I were to guess, I’d say the wick is almost gone.

     Nearly 2,800 years ago, God gave supernatural knowledge of events that are occurring in our lifetime to a prophet named Joel. God had warned Israel through Joel that because of the Jewish Nation’s disobedience in rejecting God’s truth, that God would scatter them from the land of Israel.

     God did exactly that about 100 or so years after Joel. Then God regathered the people of Israel only to disperse them again shortly after the time of Jesus for their ultimate disobedience of rejecting Jesus, the Messiah spoken about in every book of the Old Testament. The prophetic details that Jesus fulfilled are so amazing that it is simply impossible for Jesus not to have been the Messiah spoken of by Moses, David, Isaiah, Daniel, Zechariah and all the other prophets. Not to mention that Jesus is the only Man to have ever raised Himself from the dead!

     Joel spoke about a time when God would not only bring the people of Israel (Judah refers to the lower half of Israel) back to the land, but that God would also draw all the nations of the world to Israel to judge them for their rebellion against God and His Chosen People:

For behold, in those days and at that time,

     When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem,

          I will also gather all nations,

     And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat;

     And I will enter into judgment with them there

     On account of My people, My heritage Israel,

     Whom they have scattered among the nations;

     They have also divided up My land.

Joel 3:1, 2 (NKJV).

     A few hundred years after Joel, God spoke through the Prophet Zechariah that the nations of the world would come against Israel in the way that a drunk irrationally goes after whatever has caught his eye: 

Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.

Zechariah 12:2, 3 (NKJV).

     The first thing that is so amazing about these passages is that for almost 2,000 years, since the Romans destroyed Israel, the Jewish Nation was gone. During these 2,000 years, the passages of Scripture quoted above, along with countless others, could simply not be fulfilled because they require the nation of Israel’s existence. However, all that changed on May 15, 1948 when against all odds Israel was reborn after 2,000 years of being scattered around the world!

     The second thing that really stands out to me is that the nations of the world are compared to drunks over their infatuation with Israel’s destruction. Is that not what we are seeing today? The irrationality of the world in the way they view Israel and its relation to the Palestinians is insane.

     There had always been a Jewish presence in the land, just not enough to build a nation upon it. When Jews started buying property en masse in their old homeland in the late 1800s, the Arabs were happy to sell them what the Arabs saw as wasteland. It wasn’t until the threat of a Jewish nation started becoming a reality after World War I that not only Muslim opposition, but world opposition came against the idea. This caused the land set aside for the creation of a Jewish State to be dwindled down to a mere fraction of what was originally intended for Israel. Note that Joel prophesied, “They have also divided up My land.” Joel 3:2b (NKJV).

     Today Israel has made concession after concession with the Palestinians and surrounding nations, but to the world it isn’t enough. They have repeatedly been attacked by their neighbors and condemned by the world, but there they still stand, by the grace of God. Despite the Palestinian calls for peace, it is the Palestinians who have never stopped launching missiles and rocks at Jews. Nevertheless, on May 19, 2011, the President of the United States declared that America is turning its back on Israel.

     Should we be surprised? No. Should we be outraged? Yes! From even a secular humanitarian perspective, it is unconscionable how the Jews are being treated. From a Biblical perspective, God said, “I will bless those who bless you, [a]nd I will curse him who curses you; [a]nd in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:3 (NKJV). In fact, I believe that Jesus was referring to the graciousness of Gentile believers towards Jewish believers during the Great Tribulation, when Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” Matthew 25:40b (NKJV).

     Please watch the following videos and learn more about Israel's struggle. This is not only about Israel, it’s about all of us. God has amazing promises in store for Israel. He also has amazing devastation for all those who will stand against God’s plan by standing against Israel.

The Maps of Israel from maozisrael on Vimeo.




The U.N., Human Rights and Israel from maozisrael on Vimeo.

     Jesus said that just before His return, the world would be marked by (1) false messiahs and declarations that the Messiah has returned (note the recent Harold Camping travesty), (2) wars and rumors of war, (3) natural disasters such as famines, disease and earthquakes, (4) persecution of believers (watch this video of a street preacher’s First Amendment Right being violated for “offending people” in the USA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iqk4fMBdC5I), (5) great numbers of so called Christians falling away from the true faith, (6) false preachers, and (7) a lack of love for one another. See Matthew 24:3—14.

     I don’t have the time here to break each of these down and show you how they are increasing in occurrences, but please trust me when I say that the increase in each of these signs is extremely alarming. In fact, Jesus compared these signs to birth pains, which increase with intensity and frequency as the time of birth approaches, “All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” Matthew 24:8 (ESV). Israel will play a central role in all of these events. According to Scripture, Israel will in fact come to salvation during the worst of these events when God opens their eyes to the truth about Jesus Christ, their Messiah and ours. See Ezekiel 36:25—29, Joel 2:12—32, Zechariah 12:10, Romans 11:26, 27.

     If you have never turned from your sin in repentance (having a broken and contrite heart over your sins against God), and trusted in Christ alone for your salvation (specifically that His death on the cross was your punishment), please do it today. The Apostle Paul implores us, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2b (NKJV). If you hear His voice, do as Jesus commanded, “Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15b (NKJV).

Isaiah 19 – Fierce King of the Egyptians

     Two days ago I posted a commentary on the revolution that is occurring in Egypt, which can be found here: http://lambslawnewsblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/isaiah-19-egyptian-against-egyptian.html. I have a correction to make regarding something I wrote about the fierce king Isaiah predicted would take over in Egypt.

     Here is what God said through the words of the Prophet Isaiah:

     “I will set Egyptians against Egyptians;

Everyone will fight against his brother,

And everyone against his neighbor,

City against city, kingdom against kingdom.

     The spirit of Egypt will fail in its midst;

I will destroy their counsel,

And they will consult the idols and the charmers,

The mediums and the sorcerers.

     And the Egyptians I will give

Into the hand of a cruel master,

And a fierce king will rule over them,”

Says the Lord, the LORD of hosts.

Isaiah 19:2—4 (NKJV).

     It seemed to me that the phrase fierce king had to be attributable to the Antichrist, whom we know unequivocally from Scripture will be the most evil of all kings throughout history. The Antichrist will actually be indwelt by none other than Satan himself, when God will allow Satan to rule freely over all mankind as a judgment against the Christ-rejecting unbelieving world. See 2 Thessalonians 2:9—12, Revelation 13:4, 8.

     However, I have to say that something didn’t one hundred percent sit right with me about Isaiah’s Egyptian fierce king being the same person as the Antichrist. In fact, I should have pointed out that I wasn’t one hundred percent sure of that point in my comment. Especially because I made a remark that we will know whether Isaiah 19 is indeed coming to pass if we see Egypt fall into the European Union’s (“EU”) control – based on the belief that the EU is that Revived Roman Empire as predicted by the Prophet Daniel and the Apostle John. Egypt will absolutely fall into the EU’s control when the Antichrist comes to power, because he will control the entire world. But that is not necessarily a sign that Isaiah 19 is happening now.

     The real sign that this prophecy has been fulfilled is that after the civil war described by Isaiah, Egypt is controlled by a fierce king who is apparently defeated after going to war with Israel. Following Israel’s victory, a portion of Egypt, five cities according to Isaiah, are then occupied by Israelis. Isaiah described this saying that those cities would speak the language of Canaan, which is Hebrew.

     This is actually the most amazing part of the Isaiah 19 prophecy, because it indicates Egypt’s eventual salvation:

     In that day Egypt will be like women, and will be afraid and fear because of the waving of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which He waves over it. And the land of Judah will be a terror to Egypt; everyone who makes mention of it will be afraid in himself, because of the counsel of the LORD of hosts which He has determined against it.

     In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear by the LORD of hosts; one will be called the City of Destruction.

     In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD at its border. And it will be for a sign and for a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the LORD because of the oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them. Then the LORD will be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know the LORD in that day, and will make sacrifice and offering; yes, they will make a vow to the LORD and perform it. And the LORD will strike Egypt, He will strike and heal it; they will return to the LORD, and He will be entreated by them and heal them.

     In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians.

     In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria — a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, “Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.”

Isaiah 19:16—25 (NKJV).

     Interestingly, Isaiah went on to discuss Syria (Assyria) being a friend to Israel along with Egypt. This will certainly occur during the Millennial Kingdom, in which Jesus Christ physically reigns over the earth from Jerusalem. See Revelation 20:4—6, Daniel 2:34, 35, 44. I had believed that this portion of Isaiah 19 was only describing the Millennial Kingdom, and thus the fierce king had to be the Antichrist who would control Egypt just before Jesus returns. However, I think this passage, like most prophecy in Scripture, likely spans over multiple eras.

     I do think this is talking ultimately about the Millennial Kingdom because it clearly is stating that Israel, Egypt and Syria are all populated by people who have received God’s salvation, which means that they have repented from their rebellion against God and put their trust in Jesus Christ alone. This is not merely talking about these countries calling upon the name of the God of Israel, but upon the name of Jesus Christ.

     The Bible clearly declares that salvation is through Jesus Christ alone, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NKJV). Jesus also made it clear when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 4:16b (NKJV).

     These countries would not experience the kind of blessings discussed in that passage unless they were experiencing true salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Remember, although the nation of Israel still generally claims to believe in God, they have rejected the Messiah, God in the flesh, whose arrival was pointed to all throughout the Jewish Scriptures.

     In fact, God uses these wars that are soon coming against Israel to draw them to repentance and faith in their Messiah, Jesus Christ. Until that happens, they will continue to fall under the judgment they have experienced over the past 2,000 years. Jesus explained this when He lamented over Israel’s disbelief saying:

     O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!”

Matthew 23:37—39 (NKJV).

     The Prophet Zechariah spoke about Israel’s salvation, the fulfillment of their Yom Kippur holy day, when they cry out in repentance and faith to Jesus Christ, the One whom they pierced:

     And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.

Zechariah 12:10 (NKJV).

     Zechariah’s prophecy is fulfilled sometime during the Great Tribulation. Therefore, Isaiah’s prophecy on the salvation of Egypt, Israel and Syria must find its final fulfillment in the Millennial Kingdom, which follows the Great Tribulation.

     However, in the context of Isaiah 17, which discusses the destruction of Syria two chapters earlier, I believe that the Isaiah 19 occupation of Egyptian land by Israel describes the aftermath of a large scale attack on Israel. I believe that this large scale attack is described in Psalm 83 and Isaiah 17, where Israel is attacked by all of its immediate neighbors.

     That war results in the destruction of those neighbors, thereby allowing Israel to occupy the portion of Egypt described in Isaiah 19. It also sets the stage for Israel to finally rebuild a temple on the Temple Mount where the Muslim Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque currently sit. See Matthew 24:15, Daniel 11:31, 12:11, 2 Thessalonians 2:4.

     Moreover, I believe that the destruction of Damascus as described in Isaiah 17:1, which is a consequence of the Psalm 83 war, is the event that causes the massive attack on Israel described in Ezekiel 38. Those nations are: Russia (Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech & Tubal), Iran (Persia), Turkey (Gomer & Beth-togarmah), Libya (Put) and Sudan (Cush). See Ezekiel 38:1—6.

     Through Ezekiel, God promised to draw these Israel-hating nations into a war in which it will be clear to the world that God is supernaturally protecting Israel:

Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords … After many days you will be visited. In the latter years you will come into the land of those brought back from the sword and gathered from many people on the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate; they were brought out of the nations, and now all of them dwell safely. You will ascend, coming like a storm, covering the land like a cloud, you and all your troops and many peoples with you.”

Ezekiel 38:3b, 4, 8, 9 (NKJV).

     All of these countries have in recent years signed military pacts with Syria, vowing to defend Syria if it is ever attacked. Interestingly, Syria does not appear in Ezekiel’s list, which further adds to my belief that the destruction of Syria is the event that causes these nations to attack Israel.

     Therefore, although I believe that the salvation of Egypt described in Isaiah 19 will find its ultimate fulfillment in the Millennial Kingdom, I also believe that the partial occupation of Egypt by Israel occurs after the invasion of Israel’s inner ring of neighbors described in Psalm 83 and Isaiah 17. That victory by Israel then leads to an invasion by Israel’s outer ring of neighbors described in Ezekiel 38 and 39.

     The fierce king that Isaiah described then is likely not the Antichrist, as I previously thought, but rather some ruler who really does not care about the wellbeing of the Egyptians. In fact, the condition of Egypt’s economy described in Isaiah 19 leads me to believe that this fierce king totally exploits everything he can, causing Egypt to fall into absolute ruin. See Isaiah 19:5—15.

     By all accounts it seems that the Muslim Brotherhood is poised to take over in Egypt. This organization is the parent organization of Hamas, the terrorists who control Gaza and have stolen all the financial aid that pours into Gaza, and whose only focus is the destruction of Israel. I think it is very reasonable to say that we can expect nothing different from the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt.

     These are terrifying days for those who do not know Jesus Christ as Savior. However, for the Christian, we should not be afraid. In the middle of delivering one of His most terrifying sermons, the Olivet Discourse, Jesus comforted us that God is in absolute control when He said, “But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.” Luke 21:9 (NKJV).

     This is why the Apostle Paul urged us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV). And also why he said, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV). Christians are not to live in constant fear of our surroundings, because we are to, “Set [our] mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2 (NKJV).

     However, the nonbeliever should indeed be terrified by the things that are happening, and those that will happen in the future. The day is coming when God will judge this world with all of His wrath, and the writer of Hebrews earnestly warns us, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:31 (NKJV).

     These events should cause you to seek salvation through the one and only God. If you have never sought Him through repentance and faith, please do it now. All these things written in the Bible so many centuries ago are certainly coming true, and in such an incredibly detailed fashion. That should cause you to recognize the other things the Bible has to say are true too.

     The single most important thing the Bible teaches us, next to worship God alone, is that we are all destined for eternity in judgment and wrath because of our sins, but because God is so merciful and full of grace, He offers us Himself as the substitute who bore our transgressions on the cross 2,000 years ago. Speaking of this greatest event in all of history, the Apostle Paul wrote:

     For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Romans 5:6—11 (NKJV).

     If you hear His voice, do as Jesus commanded, “Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15b (NKJV).



Can There Be Peace In The Middle East?

     Please take a look at the video below so you will know more about what is really happening in the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. The video is produced by the Messianic Jewish ministry Maoz Israel, whose ministry is preaching the Gospel to Israel. Then I would like you to read the articles I have linked below the video, which show the hypocrisy of Israel’s opponents in the peace process.

     Also understand this as you are considering these things, Israel is not going anywhere. However, their existence is for the purpose of bringing glory to God, and salvation to the world, both of which are the Biblical purpose for their creation. As God told Abraham, “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” Genesis 22:18 (NKJV). And as God said through the Prophet Jeremiah, “Then it shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise, and an honor before all nations of the earth, who shall hear all the good that I do to them; they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and all the prosperity that I provide for it.”  Jeremiah 33:9 (NKJV). 

     All through the Old Testament, the prophets warned that Israel would be scattered throughout the nations due to their turning away from God, but that one day God Himself would bring Israel back. Even before Israel was scattered throughout the Babylonian Empire around the sixth century B.C., and way before Rome scattered Israel beginning in 70 A.D., Jeremiah wrote:

     “Therefore, behold, the days are coming,” says the LORD, “that they shall no longer say, ‘As the LORD lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of Egypt,’ but, ‘As the LORD lives who brought up and led the descendants of the house of Israel from the north country and from all the countries where I had driven them.’ And they shall dwell in their own land.”

Jeremiah 23:7, 8 (NKJV).

     God promised through Jeremiah, and in fact all of the prophets, that Israel will one day dwell safely in their own land. That peace, however, will only come when the Prince of Peace arrives for the second time, the God-Man Jesus Christ, Yeshua Moshiach, both the Son of David and the Son of God. Jeremiah also wrote of this saying:

          “Behold, the days are coming,” says the LORD,

     “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness;

A King shall reign and prosper,

And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.

     In His days Judah will be saved,

And Israel will dwell safely;

Now this is His name by which He will be called:

THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

Jeremiah 23:5, 6 (NKJV).

     Isaiah called this same Branch of David “the Branch of the LORD.” Isaiah 4:2b (NKJV). Because Jesus was fully man, a descendant of King David, and fully God, the second member of the Trinity, He was thus a Branch of both!  Because He was both fully man and fully God, He is the One who paid our debt to God on the cross, and gave us His Righteousness!

     The Prophet Zechariah spoke of the Messiah using the same title the “Branch,” and even foretold the words used by Pontius Pilot, “Behold the Man!” (John 19:5b (NKJV)):

     Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH!
From His place He shall branch out,
And He shall build the temple of the LORD;
     Yes, He shall build the temple of the LORD.
He shall bear the glory,
And shall sit and rule on His throne;
So He shall be a priest on His throne,
And the counsel of peace shall be between them both.

Zechariah 6:12b, 13 (NKJV).

     Isaiah described His reign as the Prince of Peace like this:

          For unto us a Child is born,

     Unto us a Son is given;

     And the government will be upon His shoulder.

     And His name will be called

     Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

     Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

          Of the increase of His government and peace

     There will be no end,

     Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,

     To order it and establish it with judgment and justice

     From that time forward, even forever.

     The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9:6, 7 (NKJV).

Can There Be Peace In The Middle East? from maozisrael on Vimeo.


IAF Gaza Air Strikes Wound 4 Terrorists
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/139943

Palestinian Official: No Chance Of Serious Peace Talks With Netanyahu Government
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/palestinian-official-no-chance-of-serious-peace-talks-with-netanyahu-government-1.317681

September A Record Month For Missiles From Gaza
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/139931

PA Continues To Teach Denial Of Israel's Existence 
http://palwatch.org/main.aspx?fi=157&doc_id=3351

Lebanon Transformed: A Hizbullah Nation, Iranian Proxy
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/139945

     King David warned us to repent and put our faith in the Lord Jesus while we can when he wrote:

Now therefore, be wise, O kings;

     Be instructed, you judges of the earth.

Serve the LORD with fear,

     And rejoice with trembling.

Kiss the Son, lest He be angry,

     And you perish in the way,

     When His wrath is kindled but a little.

     Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

Psalm 2: (NKJV).

     Jesus is coming back. By the look of how the world is hurtling towards the latter days events foretold by the prophets, He might be coming back very, very soon. If you have never repented from your own personal rebellion against God, and put your faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, that His death on the cross 2,000 years ago paid your personal debt to God, do it now! If you hear His voice, do as Jesus commanded, “Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15b (NKJV).

Who Really Wants Peace?

Photo Found At:  http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/09/14/israeli-palestinian-leaders-prepare-meet-clinton-says-time-ripe-peace/

     I find it very interesting that our world is so intent on forcing peace upon people who really want nothing to do with it. Granted, the biggest antagonist, Iran, is not part of nor will be bound by any peace negotiation. However, even Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority’s leader, who is directly involved with the peace negotiations, clearly doesn’t really want peace.

     They want to have their way, and that’s it! No true compromise is being sought after. This false sense of seeking peace is reminiscent of the way the false prophets in the days of Jeremiah were deceiving the people immediately before the Babylonians obliterated Judah:

     They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly,

Saying, “Peace, peace!”

When there is no peace.

Jeremiah 6:14 (NKJV).

     Those false prophets made people feel better by saying peace was coming, but that was deception. God told the people through Jeremiah that because they ignored the prophets and refused to repent, God would punish them through the Babylonians.

     Very interestingly, Jeremiah spoke of another time in the future when Israel would go through the worst time of trouble the world has ever seen, but that it would be for their good, to bring them to faith in the Messiah:

     We have heard a voice of trembling,

Of fear, and not of peace.
…

     Alas! For that day is great,

So that none is like it;

And it is the time of Jacob’s trouble,

But he shall be saved out of it.

…

     But they shall serve the LORD their God,

And David their king,

Whom I will raise up for them.

Jeremiah 30:5b, 7, 9 (NKJV).

     The Prophet Zechariah also spoke of this time, describing it as a time when the world’s focus will be on Jerusalem with drunken-like madness:

Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.

Zechariah 12:2, 3 (NKJV).

     I believe we are entering that time, which both Jeremiah and Zechariah spoke of. I believe it because the Bible says multiple times that the regathering of Israel and the time of Jacob’s trouble would occur in the latter days, “In the latter days you will consider it.” Jeremiah 30:24b (NKJV).

     Read the articles that follow and consider whether you believe peace is possible:

With Compromise Elusive, Mideast Talks Threatened By End Of Settlement Slowdown At Midnight

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/09/25/jewish-settlers-west-bank-prepare-end-building-freeze-races-rescue-talks/

Kassam On Negev; Leftists, Arabs Riot In Jerusalem

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/139766

Mahmoud Abbas: Israel Must Choose Between Peace And Settlement Construction

http://www.hamsayeh.net/hamsayehnet_iran-international%20news1707.htm

High Alert In Jerusalem As Arab Riots Continue

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/139760

Sha’ath: Only Netanyahu Can Save Talks By Extending Freeze

http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=189293

     All of these things should cause you to recognize that the Bible is indeed real. Israel’s existence after 2,000 years of dispersion should be enough on its own, since the Bible repeatedly said they would be scattered and regathered in the latter days. If we are approaching the Time of Jacob’s Trouble, then Jesus Christ is soon to return, and He is the only One who will bring true peace.

     Moreover, if you have never repented of your sin and put your faith in Christ alone for salvation, do it today, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2b (NKJV). There is no time to delay. If you hear His voice, do as Jesus commanded, “Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15b (NKJV).

9/27/2010 UPDATE:

Lieberman: PA Refused To Accept Freeze For 9 Months
http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=189438

Israel, the True Oppressor in the Middle East, Really?

     The world seems to be turning against Israel more and more every day.  I keep seeing different statistics regarding anti-Semitism being on the rise all over the world.  Even in America, the recent outrageousness that came from long time White House reporter Helen Thomas, proves that people are becoming more bold in their opinions that Israel is the true oppressor in the Middle East.

     Watch the ridiculous statements from Helen Thomas here:

     What these opinions reveal to me is that the world is not only rejecting Israel, but God Himself.  I'm not saying that we need to bow down and obey to everything Israel wishes, but we do need to bow down before our God and give Him our love and respect.  One of the ways in which we honor God is simply by believing His word.

     Here are just a couple of passages that deal with who really owns the land, and how we are to treat Israel:

I will make you a great nation;

     I will bless you
     And make your name great;
     And you shall be a blessing.

I will bless those who bless you,
     And I will curse him who curses you;
     And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

Genesis 12:2, 3 (NKJV).

On the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying:

“To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates.”

Genesis 15:18 (NKJV).

     Therefore say to the house of Israel, “Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name’s sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went. And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am the LORD,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘when I am hallowed in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.’”  

Ezekiel 36:22—26 (NKJV).

Thus says the LORD of hosts:

          “Behold, I will save My people from the land of the east
     And from the land of the west;
          I will bring them back,
     And they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem.
     They shall be My people
     And I will be their God,
     In truth and righteousness.”

Zechariah 8:7, 8 (NKJV).

     The bottom line is that from the very beginning of human history, we rejected God. God then created the nation of Israel so that His word and plan for salvation would be known to the entire world. However, because that nation rejected God and His Messiah, who Himself was God in human flesh, God turned His back on Israel for a time.  

     Regardless of Israel’s disobedience, the above passages from Ezekiel and Zechariah guaranteed that God would one day bring the Jews back into their land. They also guarantee that God will one day restore Israel as a Holy nation. See also Zechariah 12:10.

     This brings us back to the question of who owns the land of Israel. God made it clear to Abraham in the passage from Genesis 15 above. It belongs to Israel. Israel’s neighbors however, hate Israel. Our nation in fact seems to be joining them. We can’t do much about what our nation’s policies are, but we can control what our individual beliefs are.

     Let me urge you to bless the nation of Israel, and pray for their salvation. The fact of what God had said to the Prophet Ezekiel over 2,500 years ago should make you speechless! This is the only nation in the history of the world that has been completely dispersed and destroyed, partially regathered almost 100 hundred years later, dispersed and completely destroyed again 400 more years later, and then regathered again nearly 2,000 years after that!

     It just doesn't happen! But the fact that a man named Ezekiel said this would happen, and that God Himself had told him, we have no choice but to recognize that God’s hand is at work in Israel.

     Take a look at the following video, and if you really believe that Israel is the oppressor, please be open to the fact that you just might be wrong.

     Heed the warning that God gave to Abraham in Genesis 12 above. God keeps His promises. Do not doubt that He will in fact curse those who curse Israel. Know also that the day is coming when much of the world will be cursing Israel to the point of seeking another Holocaust of the Jews, and all those who have rejected God will join in, “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem.” Zechariah 12:2 (NKJV).

     The existence of Israel, and the hatred of Israel should convince you that the Bible is true. There is no other explanation for their continued existence. Believe that God is real and is actively at work in our world. Moreover, believe that He sent His Messiah, Jesus Christ, to save all those who would repent from sin and put their trust for salvation in Him alone. So most importantly, heed the command Jesus gave when He said, “Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15b (NKJV). 

Were the Gaza Flotilla Members Really Innocent Peace Activists?

     Judge for yourself:



     For more on this event, read the below listed articles: 

Gaza flotilla participants created war atmosphere before confronting Israel Participants chanted Islamic battle cry invoking killing of Jews and called for Martyrdom
http://www.palwatch.org/main.aspx?fi=157&doc_id=2323

IDF Photos of Knives Contradict Turkish Claims of ’No Weapons’
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/137803

Could This Happen Again?

     Have you ever studied what happened during the Holocaust? Most people really don’t want to see pictures or hear stories from that time. The problem is that without remembering what Hitler did, and what the world ignored, it will happen over and over and over again.

     One thing that most people don’t quite understand is that what Hitler did wasn’t that original. There has been a spiritual battle between Satan and the people whom God loves ever since the inception of mankind. Following the Fall of Adam and Eve, God promised to send a Redeemer, who would crush Satan. See Genesis 3:15. From that moment, Satan has been trying to destroy the people of God for two reasons. First, Satan hates God. Secondly, Satan wants to thwart God’s plan for our salvation.

     I’m sure there are more Holocaust examples, but here are just a few. The wickedness that led up to Noah’s Flood was climaxed by Satan trying to saturate mankind with demon possession so that the Savior could not be born. See Genesis 6. Nearly 1,000 years before Christ, the Psalmist Asaph described the conspiracy of the nations surrounding Israel, “They have said, ‘Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, [t]hat the name of Israel may be remembered no more.’” Psalm 83:4 (NKJV). About 400 to 500 years before Christ, the infamous villain Haman from The Book of Esther, “sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.” Esther 3:6b (NKJV). Then from the times of the Romans all the way up until Hitler, Europe has repeatedly marginalized, persecuted, and committed genocide against the Jews.

     So Hitler’s actions were not new, but I imagine they were likely the most heinous. Nevertheless, the Bible teaches us that the worst Holocaust is still yet to come. The Book of Revelation tells us that during the last seven years of this stage of our history, the persecution of both secular Jews, and those who have returned to the Lord, will outnumber any genocide the world has ever seen.

     Jesus described that Great Tribulation like this, “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.” Matthew 24:9 (NKJV). The Apostle John wrote regarding that time, “And the dragon was enraged with the woman [which represents Israel], and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17 (NKJV).

     Please watch the following videos, and take into consideration that although we cannot see it, the spiritual battle is so very, very real. We cannot stop what God has preordained to happen at the end of our history, but I believe we have a duty before God to do our best to prevent such a horrific thing from occurring on our watch. By the way, if you are a Christian, don’t think that you are safe. Satan hates you too.

     As Christians, I think it’s important to be aware that despite the fact that Jews have generally rejected Christ as the Messiah (religious Jews are still waiting for Him), and being the primary object of Satan’s hatred, God still has miraculous plans for Israel. Through the Prophet Zechariah, God promised to reveal Himself to them during the Great Tribulation, once their hearts have been sufficiently humbled, “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced.” Zechariah 12:10a (NKJV).

     Now that the nation of Israel has been reestablished after 2,000 years of dispersion, I think God’s plans for this are getting close. If you have ever thought what it would be like to live during Biblical times, you can stop thinking about it. We are!

Israeli Syrian War Coming? ... Isaiah 17?

     The seventeenth Chapter of Isaiah describes the destruction of Syria in a way that has never before occurred in history. The stand-out verse is, “Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, [a]nd it will be a ruinous heap.” Isaiah 17:1b (NKJV). Obviously Damascus is still in existence as Syria’s capital city, and in fact it claims to be the oldest city on the face of the earth!

     I’ve been following the war banter between Israel and Syria for the last few years, and it’s been heating up like I’ve never seen it before. Only time will tell if Isaiah’s prophecy will come to pass soon. It may not happen for many years to come. But consider this, Isaiah wrote this prophecy 700 years or so before Christ. Until modern warfare technology, it would have been nearly impossible for Damascus to be so destroyed, aside from an act of God.

     Maybe we are about to see it happen, and maybe not. However, one day it will come to pass, exactly as the Bible predicts. And seeing all the events occurring in the world today, and comparing them to what Scripture says will happen in the Last Days, I think we just might be running out of time for prophecy fulfillment to delay much longer.

     Read Isaiah 17, and the below listed articles. Then keep an eye on what's happening between Israel and its northern enemy, which is made up of Syria and the terrorist group Hezbollah. Most importantly, if you are a Christian, pray for Israel and the world that they will see God is real, and He’s coming in judgment. But He gives us so much warning before the judgment comes, because He is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9b (NKJV). If you are not a Christian, please consider what Scripture has to say. Don’t just ignore it, figure out yourself if it’s right or wrong, and do it today while you still have time.

Articles:

Israel warns Syria over Hezbollah attacks

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7101106.ece

Hizbullah a division of Syrian army

http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=173420

The "New Hizballah" built by Syria sparks ME summer war fear

http://www.debka.com/article/8726/

Israel threatens Syria with war

http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=217793

Hizbullah admits receiving Syrian scuds

http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=173217

Blog Posts:

Israel Warns Syria

http://prophecyupdate.blogspot.com/2010/04/israel-warns-syria.html

War Between Israel And Hizbollah "Imminent" Syria Warns US

http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2010/04/war-between-israel-and-hizbollah-imminent-syria-warns-us.html