In one interesting bit of news today; news that won't get much public attention, but for prophecy watchers is very interesting - we discover that the EU is rapidly moving towards ratification of the "Lisbon treaty". What is the Lisbon treaty?
To understand this and the potential prophetic significance, one has to go back several years in the development of the EU.
For years, the EU attempted to have a unifying constitution signed by every country. Back then, the idea was to have each country take a country-wide vote (ie, the citizens of each country) from each country in order to formalize the EU. There were three countries who refused to vote positively for the constitution: France, Netherlands and UK.
So. In an interesting development, the EU decided that it would shelve the idea of having the constitution formally ratified and instead shifted to the "Lisbon treaty" - which effectively accomplished the same things as the constitution. It does not require a "vote" from the citizens of each country. One of the most interesting aspects of the Lisbon treaty (and there are many), is that once ratified, it will create a "permanent" EU president. Currently the EU presidency rotates on a six-month basis, among member states.
We know that biblical prophecy calls for the antichrist to rise from the revived Roman Empire, aka the EU. Therefore any position which becomes very powerful within the EU is worth watching. A "permanent" president of the EU most definitely fits in that category.
Previously, it looked like the Czech Republic and Ireland would be the only "hold-outs", refusing to go along with the Lisbon treaty. Primarily because of the economic situation, the Senate of the Czech Republic is now backing the Lisbon treaty, making it far more likely that all 27 members of the EU will now ratify this treaty.
The news article describing this scenario, (read here), is also stating that Ireland now has the votes for approval. That would remove the last obstacles standing in the way for the Lisbon treaty ratification and a permanent presidency for the EU.
Perhaps even more interesting in this "watch" is the fact that Tony Blair has been quietly lobbying for this top position within the EU. It is still early in the process, but he seems to be the leader for this presidency. New names could emerge and Mr. Blair is certianly not a lock for the job, however many publications are already making the assumption that he is the frontrunner. We shall see; this is most definitely worth watching.
Meanwhile, there seems to be more and more concensus on a peace plan for Israel and the Palestinians, which is rapidly developing (read here). Quotes from this article:
"Palestinian sources in Ramallah said on Wednesday, thet they expect the Obama administration to force a new peace plan of its own on Israel and the Palestinians next month."
"The American plan would, however, have the support of the European Union, the United Nations and Russia, said the sources. It would deal with a final settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict, including relations with Syria and Lebanon. It would also mention the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Israel and Arab states."
There is only one glaring problem with this peace plan. The Palestinians, Hamas, and Hezbollah - all surrounding Israel and pivitol to such peace - refuse to declare that Israel has a right to exist. But the world refuses to admit to this rather delicate problem. We all turn our collective heads ("we" being the media, heads of state, the representatives of the EU, US, Russia and the EU) and pretend that the surrounding terrorists - those who must "buy-in" to the agreement - are not continually calling for the destruction of Israel.
If it weren't so sad and prophetic, it would be hilarious. But its not hilarious; its symptomatic of the state of affairs in the world today.
We know from bible prophecy that the peace plan, or the "covenant" which the antichrist brokers, will be confirmed with the "many" (Danial 9:27). Does this refer to the concensus being gathered by the "quartet", which is represented by the EU, UN, US and Russia? Note the news quote above, that each of these countries are moving towards agreement of the so-called peace plan now circulating.
Everything is moving towards the "end game". We see the EU growing and growing; now close to formal ratification of the Lisbon treaty and closer to a formal, permanent presidency...We see the "final solution" to a peace plan in the Middle-East being circulated with great urgency...We see Iran moving closer and closer to nuclear arms, while calling for the destruction of Israel...We see the Med Union now broken into two halves (north and south)...We see the world moving towards a single currency and most definitely global regulation...We see calls for a global governance...We watch the technology advance which would allow for the "Mark of the Beast" to come into existance...We watch the alliances of "Gog-MaGog" (Ezekiel 38-39) strengthing and threatening Israel on a daily basis...and on and on it goes.
As previously mentioned, but worth repeating, all of the end times prophecy signs that we have been given scripturally are present and accounted for. Not only that, but these signs are moving rapidly towards conclusion. Its almost hard to believe, but its all right there - right in front of us to watch and observe. We were given these signs in advance - and they are all happening, just as described.
As many prophecy watchers - I too believe that we are very very close to the beginnings of the Tribulation. We are also very very close to seeing Jesus' words conclude:
"When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:28)
Friday, May 8, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
In the news
Several news articles are circulating this week, which are interesting from a prophetic perspective:
"Barack Obama hints at tougher line on Israel"
"Obama engineering 'most serious crisis in 61 years'"
"Lieberman Gives Iran Three Months - Or Else"
Highlights from these articles:
- Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman told Italian Prime minister Silvio Berlusconi that Iran should be given three months to respond to diplomacy regarding their nuclear ambitions, and afterwards take "concrete steps" against Iran.
- Described as "blackmailing techniques" - the U.S. administration appears to be offering help with the Iran situation only if Israel agrees to a "two-state" solution and complies with U.S. plans for the Middle-East, regardless of how destructive these plans are for Israel. In the "crisis" article above, an interesting quote is found: "In other words, the new America's message to Israel is: Resist our will, and we'll allow Tehran to continue its quest for an atomic bomb to fire at you."
- Obama's National Security Advisor, James Jones, advised a European foreign minister that "unlike the Bush administration, Obama will be forceful with Israel. The new administration will convince Israel to compromise on the Palestinian question."
Overall, it appears that the U.S. feels that Israel needs our assistance in dealing with Iran's nukes. Subsequent to this, the U.S, will demand that Israel agree to the U.S. administration's plans for the region, including Israel giving up an enormous amount of land, and land that is critical from a military perspective. Additionally, the U.S. will demand that Jerusalem becomes divided, under UN control.
The significance of these potential peace talks and progress in the Middle-East is quite simple.
First - the bible tells us that there will be no real peace in the Middle-East until Jesus returns and sets up his 1,000 year reign on earth. There will be a brief period of false peace as "confirmed" by the anti-christ (Danial 9:27). The problem with the peace plan, as confirmed by the anti-christ, is the following scripture, where Paul discussed the beginnings of the Tribulation (also referenced in Daniel 9:27) in 1 Thessalonians 5:
"...for you know very well that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When people are saying, 'Peace and safety', destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman."
The antichrist will appear to have finally created peace in the Middle-East, and that will lead to global cries of "peace and safety"....However, as detailed in the book of Revelation, this false peace will quickly end in "destruction" coming on them "suddenly".
Second - We watch the progress of a peace plan in the Middle-East, because we know that ultimately, only the anti-christ will step forward with a definitive plan which "confirms" peace in the region. According to bible prophecy, the Church will have been removed prior to this event (1 Thessalonians 1:10, 5:4-9, Revelation 3:10, etc). Therefore, the closer we are to a peace plan in the region, the closer we are to completion of the prophecies given which describe the "catching up" or "gathering up" of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4, 1 Corinthians 15).
Third - if the U.S. continues along its path of demanding that Israel give up more and more land, in effect, weaking Israel and making their very survival tenuous, then I believe we are in significant danger of encountering the scriptural warning given directly by God in Genesis 12:3.
Things are moving rapidly right now. As previously mentioned, there is a flurry of diplomatic activity scheduled for the month of May. The Obama administration has now seemingly placed Middle-East peace discussions at the forefront of their agenda.
Even if misdirected, ultimately, thats good for the body of believers.
Jesus will come for His Bride. Its a promise.
"Barack Obama hints at tougher line on Israel"
"Obama engineering 'most serious crisis in 61 years'"
"Lieberman Gives Iran Three Months - Or Else"
Highlights from these articles:
- Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman told Italian Prime minister Silvio Berlusconi that Iran should be given three months to respond to diplomacy regarding their nuclear ambitions, and afterwards take "concrete steps" against Iran.
- Described as "blackmailing techniques" - the U.S. administration appears to be offering help with the Iran situation only if Israel agrees to a "two-state" solution and complies with U.S. plans for the Middle-East, regardless of how destructive these plans are for Israel. In the "crisis" article above, an interesting quote is found: "In other words, the new America's message to Israel is: Resist our will, and we'll allow Tehran to continue its quest for an atomic bomb to fire at you."
- Obama's National Security Advisor, James Jones, advised a European foreign minister that "unlike the Bush administration, Obama will be forceful with Israel. The new administration will convince Israel to compromise on the Palestinian question."
Overall, it appears that the U.S. feels that Israel needs our assistance in dealing with Iran's nukes. Subsequent to this, the U.S, will demand that Israel agree to the U.S. administration's plans for the region, including Israel giving up an enormous amount of land, and land that is critical from a military perspective. Additionally, the U.S. will demand that Jerusalem becomes divided, under UN control.
The significance of these potential peace talks and progress in the Middle-East is quite simple.
First - the bible tells us that there will be no real peace in the Middle-East until Jesus returns and sets up his 1,000 year reign on earth. There will be a brief period of false peace as "confirmed" by the anti-christ (Danial 9:27). The problem with the peace plan, as confirmed by the anti-christ, is the following scripture, where Paul discussed the beginnings of the Tribulation (also referenced in Daniel 9:27) in 1 Thessalonians 5:
"...for you know very well that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When people are saying, 'Peace and safety', destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman."
The antichrist will appear to have finally created peace in the Middle-East, and that will lead to global cries of "peace and safety"....However, as detailed in the book of Revelation, this false peace will quickly end in "destruction" coming on them "suddenly".
Second - We watch the progress of a peace plan in the Middle-East, because we know that ultimately, only the anti-christ will step forward with a definitive plan which "confirms" peace in the region. According to bible prophecy, the Church will have been removed prior to this event (1 Thessalonians 1:10, 5:4-9, Revelation 3:10, etc). Therefore, the closer we are to a peace plan in the region, the closer we are to completion of the prophecies given which describe the "catching up" or "gathering up" of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4, 1 Corinthians 15).
Third - if the U.S. continues along its path of demanding that Israel give up more and more land, in effect, weaking Israel and making their very survival tenuous, then I believe we are in significant danger of encountering the scriptural warning given directly by God in Genesis 12:3.
Things are moving rapidly right now. As previously mentioned, there is a flurry of diplomatic activity scheduled for the month of May. The Obama administration has now seemingly placed Middle-East peace discussions at the forefront of their agenda.
Even if misdirected, ultimately, thats good for the body of believers.
Jesus will come for His Bride. Its a promise.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Gathering Storm
A commentary which is focused on Israel and the Middle-East is worth repeating in its full form (below). Tom Mountain, a columnist for The Jewish Advocate, has written a timely piece regarding the situation between Israel and Iran, with appropriate historical references (original article here):
The Gathering Storm
by Tom Mountain
Iran's nuclear program appears to be on schedule.
"It's 1938 and Iran is Germany." So declared Benjamin Netanyahu. That the Israeli Prime Minister would offer such a chilling historical analogy should leave little doubt as to the grave implications of Iran proceeding on its
As a ruse, he claimed that he only wanted self-determination.
militaristic course, as well as the imperative need to confront that threat before it's too late.
In retrospect, 1938 was a pivotal year, the last chance for the Allies, namely Britain and France, to have stopped Hitler's Germany before it began its blitzkrieg for world conquest, and its genocidal campaign against the Jews. Germany had not yet reached the point where it was capable of launching an attack against its primary foes, France and Britain. It had just annexed Austria in a predictable, bloodless coup and prepared for its next target, Czechoslovakia.
Hitler knew that, in order to conquer Europe, he first had to force Czechoslovakia into submission, preferably without a military invasion. Yet Hitler not only wanted to eliminate Czechoslovakia as a military threat, but ultimately as a nation. As a ruse, he claimed that he only wanted self-determination for the Germans of the Sudetenland, hoping to compel the gullible leaders of France and Britain to acquiesce and sell out the Czechs.
By threatening war if Czechoslovakia didn't cede the Sudetenland to Germany, Hitler effectively blackmailed the idealistic, yet hopelessly naive British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, into forcing the insufferably timid Czech President, Edward Benes, to give up the strategic Sudetenland. After all, Chamberlain reasoned, this area was mostly populated by Germans who only wanted self-determination, and besides, the German leadership promised they had no more territorial demands. Benes, a weakling to the core, refused to go it alone and stand up to the Germans, despite his formidable Czech army, while Neville Chamberlain desperately wanted peace at all costs, and was willing to appease Hitler no matter what the cost. Even if it meant sacrificing a democratic ally.
After 1938 it was too late. By the spring of 1940 Hitler had defeated France and prepared to destroy Britain.
If today is eerily reminiscent of 1938, and Iran is the successor to Nazi Germany, then Barack Obama is Neville Chamberlain and the West Bank is the Sudetenland.
To characterize the new president as anti-Israel is perhaps unfair. He is not anti-Israel in the sense that he bodes ill for the Jewish state, but neither is he inclined to adamantly support Israel against its enemies, which also happen to be the enemies of the United States. The president is so devoted to the premise of "peace at all costs" he'd sell out both the Jewish state and, in the long run, the United States, in his quest to accommodate a rogue nation that desires the destruction of both.
The leader of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has made no secret of his desire to destroy Israel. To do this he needs to acquire tactical nuclear weapons. He already has the missiles, he just needs the bombs. To get them he needs time, at most a few years, to continue unhindered to develop the atomic bomb. To do that, he needs the United States to be passive while Iran builds a nuclear arsenal. This also means that the Americans must prevent Israel from attacking Iran.
So Ahmadinejad will need to convince Barack Obama of Iran's peaceful intentions,
The Iranian nuclear program appears to be right on schedule.
which shouldn't be too difficult since this president is already predisposed towards striving for a peaceful outcome with any nation, be it Cuba, North Korea or Iran. All Iran has to do is declare its commitment to peace, then reinforce President Obama's belief that if only Israel gave up the West Bank to the Palestinians the Middle East would have "peace in our time." Iran will also need to count on the novice president to ignore or trivialize all of that on-the-record rhetoric from the Iranian leadership about how they want to destroy Israel, then the United States, in order to usher in a worldwide Islamic caliphate or die in the process.
So far, it's working. The Iranian nuclear program appears to be right on schedule. As expected, Barack Obama is cooperating, reminiscent of Neville Chamberlain. But Benjamin Netanyahu is not Edward Benes and Israel is not Czechoslovakia. Netanyahu is the right leader at the right time in Israel's history. He will not permit the United States to sell out Israel for some mythical guarantee of peace from Iran. He will go it alone and neutralize the Iranian threat before it's too late.
And a second Holocaust will be averted.
The Gathering Storm
by Tom Mountain
Iran's nuclear program appears to be on schedule.
"It's 1938 and Iran is Germany." So declared Benjamin Netanyahu. That the Israeli Prime Minister would offer such a chilling historical analogy should leave little doubt as to the grave implications of Iran proceeding on its
As a ruse, he claimed that he only wanted self-determination.
militaristic course, as well as the imperative need to confront that threat before it's too late.
In retrospect, 1938 was a pivotal year, the last chance for the Allies, namely Britain and France, to have stopped Hitler's Germany before it began its blitzkrieg for world conquest, and its genocidal campaign against the Jews. Germany had not yet reached the point where it was capable of launching an attack against its primary foes, France and Britain. It had just annexed Austria in a predictable, bloodless coup and prepared for its next target, Czechoslovakia.
Hitler knew that, in order to conquer Europe, he first had to force Czechoslovakia into submission, preferably without a military invasion. Yet Hitler not only wanted to eliminate Czechoslovakia as a military threat, but ultimately as a nation. As a ruse, he claimed that he only wanted self-determination for the Germans of the Sudetenland, hoping to compel the gullible leaders of France and Britain to acquiesce and sell out the Czechs.
By threatening war if Czechoslovakia didn't cede the Sudetenland to Germany, Hitler effectively blackmailed the idealistic, yet hopelessly naive British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, into forcing the insufferably timid Czech President, Edward Benes, to give up the strategic Sudetenland. After all, Chamberlain reasoned, this area was mostly populated by Germans who only wanted self-determination, and besides, the German leadership promised they had no more territorial demands. Benes, a weakling to the core, refused to go it alone and stand up to the Germans, despite his formidable Czech army, while Neville Chamberlain desperately wanted peace at all costs, and was willing to appease Hitler no matter what the cost. Even if it meant sacrificing a democratic ally.
After 1938 it was too late. By the spring of 1940 Hitler had defeated France and prepared to destroy Britain.
If today is eerily reminiscent of 1938, and Iran is the successor to Nazi Germany, then Barack Obama is Neville Chamberlain and the West Bank is the Sudetenland.
To characterize the new president as anti-Israel is perhaps unfair. He is not anti-Israel in the sense that he bodes ill for the Jewish state, but neither is he inclined to adamantly support Israel against its enemies, which also happen to be the enemies of the United States. The president is so devoted to the premise of "peace at all costs" he'd sell out both the Jewish state and, in the long run, the United States, in his quest to accommodate a rogue nation that desires the destruction of both.
The leader of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has made no secret of his desire to destroy Israel. To do this he needs to acquire tactical nuclear weapons. He already has the missiles, he just needs the bombs. To get them he needs time, at most a few years, to continue unhindered to develop the atomic bomb. To do that, he needs the United States to be passive while Iran builds a nuclear arsenal. This also means that the Americans must prevent Israel from attacking Iran.
So Ahmadinejad will need to convince Barack Obama of Iran's peaceful intentions,
The Iranian nuclear program appears to be right on schedule.
which shouldn't be too difficult since this president is already predisposed towards striving for a peaceful outcome with any nation, be it Cuba, North Korea or Iran. All Iran has to do is declare its commitment to peace, then reinforce President Obama's belief that if only Israel gave up the West Bank to the Palestinians the Middle East would have "peace in our time." Iran will also need to count on the novice president to ignore or trivialize all of that on-the-record rhetoric from the Iranian leadership about how they want to destroy Israel, then the United States, in order to usher in a worldwide Islamic caliphate or die in the process.
So far, it's working. The Iranian nuclear program appears to be right on schedule. As expected, Barack Obama is cooperating, reminiscent of Neville Chamberlain. But Benjamin Netanyahu is not Edward Benes and Israel is not Czechoslovakia. Netanyahu is the right leader at the right time in Israel's history. He will not permit the United States to sell out Israel for some mythical guarantee of peace from Iran. He will go it alone and neutralize the Iranian threat before it's too late.
And a second Holocaust will be averted.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Rumors of war
Finally, the new administration has agreed to meet with Israeli officials. There will be a series of meetings during the month of May; something I find interesting because of the context. It looks like the month of May is being devoted to the Middle-East, as a series of meetings will take place between the Obama administration and various leaders from the region. Why now?
The context is interesting - at the same time that we see an acute focus on the Middle-East, we see many articles from the region pointing to ongoing war preparations:
"Hamas Army Preparing for New War"
"IDF staged drills over Gibraltar, in preparation for Iran strike"
"Arrow operators prepare for Iran threat"
Collective quotes from these three articles:
"Air Force reservists who operate the Arrow and Patriot missile defense systems have recently begun spending one day a week on duty to sharpen their skills, amid fears that in a conflict with Iran, dozens of long-range missiles would be fired at Israel."
"We are working hard to be ready for the Iranian threat" a top IAF officer said, "We are preparing for barrages, split warheads and other surprises..."
"The fact that the drills were held 3,800 kilometers away from Israel 'confirms that the Israel Defense Forces is making concrete preparations' to attack Iran over its refusal to cooperate with the international community..."
"We would not make a threat [against Iran] without the force to back it. There has been a recent move, a number of on-the-ground preparations, that indicate Israel's willingness to act."
Interestingly, suddenly the Middle-East is now in focus for the White House. That may not be good for Israel however. It is clear that Obama, as a continuation of the Bush policies will demand that Israel give up a substantial amount of land, including the West Bank: (read here).
Additionally, Benjamin Netanyahu fears that Obama will make further demands which will further weaken Israel (read here). According to this article, a number of aides to Mr. Netanyahu will meet with senior officials from the Obama administration and officials in Europe, for the same purposes.
It would appear that the Iranian issue is pushing leaders to get a handle on Iran and their nuclear threats. Speculation leads one to wonder if this could be the last flurry of activity, in a last minute attempt to prevent Israel from attacking Iran's nuclear facilities. Its hard to know - but its clear that May will bring the Middle-East to the top of the agenda for the White House and for leaders in the Middle-East.
The outcome from these meetings will be very interesting from a prophetic perspective. We'll be watching closely for any decisions made, and the general rhetoric coming from these leaders.
Whatever the outcome - God is also watching. Genesis 12 is absolutely worth repeating here, as God's word regarding Israel is absolute:
"I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse" (Genesis 12:3)
God repeated the same exact message to Isaac, regarding the land of Israel and her people:
"May those who curse you be cursed and those who bless you be blessed" (Genesis 27:29)
God also confirmed His absolute committment to Israel's land:
"I will make you a communities of peoples, and I will give this land as an EVERLASTING POSSESSION to your descendants after you." (Genesis 48:4. emphasis mine).
It is clear biblically, that God will not find favor with those who attempt to give away Israeli land. That land was granted to Israel, by God, in an unconditional covenant, confirmed by the passages in Genesis 15.
Of course, political leaders involved in the Middle-East are not looking to the Bible for any direction in these negotiations. As usual, "man" believes that he can make certian determinations regarding Israel, but God has a history of intervening when the time is right. He will do so again.
The month of May could be very interesting.
We'll be watching. So will God.
The context is interesting - at the same time that we see an acute focus on the Middle-East, we see many articles from the region pointing to ongoing war preparations:
"Hamas Army Preparing for New War"
"IDF staged drills over Gibraltar, in preparation for Iran strike"
"Arrow operators prepare for Iran threat"
Collective quotes from these three articles:
"Air Force reservists who operate the Arrow and Patriot missile defense systems have recently begun spending one day a week on duty to sharpen their skills, amid fears that in a conflict with Iran, dozens of long-range missiles would be fired at Israel."
"We are working hard to be ready for the Iranian threat" a top IAF officer said, "We are preparing for barrages, split warheads and other surprises..."
"The fact that the drills were held 3,800 kilometers away from Israel 'confirms that the Israel Defense Forces is making concrete preparations' to attack Iran over its refusal to cooperate with the international community..."
"We would not make a threat [against Iran] without the force to back it. There has been a recent move, a number of on-the-ground preparations, that indicate Israel's willingness to act."
Interestingly, suddenly the Middle-East is now in focus for the White House. That may not be good for Israel however. It is clear that Obama, as a continuation of the Bush policies will demand that Israel give up a substantial amount of land, including the West Bank: (read here).
Additionally, Benjamin Netanyahu fears that Obama will make further demands which will further weaken Israel (read here). According to this article, a number of aides to Mr. Netanyahu will meet with senior officials from the Obama administration and officials in Europe, for the same purposes.
It would appear that the Iranian issue is pushing leaders to get a handle on Iran and their nuclear threats. Speculation leads one to wonder if this could be the last flurry of activity, in a last minute attempt to prevent Israel from attacking Iran's nuclear facilities. Its hard to know - but its clear that May will bring the Middle-East to the top of the agenda for the White House and for leaders in the Middle-East.
The outcome from these meetings will be very interesting from a prophetic perspective. We'll be watching closely for any decisions made, and the general rhetoric coming from these leaders.
Whatever the outcome - God is also watching. Genesis 12 is absolutely worth repeating here, as God's word regarding Israel is absolute:
"I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse" (Genesis 12:3)
God repeated the same exact message to Isaac, regarding the land of Israel and her people:
"May those who curse you be cursed and those who bless you be blessed" (Genesis 27:29)
God also confirmed His absolute committment to Israel's land:
"I will make you a communities of peoples, and I will give this land as an EVERLASTING POSSESSION to your descendants after you." (Genesis 48:4. emphasis mine).
It is clear biblically, that God will not find favor with those who attempt to give away Israeli land. That land was granted to Israel, by God, in an unconditional covenant, confirmed by the passages in Genesis 15.
Of course, political leaders involved in the Middle-East are not looking to the Bible for any direction in these negotiations. As usual, "man" believes that he can make certian determinations regarding Israel, but God has a history of intervening when the time is right. He will do so again.
The month of May could be very interesting.
We'll be watching. So will God.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Will the U.S. continue to "bless" Israel?
Many "modern-day" churches have re-defined God. In efforts to become "seeker-friendly" we focus on a loving, kind God, who doesn't "judge" people, but, like a kind old uncle, pats you on the back and allows you to do whatever you want to do without consequences. God is most certianly a loving God, as proven by His sending Jesus, His only Son, to die for us on the cross, allowing for salvation and eternal bliss in Heaven.
But we often forget that God is also perfect in His judgments. God hasn't "matured" or become "new age" over the last generation as many folks would like to believe. The God that we worship today is exactly the same as the God of the Old Testament. This isn't a popular view, but it is an accurate view.
In this context, God made a definitive statement in the book of Genesis, which has been upheld throughout the generations, as He declared to Abraham ("Abram") regarding the land of Israel (Genesis 12:3):
"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you:
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will also curse"
God doesn't joke around, nor does He make declarations such as this and forget them. This statement has held up through the generations. By reading the book of Ezekiel, you can see multiple chapters and passages devoted to the "judgment of the nations", ie, "judgment" against those nations who "cursed" Israel.
I've been watching and waiting to see how the new U.S. administration would handle affairs with Israel. The first red flag, was Obama's frequent meeting with the heads of terrorists states, and other predominately Islamic groups. At the same time, the Obama administration has refused to meet with Israel, and on several occasions found themselves conveniently "out of town" when various Israeli officials were in the U.S. - attempting to meet with the new administration.
Now we see a report coming from Israel (read here) which is very concerning in reference to this scripture found in Genesis 12. First, the title is interesting:
"Report: Intelligence Warns Israel is now an 'Obstacle to Obama'". This verbiage is interesting, because the prophet Zechariah wrote similar words (Zechariah 12:1-2):
"This is the word of the Lord concerning Israel...'I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling...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.'"
So we know that all nations (including the U.S.) will turn against Israel. We are seeing this process now.
In this linked article we see the following:
"A report in the World Tribune quoted an Israeli source familiar with the intelligence assessment who said that "Obama wants to make friends with our worst enemies and [those who were] until now the worst enemies of the United States. Under this policy, the source added, 'we are more than irrelevant. we have become an obstacle.'"
Additionally we see the following facts:
- the US will most likely restrict arms exports to Israel, effectively weaking their defense abilities
- the U.S. will want to show Iran, Syria and radical Muslims that the United States will pressure Israel (to give up land) and the pressure has already begun
- the U.S. administration will reject Israel's intelligence opinions on Iran and Syria, while advancing the Obama plan to reconcile with the two states, although both were listed as state sponsors of terrorism.
The prevailing view, unfortunately, within the U.S. is that Isreal is a "burdensome stone" and we should separate ourselves from involvment in assisting Israel. Rather, the administration (as a continuation of the Bush administration policies) is poised to demand that Israel give up more land in this mythical quest for peace in the Middle-East. The very land that God granted to Abraham, and in turn, Israel - the land that God granted to Israel unconditionally.
God hasn't changed. God hasn't "matured". If you want to see God's view of Nations who have opposed Israel simply read the first 30 chapters of Ezekiel. God can and will do the same to America.
The U.S. policy is hinged on having Israel give up the Golan Heights, the West Bank, and half of Jerusalem including the Temple Mount. How incredibly arrogant, for any nation to step in and demand that Israel give up their God-given land. Imagine if the UN demanded that the U.S. give up part of Texas, part of California and all of New Mexico - to Mexico, since that land was disputed at one time.
I doubt that anyone in the current administration has viewed Israel from a biblical perspective. At least, there is no evidence to suggest such reading is taking place. Even before the Tribulation, God will hold true His word. Genesis 12:3 doesn't make any exceptions to the "rule"...God will bless those nations that bless Isreal and He will curse those nations that curse Israel.
Demanding that Israel divide their land, demanding that Israel give up most of Jerusalem, demanding that Israel give up the Golan Heights (land which is vital to Israel's defense), demaning that Israel give up the West Bank (also critical from a military perspective) while weakening Israeli defense and then siding with the very terrorists states who are sworn to destroy Israel - to me, counts as "cursing" Israel. We are on very very dangerous ground if these trends continue.
God hasn't changed. His words in Genesis are as relevant today as they were during Abraham's life. It may be time to pray that the current administration changes the current direction and policy towards Israel. God will judge those nations who weaken Israel and those nations who are aligned in attempts to destroy Israel.
Personally, I hope that Jesus will gather up His church before any such judgment falls on the U.S., and I believe this is entirely possible. But the statement seen in Genesis 12:3, as given by God is unconditional and permanent, and could happen at any time.
Only time will tell. The U.S. policy towards Israel is important to God, and He is most certianly watching how the nations align with or against Israel. Lets hope something changes and the U.S. takes the side that God favors: full support for Israel. If not, the consequences could be severe. Its been proven throughout the Bible.
But we often forget that God is also perfect in His judgments. God hasn't "matured" or become "new age" over the last generation as many folks would like to believe. The God that we worship today is exactly the same as the God of the Old Testament. This isn't a popular view, but it is an accurate view.
In this context, God made a definitive statement in the book of Genesis, which has been upheld throughout the generations, as He declared to Abraham ("Abram") regarding the land of Israel (Genesis 12:3):
"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you:
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will also curse"
God doesn't joke around, nor does He make declarations such as this and forget them. This statement has held up through the generations. By reading the book of Ezekiel, you can see multiple chapters and passages devoted to the "judgment of the nations", ie, "judgment" against those nations who "cursed" Israel.
I've been watching and waiting to see how the new U.S. administration would handle affairs with Israel. The first red flag, was Obama's frequent meeting with the heads of terrorists states, and other predominately Islamic groups. At the same time, the Obama administration has refused to meet with Israel, and on several occasions found themselves conveniently "out of town" when various Israeli officials were in the U.S. - attempting to meet with the new administration.
Now we see a report coming from Israel (read here) which is very concerning in reference to this scripture found in Genesis 12. First, the title is interesting:
"Report: Intelligence Warns Israel is now an 'Obstacle to Obama'". This verbiage is interesting, because the prophet Zechariah wrote similar words (Zechariah 12:1-2):
"This is the word of the Lord concerning Israel...'I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling...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.'"
So we know that all nations (including the U.S.) will turn against Israel. We are seeing this process now.
In this linked article we see the following:
"A report in the World Tribune quoted an Israeli source familiar with the intelligence assessment who said that "Obama wants to make friends with our worst enemies and [those who were] until now the worst enemies of the United States. Under this policy, the source added, 'we are more than irrelevant. we have become an obstacle.'"
Additionally we see the following facts:
- the US will most likely restrict arms exports to Israel, effectively weaking their defense abilities
- the U.S. will want to show Iran, Syria and radical Muslims that the United States will pressure Israel (to give up land) and the pressure has already begun
- the U.S. administration will reject Israel's intelligence opinions on Iran and Syria, while advancing the Obama plan to reconcile with the two states, although both were listed as state sponsors of terrorism.
The prevailing view, unfortunately, within the U.S. is that Isreal is a "burdensome stone" and we should separate ourselves from involvment in assisting Israel. Rather, the administration (as a continuation of the Bush administration policies) is poised to demand that Israel give up more land in this mythical quest for peace in the Middle-East. The very land that God granted to Abraham, and in turn, Israel - the land that God granted to Israel unconditionally.
God hasn't changed. God hasn't "matured". If you want to see God's view of Nations who have opposed Israel simply read the first 30 chapters of Ezekiel. God can and will do the same to America.
The U.S. policy is hinged on having Israel give up the Golan Heights, the West Bank, and half of Jerusalem including the Temple Mount. How incredibly arrogant, for any nation to step in and demand that Israel give up their God-given land. Imagine if the UN demanded that the U.S. give up part of Texas, part of California and all of New Mexico - to Mexico, since that land was disputed at one time.
I doubt that anyone in the current administration has viewed Israel from a biblical perspective. At least, there is no evidence to suggest such reading is taking place. Even before the Tribulation, God will hold true His word. Genesis 12:3 doesn't make any exceptions to the "rule"...God will bless those nations that bless Isreal and He will curse those nations that curse Israel.
Demanding that Israel divide their land, demanding that Israel give up most of Jerusalem, demanding that Israel give up the Golan Heights (land which is vital to Israel's defense), demaning that Israel give up the West Bank (also critical from a military perspective) while weakening Israeli defense and then siding with the very terrorists states who are sworn to destroy Israel - to me, counts as "cursing" Israel. We are on very very dangerous ground if these trends continue.
God hasn't changed. His words in Genesis are as relevant today as they were during Abraham's life. It may be time to pray that the current administration changes the current direction and policy towards Israel. God will judge those nations who weaken Israel and those nations who are aligned in attempts to destroy Israel.
Personally, I hope that Jesus will gather up His church before any such judgment falls on the U.S., and I believe this is entirely possible. But the statement seen in Genesis 12:3, as given by God is unconditional and permanent, and could happen at any time.
Only time will tell. The U.S. policy towards Israel is important to God, and He is most certianly watching how the nations align with or against Israel. Lets hope something changes and the U.S. takes the side that God favors: full support for Israel. If not, the consequences could be severe. Its been proven throughout the Bible.
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