It Begins?

“Surely it is coming, and it shall be done,” says the Lord GOD. “This is the day of which I have spoken.       Ezekiel 39:8  NKJV

We discussed last week the possibility that we are the “last generation” which will see the fulfillment of the prophecies of the end of the age. I also shared my feelings that 2020 might prove to be full of signs which will make where we are on God’s calendar perfectly clear.  Yet I would be the first to admit I was a little surprised by the events in the Middle East this past week and the part our nation played in those events.  I find it sad, yet understandable, that so many believers are disappointed to the point of becoming skeptical about prophecy simply because of the fact that the Church is still here.  While I certainly will admit to being disappointed to still be here, it goes without saying that the Word of God can, not only help, but answer many of our questions in regards to the prophecy of our future day of destiny meeting with Jesus in the air.

“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. “So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! “Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.   Matthew 24:32-35  NKJV

As we talked about last week, I, and many others, am convinced we are the generation which will see these things come to pass. Is there more to come?  As I often say, Jesus would not have told us to watch if He had no plan to show us the signs of His return. Yet I for one am predicting nothing other than what God said in this passage; learn, watch, and trust.  God’s words will always come to pass for He does not lie.  We have His promises of what will be and what will come, and we can trust Him implicitly for the simple reason of so much He has prophesied in the past has already been fulfilled.  How hard can it be to trust in the future when the past occurred just as He foretold?

“Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’ Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it. “Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, Who are far from righteousness: I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off; My salvation shall not linger. And I will place salvation in Zion, For Israel My glory.”     Isaiah 46:9-13  NKJV

As you might expect, the first response by Iran to the assassination which occurred this past week was to threaten Israel as well as the United States, specifically Tel Aviv. As our ally in the Middle East, Israel becomes the target of those who wish to do us harm, and as we have just seen, they are definitely in the crosshairs.  While most scholars agree that the attempted invasion of Israel revealed to us by Ezekiel the prophet found in chapters 38-39 of his book occurs before the seven year tribulation period, it also should be noted that other events precede that as well.   A point to consider is that in a war of this magnitude, you must have some point of justification or "casus belli" that will carry weight in the eyes of the world, or you run the risk of alienating yourself, and more than likely inviting some sort of response such as sanctions, economic and political isolation, or possibly a military intervention. We have seen in the last three wars against Israel that no single country has ever acted alone, but always part of a coalition of Arab states A very important fact in Ezekiel’s prophecy is that although Magog is the aggressor, Persia/Iran, listed second, is the provocateur.

“Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, “and say, ‘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.”   Ezekiel 38:2-4  NKJV

So what comes next?  Specifically, I have no idea but whatever it is, it will lead directly to the fulfillment of the prophecies given to us by God in His Word. Generally, I will begin to talk about a possible roadmap next week, and share my thoughts on what we need to be watching for. I am convinced that any believer familiar with Biblical prophecy can see and understand the times in which we find ourselves today.  The signs are all around us that point to the fulfillment of prophecy in our immediate future, including the rapture of the Church that we have all been waiting for.  While it may be disappointing to see these things happen without hearing the trumpet blow and the voice calling us upwards, we still have God’s promise that it will be done.  How I personally deal with disappointment is to continually read the promises we have in His words to us that while we may not know the day, He has said it will be done.

“Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, And his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: ‘I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God. And who can proclaim as I do? Then let him declare it and set it in order for Me, Since I appointed the ancient people. And the things that are coming and shall come, Let them show these to them. Do not fear, nor be afraid; Have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one.’ ”   Isaiah 44:6-8  NKJV

Every week we are treated to more and more signs that our deliverance is close at hand.  If you have never made the decision to accept the gift of eternal life offered by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ I urge you to do it today.  Simply tell God you accept His Son Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and turn your life over to His control.

Father, I know I am a sinner in need of salvation. I believe you sent your Son Jesus to die on the cross for my sin, and I ask you now to forgive me of my sins. I want to receive your gift of salvation so please come into my heart and help me to live and follow you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Keep watching.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/donald-trump-warns-iran-that-we-have-targeted-52-iranian-sites-if-any-americans-are-attacked/ar-BBYCxEl?li=BBnb7Kz

https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-threatens-tel-aviv-us-bases-in-middle-east-after-killing-of-soleimani/

https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-said-seeing-signs-iran-prepping-ballistic-missiles-as-tehran-vows-revenge/

https://www.debka.com/in-a-fresh-air-strike-us-targets-iraqs-pro-iranian-militia-chiefs-after-terminating-their-master/

https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/142726/iran-raises-red-flag-over-messianic-mosque-declaring-end-of-days-war-for-first-time-ever/

https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/142758/end-of-days-expert-iran-sharpening-swords-for-gog-and-magog/

https://www.raptureready.com/2020/01/07/drone-strikes-possible-prophetic-purpose-terry-james/