ISRAEL UPDATEDecember 7, 2003 - The Brussels-born concept of ultimately having an internationalized State of Israel - losing its standing as a free nation having independent government - makes complete sense in light of Biblical prophecy.
Daniel 9:27 states, “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”
The word “covenant” in this instance is used several times in the Bible, referring not to a “Berith” (Hebrew for “covenant made by G-d”), but rather used in the context of nations making treaties together (a league). This word is used some 15 times in the Old Testament.
Ahab and Benhadad in I Kings 20:34, Ephraim and Assyria in Hosea 12:1, along with Antiochus and Ptolemy in Daniel 11:22 are some examples.
These are not the best examples of what we would call peace negotiations - the results of these so-called covenants were less than successful.
However, the concept of covenant (league) is in direct line with what we see when we observe the evil forces of this world attempting to use this ploy to destroy Israel.
Apparently the evil thoughts of the Arab nations and terror groups that hate Israel have a huge amount of support coming from the continent that will produce the evil federation of nations.
December 7, 2003 - We have all seen the bumper sticker “Visualize world peace” – there aren’t too many people who don't really want to see world peace.
Yet as we approach the Celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace, Jesus the Messiah, we cannot help but ponder all the attempts by those that visualize world peace, yet have failed so miserably.
Some have tried to institute peace through the form of human government, but sad to say… human government only has power and ability to be corrupted through the process of time - ultimately leading to war and destruction.
There have been those who have tried to create a peaceful world through religious institutions and observances, but this only causes people to “go through the motions”. Others have legislated morality, only to end up with war and destruction.
A few times, peace has been temporarily obtained through the charters, treaties, and agreements of multiple nations - but these become as worthless as the paper they're written on it because men’s hearts are evil and the lust for the possessions of others becomes overwhelming.
While we have seen small windows of peace during man's existence, it has not been “Shalom”, or the total peace of G-d.
When Jesus died on the cross he provided the opportunity for man to be reconciled to G-d and live in peace. The day is coming when our Messiah will establish His earthly kingdom - then we will see an unending peace, not just man's relationship with G-d, but man’s relationship with each other will also be perfected. This is the vision of peace, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty G-d, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
To be continued…