In previous blog postings, I wrote about some independent confirmations that seem to indicate that the Lord could return for His people this year on Rosh Hashanah. Now, it's time to discuss current events that reinforce this view.
Joel Rosenberg, the author of Epicenter and Inside the Revolution, says that if you want to really know what's going on in the world, just look at what's happening in Israel, and particularly in Jerusalem. He makes a good argument since we know the central focus of the world in the Book of Revelation is Jerusalem.
In the mid-point of the tribulation when the Dragon (Satan) is thrown out of Heaven onto the earth, he pursues the "woman (Israel) who had given birth to the male child (Jesus Christ)". However, the woman was given a safe place in the desert, prepared for her by God, to go and stay for 3 1/2 years. Then Satan becomes enraged and goes off to make war with the woman's offspring (those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus).
As we look at what's going on in the Middle East, we see Israel completely surrounded by enemies, most of whom are more than ready to destroy her. The picture is clearly painted in Zechariah 12:2-3:
“I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.
Not only are all the nations that surround Israel ready to destroy her, but Israel has few allies around the world that are willing to help. This year's Arab Spring that is toppling dictatorships throughout the Arab world, appears to be a major regional movement by the radical Muslim Brothehood that will soon be poised to aim its wrath at both the "little Satan" (Israel) and the "Great Satan (U.S.). It looks like even the United States, who has been a staunch ally of hers over the years, could remove its support.
A big test will come at the United Nations meeting in September when there will be a motion made to accept a new, non-negotiated, Palestinian state, according to pre-1967borders. If passed, that would put Jerusalem in the hands of the Palestinians. According to Zechariah, that will not happen. (See Zechariah 12:4-9)
The inevitable war that will pit Israel against the surrounding nations will be won by Israel, and her enemies will perish (See Psalm 83). Even Damascus will be utterly destroyed (See Isaiah 17:1-3).
Tensions are high on all of Israel's borders. Bombs are now flying into Israel from the Gaza strip and the Sinai. The bordering nations are armed to the teeth and aiming directly into the major population hubs of Israel. What will it take to set off this explosive "powder keg" of war to destroy Israel and Jerusalem? It will indeed happen according to God's timing. Could that be just around the corner? You've got to wonder.
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Be ready and watchful
Consider the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25:1-13:
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
In the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, we realize that God passes by followers who merely profess faith but are not Spirit-led. This calls for self-examination to test ourselves to see if we really "possess" the faith we profess. John 1 was written to provide readers with some of the major tests of faith and fellowship with God.
Are you more wrapped up with the cares of this world than you are with your relationship with Jesus Christ? Are you holding onto sin? Do you love the ways of the world? If you answered yes to any of these questions, go back to the place of the "cross" in your mind and in your heart, where Jesus paid all of your sin debt in full. Remember your first love, Jesus Christ, and how far you've fallen away from Him. Repent and seek His presence in all your life.
Jesus wants real followers, not those who merely hear the Word but never practice it. Where do you stand. The days are short. The time is at hand. If you don't belong to Christ, you will be left behind at the rapture. There is no guarantee at that point that you will return to Him because it could cost your life to do so. Make your commitment to Him now, while there is still time (perhaps only 29 days).
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Prayer suggestion:
"O Lord, I want to be like to wise virgin, having trimmed my lamp with the oil of the Holy Spirit. If I have ignored this, I pray for forgiveness. Place in me a heart that is zealous for You. Remove from me the worries, ambitions, and cares for this World. For this world and its evil ways are perishing. But Your Spirit seals me unto the day or redemption. As Paul said, may all that I used to care about now be rubbish, and may I be found in Christ. Thank You for Your amazing grace. In Jesus' name I lift up this prayer, Amen."
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