ISRAEL UPDATEMay 8, 2005 - Russian President Vladimir Putin just finished a groundbreaking trip to Israel and the Palestinian controlled areas.
With the completion of this most incredible a string of events, Mr. Putin made several references that the end of communist control over Russia was one of the most disastrous geopolitical events ever. However, the Bear is rising up regardless…
It is not a coincidence that while he was making these remarks, he was also cementing ties with Syria, Iran, and China, and taking a personal interest in the “plight of the Palestinian people.”
While these events cause great excitement within Christian circles that embrace literal prophetic fulfillment, these same events are also causing grave concern for those who love and support Israel.
With Russia’s new ties with the Kings of the East, strengthening her connections with the Syrian/Iranian bloc, and the continuing support of Palestinian terrorism, Israel is truly facing some dark times in the near future.
To be sure, Mr. Putin is vocalizing and putting into motion many pieces of the prophetic puzzle. He may think he is in control, but in reality, he is just another player in G-d's prophetic panorama.
These events will cause us to weep for Israel in the coming days, but we also need to look up with great anticipation - for our soon coming King.
May 8, 2005 - If there ever were an intriguing character found in the Scriptures, it would be John the Baptist, a cousin of Jesus.
We know he wore different clothing than most, and his diet was different than most. (Matthew 3:4 and Mark1:8) We also know he proclaimed the Gospel of the coming Kingdom of G-d before Jesus began His ministry.
We know that his fearless style of ministry drove the Romans crazy. It eventually cost him his life for preaching against the sin in Herod’s family. Jesus called him the greatest of the prophets in Matthew 11:8-11.
However, little emphasis is ever placed on what the John the Baptist did prior to his ministry. He spent the majority of the time preparing for his ministry and the coming ministry of the Messiah.
Luke 1:80, “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.”
First, notice the process began early in life, and continued through his death, waxing strong… in other words, John was developing the godly attributes that he would need.
Second, he stayed in the deserts - or the area of the Dead Sea. This was hardly a cultural environment, so he was obviously unburdened by the things of the world.
His ministry only lasted six months, yet he went when the time was right, blazing a path for Jesus. He had no designated time of preparation and no guaranteed length of ministry, but his greatness of ministry was defined by his preparation and willingness to be a consummate disciple, even before Jesus came. What a testimony and a legacy!
To be continued…