The Overlooked Sign

“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

As a watcher of many years, I have often found it curious when individuals talk about the many signs of the end that we should be looking for yet consistently fail to mention what I believe will be one of the most overlooked signs.  As many understand, the punishment for rejecting Jesus as their messiah was the fall of Jerusalem to the Romans in 70 AD and the scattering of the Jews throughout the world in what has become known as the diaspora.

Diaspora: noun

The dispersion of the Jews among the Gentiles after the Captivity.

Any similar dispersion.

A group so dispersed, especially Jews outside of the land of Israel.

https://www.wordnik.com/words/diaspora

According to Pew Research, in 2020, 46% of the worlds Jews lived in Israel while 39% lived in the United States.  That leaves only 15% living in all the other countries around the world, so obviously the majority of Jews not living in Israel reside in the United States.  In the passage above we see Jesus use the analogy of a mother hen wanting to gather her chicks close to her to nurture them and keep them safe, yet the Jews rejected that offer.  As we watch the rise of antisemitism around the world it’s not surprising that we see many Jews making the decision to move back to Israel where they feel safe.  The choice to return to their homeland is called “Aliyah”, a Hebrew word meaning ascent.

Aliyah: (US: /ˌæliˈɑː/, UK: /ˌɑː-/; Hebrew: עֲלִיָּה, romanized: ălīyyā, lit. 'ascent') is the immigration of Jews from the diaspora to, historically, the geographical Land of Israel or the Palestine region, where (in the 20th century) the State of Israel was established. Traditionally described as "the act of going up" (namely, toward the Jewish holy city of Jerusalem), moving to the Land of Israel or "making aliyah" is one of the most basic tenets of Zionism. The opposite action—emigration by Jews from the Land of Israel—is referred to in the Hebrew language as yerida (lit. 'descent').^[1] The Law of Return that was passed by the Israeli parliament in 1950 gives all diaspora Jews, as well as their children and grandchildren, the right to relocate to Israel and acquire Israeli citizenship on the basis of connecting to their Jewish identity.                                                                   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aliyah#External_links

While the desire to return to Israel is increasing, obviously there is still a very sizable population of Jews living in the United States.  This brings me to the subject of the overlooked sign that is so often either ignored or many are simply unaware of.  Although God scattered the Jews throughout the world, a time is coming when He chooses to regather them all back to Israel in what I believe will be a massive and unmistakeable sign of the approaching tribulation.  He will fulfill His desire from the passage above and gather His people to Himself just as a mother hen gathers her chicks.

“When I have brought them back from the peoples and gathered them out of their enemies’ lands, and I am hallowed in them in the sight of many nations,‘then they shall know that I am the LORD their God, who sent them into captivity among the nations, but also brought them back to their land, and left none of them captive any longer.‘And I will not hide My face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,’ says the Lord GOD.”  Ezekiel 39:27-29. NKJV

There are approximately 6.3 million Jews living in the United States at the present time.  When God decides to fulfill this prophecy from Ezekiel and bring the Jews back to Israel, it will be the largest relocation of a population in the history of the world.  If we are, in fact, as close to the start of the tribulation period as many believe, there exists a very short time in which this prophetic Aliyah must take place.  Many, if not most scholars believe that the Ezekiel 38-39 war occurs just before the start of the tribulation, and if that is indeed the case then we are looking at what could be an extremely short window of time for millions of people to leave this country.

“Then the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides children.”  Exodus 12:37. NKJV

As this passage reveals, approximately 600,000 men left Egypt during the Exodus.  Since this is only the number of men, estimates of the total number of people including women and children would range from somewhere between two to three million.  A modern day exodus from the United States would easily double that figure and I find it difficult to understand logistically just how that would be accomplished as well as wondering exactly how God plans to do it.

“For the LORD of hosts has purposed, And who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, And who will turn it back?”  Isaiah 14:27. NKJV

There is no question in my mind that this is going to happen just as God has prophecied, yet I would be lying if I claimed to know just how God is going to pull this off.  So many different scenarios have occurred to me, yet all seem almost inconceivable to produce an exodus of over six million Jews leaving the United States en masse.  I would also have to add that absolutely none of those scenarios are pleasant to consider.  I am very much afraid that whatever it is that occurs which prompts such a move by such a great number of people is going to be horrendous.

While I believe this will occur before the start of the tribulation, I have no idea when it will occur in relation to the rapture of the Church.  Although this is, in my opinion, an overlooked sign of the end, I certainly would not wait to see it before I made a decision that will affect my life in eternity. If you are reading this today and have never made the decision to allow Jesus Christ to come into your heart, and accept the free gift of eternal life He has offered you, I urge you to do so right now. You can do that by simply praying this prayer and accepting the gift of eternal life God has offered all of us by the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life to you. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me. Amen.

Keep watching.

Peace and Security?

“While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.”   1 Thessalonians 5:3  ESV

“Trump says deal with Iran completed, ‘will bring peace and security to the whole region’”

https://www.jns.org/news/u-s-news/trump-says-peace-deal-with-iran-completed-will-bring-peace-and-security-to-the-whole-region

“The burden of the word of the LORD against Israel. Thus says the LORD, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him: "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 12:1-3 NKJV

Once again the headlines inform us of yet another attempt at forging a "mideast peace agreement" which, according to the Word of God, will end in failure. If you are a student of Bible prophecy this should certainly come as no surprise. As this passage from Zechariah makes clear, any effort to bring peace between Israel and its enemies is doomed to failure. Why you ask? Because what we are seeing is the groundwork being laid for the fulfillment of yet another well known prophecy in the Bible, this one from the book of Daniel.

“Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate." 

Daniel 9:27 NKJV

As most know, this verse refers to the coming world leader referred to most often as the "antichrist". When he appears on the scene he will "confirm", (a word meaning "enforce"), a peace agreement between Israel and its enemies. Why "enforce"? Simply because what we are being told is that it proves impossible for the parties to agree to any sort of peace on their own. As the passage from Zechariah tells us, anyone (other than the coming antichrist) who makes an attempt at forging a peace agreement will fail. The phrase translated to "be cut in pieces" also can be translated "tattooed", which I actually find very interesting. If you think about it, every president in recent memory who has tried to involve himself with the "peace process" comes away "tattooed" with his failure. 

Time will prove that President Trump is also going to be tattooed when his attempt at forging a peace will fail as all others have.  Although this attempt is courageous, the earth, and especially the Middle East, will never see peace until Jesus arrives at His second coming.  I also found it interesting to read several commentaries which suggested that this so called peace agreement is actually opening the door for the fulfillment of the Ezekiel 38,39 prophecy, or the Gog- Magog War. 

“And in the latter time of their kingdom, When the transgressors have reached their fullness, A king shall arise, Having fierce features, Who understands sinister schemes. His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; He shall destroy fearfully, And shall prosper and thrive; He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people. “Through his cunning He shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; And he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; But he shall be broken without human means.”  Daniel 8:23-25  NKJV

The truth is, what we are witnessing today occurring all around the world is Satan preparing the way for the emergence of his lackey, the antichrist.  Somehow this coming man of sin will rise to power by deceit and cunning while at the same time managing to broker and enforce a peace when so many before him have failed.  If we are as close to the end as many believe, this man is currently active on the world stage and being positioned by Satan. 

When discussing the coming antichrist, many have made the point of describing all of the attributes listed in God’s Word about this man as a way of explaining how he is able to somehow achieve the impossible. While not disagreeing about their importance I would like to suggest one simple explanation which may often be overlooked.  You see, in the passage above from Daniel we are told that although this coming world leader will be extremely strong, “his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power”.  So the question which follows is simply this; “if it’s not his power, who’s power is it?”  If we look at it this way, I believe the answer is clear as to where his power originates. 

If you have never taken the time to read and study the book of Zechariah, I invite you to start today. Often overlooked, the book is one of the "Minor Prophets" of the Old Testament, a name given to twelve books because of their small size, not their importance. In fact, next to Isaiah, there are more prophecies concerning the coming Messiah in it than any other book in the Old Testament. There are also plenty of prophecies concerning the time in history in which we find ourselves today. Oftentimes this book is referred to as the "Apocalypse of the Old Testament" because of the prophecies it contains concerning the future of Israel.

The stage is being set for the appearance of the antichrist. No one has had any success at forging any type of peace between Israel and her enemies, and according to the Bible, no one will. Until of course, the "man of sin" enforces a treaty which ushers in the seven year period of time we know as the Tribulation. So how close could that be?  Many believe that time is in the immediate future as the signs we have been told to watch for are appearing all around us.  Of course, if that is truly the case then there is one very important event we should all be watching for.

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Then we who are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord."                                          1 Thessalonians 4:16-18  NKJV

“But as to the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When people say, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as travail comes upon a woman with child, and there will be no escape. But you are not in darkness, brethren, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.”    1 Thessalonians 5:1-6  RSV

In this passage we see the subject Paul is discussing is the rapture of the Church, and it is here we find that Paul makes a very interesting statement when he tells us that as “children of light, and children of the day,” we will not be surprised when Jesus returns and takes us away to be with Him.  As I thought about this passage, one of the first things that I began to consider was why Paul uses the difference between day and night to show us why we will not be surprised.  As I began to think more about this, there were a couple of things that seemed obvious, but possibly overlooked, that I had not really considered before.

The first one is that in the daylight it is much easier to not only see what surrounds us, but also to see what in fact, is right in front of us.  Now if that seems to be an oversimplification simply try walking down a strange hallway in the dark when a few chairs have been scattered about.  Yet turn on a light and it’s a very simple exercise to avoid bumping into any of them.  So in truth, what Paul is telling us about the rapture of the Church is that those of us who are believers and have accepted the salvation offered to us by the death of Jesus on the cross will not be surprised by the rapture because we will see it coming!

Now if that sounds a little strange to you, consider how Paul also uses the illustration of a thief in the night to explain why believers won’t be surprised.  A thief loves to use the cover of darkness simply because it makes it harder for people to see him, and therefore allows him to come and steal without you knowing he has been there.  So it comes as a surprise to awaken and see what has happened under the cover of darkness.  If the thief tried to break into your house in the middle of the day while you were awake and at home, how far would he get before you recognized what was happening?  If you were watching and knew what to look for, I think you would have probably called the police long before he approached your door.

I believe what Paul is telling us here is that in the very same way, believers will not be surprised at the rapture because we will recognize “the times and the seasons”.  How is that possible you ask?  The answer to that is found in the phrase Paul uses in verse two where he says that we “know perfectly”.  In my mind, when I examined the meaning of this phrase in the Greek, I immediately thought back to the illustration of the chairs in the hallway.

 

As I see it, the advantage to walking down the hall with the light on is that you can see with both perception and recognition.  To my way of thinking, perception is seeing and knowing what is in front of me while recognition is the understanding of how to carefully deal with what I see.  So I was surprised to find that the definitions of these two words seem to say that very thing.  The word “know”, eido, means…to see, to perceive with the eyes, to perceive with any of the senses, to perceive, notice, discern, discover.  The word “perfectly”, akribos, means…exactly, accurately, diligently, from the root word akribes…exactly, carefully.

So in essence Paul is telling us that when it comes to the “times and seasons” of the rapture of the Church, believers, as children of the day, will not be surprised because we will “know perfectly” or perceive and recognize that our blessed hope is near.  When I first graduated from college my intent was to pursue a career as a coach.  One of my first experiences was learning how to scout the next opponent of our team, and I was paired up with a coach who had more than forty years of experience doing just that.  His method of teaching me was to constantly ask me what I was looking at and what I saw.  I quickly learned from him, and knew I had learned well when I began to watch and see the same things he did.

There is no doubt in my mind, based on what I see that the rapture of the Church could happen at any moment.  I am willing to say that anyone else who believes that is definitely a member of the “children of light, and children of the day,” that Paul speaks about.  When Paul called us children of the light, he meant we’ve been given the knowledge to understand what’s coming. Is the end in sight?  When so many in the body say they see the same thing, don’t you believe it’s a reasonable conclusion?  As one very prominent Christian speaker has said, the more you know about the subject of Christ’s return, the more you recognize how close it is.

Attempting to forge “peace and security” in the Middle East is doomed to fail, yet I believe it is an important sign of where we are on God’s timeline for this earth.  It certainly seems to myself and many others in the body of Christ that virtually every week we are being treated to more and more signs that the rapture of the Church 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.

Never Alone

“Now the LORD had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.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 12:1-3. NKJV

Contained in this passage is one of the most important promises, along with a warning, that I believe God has given to the nation of Israel and all the other nations that inhabit the earth. In simple terms God says that any one person or nation that blesses Israel will be blessed, but to those who curse Israel, they in turn will be cursed. The United States and Israel have been allies since the inception of the Jewish state in 1948, and throughout the intervening years of both war and peace in the middle east we have continued to support the independence of Israel. 

Anyone who has taught the subject of eschatology, or what the Bible has to say about the end of the world as we know it, has at one time or another encountered the same question over and over again, and that is "where is the United States in prophecy?" Since it would appear that we are not mentioned specifically, those who teach on this subject have been left to come to conclusions based on what we do find in scripture and also on what we don't. The position I have chosen to teach over the years is really a simple one, and it goes something like this. The United States is not mentioned in the end times scenarios written in scripture for one of two reasons. One, we don't exist as a nation, or two, we exist but choose to not get involved.

Now since we have always been allies with Israel, the logical conclusion would be that we suffer some sort of an attack or at least are threatened with one serious enough to force us to question our support and then choose to withdraw. This is the conclusion most would come to based on the fact of our past strong support for Israel. Recent events on the political front initiated by our current president, however, may be signaling a radical shift in our foreign policy which in turn might suggest that in any future conflict the United States may choose to withdraw it's longstanding support for Israel.

President Donald Trump reportedly warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a tense phone call on Monday that further military escalation against Iran could leave Israel increasingly isolated, as new details emerged about growing disagreements between Jerusalem and Washington during the latest regional crisis. According to Israel’s Channel 12, Trump told Netanyahu, “You better be very careful with what you do because you might soon be left alone against Iran.”    https://worldisraelnews.com/trump-warned-netanyahu-you-may-be-left-alone-against-iran/

Already in Israel the feeling is emerging that the United States is "rethinking" its historical support of Israel. They see our president attempting to influence the policy making of the Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu.  Slowly but surely it would appear that a shift is occurring in regards to our relationship with Israel, and Israel is fully aware of it. There are signs that Israel is preparing to address the threats from Iran without the support or approval of the United States, which in the past has been a major concern. Does Israel feel abandoned already?

President Trump says that Prime Minister Netanyahu will accept whatever deal his administration makes. Maybe, maybe not. Netanyahu could see the approaching November midterm elections in America and even Israeli elections in October, and declare that this is the moment for a new Israeli Independence Day.  https://harbingersdaily.com/a-time-to-act-is-now-the-moment-for-netanyahu-to-declare-a-new-independence-day-for-israel/

There is no other way to take this statement than President Trump telling a sovereign nation that he alone calls the shots and Israel has no choice but to accept them.  I would suggest that is a grave miscalculation on his part as the Bible tells us that there is coming a time where the entire world is against Israel and they will defend themselves without any help from anyone other than God.

Iran & Israel cease fire for now, PM Netanyahu warns: If Iran attacks again we’ll respond with ‘overwhelming force ’https://allisraelnews.com/iran-israel-cease-fire-for-now-pm-netanyahu-warns-if-iran-attacks-again-well-respond-with-overwhelming-force

“And it shall come to pass, that as I have watched over them to pluck up, to break down, to throw down, to destroy, and to afflict, so I will watch over them to build and to plant, says the LORD.     Jeremiah 31:28 NKJV

“We are no longer scattered among the nations, powerless to defend ourselves. We restored our sovereignty in our ancient home. And the soldiers who defend our home have boundless courage. For the first time in 100 generations, we, the Jewish people, can defend ourselves. This is why -- this is why, as a prime minister of Israel, I can promise you one more thing: Even if Israel has to stand alone, Israel will stand. But I know that Israel does not stand alone. I know that America stands with Israel. I know that you stand with Israel. You stand with Israel, because you know that the story of Israel is not only the story of the Jewish people but of the human spirit that refuses again and again to succumb to history's horrors.  Facing me right up there in the gallery, overlooking all of us in this (inaudible) chamber is the image of Moses. Moses led our people from slavery to the gates of the Promised Land. And before the people of Israel entered the land of Israel, Moses gave us a message that has steeled our resolve for thousands of years. I leave you with his message today, (SPEAKING IN HEBREW), "Be strong and resolute, neither fear nor dread them.''  

Benjamin Netanyahu speaking to Congress 3/3/15

Israel can defend itself.

I would certainly not argue that point even when looking at the list of enemies the nation of Israel faces at the present time, and I would remind you that I and many others believe the next major event on Israel’s prophetic calendar is the destruction of Damascus revealed to us in Isaiah 17.  Yet when it comes to defending itself, I would also point out that it is one thing to defend against a smaller, weaker opponent than it will be when the entire world comes knocking at their door.  This will be the case after their destruction of Damascus, as it is explained to us in Ezekiel 38-39 where God allows the armies of Gog and their allies to mass for an attack on Israel in order to reveal Himself to both Israel and the world as the true defender of His people.

“The Gentiles shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity; because they were unfaithful to Me, therefore I hid My face from them. I gave them into the hand of their enemies, and they all fell by the sword. “According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions I have dealt with them, and hidden My face from them.” ’ “Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Now I will bring back the captives of Jacob, and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for My holy name—‘after they have borne their shame, and all their unfaithfulness in which they were unfaithful to Me, when they dwelt safely in their own land and no one made them afraid. ‘When I have brought them back from the peoples and gathered them out of their enemies’ lands, and I am hallowed in them in the sight of many nations, ‘then they shall know that I am the LORD their God, who sent them into captivity among the nations, but also brought them back to their land, and left none of them captive any longer. ‘And I will not hide My face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,’ says the Lord GOD.”    Ezekiel 39:23-29  NKJV

In this instance, Israel will not find it necessary to take on the responsibility of defending itself as God chooses to do that Himself by supernaturally confusing the enemy to the extent that they turn on each other and destroy themselves.  Personally, what I find most intriguing about what God has to say in this passage is that the entire nation of Israel, everyone, will “know that I am the LORD their God”.  Some might think it surprising, or somehow miraculous that the coming antichrist will be able to enforce a peace between Israel and its enemies, but I want to suggest that might be rather easy given the fact that the entire world just watched God defend Israel!  I don’t believe too many of Israel’s enemies would need to have their arms twisted to agree to a peace with Israel after watching what God can do.

“And it will come to pass at the same time, when Gog comes against the land of Israel,” says the Lord GOD, “that My fury will show in My face. “For in My jealousy and in the fire of My wrath I have spoken: ‘Surely in that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel, ‘so that the fish of the sea, the birds of the heavens, the beasts of the field, all creeping things that creep on the earth, and all men who are on the face of the earth shall shake at My presence. The mountains shall be thrown down, the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.’ “I will call for a sword against Gog throughout all My mountains,” says the Lord GOD. “Every man’s sword will be against his brother. “And I will bring him to judgment with pestilence and bloodshed; I will rain down on him, on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, flooding rain, great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. “Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. Then they shall know that I am the LORD.” ’      Ezekiel38:18-23  NKJV

Who defends Israel?  God Almighty.  Does Israel really need America as its ally when they have the God of the universe on their side?  The simple answer is no.  This is only my opinion, but as someone who has studied the words and watched the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu for many years, my belief is that he has a personal relationship with God and knows full well who defends Israel.  As a politician, he might desire the friendship and support of the United States, but as a believer, he knows full well who really defends Israel.  

“Tell you what, if there wasn’t me, there would be no Israel right now”… Those were the words of President Trump in an interview on Wednesday.https://harbingersdaily.com/no-israel-without-trump-mr-president-god-isnt-looking-for-a-partner-to-share-his-glory/

I would have to say that I personally believe that to be an incredibly naive statement that demonstrates a rather large ignorance of Bible prophecy.  If I were to give any advice to our president I would strongly suggest he read and become intimately familiar with the passage from Genesis which begins this post. Should a major conflict, which we know from scripture is on the near horizon, occur in the Middle East and we choose to withdraw our support, God is very clear that we will be cursed. The only question is what form our judgement would take.  

The Bible states in no uncertain terms that Israel is the apple of God’s eye and He will not only defend them but promises that He alone will judge them at the end of this age.  Their survival is guaranteed and no one individual or any nation on earth can change that.  Considering we are told that all of the nations of the earth will be against Israel, and it’s biggest ally, the United States, is threatening to withdraw its support, one can’t help but wonder just how close we are to the end of this age.

There is no question in my mind, and many others as well, that we have arrived at that point in time which the Bible speaks so much about and that the removal of the Church to spend eternity with God by way of the rapture will shortly occur. Becoming part of the body of Christ, the Church, is the result of our choice to accept the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ for our sins.  If you haven’t made that choice, what better time than right now to do it, before it’s too late.  

Simply pray a prayer like this; Jesus I know that I am a sinner, and have sinned against you.  I believe you loved me enough to send your Son Jesus to die for my sins, and that He rose from the dead so that I can live.  Forgive me of my sins and come into my life and help me to live for you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Keep watching.