ISRAEL UPDATENovember 3, 2002 – I always hesitate to use biblical numerology because there is usually a tendency for people to overreact, getting way off base from the truth of G-d’s word.
The cycle of Israel’s history includes no less than 15 periods of time that include ascension and dethroning of kings, revolts, civil wars, and uprisings - then followed by periods of apostasy – until Israel finally ceased to exist as a nation.
Modern history shows us a return of Jews to Israel starting in 1880, continuing to the present day, again marked by strife, war, broken treaties and empty promises.
Notice that the Arab riots of 1929 and 1936 left scores of dead and wounded, along with little to no help from the British Mandate, let alone other nations.
Israel’s partition, approved by the United Nations, helped establish a foothold in the region in November of 1947, yet the terrorist attacks and threats of war from neighboring countries never ceased.
The 1948-49 War of Independence, the Sinai Campaign of 1956, the 1967 Six-day War, the 1973 Yom Kippur War, and the 1982 invasion of Lebanon have shown us that her neighbors will not let Israel rest. Another fact is that between the aforementioned wars, the battle against terrorism has never ceased to this very day.
But, whether it is ancient Israel or modern day Israel – G-d’s hand has never lifted from the nation that He loves. The Scriptures are full of the promises of the Millennial Kingdom, where Christ is the head of the nations, and they will learn of war no more…
November 3, 2002 – I don’t know why people insist on committing theological suicide by setting dates on the return of Jesus, or wild speculation on the identity of the Antichrist and when he will come to power.
One evangelist told a church he was visiting that he would prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that Benito Mussolini was the Antichrist on April 29, 1945.
Much to the chagrin of this evangelist, Mussolini was killed on April 28, 1945, thus he was forced to tell the congregation that he felt the need to change his sermon topic for that evening.
A well known evangelist told a group of thousands that what was then Operation Desert Shield would not escalate, and there would not be one shot fired in anger. To sweeten the pot, he told this group, “If this does happen, you will know that I am not a man of G-d.”
Now if we are not careful, these people who fail to follow the biblical pattern - not setting dates, but speculating wildly – will lead us astray. Let us ponder and remember… G-d’s word is the final source – not man’s words.
In this age of speculation by men of G-d, and the easy seduction of people who follow them – G-d’s word still roars with authority! “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of G-d spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” II Peter 1:L19-21
To be continued…