Major Earthquake in Israel … When & Where It Will Strike

25 Saturday Nov 2017

Posted by garybowers in Prophecy in General

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Major earthquake in Israel will cause untold damage.

This was the headline of a brief but alarming article posted on November 14^th in the online Newsletter Israel Hayom.

Said official Amir Yahav, head of the Israeli government’s steering committee on earthquake readiness: “Israel is due to sustain another major earthquake, but it’s impossible to predict when or where it will hit.”

Actually, without going out on a limb, we can know where in Israel and approximately when this earthquake will strike … because it’s predicted in Scripture!

Scientists and geologists in Israel or anywhere in the world have never been able to predict precisely when or exactly where earthquakes or volcanic eruptions or tsunamis will hit or when hurricanes and tornadoes will form. However, with advanced technology and years of accumulative experience in the checking, calculating, and correlating of previous catastrophes to current demographics and geophysics, experts have become more adept in determining how much damage and loss of life could occur.

Messiah Jesus cited two of these natural calamities in his dramatic description of things that will take place during the last days of the end times … as have the prophets of the Old Testament and apostles of the New Testament.

“…There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come” (Matthew 24:7-8).

(Just One Example of an Earthquake)

Among the more to come are certainly the four mega-earthquakes found in the twenty-one plagues of the Book of Revelation—the sixth and seventh seals, the seventh trumpet, and the most massive of all described in the final 7^th bowl judgment.

In Eye of Prophecy articles, Look Up, Redemption is Near, Part I & II (posted 7-11 & 7-18-15), twelve Biblically foretold events or developments are identified that have taken place in this century and the last, including the one listed as number eight: Amazing Increase of Natural Disasters.

Here is an excerpt from Part II of those articles (in italics):

In general (all kinds), five of the top ten natural calamities of all time have occurred in the 20^th and 21^st centuries. That’s fifty percent in the last one hundred years alone! Likewise, five of the top ten earthquakes through the ages have occurred in the 20^th & 21^st centuries. Or expanding that to the top twenty-five deadliest earthquakes of all time, fourteen have taken place in the last hundred years or so. Of the ten deadliest tornadoes recorded, eight have occurred in this and the last century.

Yes, it’s true that there are more people now and the death toll would accordingly increase, but that’s not the whole story. Not only has the severity increased, but also the frequency. Although the Richter scale wasn’t invented until 1935, four of the top ten measured earthquakes have taken place just since 2004.

Bringing those figures up to date, we have the following statistics on earthquakes 7.0 or higher on the Richter scale:

Nineteen in 2015. Sixteen in 2016. Eight thus far in 2017 including the: magnitude 8.2 in Mexico on September 8^th; 7.9 in Papua New Guinea on January 22^nd; 7.7 in Russia on July 17^th; 7.3 in Iran on November 12^th; 7.1 in Mexico on September 19^th. We also witnessed the most destructive hurricane (in terms of dollar loss and massive flooding) in United States history when Hurricane Harvey struck Texas in late August of this year. Please see Eye of Prophecy article, Hurricane Harvey & A Year of Prophetic Milestones (2017), posted 9-9-17.

The Earthquake in Israel: Biblically & Geologically Foretold

Returning to the Israel Hayom article: “The last major tremor to hit Israel was the 1927 Jericho earthquake, which measured 6.2 on the Richter scale. Its epicenter was the Dead Sea, and its effects were felt in Jerusalem, Nablus, Jericho, Ramia, and Tiberius, killing 500 people and wounding 700.”

Whether casualties resulting from war, terrorist attacks, or natural disasters, Israelis are inordinately concerned and painstakingly detailed in tabulating the figures and also in projecting the number of casualties for future calamities. It has to do with Israel’s (small) geographic size; even more so her population, which is almost half of the approximate 14.5 million Jews alive in the world today.

For instance: During research for my first book—a novel entitled, O Israel … the end is the beginning for those left behind—a former Israeli Defense Force Major agreed to meet with me and provide general information (with no security breaches!) about the IDF. His specialty in the IDF was grid infrastructure and logistics. When I mentioned the opening scenes of the novel as a coordinated terrorist attack on Tel Aviv resulting in the death (and injury) of Israelis, he promptly asked me how many would die. Although partly dumbfounded by his question, I gave him the figures. He simply nodded his head in some sort of agreement; silently suggesting that if the number was too high, I should strongly consider reducing the casualties or perhaps not write the book at all.

Incredibly, he was apprehensive about the figures even though my book was a work of fiction … albeit based on reality and in the context of history and the near future fulfillment of Biblical prophecy! Thereafter, Major David Zadok and I became friends and have been since that interview in 2006. Before that, he became a Messianic Jew (accepting Jesus as Messiah and Savior), subsequently leaving the IDF to pursue a full-time ministry particularly to the Jews.

(David Zadok)

(David is Pastor of Grace & Truth Congregation Pictured Above, Near Gadera, Israel)

The Israel Hayom article mentioned earlier was one of 15-25 new articles I read weekly from several difference online sources, some of which I occasionally reference or even quote in a few Eye of Prophecy articles. Had it not been for a statistic cited toward the end of that article, it’s highly unlikely I would have used the article at all, let alone center this week’s Eye of Prophecy on it. I could hardly believe what I was reading.

Continuing with Amir Yahav’s ominous projections (the portion that I italicized is what captivated my attention):

“The most recent assessments paint a bleak picture. A major earthquake could cause the collapse of at least 28,000 buildings nationwide, with 290,000 buildings sustaining various degrees of damage. An estimated 7,000 people could be killed and almost 380,000 injured, 8,600 of them seriously. Over 170,000 Israelis could become homeless.”

*Note: Comparing, for example, Israel’s population of 8.3 million (6.5 million Jews, 1.8 million Israeli Arabs) to America’s population of 320 million, the projected loss of 7,000 Israelis in this earthquake would be proportionally equivalent to the loss of 268,800 Americans.

For some reason, I immediately made the connection of the estimated 7,000 killed to an earthquake that will certainly take place in Israel’s (near) future. I say certainly because it is a fulfillment of Biblical prophecy … an absolutely sure thing. Hundreds of prophecies have already come to pass, which guarantees—through the laws of probability alone but also because what God says will happen always happens—that this earthquake will occur.

Read with me: “But after three and a half days, God breathed life into them, and they stood up! Terror struck all who were staring at them. Then a loud voice from heaven called to the two prophets, ‘Come up here!’ And they rose to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watched.

“At the same time there was a terrible earthquake that destroyed a tenth of the city. Seven thousand people died in that earthquake, and everyone else was terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven” (Revelation 11:11-13, italics for emphasis).

What city (where in Israel)? Answer: Jerusalem, as the text and context of this passage denotes both directly and indirectly.

It’s a foregone conclusion that Amir Yahav’s estimated fatality count of 7,000 bore no connection in his mind or in the mind of other Israelis (for that matter, to hardly anyone else) to the prophecy in Revelation. There’s maybe a one-tenth of one percent chance that Amir even knows of the Revelation prophecy; the vast majority of Jews in Israel are non-Messianic Jews, who do not (yet) believe in Messiah Jesus nor have ever read the New Testament. Besides, he’s quoting estimated (probable) geophysical measurements of the damage and casualties. Even if he is a Messianic Jew, it’s improbable that his superiors would permit or any secular news source like Israel Hayom would print such a comparison.

Instead, I’m convinced that the (scientifically feasible and reliable) 7,000 fatalities proposed by an Israeli expert in the field of earthquake statistical probabilities was providentially directed by God in yet another other end-times correlation between Biblical prophecy and the phenomenal events and developments of these last days in which we are living. In other words, it’s not coincidental.

It’s analogous to the 6+ million Jews now living in Israel. They literally and prophetically represent the return of Jews to Israel in great numbers from the floods of Roman dispersion and the fires of Nazi death camp, in triumphant comparison to the tragedy of six million Jews slaughtered during the Holocaust. This is much more than chance. It is the unfolding of divine destiny and providential purpose. Nazi Germany has fallen into the ash heap of history. The mighty Roman Empire is long gone. Israel is alive and well! The Jews are back, this time forever!

(The Hebrew Words Say, “The People of Israel Live!”)

These examples are more of what I would term incidental correlations to Biblical prophecy than the more obvious direct connections, such as the twelve events detailed in the aforementioned Eye of Prophecy articles, Look Up, Redemption is Near, Part I & II. Another example of secondary parallels within Biblical prophecy fulfillment are the four 400-year eras found in Biblical and secular history, the fourth (last) of which is ending in our generation. (See Eye of Prophecy article, Countdown to Armageddon … End of The Fourth 400-Year Eras, posted 7-29-17).

The earthquake that will kill 7,000 as recorded in Revelation Chapter 11 takes place right after the two prophets were raised to life. Which caused even more terror to unbelievers who, “…will gloat over them and give presents to each other to celebrate the death of the two prophets who had tormented them” (Revelation 11:10). Twice they are referred to as the two prophets, but at the beginning of Chapter 11 they are also identified as God’s two witnesses, which is how most Christians and Bible scholars refer to them.

Here is an excerpt from Eye of Prophecy article, The Two Witnesses, Part I. Posted 6-7-14. With Part II & III posted on 6-14 & 6-21-14. (In italics):

So, too with Elijah. He not only was spared providentially from Jezebel’s decree of death for him, he was told by the Lord that 7,000 others in Israel also followed the Lord, who had, “…never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!” (I Kings 19:18); to assure Elijah that he was not alone … nor the last true prophet in Israel at the time. Strange or ironic that 7,000 will die in the earthquake immediately after the two prophets are raised from the dead, 3 ½ days after they are murdered by Antichrist. Undoubtedly many, if not all, of these 7,000 who die had already taken the mark of the beast and/or had bowed to the statue of the beast. And it takes the prophets 3 ½ years to, “complete their testimony” (Rev. 11:7), approximately the same amount of time Elijah stopped the rain in Israel.

Ten Intriguing Observations of the Earthquake and the Two Witnesses

(1) As detailed extensively in the trilogy of articles, The Two Witnesses, these prophets are Moses and Elijah. This convincing conclusion includes documented comparison of the description of what they do as found in Revelation 11, to several events of their lives as recorded in the Old Testament.

(2) As indicated, they are stationed in Jerusalem for 1,260 days or 3 ½ years of the Great Tribulation, where and when they “will prophesy” and “strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish” (Revelation 11:3-6).

(3) Revelation Chapter 11 begins with an (interlude) introduction to the two witnesses; however, it also chronologically continues the set of trumpet judgments ending with the 7^th trumpet. Because the two witnesses are killed after 3 ½ years of their time on earth and this occurs between the 6^th and 7^th trumpet judgments, I believe we can determine what part of the Great Tribulation during which they testify.

(4) I would encourage you to read Eye of Prophecy article, Stunning Catastrophes of the Tribulation / Their Timing and Purpose, recently posted on 11-4-17. As explained in that article: Based on the chronological sequence and evidence of all twenty-one judgments (actually twenty plagues as the 5^th seal depicts slain tribulation saints, not a judgment as such) in Revelation, we can accurately estimate the approximate time duration of or gap between the judgments. The projected time between a preceding and successive judgment will be 4-5 months. Because the two witnesses are killed (and come back to life 3 ½ days later) between the 6^th and 7^th trumpet judgments, that would place their time of death at 48-50 months into the tribulation. They would have begun their mission 3 ½ years earlier (42 months) or about 6-8 months after the tribulation begins. Which, in turn, would be the same time-frame as the 2^nd to 3^rd Seal judgements (Horses of the Apocalypse).

(5) That would make perfect sense, as the two witnesses would be preaching to “those who belong to the world;” and, by great power given to them by the Lord, actually begin bringing to an end the destruction caused by the Four Horsemen, who figuratively depict the man-made catastrophes (war, disease, famine) in the first part of the Great Tribulation. Concerning those peoples and armies who try to prevent Elijah and Moses from shutting the sky so that no rain will fall, and turning rivers and oceans into blood: “If anyone tries to harm them, fire flashes from their mouths and consumes their enemies. This is how anyone who tries to harm them must die” (Revelation 11:5). Not until the last half of the tribulation does Antichrist Nero rise to the height of his power; thus, at first, he is powerless to take out Moses and Elijah.

(6) Antichrist Nero will begin his full reign of terror when he breaks the seven-year treaty with the Jews (Daniel 9). He and his ten-nation confederation, “…will trample the holy city (Jerusalem) for 42 months” (Revelation 11:2, parenthesis mine). Because of this increase in power and authority given to him directly by Satan (as permitted by God), Nero will finally be successful in killing Moses and Elijah, which would be about 12-14 months after the half-way mark of the tribulation. Thus, Moses’ and Elijah’s 3 ½ years will overlap the mid-point of the tribulation. Like the Lord raptures believers in Messiah Jesus just before the Tribulation begins, so will Moses and Elijah (after they are brought back to life) be spared from the final devastating full wrath of God poured out in the seven bowls, all of which are directed primarily (some exclusively) against Antichrist and his coalition. In fact, Jesus issues the same command to Moses and Elijah as he does to John, the author of Revelation (which is tantamount to and a representation of the Rapture). Do you recall that command? Hint: it was quoted earlier. Answer: “Come up here!” (Revelation 4:1 & 11:12).

(7) I’m convinced that most, if not all, of the 7,000 who die in the Jerusalem earthquake will be unbelievers—both Jew and Gentile—who have taken the mark of the beast, which Nero will implement soon after the mid-point of the Tribulation. The reason for that conclusion: “…everyone else was terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven” (Revelation 11:13). Many of those not killed will immediately acknowledge God as the only one who could undo what the false messiah had done (kill Moses and Elijah) by raising them from the dead. Undoubtedly, giving glory to God will also include some in Jerusalem who will embrace Jesus as the true Messiah. This spectacular resurrection of Elijah and Moses to life will prove to many Jews that Jesus is Messiah. Also that Elijah is, indeed, Elijah, and Moses is truly Moses.

(8) This earthquake in Jerusalem is not one of the trumpet plagues, as it takes place between the sixth and seventh trumpets. It is a special sentence on the city of Jerusalem. More specifically, a judgement directly against the Antichrist beast (Nero) and his coalition; which, by now, have occupied Jerusalem, including the rebuilt Temple’s “outer courtyard, for it has been turned over to the nations” (Revelation 11:2).

(9) Although Revelation Chapters 13 & 17 contain much more information on the biographical and geographic origin of the Antichrist beast including strong clues to his identity (to be solved with wisdom and a mind of understanding—Revelation 13:18 & 17:9), the first mention of the beast is in Chapter 11. “When they complete their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the bottomless pit will declare war against them, and he will conquer them and kill them” (Verse 7). Can you imagine? Nero and his armies will declare war against two men! That’s how much power will be given to Moses and Elijah during their astounding 42 months on earth proclaiming the Kingdom of God, along with the 144,000 Jewish witnesses (Revelation 7) all over the world.

(10) The Jerusalem earthquake is not one of the four major world-wide earthquakes that occur during the twenty-one seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments. Remarkably ironic: the seven thousand killed is a (one thousand) multiple of seven, representing the number of God’s final judgment of evil and sin before the 1,000-year Millennial Reign of Christ Jesus on earth begins.

*Note: It is, in fact, a coincidence that I ended up with ten comments, the number of which correspond to “a tenth” of Jerusalem destroyed by the earthquake. Granted, its speculation, however, I believe we can establish a comparative link with one tenth of the city to the ten Egyptian plagues of the Exodus. The implied meaning: The Lord is judging Jerusalem (in general, for allowing the Antichrist to kill the two witnesses and also because that is where their Messiah was crucified); but also sparingly … to represented the equivalent effect of only one of the ten Egyptians plagues. This comparison to Egypt is further reinforced by the fact that Jerusalem is also depicted symbolically: “And their bodies will lie in the main street of Jerusalem, the city that is figuratively called ‘Sodom’ and ‘Egypt,’ the city where their Lord was crucified” (Revelation 11:8).

Premise: Concerning Biblical prophecy, essentially there are two kinds (extremes) of speculation. (1) That which is reasonably safe based on comparing and correlating Scripture itself. (2) That which is unreasonably risky with little or no textual or contextual evidence in Scripture or history.

The Spectacular Increase in Messianic Fervor Among Both Religious and Secular Jews

In several Eye of Prophecy articles, I’ve written about this passionate expectation in the Jewish community for Messiah’s return—what they believe is the first imminent appearance of the Messiah. At least four articles have been entirely focused on this remarkable 20^th & 21^st century phenomenon. (See Great Expectations for Messiah, posted 8-8-15; Amazing Anticipation for Messiah, 8-29-15; Messiah’s Arrival … On Whose Authority? 11-28-15; Where is Messiah? Is He Already Here? 6-25-16). It’s been 2 ½ years (1 ½ years for the last one mentioned) since these articles were published.

If anything, the Jewish zeal for Messiah’s arrival has intensified even more; unequaled since eager enthusiasm for Messiah’s (first) advent just a few decades before Jesus of Nazareth’s miraculous Virgin birth—which changed the very measurement of time from B.C. to A.D.

Here is an excerpt from, Great Expectations for Messiah … beginning with the opening paragraph of that article (in italics):

What does Aliyah, the blood moon tetrad, the Shemitah, hidden Bible codes, the third Jewish Temple, a red heifer, and Jonathan Pollard’s release from prison have in common, one with the other? If you desire a short easy-to-remember response to that question, then the answer is: Israel’s Redemption Is Very Near. If you prefer a one-word explanation for the common-ground connection between these seemingly diverse subjects and events, we can do that too:

MESSIAH!

Later in that article, more details were given for each of those seven events to further explain how and why both religious and secular Jews have linked them, and many others, to Messiah’s imminent appearance.

Continuing with the excerpt:

Jews all over the world, especially observant Jews in Israel, are becoming exponentially excited over Israel’s redemption. They see this restoration as both physical—rescue from and protection against their enemies—and spiritual … individual and national return to God through renewal of the sacrificial system lost to them when the second Temple was destroyed. No matter what form this revival takes and no matter whether a Jew is religious or secular, there is one prevailing and passionate premise: Messiah will make all these things happen upon his glorious appearance.

Then later in that article:

For those of us, Jew and Gentile, who have been redeemed by Jesus’s atoning sacrifice on the Cross, it will be the glorious reappearance of our Lord. For the greater number of Jews in Israel and world-wide, they believe of course, that it will be Messiah’s first advent. But during the time of Jacob’s trouble (the Great Tribulation) they, too, will fully realize that Messiah and Jesus are one and the same.

For now, suffice to say that Jews (particularly rabbis) are seeing Messianic connections between seemingly unrelated events… I firmly believe that when Jews, especially rabbis, begin making these associations in such large numbers and to such a level of intensity; this is God’s sovereignty in action … by planting the seed of Messianic passion within the hearts and minds of his people just as he did before Christ came the first time.

A Recent Example of the Non-Messianic Jewish Focus on Messiah’s Arrival

As we’ll see from excerpts in the following article, this time a rabbi has gone so far as to claim that Messiah’s identity will be soon revealed. For millions of Gentile Christians and thousands of Messianic Jews down through the ages, we know who Messiah is! Therefore, it’s a matter of proclaiming that truth, and praying for and bearing witness to the Jewish community that they would see this, too; if they would objectively examine the testimony of the Scriptures (such as Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, and Psalm 110). Then compare that evidence to the amazing 100% fulfillment of messianic prophecies by Jesus of Nazareth when he came to earth 2,000 years ago.

The title of this article written by Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz, posted November 9^th in the online newsletter, Breaking Israel News, was: Mystic Rabbi Describes How Will Messiah Be Revealed To World. The article begins:

“Rabbi Nir Ben Artzi, a well-known Israeli mystic leader, made a remarkable statement last Sunday predicting that the identity of the Messiah would be revealed in the very near future, even giving specific details on how the revelation would occur.

‘Messiah is at work right now,’ Rabbi Ben Artzi said in a sermon. ‘Jews, be happy! Very soon, the Messiah will be revealed to everyone!’

*Note: He’s right, but for the wrong reasons! For example, Messiah has already been revealed (Jesus of Nazareth). His soon arrival will be his second coming, but that won’t occur until seven years after the astonishing Rapture of believers, Jew and Gentile alike. See Eye of Prophecy article, Messiah’s Return & The Rapture (Same or Separate Events?). Posted 12-3-16.

The article continues to quote Rabbi Ben Artzi:

“‘The Holy One, Blessed be He, will come to the rabbis in a dream with a vision and inform them of whom He has chosen for the King Messiah … There will be a yellow card and holy letters inscribed on a parchment like a Torah scroll, where they will be told in Aramaic who is King Messiah,’ the rabbi continued. Aramaic is no longer spoken, but it is the language of the Talmud (oral law). ‘Then they will have no choice and they will recognize the King Messiah.’

‘Either you reveal him or the Creator of the world will cause you great trouble and will not let go until you reveal this and tell it to the people of Israel … Then they will follow the instructions laid out in the dream and acknowledge who the Messiah King is.’”

(Rabbi Nir Ben Artzi)

Once again, we find a rabbi who doesn’t quote even one passage of Scripture to substantiate his claim (how Messiah will be revealed). Although some rabbis will cite a verse or two, invariably it doesn’t track with nor is it pertinent to whatever event the rabbi may refer or prediction he makes. A few have been relevant to Scripture in a general context, but with specific details inaccurately applied to, not found in, and/or contradicting the Bible.

Here is an excerpt from the aforementioned Eye of Prophecy article: Where is Messiah? Is He Already Here? (In italics)

Indeed, there will be great joy when Messiah appears, not just with the Jews but with all the surviving tribulation saints who are on the brink of Armageddon-ish destruction.

Sadly, before the rejoicing, there will be great sorrow and mourning throughout Israel and with Jews globally. I’ve sometimes quoted the following verses and will cite them again, because it is a passage that you seldom hear or see quoted by Jews, especially the Orthodox among them. It is one of several Messianic passages in the Old Testament that Judaism unfortunately ignores or tries to explain away. See Eye of Prophecy articles, Does God Really Have a Son, Part I & II (published 10-31-15 & 11-7-15) for some of these key passages.

When reading the following passage, pay special attention to the personal pronouns. The context is clearly the very last days just before and during Messiah’s magnificent appearance. Actually, his return; which is, as indicated, the main emphasis of today’s article … reappearance versus appearance.

“Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David, and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died. The sorrow and mourning in Jerusalem on that day will be like the great mourning for Hadad-rimmon in the valley of Megiddo. All Israel will mourn…” (Zechariah 12:10-12).

Messiah is speaking, and he tells Israel that they will, “look on me whom they have pierced.” Then switches to the 2^nd person and states, “…and mourn for him…”

The piercing was literally fulfilled when the Romans cruelly staked Jesus to a cross with spikes driven into his wrists and feet—a form of execution not yet invented (at least not like the Romans “perfected” it) when Zechariah made this prophecy.

Considering the anxious anticipation and eager expectation for Messiah and the wonderful things he will do to restore and redeem Israel, why on earth would Israel mourn when they first see him? If the Jews are right that this will be Messiah’s initial appearance, what then would produce such great sorrow, before their joy of being delivered from their enemies?

The text is explicitly clear: They will recognize that it was Jesus all along who was and is their Messiah. Their personal redemption had been purchased long ago, which is why they will mourn for him individually and separately (see the rest of Zechariah 12). Grief will flow from their (and their ancestor’s) rejection of Messiah and their decision to ignore the New Covenant that Isaiah and Jeremiah had promised would come.

There is no Scriptural evidence whatsoever for Rabbi Nir Ben Artzi’s vision to be given credibility. He is but one of several Jewish rabbis who purport to have visions or dreams or messages from heaven concerning Messiah’s arrival. Many of these predictions are based on and interpretations of the Oral Law of Judaism written down in the Talmud. Most of these rabbis belong to the Kabbalistic branch of Judaism, which is a mystical, sometimes even paranormal, attempt to correlate the Old Testament and (mostly the) Talmud to modern-day events and developments.

(Many Volumes to the Babylonian Talmud)

More often than not, these psychic projections or problematic predictions are extra-Biblical in origin and application to whatever event is being cited to “prove” that Messiah is on his way.

Nevertheless, there is a profound positive perspective that both Gentile Christians and Messianic Jews can and should possess with regard to this exponential growth of Messianic fervor in Judaism. At the very least, most observant and even some non-observant Jews are generally tuned in to the prophetic events taking place, not the least of which was the miraculous rebirth of the State of Israel as a prelude to Messiah’s imminent arrival. And, that is good!

However, the Jewish ardent anticipation for Messiah needs to be placed in the context explicitly explained by the Apostle Paul. Reason: By and large, Jews and Judaism still refuse to believe and receive Jesus as the (their) Messiah. Read with me Paul’s passionate words which are every bit as relevant and applicable in the 21^st century as the 1^st century:

“Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved. I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal. For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, the cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God” (Romans 10:1-4).

Things to Ponder

I trust you had a happy Thanksgiving Day, continuing throughout this weekend.

Whether a Jewish or Gentile believer in Messiah Jesus—saved by personally accepting his substitutionary sacrifice on a cruel cross—or an unbeliever who will hopefully reach out to Jesus for redemption, we have much to be thankful for. Despite all of the internal strife and polarization in America and all over the world, we still have the freedom to live for and share whom and what we love and believe in.

As born again believers, we certainly are not better than anyone else. But, according to the powerful and precious promises so wonderfully presented in the Bible, we are (in the context of eternity) better off. I say this with utmost humility, because believers are simply sinners saved by the Grace of God. We have a hope that is grounded in the sure word of Biblical prophecy, whether those promises pertain to the present or future or both.

Here is one of those many promises that assure born-again believers in Messiah Jesus that our salvation is permanent; it cannot be taken from us, nor can we lose it. Because it’s based solely on God’s unconditional love and our eternal position in Christ (what he did for us that we could not do for ourselves) the moment we trust him as our personal Savior.

“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? ….

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35-39).

One day soon God’s great love which gave us so great a salvation will lead believers to a change of address from earth to heaven, through a brand new body just like our Lord and Savior, Messiah Jesus!

On the wall above my desk, I’ve attached a note with these words:

Things Precious to Me:

The Lord’s Promises, Protection, Patience, and (above all) Presence

Come quickly, Lord Jesus. We are ready.

Prophetic Fate of Israel’s Friends and Foes

28 Saturday Oct 2017

Posted by garybowers in Prophecy in General

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As We Watch and Wait

The fig tree is blooming and the vultures are circling!

Jesus used these two images to warn the world of the end times. Our 21^st century generation is certainly living in the last days of the end times.

“Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near” (Matthew 24:28).

Then Jesus said: “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door” (Matthew 24:32-33).

In the very next verse we read of the phenomenal generation prophecy from Jesus: “I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place” (Verse 34).

The fig tree and vultures are compelling metaphors signaling the return of Messiah in the last (Omega) generation—our generation. But they are more than that. They are images that apply specifically to Israel (fig tree) and also to the nations aligned against Israel (the vultures).

Please see Eye of Prophecy articles, Look Up, Redemption Is Near, Part I & II (posted 7-11 & 7-18-15). The following is an excerpt from Part II; including a list of twelve extraordinary events which have taken place, or are continuing to unfold since the Balfour Declaration of 1917—which laid the foundation for Israel’s rebirth in 1948 (In italics).

What is different now from then is that all twelve have synchronized with a frequency and magnitude never seen before. With intensity that really can’t get much more extreme or enhanced than it already is. Together they have formed a combustible concoction ready to spontaneously ignite. The accumulative impact of these flash point prophecies fits precisely with the Lord’s comparison to childbirth, all in a generation’s time.

Rebirth of Israel as a Sovereign Nation, 1948
Recapture of Jerusalem in the June, 1967 Six-Day War
Jerusalem, a Heavy Burden to the Nations
The 3^rd Rebuilt Temple
Israel’s Phenomenal Agricultural Accomplishments
Modern-Day Alignment of Gog/Magog Nations against Israel
National and Ethnic Wars in the 20^th & 21^st Centuries
Amazing Increase of Natural Disasters
Moral & Spiritual Decline & Intense Persecution of Christians
False Messiahs & Prophets
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The Fig Tree (Also the Olive Tree) Represents Israel

Never before in history has a nation—completely destroyed and its people scattered to the four winds (Roman conquest of Israel and the devastating Diaspora exile of the Jews in 70 AD)—been reborn as Israel has. The (fig) tree, Israel, has been replanted in miraculous fashion, just as God said would happen in dozens of Old Testament prophecies. Although the magnitude of Israel’s restoration won’t be fully realized until the Millennium, not since the glory days of King David and King Solomon has her branches blossomed so bountifully … symbolically and literally.

Today Israel is one of the most advanced and successful nations on the earth; with a powerful military, a democratic parliamentary government, an accomplished agriculture, state-of-the-art technology particularly in medicine and computers, and other groundbreaking innovations for global use—such as the cell phone and drip irrigation systems.

For example: “The time will come, says the Lord, when the grain and grapes will grow faster than they can be harvested. Then the terraced vineyards on the hills of Israel will drip with sweet wine! I will bring my exiled people of Israel back from distant lands (which began in great numbers in 1948), and they will rebuild their ruined cities and live in them again. They will plant vineyards and gardens; they will eat their crops and drink their wine. I will firmly plant them there in their own land. They will never again be uprooted from the land I have given them, says the Lord your God” (Amos 9:13-15, parenthesis mine).

(Beautiful Example of Israel’s Agriculture … Even Their Desert Blooms!)

Prophecies in the Old Testament concerning Israel’s final restoration and redemption fall into two time-frames: One is the rebirth and renovation of Israel in the generation (100-year and 70-year Biblical definitions of generation) prior to the millennial reign of Messiah Jesus. The passage in Amos that we just read speaks of that preliminary phase, which are the last days leading to Messiah’s glorious return. The second group of prophecies (in some passages both time periods overlap) describes the even higher elevated status of Israel among the nations of the earth during the Millennium.

Such as: “People from many nations will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of Jacob’s God. There he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths. For the Lord’s teaching will go out from Zion; his word will go out from Jerusalem. The Lord will mediate between peoples and will settle disputes between strong nations far away. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore. Everyone will live in peace and prosperity, enjoying their own grapevines and fig trees, for there will be nothing to fear” (Micah 4:2-4).

The Vultures Circling Israel

As in Biblical Israel’s formative and glory years when so many nations aligned against her with their diabolical determination to “…wipe out Israel as a nation … destroy the very memory of its existence” (Psalm 83:4); so, too, vulture nations menacingly surrounding Israel in today’s world have sworn to destroy Israel and annihilate the Jews. They would like nothing more than to see the “carcass” of Israel laying before them as they taunt the Jews and the true and living God, saying: “…Let us seize for our own use these pasturelands of God!” (Psalm 83:12).

In the contemporary end time’s world we live in, the vast majority of people in Arab/Muslim nations continue to despise the Jews and long for Israel’s destruction. Including the non-nation territory occupied by the Palestinians of the West Bank (Israel’s region of Judea and Samaria) and the Gaza Strip. The most obvious of these nations are Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt, Muslim controlled African nations, Iraq, and (most of all) Iran. And to a lesser but still formidable extent, Saudi Arabia and Arab Gulf States. Anti-Semitism also has reared its ugly head in many European countries, even Great Britain, to a level unprecedented since World War II.

In another remarkable fulfillment of prophecy in our time, we are witnessing what appears to be a dichotomy involving some of Israel’s sworn enemies. In contrast to the majority populace of the above listed nations loathing the Jews and Israel, some of their governments and leaders (like Saudi Arabia) have cozied up to Israel albeit under pretentious political and ulterior military motives. This also includes non-Muslim nations such as Russia and China.

This surprising conciliation of some national leaders toward the State of Israel—taking the form of peaceful co-existence—is exactly the conditions predicted by Ezekiel just before the Gog/Magog invasion of Israel by Russia, Iran, Turkey, and several other smaller nations, such as Ethiopia and Libya.

Said God to his prophet: “Therefore, son of man, prophesy against Gog. Give him this message from the Sovereign Lord: When my people are living in peace in their land, then you will rouse yourself…. and you will attack my people Israel, covering their land like a cloud…” (Ezekiel 38:14 & 16, italics for emphasis).

The world is watching this ambivalent, ambiguous attitude toward Israel … just as predicted in Scripture. On the one hand, as expressed by the peoples of many nations, an intense animosity toward Israel and the Jews. On the other hand, a diplomatic gesture of good will, albeit pragmatically applied to the underlying antagonistic agenda of these nations towards Israel, such as Russia and Turkey.

The most glaring exception to nations seeking diplomacy with Israel is Iran; whose leaders have called for the annihilation of Israel with an exact quote or paraphrase of the words we read earlier in Psalm 83. Such malicious threats come from Iran’s military and government leaders, including their supreme religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini, who has repeated the following phrase (or something similar) several times: “We will wipe Israel from the face of the map.”

All the while, nations the world over including the United States are urgently trying to follow a (doomed to failure) road map of peace to solve the Israeli-Palestinian problem. Exactly as Scripture said would happen just before and during the Day of the Lord.

“I will make Jerusalem like an intoxicating drink that makes the nearby nations stagger when they send their armies to besiege Jerusalem and Judah. On that day I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock. All the nations will gather against it to try to move it, but they will only hurt themselves” (Zechariah 12:2-3).

As conveyed in several prior Eye of Prophecy articles, there will be two colossal campaigns against Israel during the seven-year Tribulation.

(1) Gog/Magog

The first of these is the Gog/Magog invasion, which I’m convinced (with documentation provided in some of those prior articles) will take place in first year or so of the Tribulation. God will supernaturally rout the Gog/Magog countries without any need for Israel to defend herself. See Ezekiel 38 & 39 for the astonishing details and results. The means God will use to destroy Gog/Magog tracks closely with the 6^th & 7^th seal judgments of Revelation, as well as the 1^st Trumpet judgment. God’s direct intervention (judgments) begins when the sixth seal is broken by Messiah Jesus.

(Gog/Magog Nations)

At that point, unbelievers the world over will realize that it is God, himself, who has now begun to judge the earth.

Beginning with: “…a great earthquake … the sky was rolled up like a scroll, and all of the mountains and islands were moved from their places. Then everyone—the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals, the wealthy, the powerful, and every slave and free person—all hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they cried to the mountains and the rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?’” (Revelation 6:12-17).

And the 7^th seal: “Then the angel filled the incense burner with fire from the altar and threw it down upon the earth; and thunder crashed, lightning flashed, and there was a terrible earthquake” (Revelation 8:5).

Then the 1^st Trumpet judgment: “The first angel blew his trumpet, and hail and fire mixed with blood were thrown down on the earth…” (Revelation 8:7).

Look closely at the descriptive comparison between the last two seal judgements and the first trumpet to how God will annihilate Gog/Magog (Gog leads the armies and Magog is the land or nations that sends the armies).

“…Mountains will be thrown down; cliffs will crumble; walls will fall to the earth … I will punish your armies with disease and bloodshed; I will send torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and burning sulfur! In this way, I will show my greatness and holiness, and I will make myself known to all the nations of the world. Then they will know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 38:20-23, italics for emphasis).

The italicized portion of the above passage matches precisely with the world’s realization that this first great global earthquake (6^th seal of Revelation) is a clear sign that the Lord God has begun to vent his wrath on an ungodly, corrupt, evil world.

Then again in Ezekiel Chapter 39, we read:

“And I will rain down fire on Magog and on all your allies who live safely on the coasts. Then they will know that I am the Lord…. And the nations, too, will know that I am the Lord, the Holy One of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:6-7).

(2) Ten-Nation Coalition Led by Antichrist Nero

The second massive campaign against Israel leads to the final battle of the ages (Armageddon) near the very end of the seven-year Tribulation; dramatically depicted in the books of Daniel, Zechariah, Matthew, and Revelation. This time Israel will fight furiously to defend herself and will survive only because Messiah Jesus returns to rescue them, but also to prevent the entire world from self-destruction (see Matthew 24:22).

Please see Eye of Prophecy article, “One Ring To Rule Them All…” (Published 11-21-15) which provides detailed documentation that the Gog/Magog and Armageddon incursions are not the same, nor are their leaders … Gog and Antichrist. That article also proposes the composite list and identity of the ten major nations, with secondary countries aligning themselves with one or more of the ten nations. If the Armageddon campaign is led by Antichrist (which it is) and begins in the 2^nd half of the Tribulation (which it will)—the forty-two months in which Antichrist Nero will be allowed great power and authority—then the Gog/Magog assault would need to occur in the first half of the tribulation. Reason: Gog/Magog won’t be in the picture during the last half of the Tribulation. Only the kings of the east and the king of the south will oppose Antichrist and his ten-nation confederation (See Revelation 16:12 & Daniel 11:40-45).

History and God’s Sovereignty

I consider myself a student of secular history … and even more so of Biblical history. Most unbelievers classify the Bible as a “faith-based” book, which it certainly is; giving us God’s marvelous plan of everlasting life through salvation in His Son, the Jewish Messiah Jesus. Yet Scripture is replete with meticulous historic records of peoples, places, and events. There are no other (so-called) “sacred” texts of any religion or belief system that even comes close to the amazing historical details found in the Bible. I repeat for emphasis: None whatsoever.

Concerning the peoples of the earth, the Old Testament centers around Israel—the nation that God chose to be a conduit of truth and light to the Gentiles. And that light would be placed in and personified by Messiah.

Hear the words of Jesus:

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life’” (John 8:12).

He also claimed to be the Son of God and the Messiah, and he backed up that assertion by rising from the dead.

Scripture provides a wealth of historical facts about ancient Israel and also many Gentile nations, primarily focused on their interaction with Israel. Beginning primarily with Egypt, then the Canaanite countries west of the Jordan and Gentile nations to the east, like Moab, Edom, and Ammon. Followed by the first nation God used to discipline the ten northern tribes of Israel—Assyria. Next came the four Gentile kingdoms of Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome, with the Roman Empire an integral part of New Testament history … the time of Christ. All four of those mighty empires were also employed by God in his plan to discipline Israel for abandoning the Lord their God. All for the purpose of refining and purifying his chosen people in preparation for their restoration and final redemption in the end times.

Ultimately, God exercises sovereignty over the earthly fate of nations and individuals; however, his justice is pure and fair and he gives individuals and nations the time and freedom to choose right from wrong, humility over pride, life instead of death. Our choices will determine our destiny. Yet those destinies were predetermined in God’s ultimate plan for mankind, i.e. heaven or hell.

For example: “I warned the proud, ‘Stop your boasting!’ I told the wicked, ‘Don’t raise your fists! Don’t raise your fists in defiance at the heavens or speak with such arrogance.’ … It is God alone who judges; he decides who will rise and who will fall” (Psalm 75:4-5 & 7).

As stated in a few prior articles, there are two basic plans that the Lord has designed for the human race, both of which are plainly and frequently mentioned in Scripture: (1) On a national level, selecting a special people, the Jews, and their nation, Israel, through whom God’s Word and Messiah would come. (2) On a personal level, God’s Biblical Plan of Salvation graciously given to all who believe and receive the Jewish Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, as their Savior.

However, the Lord is sovereign concerning whom he chooses to carry out these two plans. He began by identifying Abraham, over every other man on earth, to be the progenitor of the Jewish race. Then he chose Isaac over Ishmael to be the promised child, the ancestor of the even greater Child of Promise—Messiah Jesus. Next, he determined that Jacob, not Esau, would be Isaac’s heir, the one to father what would become the twelve tribes of Israel.

Most of all God appointed and anointed His Son to be born the Son of Man, as only the sinless God/Man was qualified to be the perfect substitutionary sacrifice for our sins and the penalty thereof—eternal separation from God.

God’s plans are perfect, as is the timing to carry out those plans, as is his justice to judge which nations will rise, fall, and perhaps rise again.

Edom and Assyria

These two nations are frequently cited in Scripture as both nations were sworn enemies of Israel. More so than the other nations recorded and discussed in Scripture, Edom and Assyria were also designated to represent all godless Gentile nations that would be destroyed because of their arrogance and violence, but mostly because of their deplorable treatment of the Jews and Israel.

For example, in the one-chapter book of Obadiah (as well as other prophets such as Jeremiah and Ezekiel) God condemns Edom:

“Because of the violence you did to your close relatives in Israel, you will be filled with shame and destroyed forever” (Obadiah 1:10). Obadiah proceeds to list ten reprehensible things the Edomites (descendants of Esau) did to Israel. Then Obadiah conveys the Lord’s sweeping indictment of all nations that have persecuted Israel, indicative of Edom’s horrific crimes against the Jews.

“The day is near when I, the Lord, will judge all godless nations! As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you. All your evils deeds will fall back on your own heads” (Verse 15).

Obadiah concludes with God’s breathtaking promise that the Jews would return to live in the entirety of the Promised Land of Israel, which is much more land on which the Israelis currently reside (See Obadiah 1:19-21).

So, too, does the Lord throughout the Old Testament convict and sentence the Assyrian Empire to destruction for its vile deeds, and for going way too far as God’s instrument to discipline his people. Like Edom, Assyria is often used to represent other godless Gentile nations. With one major distinction that once again hinges on God’s providential plans for certain nations. The difference is that Edom would never be heard from again, which is the case when it was utterly destroyed thousands of years ago. Even Petra (part of ancient Edom) was thought to be impenetrable and indestructible. The ancient inhabitants of Petra are long gone, never to return.

Although Assyria would also be decisively decimated (by the Babylonians) and cease to functionally exist as a people and nation, it would not be a once for all judgment like Edom.

Please see Eye of Prophecy article, A Most Unlikely Ally of Israel! (Posted 6-11-16), which is based principally on Isaiah Chapter 19. The setting is also the end-times, specifically the last part of the Tribulation and into the Millennium. The most unlikely ally is Egypt, but also includes Assyria.

“In that day Egypt and Assyria will be connected by a highway. The Egyptians and Assyrians will move freely between their lands, and they will both worship God. And Israel will be their ally. The three will be together, and Israel will be a blessing to them. For the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will say, ‘Blessed be Egypt, my people. Blessed be Assyria, the land I have made. Blessed be Israel, my special possession!’” (Isaiah 19:23-25).

Astonishing!

We catch a glimpse of the Lord’s favorable disposition towards Assyria during its early rise to what would be the most powerful nation on earth at the time. Remember Jonah and the whale?! The Lord sent Jonah to preach repentance to Nineveh, but it took a while for Jonah to get there! Nevertheless, the entire city of Nineveh expressed remorse for their horrific sins and turned to the God of Israel, acknowledging him as the only true God. Alas, a couple of generations later they turned back to their evil ways, which led eventually to God’s severe judgment of Assyria.

Yet, Assyria along with Egypt will one day, “…know the Lord and will give their sacrifices and offerings to him…” (Isaiah 19:21).

Egypt & Iran (Ancient Persia)

These are two other Gentile nations that figure prominently in history both secular and Biblical. Neither, however, is used much in a symbolic sense of representing other Gentile nations, not to the extent of Edom and Assyria. Rather, both are detailed in Scripture relating to the formation of Israel as a nation (Egypt) and restoration of Jerusalem and the Temple (Persia).

Like the difference between Edom and Assyria, there is also a vast disparity between the millennial fate of contemporary Egypt and that of modern-day Iran. We’ve already seen the remarkable reconciliation of Egypt and Assyria to God and to Israel that will take place in the last days—that are so very near. In stark contrast, Persia (Iran) will be crushed during the Gog/Magog campaign against Israel, with no indication in Scripture that Iran will ever function as a nation again.

(Note: The Bible is unequivocally clear that there are people from every race, language, and nation who will come to the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus and live forever in heaven. When the Bible addresses those nations that God will corporately judge, it is referring to the governments and the majority of people in such countries that want nothing to do with God or God’s Son and/or despise God’s special possession Israel and his chosen people the Jews).

Although Biblical Egypt and Persia’s interaction with Israel were similar in form and substance, the 21^st century events unfolding daily demonstrate a substantial difference between Iran’s overt, self-publicized hatred of Israel contrasted to Egypt’s contemporary conciliatory temperament toward Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and most Israeli government officials have repeatedly stated that Iran (especially a nuclear Iran) poses, by far, the greatest threat to Israel than any source. Not only from Iran directly; also from Iran’s terrorist proxies—Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Conversely, Egypt is only one of two Arab/Muslim nations that have recognized Israel as a Sovereign State. The other nation is Jordan. Egypt’s administrative acknowledgement of Israel’s right to exist is the beginning of her end-times brotherhood with Israel and blessings from the Lord. Whereas, Iran relentlessly continues its perverse purpose to eliminate Israel from the family of nations on the earth.

A Brief History of Ancient Egypt and Persia’s Involvement with Israel

Egypt:

Beginning with Pharaoh’s gratitude to Jacob’s son Joseph for interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams and predicting (from God) seven years of plenty followed by seven years of severe famine. Accordingly, Pharaoh elevated Joseph to second in command of all Egypt. Also Pharaoh warmly welcomed Jacob and his sons and their families to live in Egypt.
The Jews began to increase exponentially (hundreds of thousands) in population and eventually the Pharaohs of Egypt enslaved them, which was a fulfillment of God’s amazing prophecy to Abraham that his people would be subjugated by Egypt for four hundred years.
Next came one of the best remembered events of all time: God’s severe punishment of Egypt through a series of ten miraculous plagues before Pharaoh finally yielded to God’s persistent demand to, “let my people go.” We all know this as The Exodus. Soon afterward, the nation of Israel came into existence.
This was the first and perhaps the most well-known example of exactly how and why God relates to and interacts with peoples and nations. Which is based on their treatment of the Jews. How nations (and individuals) rise and fall and perhaps are allowed to rise again according to the divine principle and Biblical mandate. Said God to Abraham: “I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:2-3).

Persia:

The Lord predicted the rise of the Persian Empire through Isaiah long before it actually happened. He did the same thing with the Babylonian Empire. In one of the most spectacular prophecies (all Biblical prophecies are amazing, some more than others—at least the way we view or rate them) in Scripture, God announced that a ruler from the Persian Empire would not only deliver the Jews from their God ordained (discipline) 70-year captivity in Babylon, but he named the Persian ruler who would carry out God’s plan some 150 years before Cyrus was even born!
“When I say of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd,’ he will certainly do as I say. He will command, ‘Rebuild Jerusalem’; he will say, ‘Restore the Temple’” (Isaiah 44:28). Then later we read: “I will raise up Cyrus to fulfill my righteous purpose, and I will guide his actions. He will restore my city and free my captive people—without seeking a reward! I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!” (Isaiah 45:13). That is exactly what happened!
Cyrus, indeed, issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to Israel to rebuild their Temple. And in the very first year of his reign, no less!
A few decades later, we read about the famous story of Esther and her Persian husband, King Xerxes. The king allowed his second in command—the wicked official Haman—to pass a law that would allow extermination of all Jews on the appointed date. God sovereignly intervened in the affairs of state by seeing to it that Xerxes chose Esther as his queen; then Esther’s passionate plea for the king to save the Jews, which he did. Beginning with orders for Haman to be executed in the same way in which Haman would have killed Mordecai. Now that’s justice! Thus the Jews throughout the Persian Empire were saved, including those who had returned to Israel from Babylon.
Subsequently another Persian King, Artaxerxes, permitted his Jewish cup-bearer Nehemiah to return to Israel to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

How ironically sad that the die-hard Anti-Semitic Iran of today’s world has fallen so far from their Persian heritage of friendship with Israel. It appears that the Haman(s) among them have the loudest voice. Thus, Iran will suffer the same fate as Haman.

From the 1970s to the Present Time

Following those ancient encounters with Israel, both Egypt and Persia vacillated in their treatment of Israel up to the 1970s. During that decade, we saw a substantial variance between Iran’s (Persia became Iran in 1935) and Egypt’s attitude toward Israel. Beginning in the 1970s and early 1980s both Egypt and Iran staked out a course of action involving Israel that will seal their respective destinies, as predicted by the Lord in Scripture. For Egypt, eternal blessings and favor. For Iran, eternal damnation and extinction.

After Egypt (with her allies of Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon) was soundly defeated by the Israelis in the Yom Kippur War of 1973—the third war since 1948 fought between the Jews and her Arab enemies—Egypt began to “adjust” its perception of and protocol toward Israel. On March 26^th, 1979, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat signed a peace treaty (albeit one that is tenuous, motivated by political pragmatism) with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin including official recognition of the State of Israel, which is still in effect to this day.

(Camp David Treaty Between Egypt & Israel, Also Signed by President Carter, Left to Right: Anwar Sadat, Jimmy Carter, Menachem Begin)

Not so with Iran. When the radical Shi’ite Muslim sect of the Ayatollah overthrew the secular Iranian government led by Reza Shah Pahlavi, Iran intensified its virulent hatred of Israel like never before. This has continued unabated to the present day.

Would you like to know when Iran became the Islamic Republic of Iran? The date was April 1, 1979—just six days after the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. Talk about providence and timing in the context of Biblical prophecy!

In addition to the Israeli clashes (last of which was 2006) with Iran’s proxy in Lebanon—Hezbollah, Israel has fought several battles with the terrorist Hamas of Gaza Strip, the last of which was 2014. Iran has funded both of these terrorist groups, although Iran and Hamas parted company for a few years for various reasons. Now they are reconnecting in order to accomplish their wicked agenda to destroy Israel.

As part of the recent “truce” between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas (who knows what will become of that), Hamas insisted—to the chagrin of PA President Mahmoud Abbas—that they will remained armed.

The following excerpt is from the online Gatestone Institute article written by accomplished Middle-East analyst and author Khaled Abu Toameh, posted on October 23^rd:

“The Iranians are urging Hamas to hold on to its weapons in spite of the recent ‘reconciliation’ agreement signed between Hamas and Fatah (the military and police force of the Palestinian Authority) under the auspices of Egypt. Iran’s goal in this move? For Hamas to maintain and enhance its preparation for war against Israel (parenthesis mine).

“A high-level Hamas delegation … traveled to Tehran last week to brief Iranian leaders on the ‘reconciliation’ deal with Fatah. During the visit, Iranian leaders praised Hamas for resisting demands (by Fatah) to disarm and relinquish security control over the Gaza Strip.

‘We congratulate you on your refusal to abandon your weapons, an issue that you consider a red line,’ Ali Velayati, … advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei, told the Hamas officials. ‘The Palestinian cause is the most important cause of the Islamic world, and after all this time you remain committed to the principle of resistance against the Zionists despite all the pressure you are facing.’”

My comment: the Iranian advisor couldn’t be more hypocritically wrong or abjectly absurd. If the Palestinians and their “cause” (to find a home outside of refugee camps in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan) was so important to the Muslim world, then why haven’t any of the Muslim nations like the ones just mentioned permitted the Palestinian Arabs to become citizens of those countries? Israel certainly allows Arabs to become citizens, of which 1.8 million have done so. But the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip have refused citizenship, in favor of completely replacing Israel with a Palestinian State, which is also part of the Palestinian “cause.”

After President Trump’s diplomatic staff to Israel said that any Palestinian government must recognize Israel and that Hamas must disarm as part of the agreement with the Palestinian Authority, here’s what Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar retorted: “…the discussion now is about when we will wipe out Israel.”

(Hamas Senior Officials: Left- Ismail Haniyeh; Right- Yahya Sinwar)

Things to Ponder

The winds of war are blowing fiercely, just as they were in the years, months, weeks, and days leading up to World War I and World War II. The political and military balloons of the major players of the last days are much too full of rhetorical hot air. Something has to give; something will break, and it will snap in the Middle East.

However, I’m convinced that nothing major (full-scale war between Jews and Arabs or major powers like the United States and Great Britain against Russia or China or even the lesser powers like Iran or North Korea) will occur until after the Rapture.

The reason for that statement: The eruption of any cataclysmic conflict between such nations would entail alliances with other nations that would, in turn, result in World War III. And that war won’t begin until the Great Tribulation, after the Rapture. Such a global conflict would (and will, especially during the first four seal judgments) devastate the earth—with ¼ of the world’s population killed. And that’s only the beginning of the Great Tribulation.

Please see Eye of Prophecy article, Shocking Statistics of the Tribulation (Posted 6-6-15).

The Lord will not permit this to happen while believers are still on the earth. The Bible unmistakably tells us that believers will be spared from such carnage by the glorious event of the Rapture. Only the post-Rapture Tribulation saints will go through these disasters. Those saints that survive will be killed by Antichrist.

Soon after Paul tells believers about the wonderful event of the Rapture (I Thessalonians 4:15-18), which will happen suddenly when the Lord comes for his own, “…like a thief in the night” (I Thessalonians 5:2), Paul assures the believers:

“For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us” (I Thessalonians 5:9).

In the immediate context of that passage, the saving is from the “anger” of God, which is a direct reference to the final judgment of God during the Tribulation.

A Mysterious Sign in Virgo … What Does It Mean?

23 Saturday Sep 2017

Posted by garybowers in Prophecy in General

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Constellations

The Book of Revelation

I can’t think of any book in the Bible that is so well-known (in name) by both believer and unbeliever alike, while at the same time the least read or understood.

For example: If ten people were asked where in the Bible we find the term Antichrist, I would (safely) surmise that eight of them would answer … in Revelation. However, the only book that refers to this despicable man as the Antichrist is the epistle of I John. Other titles of this false messiah (little horn, ruler, king, worthless shepherd, man of lawlessness, beast) are found in Daniel, Zechariah, II Thessalonians, and Revelation.

Here is an easier question: Is the Book of Revelation about the future? Yes, I realize; that is one of those “duh” questions. But not as rhetorical as you might think.

Which begs the next question: Is Revelation exclusively future tense? The fact that I even asked this question probably gives cause to pause. If you didn’t know for sure, you’d probably answer that it isn’t solely future merely because I asked the question! And you would be right. But just barely. So, then, do you know what passages in Revelation are past tense? Let’s make it simpler —there are only two.

Other than the present-tense dynamics of Chapters 1, 2, & 3 and a reference to the woman (that great city—Rome) that rules (present tense at the time Revelation was written) the kings of the world (Revelation 17:18), the Book of Revelation is almost entirely future tense; except for the two past-tense passages that we’re going to examine. Consequently, it’s natural to view and process everything in the book as taking place in the (still) future, beginning with Chapter 4. For that reason, it’s also easy to miss (more like skim over or actually dismiss) the significance of the past-tense events.

Because nearly the entire book of Revelation pertains to the Tribulation, Second Coming of Messiah, the Millennium, and post-millennial Eternity, the vast majority of prophecy students have overlooked the evidence that the beast of Revelation (Antichrist) had already lived and died before John’s vision of the beast.

Until November, 2008, I, too, had failed to catch the startling significance of the angel’s explanation to John in Revelation 17. It was a disclosure that led to rediscovery of what most 1^st through 4^th century Christians knew all along … the identity of the Antichrist.

One of the Two Past-Tense Passages (Revelation 17:7-11a)

Said the angel to John: “…I will tell you the mystery of this woman and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns on which she sits. The beast you saw was once alive but isn’t now. And yet he will soon come up out of the bottomless pit … And the people who belong to this world … will be amazed at the reappearance of this beast who had died” (Revelation 17:7-8, italics for emphasis on the past tense portion of this passage).

(See Revelation 17:3-6 for Description of the Woman and the Beast)

Besides Jesus revealing to John, “…the mystery of the seven stars … and the seven gold lampstands” in Chapter 1, there’s only one other meaning that is explicitly exposed in Revelation. The disclosure relates directly to (identity of) the beast. In Chapter 17 it is the discovery of the “mystery” of the beast and the woman. In Chapter 13 it is the “meaning” of the number and, therefore, name of that same (Antichrist) beast. Moreover, the angel encourages John and all readers to ascertain the identity of the beast AT THAT PRESENT TIME.

In Revelation 13:18 the meaning can be “solved” with Hebrew gematria—counting by the alphabet. Six hundred and sixty-six is the equivalent spelling of Nero Caesar, from Greek to Hebrew. In Revelation 13:14 the angel tells John of the beast, “…who was fatally wounded and then came back to life” (One of three times in Chapter 13 where John is told the beast had recovered from his fatal wound).

And three times in Revelation 17, we’re told the same thing. Except this time the angel elaborates even more by confirming that the beast had already lived and died before John saw the beast from the isle of Patmos in the first century! Which invalidates the prevailing view that a modern-day born Antichrist will be killed during the Tribulation, then arise from the dead.

After telling John that the beast he had just seen “was once alive but isn’t now” (verse 8), the angel again states:

“The scarlet beast that was, but is no longer, is the eighth king. He is like (Greek word is ek, which means from, one of, out of) the other seven…” (Revelation 17:11, parenthesis mine).

Before that John is told that the seven heads of the beast, “…also represent seven kings. Five kings have already fallen, the sixth now reigns, and the seventh is yet to come, but his reign will be brief” (Verses 9-10).

Here we see another past tense phrase: “Five kings have already fallen.” All this and more is explained in great detail in my book, Out of the Abyss … can the number of the beast be solved. As well as in many Eye of Prophecy articles under the category of Antichrist.

The Birth Contractions Are Getting Stronger

The second set of past tense events in Revelation is found in Revelation 12:1-5. Before we examine that passage, let’s review the words of Messiah, himself. In what is called the Mount of Olives discourse, the longest narrative of which is found in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus said:

“Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come” (Matthew 24:7-8).

In Eye of Prophecy articles, Look Up … Redemption is Near Part I & Part II (published 7-11 & 7-18-15), I listed and discussed in some detail twelve prophetic signs and developments of the 20^th and 21^st centuries—six pertaining to Israel and six to the rest of the world—that clearly show we’re in the last (Omega) generation cited by the Lord in Matthew 24:34.

In addition to two titanic world wars, there have been dozens of smaller wars and ethnic clashes in the 20^th and 21^st centuries.

Concerning natural disasters, here is an excerpt from Part II of the above cited articles (in italics):

Our Lord mentions just two (famines and earthquakes), but the implication is unmistakable that he is referring to natural disasters of all kinds. The unbelievable increase in the frequency and severity of natural catastrophes in the last hundred years far exceed proportionally what happened in the nineteen centuries before that.

*Note: Since those articles were written, we’ve witnessed more huge hurricanes and earthquakes such as the one below that struck Mexico City recently:

Near the end of that article, I summarized:

Here is the list of the twelve in a handy concise format. Check each one to see if they either have been fulfilled or if they have reached or nearly reached their optimum and maximum flash point.

Rebirth of Israel as a Sovereign Nation, 1948
Recapture of Jerusalem in the June, 1967 Six-Day War
Jerusalem, a Heavy Burden to the Nations
The 3^rd Rebuilt Temple
Israel’s Phenomenal Agricultural Accomplishments
Modern-Day Alignment of Gog/Magog Nations against Israel
National and Ethnic Wars in the 20^th & 21^st Centuries
Amazing Increase of Natural Disasters
Moral & Spiritual Decline & Intense Persecution of Christians
False Messiahs & Prophets
Unequaled Increase in Quantity and Speed of Transportation and Information
Unprecedented Spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the World

The Second Past-Tense Passage in Revelation

We’ve already examined one of those two passages … Revelation 17:7-11. With the last part of verse 8 referring to the future reappearance of the Antichrist beast from the Abyss at the outset of the Tribulation, AFTER he had already lived and died. The beast you saw was once alive but isn’t now.

Here is the other passage (Revelation 12:1-5):

“Then I witnessed in heaven an event of great significance. I saw a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant, and she cried out because of her labor pains and the agony of giving birth” (Revelation 12:1-2).

(Depiction of the Other Woman in Revelation … The Good One, As Opposed to the Woman On the Beast)

“Then I witnessed in heaven another significant event. I saw a large red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, with seven crowns on his heads. His tail swept away one-third of the stars in the sky, and he threw them to the earth. He stood in front of the woman as she was about to give birth, ready to devour her baby as soon as it was born. She gave birth to a son who was to rule all nations with an iron rod. And her child was snatched away from the dragon and was caught up to God and to his throne” (Revelation 12:3-5).

First, we’ll scrutinize the history of these events of great significance. Later we’ll examine a display in the sky taking place today, September 23^rd, 2017—the same day that the Eye of Prophecy article you are reading was posted. Some say that this spectacle is related to the first event of great significance mentioned in the first two verses of Revelation Chapter 12. Does it or doesn’t it?

Let’s begin with the meaning of the metaphorical images.

The Woman:

“…I saw a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant, and she cried out because of her labor pains and the agony of giving birth” (Revelation 12:1-2).

The woman represents Israel, specifically the physical existence of the Jews and corporate entity of the nation Israel. This application is reinforced by the twelve stars depicting the twelve tribes of Israel. The woman is “clothed” with the sun that materially symbolizes the rest of the world—the Gentile nations, which (until 1967) had enveloped and overshadowed Israel for some 2,600 years. But the sun also represents the spiritual light as foretold by the prophet Isaiah. God says about his Messiah: “…You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6).

The prophet Malachi refers to Messiah as the “Sun of Righteousness,” who will bring healing, but only after “the day of judgement” of the wicked (Gentile nations). See Malachi 4:1-2.

The moon is also Israel, but more specifically a spiritual representation of the Jews, as exemplified by the seven appointed festivals of Israel and other new moon celebrations (see primarily Leviticus Chapter 23). As you may or may not know, the Jewish calendar consists of 30-days based entirely on the moon’s cycles. Whereas, all Gentile nations measure and track time with a solar calendar. All references to days, months, and years in Scripture relate to the Jewish lunar calendar. Those dates can then be matched up to the Gregorian calendar.

The woman (Israel) is in the throes of intensive labor pains, preparing to give birth to Messiah. These labor pains essentially began when Babylon destroyed the Jewish Temple in 586 B.C. and ended the Levitical Sacrificial System for a period of time—to begin the Lord’s intended transition from the Mosaic Covenant of Law to the New Covenant of Grace. The contractions reached a peak during the birth, life, and especially the death of Jesus Christ. The labor pains portrayed in this scene are a historical review of the first coming of Messiah Jesus.

The Red Dragon:

“…I saw a large red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, with seven crowns on his heads” (Revelation 12:3).

Although correlation of the woman, sun, moon, and stars to what/who they represent requires a fairly good measure of Bible study and familiarity with Jewish and Gentile history, the identity of the dragon is given to us later in verse 9: “This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan…”

Have you ever wondered or even thought about the difference in the location of the crowns on the dragon and those on the Antichrist beast in Revelation 13:1? You’ll find few, if any, commentaries on this variance.

“Then I saw a beast rising up out of the sea. It had seven heads and ten horns, with ten crowns on its horns” (Revelation 13:1).

Both Satan (as a dragon) and Antichrist (as a beast) are portrayed with seven heads and ten horns. Satan is shown with crowns on the seven heads of the dragon. Antichrist (Nero) is seen with crowns on the ten horns of his bestial image.

The explanation: Although Antichrist is the composite beast of Revelation 13 & 17, he is also one of (from, out of, belonging to) the seven heads. These heads were seven Roman Caesars (including Nero) who ruled in the first century. Thus, Nero is equivalent to the other six in rank—all Roman emperors. The ten horns of the beast are the ten kings who will give their kingdoms (crowns) to Nero during the Tribulation, upon his astonishing reappearance from the Abyss (Revelation 17:8). Nero will exercise direct authority over them.

However, crowns are shown on the seven heads of the dragon, not the ten horns. The seven heads of the dragon are the same Roman Emperors of the Roman Empire—Satan’s 4^th Gentile empire (following Babylon, Persia, and Greece) allowed by God for the express purpose of accomplishing his plan for Israel, and also for the nations. Likewise, the ten horns seen on the dragon are the same ten horns depicted on the Antichrist beast (ten kings of the tribulation period). However, Nero will control the ten horns (crowns of the kings) of the tribulation; whereas, Satan exercised direct authority over the heads (crowns of)—seven Roman emperors, including Nero, during the first century.

One-Third of the Stars:

“His tail swept away one-third of the stars in the sky, and he threw them to the earth. He stood in front of the woman as she was about to give birth, ready to devour her baby as soon as it was born” (Revelation 12:4).

The stars represent one-third of the angels who joined Satan in his ancient revolt against God. When Satan was evicted from his heavenly residence, those “fallen angels” were also banished from heaven and—because of Satan’s direct authority over them—assigned to the earth by the devil.

Satan has permission to be in God’s presence and only then on special occasions (see Job 1). There is no indication in Scripture that other fallen angels can access heaven (God’s throne) itself. However, they can come and go on the earth and in hell if they choose. The Lord banished the excessively wicked of these fallen angels to the Abyss, to be released only during the Great Tribulation (See Jude 1:6 & Revelation Chapter 9).

We get a vivid picture of Satan standing in front of the woman, ready to devour her baby beginning with King Herod’s vicious murder of Bethlehem’s children. Then Satan’s temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, and the satanic influence over Judas to betray Jesus. Culminating with the Jewish religious leaders (children of the devil as Jesus called them … John 8) handing Jesus over to the Romans to be crucified.

The Son’s Ascension to Heaven in Preparation for His Rule of the Nations:

First to state that: The “baby … son … child” in Revelation 12 are not figurative expressions. They refer directly to Messiah Jesus; “…a child born to us, a son given to us” (Isaiah 9:6). Born of a Virgin (Isaiah 7:14).

“She (Israel in general but also the Jewish Virgin Mary in particular) gave birth to a son who was to rule all nations with an iron rod. And her child was snatched away from the dragon and was caught up to God and to his throne” (Revelation 12:5, parenthesis mine).

Notice the wording: Was to rule indicates that the appointed birth of the child/son (which includes the entire life, death, and resurrection of Jesus) would not immediately result in setting up the Kingdom of God on earth. That would come later … upon the return of Messiah.

First things first: “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be made whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all” (Isaiah 53:5-6).

To Mary’s fiancée, the angel announced: “…Joseph, son of David … do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21).

Then to the Jewish virgin, the angel Gabriel said: “Don’t be afraid, Mary … for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” (Luke 1:30-33).

In contrast to the angel’s appearance to Joseph with an emphasis of Jesus bringing salvation, the announcement to Mary (the woman representing all of Israel) corresponds with Revelation 12 … the Son who would rule the nations. It would be the Kingdom of God headquartered in Jerusalem governing the nations after Israel’s final restoration. A plan that began with God choosing Abraham to be the ancestor of the Jewish people, through whom Messiah would bring redemption to Israel and the whole world (John 4:22).

It was necessary for Jesus to return to heaven in his resurrected eternal body, awaiting God’s fulfillment of his plan to redeem people from every nation and language because they believed and received Messiah Jesus as personal Savior.

“The child” would be “snatched away” from the dragon as a preview and prototype of believers being caught up (Rapture, I Thessalonians 4) to meet Jesus in the air, sparing us from the Great Tribulation. Jesus’ work on earth was finished when he arose from the dead. By returning to heaven and sending the Holy Spirit in his place to indwell all believers, the Kingdom of Heaven (in the hearts of men and woman all over the earth) would spread much wider and more rapidly. Jesus had already defeated Satan and death. His ongoing battle with the devil would be waged from heaven, with the Lord’s final victory over Satan, Antichrist, and the False Prophet realized upon his glorious return.

The Book of Revelation is a panoramic view of the Tribulation, Second Coming, Millennium, and Eternity. The first part of Revelation 12 is a brief but equally epic review of what John termed significant events. In just five verses, they encompass Israel’s history and destiny (physically and spiritually) to bring Messiah (the very Son of God) to Israel and the whole world, and Satan’s devilish design to prevent Messiah from completing God’s purpose for the human race.

Beginning with verse six of Revelation Chapter 12, we are moved forward into the coming Great Tribulation. There we see the devil’s vile, but vain, effort to once again destroy Israel and vent his wrath against the tribulation saints (both Jew and Gentile).

“And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children—all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus” (Revelation 12:17).

An Event in the Heavens Occurring On September 23^rd, 2017

In the Eye of Prophecy article, Hurricane Harvey & A Year of Prophetic Milestones (2017) posted 9-9-17, we looked at a possible correlation between the total eclipse of the sun on August 21^st and Hurricane Harvey that struck four days later. Then, the probable connection between Harvey and other devastating hurricanes in America over the past three decades with (failed) attempts by the United States Executive Staff to force a one-sided peace agreement on Israel. Also covered were prophetic milestones of the 20^th and 21^st century directly related to the 100-year and 70-year generations defined in Scripture and the 50-year Jubilee—all pertaining to Israel’s rebirth as a nation and the Day of the Lord occurring at the end of the final (Omega) generation. Our generation!

What is this event taking place on September 23^rd, 2017—today, if you are reading this article on its posted date? You may or may not have heard about it.

It is an unprecedented astronomical configuration in the zodiac constellation of Virgo, initially determined (discovered) in 2011. One that will appear only in the sky over Israel.

(*Note: Concerning another “end-of-the-world” date setting prediction associated with a meteor or a planet called Nibiru allegedly striking the earth on September 23^rd, all I’m going to say on that subject is: Nonsense! It didn’t happen in May, 2003 as predicted. Nor during the Mayan-calendar omen of 2012, which also came to nothing. Those foolish predictions are not related to the Virgo Constellation event).

To explore the potential implications of the Virgo Constellation alignment, Kade Hawkins—founder of the website Prophecy News Watch—put together a four-part video series entitled, The Great Sign.

Although I have not seen these videos, I have read the preview and listened to the trailer. To some extent, it would appear that the interest level of this solar and planetary phenomenon is akin to the extraordinary attention given to the tetrad of blood moons which took place on the dates shown below:

Two well-known pastors and authors, Mark Biltz and John Hagee, wrote extensively about those blood moons before they took place. After the first of those moons, I joined in with an Eye of Prophecy article entitled (of course) Blood Moons, posted 4-19-14 … but with more of a cautionary approach. Here is an excerpt from that article, including the below sub-title in bold (in italics):

Fortunately, neither Pastor Biltz nor Pastor Hagee dogmatically claim that one of these events will be the day when Christ raptures the Church. And, that’s good, because no one knows the day or hour of our Lord’s return. To select any one of the four days would be just another attempt to “guess” even though the guess may be on a significant date, such as those that comprise the tetrad. As said, one of those days has already come and gone (April 15^th), without an event of huge consequence happening to/in Israel or, for that matter, anywhere in the world.

Connections between Rapture, Festivals, Moons, End Times?

Personally, I think it would be great if the Rapture would occur on one of these very important festival dates. Especially September 28^th … my birthday. Kidding, but not entirely! But all of us who passionately long for the return of our glorious Savior Jesus Christ know full well that ANY day (the sooner the better) would be a wonderful day! Alongside of the triumphant return of Christ to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem to set things right throughout the entire earth, the Rapture of believers in Christ will be the most spectacular event of all time. Not necessarily the most important (that belongs to the day that our Lord arose from the dead), but arguably the most stunning.

Then later in that article, I summarized with:

The Joel prophecy of what is clearly a one-time moon turning to blood-red and giving no light event, preceded by the sun (completely) darkened doesn’t fit with 2000 years of periodic lunar eclipses in which the moon is described as a “blood moon.” However, these blood moon lunar eclipses have been a harbinger and a forerunner of what will take place during that great and terrible day of the Lord. And, in God’s sovereignty and emphasis on holy days that he established for the nation of Israel, blood moon tetrads have been linked with milestones in Israel’s history, and very well may do so again. And, as much as I (and many of us) would like to see the Rapture take place on one of these glorious festivals (holidays, meaning Holy Days), I’m equally convinced it will not.

Instead, the Rapture will most likely take place on some “ordinary” day far removed from such days as Passover, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Christmas, Resurrection Sunday, Purim, or any other vitally important day that we might revere and celebrate. Why on earth would I say something so anticlimactic, so over-the-top, so uninspired, so uneventful, so … well, so, negative!?

What is the basis for such a conclusion? This premise is based on what Jesus, himself, said. Most of us know the passage; in fact, we’ve just referred to it, i.e. Matthew Chapter 24 (and 25). Many of you will recognize the verse. Here it is: “You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected” (Matthew 24:44, italics for emphasis).

…To further emphasize and reinforce his statement that no one knows the hour or the day of his return, Jesus gave us another strong clue. He will return (on a day) when we least expect him to arrive. There are 365 days in the year (360 if you use the Hebrew calendar). If we rely heavily on what Jesus is telling us, then combine it with all the other end times passages, I think we can safely assume (predict) that he will not take us home in the Rapture on any holiday of great importance to us or to the Jews. Besides, the only prophecy remaining for the church, itself (the body of Christ consisting of both Jews and Gentiles) is the Rapture. This prophecy has no bearing whatsoever on all the predictions pertaining to Israel and the Jews, such as the physical and spiritual restoration of Israel as a people and a nation.

Thus, I believe it is a mistake, at least a miscalculated presumption to claim or even to speculate beyond mere possibility that blood moon tetrads (lunar eclipses) have a direct correlation with the Rapture of the Church.

(Back to Today’s Article)

Were the blood moons important? Is the once in a “blue moon” alignment of the sun, moon, and planets in the Virgo Constellation over Israel also meaningful? Yes, to both questions; but as applied to and in the context of what Jesus, himself said in his amazing answers to the disciple’s questions, “…Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” (Matthew 24:3).

“And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken … So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” (Luke 21:25-28).

In The Great Sign series, Kade Hawkins again draws on views expressed by Mark Biltz. Here are some excerpts from Kade’s pre-program article with statements from Mark Biltz or Scripture in quotation marks (in italics):

On that day, the sun will be in the constellation Virgo (known as the virgin). The moon will be below the “feet” of the constellation. Additionally, Venus, Mars and Mercury will be above the constellation. As the constellation Leo has nine stars and will also be above Virgo’s head, the alignment can be interpreted as a “crown” of 12 stars.

Revelation 12: 1-2 reads: “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.”

Kade Hawkins’ article continues:

“The woman clothed with the sun is the constellation Virgo and represents the nation of Israel,” he explained. “The 12 stars represent the 12 tribes of Israel. Interestingly, the constellation Leo, the lion, which is above Virgo, is made up of nine stars. The lion represents specifically the tribe of Judah. It just so happens this year during the Days of Awe, three planets will join the constellation Leo making up 12 stars. Virgo will be clothed with the sun, and the moon will be under her feet, fulfilling this sign to precise detail.”

Biltz cited Luke 21:25, which says: “And there shall be strange signs in the sun, moon, and the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves.”

But why should believers care about what is happening in the sky? Isn’t looking for such signs uncomfortably close to the practice of astrology?

Biltz points out Scripture itself speaks of the importance of signs in the sky. He also says there is a critical distinction between astrology and what he calls “biblical astronomy.”

“Biblical astronomy has nothing to do with astrology,” Biltz said. “The devil likes to pervert everything God does as a way of sidelining believers. In astrology, it’s all about you and interpreting the signs in the sky about how it affects your life. In biblical astronomy, it’s all about God. It’s an entirely different focus. God even stated, the heavens are declaring the glory of God.”

Things to Ponder

I totally agree with Pastor Biltz’ distinguishing between astrology and Biblical astronomy. God even referred to constellations when he challenged Job:

“Can you direct the movement of the stars—binding the cluster of Pleiades or loosening the cords of Orion? Can you direct the sequence of the seasons or guide the Bear with her cubs across the heavens? Do you know the laws of the universe? Can you use them to regulate the earth?” (Job 38:31-33).

We are not to set day and hour dates that the Lord will Rapture his church. But we are to recognize the signs of the last days of the end times.

Thus, I believe that today’s alignment over Israel of the sun, three planets, nine stars, and the moon is one of the “strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars” spoken of by Jesus.

But is it a fulfillment of Revelation Chapter 12? When, in fact, Revelation 12:1-5 was not a prophetic vision of the future; it was a reminder (review) of what had already taken place.

Did Revelation 12:1-2 also apply to a future event, i.e. today’s astrophysical sign over Israel?

Answer: Possibly, but unlikely. Why? Because Revelation beginning with Chapter 4 is about the (still future) post-Rapture Tribulation, Millennium, Second Coming, and Eternity. It is NOT about the pre-Rapture birth pains and signs in the heavens foretold by Jesus. The book of Revelation picks up where the Mount of Olives discourse ends. It is the Final Revelation of Jesus Christ—the Day of the Lord beginning with the Rapture.

Revelation 12:1-5 and the aforementioned verses in Revelation 17 are (parenthetical) past-tense passages called interludes that briefly interrupt the future tense continuity and sequence of Revelation. With Revelation 12 a review of historic events that had already occurred; and Chapter 17 a revelation (disclosure of the mystery of the beast) that the Antichrist had already lived and died … but would return from the Abyss.

And as indicated—with the exception of the child/son born to the woman, who is Messiah Jesus—all of the other images of Revelation 12 are figurative … representing Israel, fallen angels, and Satan. Though much of the book of Revelation is literal, there’s no solid evidence to suggest that the sun, moon, and stars are literal in this passage, i.e. representing today’s Virgo Constellation display. Even if they are literal, three planets are part of the Virgo spectacle. The planets are not stars.

Either way, it is certainly time to: Look up, for our (final) redemption is drawing near!

Regarding the Rapture: On whatever day it happens… for believers it will be the first day of the rest of our (eternal) life!

Countdown to Armageddon … End of the Fourth 400-Year Era

29 Saturday Jul 2017

Posted by garybowers in Prophecy in General

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Epoch Periods of Time

A Personal Thank-You

Four years ago (last week of July), the first article was published on this website, with the Home Page title of: Eye of Prophecy … watch and wait. “…For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus” (Revelation 19:10).

And, as stated on the About Page of the website: “…defending and confirming the truth of the Good News” (Philippians 1:7).

Also shown on that page is an acronym:

The intent, form, and content of Eye of Prophecy is presented through Eschatology

P I C T U R E S

Prophetic Inspirational Connections Through Understanding Relevant Events (and) Scripture

Either directly or indirectly, Eye of Prophecy articles are designed to hopefully achieve these objectives. In some fashion or another, all of the articles are written with a Biblical world-view; to better understand and connect prophecy to the events taking place on a regular basis in our lifetime. To provide inspiring counsel, correlation, and to correctly refit the prophetic puzzle when necessary.

I’d like to express a sincere thank you to all visitors—both frequent and infrequent—to the Eye of Prophecy website, especially those who follow this site weekly. Though there are a wide variety of topics, all posts are assigned to one of four categories: The Rapture, The Antichrist, Prophecy in General, or Current Events.

Jesus of Nazareth is the prophesied Messiah who came to this earth to accomplish the two providential plans that God conceived for the human race, to the Jew first and then to the Gentile:

(1) To bring salvation, through the Jews, to every Jew and Gentile who believes and receives Messiah Jesus as Lord and Savior.

(2) To fulfill God’s promise that Abraham’s descendants would possess the Promised Land of Israel forever.

In the last 70 years both of these magnificent plans have been in high gear and are now in the final stages. Tens of thousands of Jews have come to Christ especially since the Six-Day War of 1967, as have millions of Gentiles the world over. Israel has been reborn as a sovereign nation, with Jews immigrating to or being born in their homeland in great numbers.

In the Eye of Prophecy articles, Look Up, Redemption is Near Part I & II (posted 7-11 & 7-18-15), I listed twelve powerful prophetic signs of the 20^th & 21^st century—some fulfilled and others being fulfilled. The twelfth of these indicators is the unprecedented spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world, which is the most distinctive milepost that Jesus said would usher in the Day of the Lord (beginning with the Rapture).

Not because of what I’ve done, but because of who Jesus is. Not because of who I am, but because of what he’s done, do I marvel at how such a small ministry as Eye of Prophecy can be global in its scope (visitors from 167 nations to date). Despite the adverse and sometimes perverse misuse of the Internet by so many, God has sovereignly utilized this medium to spread the Good News.

Four years—210 Eye of Prophecy articles, one every week. So, with a sort of author’s website anniversary, why not write about the number four; which I believe is the third most significant number in Scripture after the divine numbers of three and seven. With, however, special focus on its multiplied factor of four hundred (years).

The Number Four

One other time I wrote about the number four, but only as a precursor to the main subject of the four Gentile kingdoms portrayed in the book of Daniel. Here is an excerpt from Eye of Prophecy article, Four Locusts Kingdoms!, posted 8-22-15 (in italics):

Several numbers in the Bible bear a great deal of meaning … we are going to see how the number four relates to and explains a huge portion of Israel’s history; in the context of God’s providential direction for the Jews and their interaction with mighty Gentile nations.

The number four derives its significance from God’s creative work especially pertaining to the earth, including God’s dealings with and disposition (rise and fall destiny) of nations. It is the number of wholeness, totality, entirety, and summation. It is a number concept that would be completely incomplete if we eliminated just one of the component parts of any given foursome.

If we want to move from one place to another, we must go forward, backward, left or right. Up or down doesn’t count; if we go beneath or above the earth, we must then travel in one of four directions.

…There are four seasons, four primary lunar phases, and four sides to what is probably the most perfect geometric object we can think of … a square. And many more fours:

I went on to list fourteen more fours prominently displayed in Scripture and the universe, including one that you may not have thought about—in terms of the number four. Which is, as quoted from Four Locusts Kingdoms:

“Each day has four component parts: Seconds, minutes, hours, and day. One day is cyclical … it begins, ends, and starts all over again. Weeks, months, and years are linear, continuous.”

(Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse … One of the Ominous Fours!)

That post also contained brief information on three epic periods of 400 hundred years depicted in the Bible. Today’s article will reexamine those remarkable 400-year eras, and will also present an additional 400-year period of time (a total of four!) that leads us to the last days of the end times. In other words, right now!

Before we scrutinize these four 400-year long epochs of Scripture and history, let’s look at two other multiplied factors of the number four: (1) Four Thousand. (2) Forty.

Four Thousand (Years)

As indicated earlier, God has two separate (but interrelated) plans for the human race.

(1) Promised Land: God’s call of Abraham to, by faith, leave his home and go a country that his descendants would inhabit forever. Because of Israel’s failure to keep the Mosaic Covenant, the resumption and realization of this plan only began to unfold when the Jewish State of Israel was reborn in 1948. It will be finally fulfilled when the Jews are restored to total sovereignty and safety in Israel.

(2) Promised Child: Abraham would father a child with Sarah (a miraculous birth considering Sarah was 90 years old). Isaac would be the progenitor and prototype of the ultimate Child of Promise, Messiah Jesus—the Savior of both Jews and Gentiles who exercise the same kind of faith (trust/acceptance) in God’s promise as did Abraham. So great a salvation was purchased by the substitutionary sacrificial death of Jesus, and sealed by his resurrection that initiated the Kingdom of Heaven in the individual hearts of people all over the world. And it will culminate in the Kingdom of God on earth.

Scholars are not completely certain when Abraham was born and then called (at age seventy-five) to pack up and leave for the land God would show him. Yet they have narrowed it down to a (rounded-off) range of 2,100 B.C. to 1,800 B.C. Much depends on tracing the generation of the Patriarchs Jacob and Isaac backward from the Exodus, which can have two historical timelines: 1446 B.C. or 1280 B.C.

With a reliable and reasonable splitting and rounding-off of the difference, let’s place Abraham’s calling to the Promised Land at 2,000 B.C.

Leaping forward to the 21^st century—with my ardent belief as well as some Bible scholars and many born-again believers that the Day of the Lord is so very near—we have an approximate 4,000 year time line between God’s prophecy that the first Child of Promise (Isaac) would be born and commencement of the Day of the Lord that begins with the Rapture of believing Jews and Gentiles by the second (ultimate) Child of Promise. That’s why Messiah Jesus is the essence of prophecy. He will fully accomplish both of God’s preordained plans for mankind.

Forty (Days and Years)

Forty days or years in Scripture is the length of time for testing and preparation with a substantial accomplishment the result, thereof. This model and its meaning also applies to the factor of four hundred (years), which we’ll get to shortly.

First Forty:

“Then Moses disappeared into the cloud as he climbed higher up the mountain. He remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights” (Exodus 24:18).

What mountain did Moses climb?

Correct: Mount Sinai.

For what purpose did Moses ascend Sinai? Don’t you like easy Bible questions?!

Answer: Ten Commandments. “When the Lord finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, written by the finger of God” (Exodus 31:18).

For Moses, forty days and nights on the mountain was a time of preparation to lead God’s people into the Promised Land, and show them that listening to and obeying God’s life-giving laws and commandments—beginning with the Ten Commandments which are a universal source of truth—is what would distinguish them from the ungodly pagan nations. God chose Israel to be an example, a light, and the conduit of God’s blessings to the Gentile nations.

For the people, it was a time to test just how much they would trust in the Lord, and wait patiently for Moses to return with the Covenant that God has already announced when he spoke in a thunderous voice to them from Mount Sinai. They failed that test, miserably. You remember—Golden calf; Moses smashing the tablets in righteous anger; 3,000 killed for their shameful idolatry and gross immorality.

Moses had to return to the mountain for another forty days and nights to get a new set of the Ten Commandments.

Second Forty:

Sadly, the Israelites failed another test of trust in and obedience to the Lord their God. Unlike their father, Abraham, who believed God and acted on his faith that the Lord would lead him to an unknown land, the Israelites sided with ten of the twelve spies who convinced them that Canaan couldn’t be conquered because their enemies were too strong for them. With the absurd implication that their enemies were also too strong for the Lord. How soon they had forgotten what God did to Egypt!

“But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. ‘Let’s go at once to take the land,’ he said. ‘We can certainly conquer it!’” (Numbers 13:30). But the people didn’t listen to him or to Joshua or to Moses.

Did God let them have their way? You know the answer. But only for that generation of unbelievers. Not for their children, because what God says will happen always happens (in this case the Promised Land). It’s just that his promises sometimes are delayed and then later fulfilled to a remnant who truly trust him with their lives and destiny.

Said the Lord to the people who refused to enter the Promised Land:

“You said your children would be carried off as plunder. Well, I will bring them safely into the land, and they will enjoy what you have despised. But as for you, you will drop dead in this wilderness … Because your men explored the land for forty days, you must wander in the wilderness for forty years—a year for each day, suffering the consequences of your sins. Then you will discover what it is like to have me for an enemy” (Numbers 14:31-34).

After forty years in the wilderness—just a short while before Joshua led the people across the Jordan River into Canaan—Moses reminded them of the terms of their Covenant with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The entire book of Deuteronomy contains that review. Said Moses in summation:

“Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy” (Deuteronomy 30:15-16).

Third Forty:

“The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him” (Mark 1:12-13).

Although the forty days in the wilderness was a time to prepare Jesus for his ministry, the most prominent feature of this period of time was Satan’s testing of our Lord.

Permit me to quote from my book, Out of the Abyss (in italics):

Yet, it was the temptation scene that dealt the first Messianic blow to Satan’s plans, because that was the devil’s first opportunity to create an antichrist right then and there; to, in one fell swoop, twist and turn the true Messiah into Satan’s messiah.

Eternal praise to our God and his Messiah that this did not happen! All glory to Yeshua who did not send a legion of angels to annihilate those who had arrested him in the garden! Everlasting gratitude to our Lord for not saying I’ve had enough, and stepping down from the cross! All power and dominion to the Son of Man for arising from the grave and conquering death once and for all! Go ahead, say it aloud with me. Amen! (Page 219).

Jesus is the Son of God. No one on planet earth has ever taught like he taught.

“Jesus and his companions went to the town of Capernaum. When the Sabbath day came, he went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike the teachers of religious law” (Mark 1:21-22).

Jesus could teach with such authority because he taught the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Nor would he ever have to swear to these words in a court of law. Because he is truth itself (John 14:6). But, if he did agree to repeat those words, he certainly wouldn’t say, “So help me God.” Instead he would say: “Because I AM God!”

When on trial before the High Priest Caiaphas, Jesus affirmed that he was the Messiah. Later before Pontius Pilate, he said: “…Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true” (John 18:37).

But if you question whether or not to take him at his word, then believe the many mighty miracles he performed. Read them for yourself in the Gospels. If the miracles aren’t enough, then what about his astonishing resurrection from the dead—a historical fact witnessed by hundreds (I Corinthians 15:1-9).

He is also the Son of Man (conceived by the Holy Spirit but born, nonetheless, of a woman). Which is why he could be and was tempted and tested for forty days just we all are tempted throughout our lives. With one huge redemptive difference:

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (II Corinthians 5:21, italics for emphasis).

(*Note: There is a fourth prominent forty (days) in Scripture … the time it took Elijah to reach Mount Sinai where the Lord met with him. See I Kings 19).

Four Hundred (Years)

Keep in mind, we’re looking at the time-lapse connection between an exceptional event or extraordinary existing condition and a subsequent significant occurrence; to show that the Lord’s sweeping plan for Israel (interacting with Gentile nations) sometimes correlates to and takes place in set periods of time.

Thus, we need to understand this dynamic paradigm:

Each four hundred year cycle began with a positive (good) event/time, then deteriorated into a negative (bad) condition of God’s people; culminating with a historic life-changing, destiny-altering event that ended the four hundred year span.

This is important to grasp, because we could arbitrarily select (create) other Biblical or secular 400-year eras by pointing to any number of beginning and ending events. By the objective concept of what qualifies as and constitutes a historic 400-year epoch, I know of no other such periods in history other than the evidence found in the following four epochs. Meaning a cause and effect correlation with an equally obvious continuity during those 400-year periods of time.

However, these four epochs were not consecutive. Beginning with Abraham, they comprise a total of 1,600 years (four phases of 400 hundred years), compared to the 4,000 years of history since Abraham.

First Four-Hundred Year Span

“So Jacob set out for Egypt with all his possessions. And when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father, Isaac. During the night God spoke to him in a vision. ‘Jacob! Jacob!” he called. ‘Here I am,’ Jacob replied.

‘I am God, the God of your father,’ the voice said. ‘Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make your family into a great nation. I will go with you down to Egypt, and I will bring you back again. You will die in Egypt, but Joseph will be with you to close your eyes’” (Genesis 46:1-4).

Jacob’s descendants prospered for a while in a country that welcomed them with open arms; a nation that Joseph helped deliver from disaster during a seven-year famine. And, of course, Joseph’s father, brothers, and their families were rescued from starvation in Canaan.

We then read: “In time, Joseph and all of his brothers died, ending that entire generation. But their descendants, the Israelites, had many children and grandchildren. In fact, they multiplied so greatly that they became extremely powerful and filled the land.

“Eventually, a new king came to power in Egypt who knew nothing about Joseph or what he had done. He said to his people, ‘Look, the people of Israel now outnumber us and are stronger than we are. We must make a plan to keep them from growing even more … So the Egyptians made the Israelites their slaves. They appointed brutal slave drivers over them, hoping to wear them down with crushing labor…” (Exodus 1:6-11).

Another easy question: How long were the Israelites in Egypt before God called Moses to deliver them?

Answer: Four hundred years.

I’ll pose a tougher question for those who need more of a challenge. What prophet predicted that the Israelites would be in Egypt for 400 years?

Tough question, huh? Actually, don’t spend any more time trying to think of the answer. It was a trick question … as would be recognized by you who know that it wasn’t a prophet who spoke to Abraham (there weren’t any prophets at that time!).

It was God, himself, who told Abraham far ahead of time that his people would, “…be oppressed as slaves for 400 years. But I will punish the nation that enslaves them, and in the end they will come away with great wealth” (Genesis 15:13-14).

God’s prophecies always come true. Although it would take another 30 years or so to prepare Moses and the people (including the time of the plagues and actual deliverance), the fact remains that it was 400 years from the peak time that Jacob’s and Joseph’s descendants prospered in Egypt to when God called Moses to deliver his people.

To this day, the Exodus is still celebrated by the Jews as the greatest event in their history. An occurrence that led to establishment of Israel as a nation in accordance with God’s covenant with Abraham.

Second Four-Hundred Year Span

King David unified the twelve tribes of Israel; over his reign of forty years Israel became the most powerful nation on earth, with Jerusalem as its capital. Those glory years of Israel increased even more under the reign of King Solomon, also for forty years. Soon after Solomon died in 930 B.C., Israel split into two kingdoms—the northern kingdom called Israel and the southern kingdom called Judah. Early in Solomon’s reign, the magnificent Temple was built, then destroyed during Babylon’s final (of three) invasion and conquest of Judah in 586 B.C. Then rebuilt after Persia conquered Babylon, and King Cyrus issued a decree in 538 B.C. that the Jewish exiles could return home.

During the last few years of Solomon’s kingship, he and many in Israel began to abandon the Lord in favor of pagan gods.

Although there is some overlap, the core period of time that these events occurred lasted 400 hundred years. Like the other 400-year epic periods, this one began under opportune, optimistic conditions with Israel at its peak as a national power, whose people faithfully obeyed and followed the Lord God. However, after the kingdom was divided, it inevitably deteriorated morally and spiritually to a point of no return. God withdrew his protection and provisions. Assyria completely destroyed the northern kingdom in 722 B.C. and relocated nearly all Jews of the ten northern tribes to foreign lands.

Then Babylon crushed the southern kingdom, and exiled most of the Jews to Babylon. However, God had precisely predicted that this exile punishment would last only 70 years, and so it did, with the second temple finished in 516 B.C. Which also fits the pattern of the other 400-year models, meaning it ended on a very positive note.

During this four hundred span, all but three (Haggai, Zachariah, and Malachi) of God’s prophets spoke both warnings and promises to Israel and Judah. Those three were post-exile prophets.

Essentially, this period of time lasted between 940 B.C. and 540 B.C (rounded off). With a transitional combined 30 years on either side of the time span, i.e. Israel at the height of its glory, then the actual completion of the second temple, although Israel as a nation had been decimated and there would be no more kings in Israel.

Third Four-Hundred Year Span

About 120 years after Solomon’s Temple was rebuilt, something stunning took place. Actually, better remembered for something that didn’t happen, which would lead to profound changes in Israel’s future. And not only Israel … the whole world.

“Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse” (Malachi 4:5-6).

These are the final words of the last Old Testament prophet as recorded in the Bible. After Malachi there would be no prophets in Israel and no word from God whatsoever, the duration of which was 400 years. Bible scholars accurately refer to this era as the “silent years.”

Malachi’s final announcement is obviously a prophecy. It’s one of several Old Testament predictions that relate to both the First and Second Advent of Messiah Jesus, such as Isaiah 9:6-7. In this instance (the return of) Elijah would be a symbolic representation of the next prophet sent by God … John the Baptist, who would “…Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!” (John 1:23).

(Painting of the Prophet John Baptizing Jesus)

Jesus even said that John the Baptist was the Elijah of his time. But this prophecy also applies to the second advent of Jesus when he returns to the earth. During the Great Tribulation, Elijah will literally return alongside of Moses as the two witnesses of Revelation Chapter 11.

Here is an excerpt from the previously mentioned Eye of Prophecy article, Four Locust Kingdoms! (In italics)

One of my favorite verses is Amos 3:7, which says, “Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets.” Which means that anything pertaining to God’s plan for Israel and Gentile nations as they interface with Israel has been proclaimed by his prophets! Did you know that God announced this period of silence with Israel ahead of time? I certainly didn’t until just recently, when I read again and this time realized the following passage says exactly that. And from the same prophet no less!

“The time is surely coming, says the Sovereign Lord, when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the Lord. People will stagger from sea to sea and wander from border to border searching for the word of the Lord, but they will not find it” (Amos 8:11-12).

Malachi wrote his book approximately 430 B.C., just two or three years after the book of Nehemiah was written. Fifteen years or so before that, there was a remarkable revival and return to the Lord, though it was short-lived. Here is what the people said in front of their great and godly leader Nehemiah:

“…They swore a curse on themselves if they failed to obey the Law of God as issued by his servant Moses. They solemnly promised to carefully follow all of the commands, regulations, and decrees of the Lord our Lord” (Nehemiah 10:29).

Their revival and promise didn’t last very long, which is why God abruptly stopped any and all communication to the people.

It was time for the Lord to phase out the Old Covenant he made with his people through Moses and prepare them for the New Covenant that he had announced through Jeremiah some 200 years earlier (see Jeremiah 31:31-34). Like the forty-day and forty-year periods of time and like the preceding 400-year cycles, they would go through a time of trial and testing, such as the slaughter of thousands of Jews and desecration of the Temple at the hand of Antiochus IV Epiphanes in 169-168 B.C.

Four hundred years after Malachi, the greatest event of human history took place … the birth of Israel’s Messiah. The New Covenant of Grace would soon be implemented and sealed with the awesome once-for-all atoning sacrifice of the Son of God.

Not only had another 400-year span of time been completed with an earth-shaking event, so had the 2^nd of, what many Bible scholars believe is, a consecutive tri-part division of God’s historical interaction with the human race. (1) Two thousand years from Adam to Abraham; (2) Two thousand years from Abraham to Messiah Jesus; (3) Two thousand years to the return of Christ to establish the one thousand-year Kingdom of God on earth. Which will also be the 7^th millennial period of time to represent the Sabbath 7^th day of creation.

Fourth Four-Hundred Span—Leading to the Present Day

At the outset of this week’s article, it occurred to me that there very well could be a final span of 400 years that would track with the generational prophecy of Jesus in Matthew 24 (based on two Biblical definitions of a generation … 100 years and 70 years), ending somewhere close to the year 2020. Please see a detailed explanation in a trilogy of Eye of Prophecy articles entitled Seven Times Seven to the 4^th Power posted 1-25, 2-1, 2-8-14, and the sequel article entitled The Omega Generation (2-15-14). There is no specific “date setting” in those articles, nor would I ever do such a thing. Jesus, himself, said that no one knows that “day or hour” of his return. On the other hand, Jesus said that we should understand the signs of the time (era) that points to his return.

For that to be even a possibility, I would need to backtrack 400 years to determine if there was a huge milestone event that dramatically impacted human history.

There is such an event! It would certainly qualify as historic, something that billions of people know or have heard about, although not necessarily when it took place. It came after 1,000 plus years of spiritual darkness (Dark Ages) in what scholars commonly call Christendom, in which the Bible was available only to the clergy of the Roman Catholic Church. One result of that Biblical illiteracy was widespread persecution of Jews all over the world, not the least of which was perpetrated by the massively misguided and doctrinally deprived Crusaders, as well as the Inquisition of the Roman Catholic Church.

Do you know what that exceptional episode was?

Answer: The King James Bible!

After seven years of translation work, it was published in 1611. Although the Roman Catholic Church considered it to be a Protestant Bible, the King James Version nevertheless swept over Europe, then later the United States and other parts of the world. It contained, of course, both the Old and New Testaments … the complete Bible. In fact it was simply entitled: The Holy Bible.

The world has never been the same since. God’s Word in the hands of born-again ministers and lay people led to many more accepting Jesus as personal Savior since the 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd centuries. It ignited spiritual revivals in Great Britain and the United States in the 17^th, 18^th, and 19^th centuries. Availability of the King James Bible and application of the Judeo-Christian principles and practices found in the absolute truth of God’s Word was a catalyst to the foundational formation of the greatest nation on earth, the United States of America.

If you prefer, as an alternative (same basic time frame), the beginning of the 400 years also could be attributed to when America got its historical start with the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock in 1620, nine years after the King James Bible was introduced. Our forefathers firmly believed that America was the promised land of a new nation, akin to the original and still-standing Promised Land of Israel.

Alas, the latter part of this 400-year time frame has seen the same kind of spiritual apathy toward, ignorance of, and rebellion against the Bible and the God and Messiah of Scripture, that we found in the previous 400-year cycles.

In the 20^th and 21^st centuries, we’ve seen more excellent translations of Scripture in literary form, style, and language that fits our generation, compared to the English language of the 17^th century. This is true for other languages as well. Nonetheless, the King James Version of The Holy Bible remains the favorite for millions of Christians.

I have my (departed) mother’s King James Version… Scofield Reference Bible. The pages are so old, I’m reluctant to even touch them. There are far more pages than not, where my mother had underlined verses, wrote in the columns, or otherwise highlighted passages. It has become a family treasure.

*Note: Though on a non-historic, insignificant (compared to the actual 400-year epoch), subjective personal level—for the benefit of members of my family—I offer the following: The King James Bible was published in 1611. My mother died in 2011. Do the math, family! My mother’s name: Mary.

Things to Ponder

God himself set the precedent for 400-year periods of time when he told Abraham that the Jews would be in Egypt that long.

The more I wrote, then edited, this’s weeks article, the more I’m convinced that we are at the end of the fourth and final (remember the significance of the number four in terms of completeness, continuity, and finality) 400-years of this age of human history. Regarding the historical impact, the King James Bible was one of the biggest events of all time. The written Word of God became accessible to millions more than before, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ began to spread exponentially.

Like the in-between passage of time in the previous 400-year epochs, we’ve seen more evil and human misery than ever before. One need only to think of World War I, World War II, and the current wars, terrorism, and Muslim slaughter of other Muslims and also Christians.

Very soon, we will witness (whether believers taken to heaven or unbelievers left behind to suffer the Great Tribulation) the Living Word of God—Messiah Jesus—coming back to earth, some 400 years after the written Word of God was restored, published, and disseminated to the nations.

When Messiah Jesus returns, he will once again in person: “…teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths. For the Lord’s teaching will go out from Zion; his word will go out from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:3).

Five Life-Changing Meals in the Bible

17 Saturday Jun 2017

Posted by garybowers in Prophecy in General

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Festivals

The Bread of Life (Are You Hungry?)

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends” (Revelation 3:20).

Undoubtedly, the most quoted verse in the Bible is John 3:16 and understandably so because it conveys God’s powerful and precious plan of salvation in just one sentence.

Revelation 3:20 is right up there, as one of the most well-known verses in all of Scripture. It is often quoted as an invitation to those who don’t know Messiah Jesus as personal Savior; to open their heart’s door to him for redemption.

The New American Standard Bible reads: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with me.” (Italics to emphasize that everyone is included in the invitation).

However, the immediate context of this verse in the last part of Revelation Chapter 3 is Jesus’s words to the church in Laodicea, the last of seven letters to the seven churches in Asia that he gave to John in the final “revelation from Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:1). Of the seven messages, the one to Laodicea was the harshest warning to a local church that had become complacent and apathetic. To the point where their love and living for the Lord was, “…neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! (Revelation 3:15-16).

Then Jesus said, “I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference” (Verse 19).

Followed immediately by his loving invitation to self-sufficient believers to open the door of their heart to him.

We read about some of the first believers in the 1^st century who had done exactly what Jesus had invited the church at Laodicea to do:

“They worshipped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved” (Acts 2:46-47).

Just two days after Jesus had miraculously fed five thousand men and thousands more women and children with just five loaves of barley and two fish, some of those who had witnessed or heard first-hand about this miracle wanted more proof that Jesus was the Son of God.

“They replied, ‘We want to perform God’s works too. What should we do?’ Jesus told them, ‘This is the only work God wants from you. Believe in the one he has sent.’”

“They answered, ‘Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, ‘Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.’

“Jesus said: ‘I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’

“Sir, they said, give us that bread every day” John 6:28-34).

In this week’s Eye of Prophecy article, we’re going to get a taste of five memorial meals identified in Scripture around which God’s plans for the human race has been and will be accomplished.

Number One: The Meal of Promise

“The Lord appeared again to Abraham near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. One day Abraham was sitting at the entrance to his tent during the hottest part of the day. He looked up and noticed three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran to meet them and welcomed them, bowing low to the ground” (Genesis 18:1-2).

Abraham offered to feed the three men, and they accepted his hospitality.

God had appeared to Abraham several times, but normally in a dream or vision or voice. This was the second time that the Lord, in human form, met with Abraham … the first was Abraham’s marvelous meeting with Melchizedek. Both of these visitations were the first of several spectacular Old Testament Pre-Incarnate appearances of the Son of God, Messiah Jesus.

Do you remember the main reason why the Lord visited Abraham that day? Yes, it was to remind Abraham that it was not Ishmael (offspring of Abraham and Hagar because Sarah convinced Abraham she could not bear a child in her old age) who would be the progenitor of Messiah. Instead, Sarah would conceive and give birth to the child promised to them by the Lord, himself.

Do you recall Sarah’s reaction? Correct again … she laughed at such an impossible thing to happen.

The Lord’s response includes one of my favorite verses in all of Scripture, which will be italicized for emphasis.

“Then the Lord said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, ‘Can an old woman like me have a baby?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son’” (Genesis 18:13-14).

That’s exactly what happened. A year later, Sarah gave birth to a son whom God named Isaac. He would be the chosen seed of Abraham; the ancestor of the ultimate Child of Promise, Messiah Jesus. (See Eye of Prophecy articles, The Child of Promise, Part I & II, posted 8-23 & 8-30-14).

Hundreds of years later prophets announced the coming birth of the Child of Promise, a birth even more miraculous than Isaac’s.

“All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’) Isaiah 7:14 (parenthesis in the text)

We know there’s more to this amazing scene in Genesis. The Lord also confided in Abraham that he would personally (as the Pre-Incarnate Messiah) examine Sodom and Gomorrah, “…to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard…” (Genesis 18:21).

Just before that we read: “Should I hide my plan from Abraham? The Lord asked. For Abraham will certainly become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him” (Genesis 18:17-18, which was a reaffirmation of what God had already promised to Abraham in Chapters 12 & 15).

God’s plan that would not be hidden from Abraham was his destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, which became a prototype preview of God’s ultimate judgment of the earth a second time—this time by fire. With the first universal judgment that of the Great Flood. Just as Noah and his family were taken out of harm’s way, so were Lot and his family removed from Sodom. Both were representative of the magnificent Rapture of believers who will be snatched from the earth to spare them from God’s final judgment during the Great Tribulation. (See II Peter Chapters 2 & 3).

In this visitation centered on a meal, the Lord again announced his promise to bless both his chosen people and the nations (Gentiles), this time narrowing the source of this blessing to the ultimate Child of Promise.

Thus, I’m thinking it would be appropriate to call this breaking of bread between the Lord and Abraham, The Meal of Promise.

Four more extraordinarily significant meals would follow; all of them focused on God’s magnificent plan of salvation to the Jew first, then to the Gentiles.

Number Two: The Meal of Passover

As indicated, some years before this remarkable appearance of the Triune God (Messiah, God the Son) to Abraham, the Lord had promised an heir, a son born directly from Abraham and Sarah’s union. Neither Ishmael nor Abraham’s servant, Eliezer, would qualify … only the natural child of Abraham and Sarah conceived through God’s divine supernatural intervention for a woman long past child-bearing.

“Then the Lord said to him, ‘No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.’ Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, ‘Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!’

“And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith” (Genesis 15:4-6).

*Note: This verse is the first amazing announcement that trust in God’s plan and provision for Biblical salvation of mankind—stated again and again through the Old Testament prophets, by Jesus himself in the New Testament Gospels, and subsequently by the Apostles—is the bedrock foundation for righteousness (right standing with God). God’s plan is both simple and profound: God doing for us what we could not possibly do for ourselves. Which is forever forgiveness of our sins and perpetual pardon of the penalty for those sins.

Later that night in a dream, the Lord provided Abram with another astonishing prophecy:

“Then the Lord said to Abram, ‘You can be sure that your descendants will be strangers in a foreign land, where they will be oppressed as slaves for 400 years. But I will punish the nation that enslaves them, and in the end they will come away with great wealth. (As for you, you will die in peace and be buried at a ripe old age.) After four generations your descendants will return here to this land…” (Genesis 15:13-16 parenthesis in the text).

And return they did! Who has not heard of Moses and Aaron speaking the very word of God to Pharaoh. Virtually all Jews, born-again believers in Messiah Jesus, and even millions upon millions of unbelievers know at least something about, The Exodus. The second book of the Bible even bears that name.

And what was it that Moses said to Pharaoh? Easy answer:

Nine times the mighty hand of God inflicted terrible judgments against the Egyptians. Nine times Pharaoh refused to let God’s people go. God predicted that would happen; he also foretold what would happen when he levied the tenth and most disastrous plague.

“On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgement against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the Lord! But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt.

“This is a day to remember. Each year, from generation to generation, you must celebrate it as a special festival to the Lord. This is a law for all time” (Exodus 12:12-13).

In this second significant event in Israel’s and world history we see that partaking of a meal was also the focal point of God’s redemptive plan for his people alongside of his justified judgment of Pharaoh and Egypt.

Said God to Moses: “…Then the whole assembly of the community of Israel must slaughter their lamb or young goat at twilight. They are to take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and top of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the animal. That same night they must roast the meat over a fire and eat it along with bitter salad greens and bread made without yeast” (Exodus 12:6-8).

To this very day, the Passover Meal—mostly called Passover or Passover Seder—is celebrated as the most momentous Holy Day (holiday) in Israel and by the Jews world-wide.

Please see Eye of Prophecy articles, Passover … An Enduring Legacy, posted 4-12-14; and Passover & Messiah Are Inseparable! Published 10-1-16.

Here is an excerpt from the more recent of those two articles:

Jewish celebration of Passover since the 2^nd Temple was destroyed (70AD) is much more focused on deliverance from Egypt which was designed by God to be remembered primarily by the Feast of Unleavened Bread. With the true meaning and commemoration of the Feast of Passover relating specifically to God’s passing over (sparing) the Israelites during the tenth plague of Egypt. This Pass Over was made possible by the sacrifice of innocent lambs.

Yes, God passed over the Hebrews. This stunningly significant event in Israel’s history was God’s first disclosure to them as a nation that the shedding of innocent blood was necessary to spare them from God’s judgment of the wrong things they had done. Later, this universal precept would be graphically portrayed in the Levitical Sacrificial System, an integral part of the Mosaic Covenant. Yet that revelation was only a prelude to a much greater, longer-lasting (as in permanent) solution to the problem of sin that separates all people from God and leads to God’s wrath, so vividly exemplified by the Egyptian plagues, especially the last one.

Since this wonderful meal already bears the well-known name of Passover, there is no need to describe it with another appellation, as was done with the Meal of Promise and for the next three commemorative meals. All I’ve done is to switch the words around to be consistent with the others. In this case: Meal of Passover.

Passover was the first of seven Jewish Festivals ordained by the Lord. All of them involve a meal or meals around which the Jews were to remember and rejoice in God’s protection, provision, promises, and presence. Accordingly, most of them are also called feasts; such as the Feast of Tabernacles. Feast, festival … they’re one and the same. How can you have a festival without a really good meal?!

Number Three: Meal of Precepts

Before we examine this meal that is not that well-known in Scripture, nevertheless one that was absolutely phenomenal in its setting and significance; and to give you a hint why I’ve called it the Meal of Precepts, here are some synonyms of precepts: teachings, rules, instructions, and law.

Law … The Law … The Law of Moses … The Mosaic Law. Those are pretty strong clues to where we’re heading.

This meal took place soon after God’s Covenant of the Law was given to Moses on Mount Sinai.

How often in the course of history have contracts, covenants, agreements, pacts, and deals been made over meals? Obvious answer: many times. That’s exactly what happened when God sealed the deal with his people.

The setting is Mount Sinai after Moses had written down much of God’s law for the people. Before that the Lord had given solemn instructions that only Moses was allowed to ascend the full heights of the mountain. Joshua had been an exception but he could only go so far up the mountain with Moses. If any of the people even touched the mountain—shrouded by God’s holy presence—they would die.

But then the Lord made an extraordinary exception and extended a personal invitation (in addition to Moses) for Aaron, Nadab, Abihu and seventy of Israel’s elders to ascend the mountain. The purpose of this startling summons was twofold: to reward, but also remind the people that they had accepted God’s covenant with them. It was also a prophetic picture of God’s grace to allow those whom he would redeem—through the once for all sacrifice of God’s very Son—to directly enter his presence because their sins had been forgiven and God’s righteousness had been imputed to them.

Just before the Lord’s royal invitation to these select men of Israel, we read:

“Then Moses went down to the people and repeated all the instructions and regulations the Lord had given him. All the people answered with one voice, ‘We will do everything the Lord has commanded’” (Exodus 24:3).

In fact, the morning of this stunning event began with sacrifices and peace offerings to the Lord that would later be an integral part of the Levitical Sacrificial System, which ended when the 2^nd Temple was destroyed not long after Messiah Jesus—the once for all sacrificial Lamb of God—arose from the dead and ascended back to heaven.

What happened next was simply incredible.

“Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel climbed up the mountain. There they saw the God of Israel. Under his feet there seemed to be a surface of brilliant blue lapis lazuli, as clear as the sky itself. And though these nobles of Israel gazed upon God, he did not destroy them. In fact, they ate a covenant meal, eating and drinking in his presence!” (Exodus 24:9-11).

We’ve already read about the Lord’s visitation to Abraham in human form. Thus his appearance on Mount Sinai was not the first nor the last time that he would appear as the Pre-Incarnate Messiah. Among other examples: the man who wrestled with Jacob (Genesis Chapter 32) and, after Moses’s time, the man who appeared to Joshua just before the battle of Jericho (Joshua Chapter 5). However, this was the first and only time that the Lord (Messiah) made an Old Testament appearance to so many people at once.

Time and space does not permit further explanation why the person standing (we know he was in the form of a man because the text says, “under his feet”) was God the Son, instead of God the Father. Except to say: When God the Father met with Moses, it was always through a dense cloud to shield Moses from God’s lethal glory.

Scripture tells us that no one can look directly at (the glory of) God and live. Jews in Old Testament times knew this all too well, which is why those who actually saw the Lord were grateful that they didn’t die. What they didn’t realize is that they were looking at the Son of God, who took on human form before he came to earth in his permanent human body … a body now resurrected and glorified.

“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation” (Colossians 1:15).

Actually I did devote part of an Eye Prophecy article to the Old Testament physical appearances of Messiah. Please see: Does God Really Have a Son? Part II. Posted 11-7-15. Might as well read Part I while you’re at it!

In keeping with the theme of today’s post, this stunning event in which the Lord appeared to seventy-four men took place over a “covenant meal, eating and drinking in his presence!” A meal I’m sure they would never forgot; even though some, if not all, of them undoubtedly broke the covenant when they refused to trust the Lord to give them victory over the inhabitants of the Promised Land. All those older than 20 years died before their children entered the Promised Land, forty years later.

Thus, I think the Meal of Precepts, is an appropriate designation to affirm God’s Covenant of the Law had been given to the people through Moses.

Number Four: Meal of Preparation

Another enormous event of history and His Story began with a meal. It is the subject of numerous sermons, books, articles, commentaries, and paintings.

Have you ever heard of The Last Supper?

In one of the most poignant scenes in all of Scripture, Messiah Jesus prepared for his excruciating death by crucifixion; however, with the expectant joy of knowing that he would rise from the dead. In John’s Gospel, five entire chapters (13 through 17) contain wonderful words of truth that Jesus gave to his disciples (to all future believers) only hours before being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. It was no coincidence that this Last Supper was a Passover Seder, in preparation for an experience that would change the course of human history—the death, burial, and resurrection of the Son of God to bring the New Covenant of Grace to Planet Earth.

Read with me:

“Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. It was time for supper … So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet…” (John 13:1-5).

This stirring act of humble service demonstrated what Jesus had previously said: Even though he was the Son of God, he came to serve not to be served. Jesus had also told them that he (Son of Man) would be handed over to the Jewish religious leaders and Romans to be crucified; but that he would rise from the dead three days later!

During this Last Supper, Messiah also told them he would be going away. He explained the reasons for his return to heaven. Despite the sadness of his departure, it would be of tremendous benefit to the disciples and all future believers.

He said: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.

‘No, we don’t know, Lord,’ Thomas said. ‘We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?’

“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me’” (John 14:1-6).

He introduced them to the Holy Spirit and lovingly told them what the Holy Spirit would do for them and for the unbelieving world after Jesus ascended back to heaven. He explained that he was the True Vine and they were the branches. If they abided in him, they could ask what they would and God would grant it to them. He offered a magnificent prayer of protection and unity on their behalf and on behalf of all who would later believe and receive him as Savior.

And more!

The Lord even dipped his bread in the bowl with Judas, the disciple turned traitor, knowing that this betrayal was part of God’s sovereign all-encompassing plan to reconcile everyone who would believe and receive God’s Son as Savior.

Then Luke and later the Apostle Paul recorded for us these life-changing words of Messiah Jesus who plainly told his disciples (and all people) that the New Covenant foretold by Isaiah and Jeremiah had arrived. The very elements they partook of during this meal of preparation represented his broken body and shed blood for the remission of sin.

To this day through Holy Communion, Christians the world over remember the once for all supreme sacrifice of our great God and Savior, Messiah Jesus. As I’ve said in a few prior Eye of Prophecy articles: It is the greatest sacrifice ever made, by the highest price ever paid.

As believers take communion to remember what Jesus did for us, we also continue our preparation for ultimate deliverance from the very presence of sin and evil. Even though we have been permanently pardoned by God, our redemption is not yet complete. It will be finished only at the Rapture, when the bodies of the dead in Christ will be transformed along with those still alive at the Rapture. Then, the Lord will take us to our true home in heaven. (I Thessalonians 4).

Not long thereafter, we will participate in the greatest feast of all time. It will be a meal shared by millions upon millions—all those in right standing with God, because of their faith in the Promised Messiah before he came to earth, while he was on earth, and after he left the earth. A victorious banquet to consolidate and consummate the four covenant Meals of Promise, Passover, Precepts, and Preparation.

Number Five: The Meal of Perfection

Whenever someone makes that all-important, life-changing, destiny-altering decision to, “…confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9-10), they will receive a spiritual passport to heaven stamped by God himself. They will also be given an irrevocable VIP invitation to attend a fabulous feast with the host of heaven in attendance and our Lord sitting in the seat of honor.

“Then I heard again what sounded like the shout of a vast crowd or the roar of mighty ocean waves or the crash of loud thunder: ‘Praise the Lord! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns. Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear.’ For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people.

“And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.’ And he added, ‘These are true words that come from God’” (Revelation 19:6-9).

Yes, believers in Messiah Jesus are his bride. Once we were lost but now we are saved from the judgment of God and eternal separation from God. Scripture employs the analogy of marriage to describe this relationship with God’s Son. After all, that exactly what the Christian faith is all about, as opposed to religion(s). It is a personal relationship and union with mankind’s Redeemer.

“Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault” (Colossians 1:22).

Sadly, most people, even many of God’s chosen people the Jews, will miss this beautiful banquet and heaven itself, because they refused to accept God’s invitation of salvation.

“…Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out (from your apathy and unbelief) and meet him!” (Matthew 25:6, parenthesis obviously mine, but that’s what this parable of Jesus is saying, just as we read in Revelation 3:20).

Jesus presented a preview of the Wedding Feast of the Lamb (the meal of perfection), in another illustration:

“Hearing this, a man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, ‘What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God!’

Jesus then replied:

“…A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me” (Luke 14:15-18).

Jesus continued the story by giving examples of other excuses. Then he said:

“The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, ‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame’” (Verse 21).

*Note: Think not only physically, but spiritually poor, crippled, blind, and lame.

The story continues:

“After the servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more.’ So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges, and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full. For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet’” (Luke 14:22-24).

In Biblical times, the Jewish custom was to send two invitations to a party. In this story, the “many invitations” was God’s first invitation, with the recipients representing Israel—primarily the Jewish religious leaders who had received the invitation to (try to) follow the Old Covenant Law as Moses commanded them to do. Most Jews believed (still do) that God called them to be his people and, in principle, they accepted that first invitation. We covered that in the, Meal of Precepts.

The second invitation announced that the banquet meal was actually ready. This time the guests turned it down … coming up with all kinds of excuses. In this case, God’s invitation came directly from His Son Jesus who had already told many in Israel that he had come to deliver them from their sins, as the Old Testament prophets said Messiah would do (Among other passages, see Isaiah 53).

Some Jews in Jesus’s time accepted the second invitation, but most did not; which was and still is an insult and a reproach to God the Father who loved them so much that he gave his one and only Son to die for them. Consequently, the invitation was given to others not so privileged—meaning the Gentiles—who desperately needed the life-giving food that would be served at this banquet.

In the 20^th and now the 21^st century, we are living in the end-times. Praise God, thousands of Jews world-wide have accepted the report that the banquet is ready. The bread of life and the well of living water can be found in their Messiah … Jesus! They have accepted God’s invitation to eat and drink at the table of Messiah.

The final invitation to the greatest wedding feast of all time will be given only to those who have been redeemed through their personal trust in Messiah Jesus.

It will be a perfect meal prepared by our perfect God, for a people made perfect by Messiah’s perfect sacrifice. It will be a: Meal of Perfection.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” (Psalm 34:8).

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends” (Revelation 3:20).

Things to Ponder

Meal time can be a pleasant experience of gratifying fellowship, comfortable companionship, hearty discussions, and satisfied appetites. God places great value on the breaking of bread among families, friends, and peoples. So much so that five of the greatest events in human history have been and will be (the fifth and final feast) set in motion by a meal.

The Meal of Promise

The Meal of Passover

The Meal of Precepts

The Meal of Preparation

The Meal of Perfection

I can’t wait to sit down at the table of plenty prepared by the Lord himself. I’m already getting hungry to see visually with my own eyes and hear audibly with my own ears our Savior and King. To satisfy my hunger with the physical and spiritual food he will share with us throughout eternity beginning with the awesome Wedding Feast in heaven.

While we wait for that great and glorious Day of the Lord, we say with the Apostle Paul:

“Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity… (I Corinthians 13:12).

With new spiritual bodies and minds, we will be able to digest and process everything Jesus says and does. We will dine with him, praise him, worship him, and serve him undefiled.

“…Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb…” (Revelation 19:9).

Messiah’s Ascension & Coronation … Seen Long Before It Happened!

27 Saturday May 2017

Posted by garybowers in Prophecy in General

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Mount of Olives

Fulfilled Prophecy Proves That the God of the Bible Is God

The God of the Bible is the one and only God. He says so himself.

“But you are my witnesses, O Israel! says the Lord. You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God… (Isaiah 43:10a).

There is no other Lord or Savior. God himself says so.

“…There is no other God—there never has been, and there never will be. I, yes, I am the Lord, and there is no other Savior” (Isaiah 43:10b-11).

The Lord God is from everlasting to everlasting.

“This is what the Lord says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies: ‘I am the First and the Last; there is no other God’” (Isaiah 44:6).

Yet, God is Three Persons in One: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (See Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 3:21-22 & Genesis 1:26, among other passages).

Although God revealed himself through Abraham and his descendants, the Jews, he is also the God of all Gentiles who believe and receive his Son, Messiah Jesus, who is God’s redemptive mediator for Jew and Gentile alike.

“For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus” (I Timothy 2:5).

“Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law. After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn’t he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course he is. There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles” (Romans 3:27-30).

God is Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient. He knew that the man-made gods of pagan nations surrounding Israel in Biblical times, and man-made religions that would come later such as Islam or Hinduism would claim their god or gods to be supreme.

Only the God of the Bible, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob can predict the future. He created all things including time itself; thus, he knows the end from the beginning. God challenges false religions, self-proclaimed prophets, and man-made gods to prove him wrong.

“Present the case for your idols, says the Lord. Let them show what they can do, says the King of Israel. Let them try to tell us what happened long ago so that we may consider the evidence. Or let them tell us what the future holds, so we can know what’s going to happen. Yes, tell us what will occur in the days ahead. Then we will know you are gods. In fact, do anything—good or bad! Do something that will amaze and frighten us. But no! You are less than nothing and can do nothing at all. Those who choose you pollute themselves” (Isaiah 41:21-24).

The God of the Bible is incomparable.

“Who is like me? Let him step forward and prove to you his power. Let him do as I have done since ancient times when I established a people and explained its future. Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses—is there any other God! No! There is no other Rock—not one!” (Isaiah 44:7-8).

If anyone with an open mind and a heart seriously searching for God’s truth would take some time to read or even read about the so-called sacred texts of any world religion or cultic creed (such as Mormonism), they will find irreconcilable differences between the God of the Bible and these man-made systems of belief. Above all they will find two dramatic distinctions:

(1) God’s Salvation as thoroughly explained in Scripture is based on faith alone in God’s grace, which is freely given through the once for all substitutionary sacrifice of God’s Son, Messiah Jesus. All we must do is believe and receive Christ as Savior. Trusting that Messiah has done for us what we could not do for ourselves—a complete pardon for our sins and eternal life in heaven, based on God’s righteousness (right standing with God) imputed to all who accept the fact that we have no inherent righteousness of our own.

“As the Scriptures say, ‘No one is righteous—not even one’” (Romans 3:10).

Contrasted to every other religion or cult which demands that its adherents must follow a complicated, impossible to keep set of rules and regulations in order to even qualify for their version of paradise. Without any of their followers ever assured they have done enough good deeds to cancel out the bad. All of them are based on self-righteousness—meriting favor with their (false) god(s) or attaining some nebulous level of cosmic awareness to get them to whatever afterlife they’ve invented.

(2) Prophecy … Declaring the End from the Beginning: This is the second dramatic difference between the God of the Bible and all other gods or prophets or religious creeds. It is Biblical prophecy that God points to as irrefutable proof that he alone is God, and the Bible alone is his sovereign Word containing absolute truth. Not one or two or ten, but hundreds of prophecies are found in Scripture. Not just vague variable prognostications, but detailed incidents naming people not yet born, nations not yet in existence, and events no one thought possible to even happen, let alone predicted to occur. Prophecies fulfilled that day, or the next day, or days or weeks later, or in a few years, or hundreds of years later.

Case in point: Some 150 years before the Babylonian Empire came into existence and Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple and exiled the Jews, God through Isaiah prophesied that a ruler from another not yet established kingdom (Persia) would issue a command for God’s people to return to Israel and rebuild the Temple. That’s not all: God even named this ruler who had not yet been born.

“When I say of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd,’ he will certainly do as I say. He will command, ‘Rebuild Jerusalem’; he will say, ‘Restore the Temple.’ This is what the Lord says to Cyrus, his anointed one, whose right hand he will empower … I will go before you, Cyrus … And why have I called you for this work? Why did I call you by name when you did not know me? It is for the sake of Jacob my servant, Israel my chosen one. I am the Lord; there is no other God…” (Isaiah 44:28; 45:1-5a).

A Fascinating “Hidden Gem” in Scripture & The Laws of Probability

All of Scripture is remarkable in its historical detail and absolute truth, not the least of which is fulfilled prophecy. There is even a passage in which God declares that nothing (meaning of historical consequence as generically applied to his plan for the human race) he will do is done until … well, let’s read it together:

“Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7).

Fulfillment of hundreds of Bible prophecies have been documented both in Scripture—by the authors of certain books of the Bible later in their lifetime or by subsequent prophets long after a previous prophet had declared God’s plans—and by secular history. Other end-times prophecies await completion.

In Chapter 4 of my second book, Out of the Abyss, I discuss the laws of probability in the context of Old Testament Prophecies/New Testament Fulfillments (heading of that chapter) with several specific examples given. One of them is the well-known project initiated by Westmont College Professor Peter Stoner, who with the aid of 600 college students examined eight (of dozens) of prophecies foretold in the Old Testament pertaining to the coming Messiah as historically accomplished by Jesus of Nazareth.

They began with the odds of Jesus birth in Bethlehem where the prophet Micah said Messiah would be born. Result: 1 in 300,000. That was only the beginning.

After they looked at seven other Messianic prophecies that Jesus precisely fulfilled, they calculated (laws of probability) that the chance of one man fulfilling all eight was one in 10 to the 17^th power. That number alone is overwhelming to the point that any statistician or probability expert on the planet would concede to be (nearly) absolute.

To get past the point of nearly absolute (my phrase to emphasize the conclusiveness of the study), Professor Stoner and his students then upped the ante from eight to forty-eight specific Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled by Jesus in his birth, life, death, and resurrection. The result: One in 10 to the 157^th power. If you care to write this out, it would be one in ten followed by 157 zeros. Good luck! Just counting the zeros is a daunting assignment! Not to mention the impossible task of wrapping your mind around such an astronomical figure.

Those kind of numbers are mind boggling … what any scientist or mathematician would consider to be absolute. Putting it another way by emphasizing the double negative feature of the following statement (with negatives sometimes providing more emphasis than saying something in the positive):

There’s no way that Jesus could not be the prophesied Messiah.

Messianic Prophecies & Their Fulfillment in Jesus of Nazareth

When Bible scholars, teachers, pastors, commentators, and students in general categorize the components of Messiah Jesus’s first appearance on earth, they logically break them down to his birth, life, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection. Sometimes, but not as often, his ascension to heaven is also added to these features. One reason is because such things as his miraculous Virgin birth (celebrated at Christmas) and his equally miraculous resurrection (memorialized at Easter) are well-known highlights of his amazing time on this earth.

If/when the Ascension is discussed, it’s usually in the comparison context of Jesus’s return to earth on the same Mount of Olives from which he departed.

Each of these momentous bench marks of Messiah’s first advent were predicted in several Old Testament passages pertaining to that specific highlight (such as his birth), with one exception: His Ascension to Heaven. I’m not referring to Jesus’s predictions or statements; he clearly told his disciples that he would return to Heaven after he arose from the dead, as his redemptive work on earth would then be complete.

As Jesus hung on the cross just moments before he died, he said, “It is finished!” (John 19:30). Which is a phrase that meant, “Paid in full.” Meaning paying for the debt of our sin.

I’m surmising that even an “average” student of the Bible could spontaneously or with a little bit of Scriptural research find Old Testament prophecies and their corresponding New Testament fulfillment for each of the first six categories, but not the seventh and final event—his return to heaven. And that would be understandable: because there is only one definitive passage, which is seldom mentioned in commentaries or sermons or books or articles. Even Bible scholars have failed to match that Old Testament passage with Jesus’s ascension to heaven.

Remember: God never does anything (concerning the historical milestones of divinely orchestrated events) unless he has first revealed it through his prophets. The Ascension of Christ Jesus would certainly qualify as one of these significant events.

Before we take an up close and personal look at that mysterious yet stunning Old Testament passage, let’s do a brief review of fulfilled Messianic prophecy. Although there are more, I’ll cite just one Old Testament reference (a reference could be one or more verses) for each of the first six (of seven) stages of Jesus’s visit to Planet Earth along with its New Testament parallel in which the Messianic prophecy was fulfilled.

While we’re at it, let’s not forget: The Old Testament prophecies speak of a Jewish Messiah who would also be salvation’s light to the Gentiles. He would be a descendant of King David from the tribe of Judah.

Jesus was and still is a Jew! He said: “…for salvation comes through the Jews” (John 4:22).

Once again, here are the seven chronological phases of Jesus’s First Advent: birth, life (his ministry), trial and crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.

With the 7^th, his ascension, the main theme of today’s article, to be explored after the first six are examined.

Birth of Messiah

Old Testament Prophecy: Born in Bethlehem Ephrathah (there were two towns in Israel named Bethlehem … that’s how precise the prophecy was). Micah 5:2.

New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 2:1-6.

*Note: Since Messiah’s prophesied place of birth was also mentioned earlier, let’s add another one:

Old Testament Prophecy: Born of a Virgin. Isaiah 7:14.

New Testament Fulfillment: Matthew 1:18-22.

(Depicts the Angel Gabriel Appearing to Mary … Which Took Place Before an Angel Appeared to Mary’s Husband, Joseph to Assure Joseph that Mary Was Still a Virgin When Her Son Was Conceived by the Holy Spirit)

Life of Messiah Jesus (Son of God and Son of Man)

Old Testament Prophecy: The Divine Messages Messiah Would Disclose and Miracles He Would Do. Isaiah 29:18-19; Isaiah 35:5-6; Isaiah 61:1.

New Testament Fulfillment: Luke 7:20-22.

*Note: All of the eternal absolute truths that Jesus taught and magnificent miracles he performed to prove that he was the Messiah—including the incredible reality that Jesus could forgive sins and would be the once for all substitutionary sacrifice for and penalty of sin—foretold by the prophets are summarized by Jesus himself in the following passage:

“I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. And I assure you that the time is coming, indeed it’s here now, when the dead will hear my voice—the voice of the Son of God. And those who will listen will live. The Father has life in himself, and he has granted that same life-giving power to his Son” (John 5:24-26).

Jesus went on to say to the Jewish religious leaders:

“In fact, you sent investigators to listen to John the Baptist, and his testimony about me was true. Of course, I have no need of human witnesses, but I say these things so you might be saved. John was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were excited for a while about his message. But I have a greater witness than John—my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me.

“You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life” (John 5:33-36 & 39-40).

Trial & Crucifixion of Messiah

Old Testament Prophecy: Nailed to a cross (hands and feet pierced). Before crucifixion was even invented and “perfected” by the Romans, it was foretold that Messiah would be killed in that manner. Psalms 22:16; Isaiah 53:5a.

Jesus had been declared innocent by Pontius Pilate, who, nonetheless, ordered him to be whipped just to please the crowd. Micah 5:1; Isaiah 53:5b.

When that wasn’t enough, Pilate yielded to the demands of the mob to crucify Jesus.

New Testament Fulfillment: Mark 15:19 (beaten with rods); John 19:1 (flogged with a lead-tipped whip); Luke 23:32-33 (crucified).

Death of Messiah

Old Testament Prophecy: Not one bone would be broken. Exodus 12:46. Psalm 34:20.

New Testament Fulfillment: Jesus was the Passover Lamb crucified on Passover Eve, but his bones would not be broken—which the Roman soldiers often did (breaking the victim’s legs) to hasten the death of those being crucified. John 19:31-37

Burial of Messiah

Old Testament Prophecy: Even though innocent, Messiah would be unjustly and unlawfully killed as a common criminal. But he would be buried in a rich man’s tomb. Isaiah 53:9.

New Testament Fulfillment: John 19:38-42. (With special emphasis on, “Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth” Verse 40).

*Note: Just as there were many witnesses to all facets of Jesus’s arrival and time on this earth, so were there witnesses to the actual fact that he was buried. And he was buried because he had died—as clearly confirmed by his Roman executioners and as obviously seen by those who wrapped Jesus’s body in burial cloths. This soundly refutes the absurd notion of “critics” who claim that Jesus was not really dead when he was placed in the tomb.

Resurrection of Messiah from the Dead

Old Testament Prophecy: Isaiah 53:10-12. This is probably the most well-known (along with Psalm 22) passage depicting the suffering and sacrificial death of the coming Messiah. Yet Isaiah 53 also clearly shows that Messiah would be raised to life. “…He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands … I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death…” (Verses 10 & 12 … keep in mind the italicized portion of this passage as it applies to the ascension phase of the Life of Christ that we will examine shortly).

New Testament Fulfillment: Dozens of passages affirming that Jesus arose from the dead. Succinctly summarized by the Apostle Paul: “I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said” (I Corinthians 15:3-4).

*Note: Jesus, himself, predicted that he would be betrayed (by one of his twelve disciples, Judas); arrested by the Jewish religious leaders who would hand him over to the Romans; denied three times by another disciple (Peter); beaten, crucified, buried for three days/nights, and would then arise from the grave! How could he possibly have known that any, let alone all of these things would actually happen unless he truly was/is the Son of God and God the Son?

Would anyone actually believe that he wanted to suffer and die just to show that he could predict the future? I think not. If anyone has any doubt, then read again the horrible agony he went through in the Garden of Gethsemane when he asked his Father God if he could be spared from the excruciating death on a cross and the terrible judgment God would place on him for your sins and mine. (Mark 14:32-42).

Jesus stayed the course with these poignant words to the Father: “…Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine” (Mark 14:36).

The Seventh & Final Phase … The Ascension of Messiah Jesus

As indicated to begin today’s article, Biblical prophecy and its fulfillment attests to the 100% accuracy and historical reliability of the Scriptures. So when we see Daniel’s prophecy fulfilled that the Messiah would come in the exact amount of time prophesied (483 years or 173,880 days) from the time that the command would be given to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (see Eye of Prophecy article, An Incredible Time-Lapse Prophecy, posted 1-18-14 and Where is Messiah … Is He Already Here? Published 6-25-16), we can also trust the universal absolute truths contained in God’s Word, the Bible.

Such as: For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Old Testament prophecies, both direct and implied, concerning the coming of the (suffering) Messiah are plentiful in Scripture. Followed by Jesus of Nazareth’s amazingly precise fulfillment or accomplishment of all that the prophets foretold concerning his birth, life, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection.

But what about the Ascension return of Jesus to heaven? On a few occasions, Jesus spoke to his disciples of his departure from the earth and return to his home in heaven. Most Christians are quite familiar with at least one or two of these passages, such as John Chapter 14.

Once again, let’s read Amos 3:7: “Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets.”

Accordingly, there must be an Old Testament prophetic reference to the seventh and final phase of Messiah Jesus’s First Advent—his return to heaven. Do you know what it is or where it can be found? If you don’t, that’s okay, because it’s one of those “hidden gems” of Scripture that takes a little more digging to find and recognize. Whereas other golden nuggets (like the birth and resurrection of Messiah) are sitting on top of the gold mine in plain sight, ready to be grasped and deposited securely in the treasure trove of fulfilled prophecy.

Before we go to the Old Testament passage in question, let’s review Jesus’s last moments on the earth … commonly called the Ascension.

“After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him” (Acts 1:9).

What Jesus had said (“after saying this”) was a direct answer to his disciples question just before he left the earth so dramatically, “…Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” (Acts 1:6).

(“As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!'” Acts 1:10-11)

It’s evident that the disciples had no warning that Jesus would suddenly leave them. I’m convinced they thought he would remain on the earth for quite some time after his resurrection, at least the time needed to, “free Israel and restore our kingdom.”

They weren’t thinking in terms of the spiritual Kingdom of Heaven that Jesus would first establish in the hearts and minds of those who believed and received him as Personal Savior. Which is why the last words Jesus spoke before he ascended to heaven were: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

They were focused on the physical Kingdom of God on the earth, with Messiah Jesus sitting on the eternal throne of the Davidic dynasty of kings. Though they were by now and even more so later on—as they grew in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (II Peter 3:18)—much more familiar with and knowledgeable about Jesus’s fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies concerning the first six phases of his first coming to earth, they probably didn’t know or didn’t match the Old Testament passage regarding Jesus’s departure from the earth and his return (entrance) to heaven.

Without keeping you in suspense any longer, read with me the passage that I believe (with evidence presented) is the one definitive Old Testament prophecy foreseeing Messiah’s triumphant entrance into heaven … a return to his original glory, but this time also as the Son of Man in his resurrected, glorified body.

*Note: I have quoted this passage in a couple of prior Eye of Prophecy articles including a brief commentary on its meaning; but only in passing—not as the main theme of that article.

A Little Known or Understood Prophecy Concerning Messiah

“As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14).

Among other astounding visions of the future, Daniel was given the awesome privilege of watching the greatest coronation of a king (King of all kings) in all of history … some 550 years before it took place. Then under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he recorded it for us!

The scene you just read in the above verse is none other than Messiah Jesus’s triumphant entrance into heaven after he ascended from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.

You may have already thought of the question; if you hadn’t, I’ll ask it for you:

Is he sure that Daniel’s prophetic vision refers to Christ Jesus and his ascension, then his homecoming entrance into heaven?

My answer: Absolutely, no doubt whatsoever. Here’s why it is and why it couldn’t be anything else but that.

Obviously, Daniel’s 6^th century B.C. vision was prophetical (as were all his visions … future tense), thus it couldn’t apply to Messiah as God the Son (Second Person of the Trinity) before Daniel’s time. Meaning the ancient eternal past of Jesus as found, for example, in Micah 5:2 and especially in John’s Gospel that begins by identifying Jesus as the everlasting living Word of God.

Nor could it be a depiction of Messiah’s glorious return from heaven at the end of the Great Tribulation; even though some of Daniels’ prophetic visions relate to the tribulation period, especially concerning the little horn (Antichrist) and his end-times exploits. Why? Because Daniel sees Messiah entering (being led) into the presence of The Ancient One (God the Father).

When Jesus raptures his church (true born-again believers), he will: “…come down from heaven” and catch us, “…up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air…” I Thessalonians 4:16).

By the distinctive language and descriptive imagery of Daniel 7 and I Thessalonians 4, there’s no way these two events are one and the same. Likewise, with Messiah’s return to the earth at the end of the Tribulation. “…And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30). Once again, Jesus is coming from heaven, not going to heaven, as is clearly portrayed in Daniel 7.

By default then, this amazing royal coronation scene that Daniel is witnessing first hand took place when Jesus left the earth and returned to his heavenly home. What or when else could it be?

Daniel’s term Son of Man is another overwhelming clue that the scene Daniel is witnessing could have been none other than Jesus’s ascension/entrance into heaven as precisely described in Acts Chapter 1.

Before Jesus was born on earth as the pre-ordained and anointed Messiah, he was referred to as the Son of God and the Son of David (see Psalm 2 and Psalm 110). But not the Son of Man. Jesus, himself, was the first to use that appellation or title or description of himself.

Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Daniel refers to the person he saw being escorted to the presence of God (the Father) as “a Son of Man.” Except, he employs the adjective form, “like” a Son of Man. Meaning that Daniel didn’t know (nor was he expected to know) that this person was in fact the Messiah, the one and only Son of Man and the Son of God. He simply recorded what he saw. Other prophets before and after Daniel would be given more revelations concerning the coming Messiah, i.e. his divine nature, his eternal existence, his miraculous Virgin birth, and so forth.

More could be said, but you decide if the commentary evidence and most of all the passage itself indisputably portrays exactly what took place after Jesus ascended to heaven. It was then that God the Father gave his Son absolute authority over all nations, with a rule and reign that will last forever. The victory has already been won … the end-time battles yet to be fought and final judgment of God waiting to be dispensed.

If you hadn’t thought about or wondered if there was an Old Testament prophecy relating directly to the final phase of Jesus’s time on earth (Ascension) but didn’t know where to look, there you have it.

Daniel 7:13-14 is a powerful prophetic portrayal of what took place as soon as Jesus left the earth as seen and shared by Daniel hundreds of years before it happened.

(*Note: Psalm 68:18 which is partially quoted by Paul in Ephesians 4:8 is related to the heavenly ministry of Christ after he returned to heaven. However, the context of Psalm 68 pertains to gifts given to and by Messiah to his people. Psalm 68 isn’t referring to what happened in heaven immediately after Jesus ascended from earth, i.e. the crowning coronation that bequeathed our Lord with ultimate power and authority to rule the nations. As such, Psalm 68 is not a prophetic preview of the real time/space physical Ascension of Christ or of his entrance to the throne of God his Father.)

We also have another sighting of the Son of Man … several years after the Ascension. This time by John, author of Revelation, who uses the same descriptive term as did Daniel. Although John didn’t immediately know who was standing in front of him, he soon would fully understand that it was none other than his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ—Son of God, Son of David, and Son of Man.

Wrote John: “When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man…” (Revelation 1:12-13).

John then describes the glorious appearance of the Son of Man, concluding with, “…And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance” (Revelation 1:16).

Jesus erased all doubts as to whom John was looking at. Said Jesus to John: “…Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave” (Revelation 1:17-18).

Things to Ponder

As has been said, History is “His Story.”

Messiah Jesus is the heart and soul of man’s history (as God views and directs history) and prophetic destiny.

“…For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus” (Revelation 19:10b).

Then, four more magnificent passages about Messiah Jesus … who he is, what he has done (for you and for me), and what he will do upon his glorious return to the earth.

“Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot—yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord … He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment” (Isaiah 11:1-2 & 5).

“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven” (Hebrews 1:1-3).

“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth … He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together … For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross” (Colossians 1:15-20).

“Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

Make that five passages by quoting again the prophecy that fits perfectly with the verses just quoted:

“…He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14).

Long live the King!

Israel Is Here To Stay … Forever!

15 Saturday Apr 2017

Posted by garybowers in Prophecy in General

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New Covenant, Old Covenant

Passover, Then and Now … Life or Death!

Earlier this week, from sundown on Monday to sundown on Tuesday, Israel and Jews the world over celebrated Passover which is considered the greatest of all the Jewish Festivals. The Feast of Unleavened Bread, a seven-day extension of Pesach (Passover), will end this coming Tuesday. Passover was not only the first God-ordained Festival, it also heralded the renewal of God’s national destiny for Israel and Abraham’s descendants.

Passover is Israel and Israel is Passover. The two are inseparable. Before Passover, the Jews were a people but not a nation. They had lost their identity; they had no land of their own and little hope for a future. When God spared his people from judgment on the entire land of Egypt and by mighty miracles delivered them from 400 years of slavery, the nation of Israel was born. That was nearly 3,500 years ago. Two thousand years ago, a Passover of even greater (eternal) significance took place. A Passover that most of Israel missed because they could not see who Messiah would be and what he came to do.

(80,000 at the Western Wall To Receive Priestly Blessing During Passover This Week)

Despite the people’s disobedience which caused a 40-year delay and the passing of an entire generation, the Lord brought their descendants to the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Just before Moses died and Joshua led the Hebrews into the Promised Land that would be called Israel (after Jacob whose name God changed to Israel), God through Moses told the people:

“But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy.

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (Deuteronomy 30:15-20).

God knew that his people would not listen to and faithfully follow him. In the very next chapter we read:

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘…After you are gone, these people will begin to worship foreign gods, the gods of the land where they are going. They will abandon me and break my covenant that I have made with them. Then my anger will blaze forth against them. I will abandon them…’” (Deuteronomy 31:16-17).

Just a few decades after Moses, then Joshua died, that’s exactly what the Jews began to do. Yet God was patient with them. Off and on for some three hundred years the Lord delivered them (through judges) from surrounding enemies that God had allowed to defeat the Jews when they rebelled against him.

Then for a period of 120 years (1050 BC – 930 BC) during the reign of Israel’s first three kings—Saul, David, and Solomon, each of whom ruled for 40 years—Israel prospered like never before or since, especially during the 80 years of King David and King Solomon. In those glory days, Jerusalem was established as the eternal capital of Israel. That fact will never change … God will see to it.

Israel’s downfall began when Solomon, during the latter part of his reign, allowed his wives to set up and worship pagan gods. Upon his death, Israel split into two kingdoms and she was never the same after that. Slowly, surely, and sadly not only the people but the kings and even the priests of Israel and Judah began to abandon the Lord their God. The ten tribes of the northern kingdom of Israel fell in 722 BC to Assyria. Because there were a few kings of Judah (the southern kingdom) who restored worship of and devotion to the Lord, they were spared the same fate of the northern kingdom for another 136 years.

Just prior to the Babylonian captivity, Jeremiah was the primary prophet. He issued warning after warning for the people to turn back to the Lord; including the inevitable fall of Judah, destruction of the Temple, and exile to Babylon if they didn’t heed these warnings. Still, the Lord was merciful and set the length of their captivity at 70 years. Once again God was absolutely true to his Word. The prophetic promise of the people’s deliverance came to pass when some of the Jews began to return to Israel and the 2^nd Temple was built 70 years after Judah was crushed by the Babylonians in 586 BC.

A New Covenant

It was also through Jeremiah that another stunning prophecy came to Israel. One that was incomprehensible to the Jews, particularly after the temple and the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt and the Levitical sacrificial system reinstated in Israel. God had punished them severely for their idolatry and disobedience, but he had graciously returned them to their beloved land. Thus, they were incredulous that the Lord would even consider, let alone declare, a New Covenant to replace the Covenant of Law given through Moses. To confront their denial that such a covenant was necessary, the last prophet Malachi presented God’s reasons why something as drastically different as announced by Jeremiah (also Isaiah and Ezekiel) would be the basis for a new relationship between God and his people.

Listen to the Lord’s astoundingly strong statement to his people:

“How I wish one of you would shut the Temple doors so that these worthless sacrifices could not be offered! I am not pleased with you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, and I will not accept your offerings” (Malachi 1:10).

Wow! That would have crushed me. At least I hope it would have (gotten my attention).

Instead, the people argued with God and disputed the validity of his indictments against them.

There is no indication, whatsoever, that God ever again accepted their rote, heartless offerings. In fact, until John the Baptist came to prepare the way for Messiah (Jesus), God did not speak at all to his people for another 400 years.

To this day Jews are still in denial that the Covenant of the Law could be, has been (which it has), or will be replaced with a New Covenant. This despite the utter destruction of Jerusalem and the 2^nd Temple in 70 AD, cessation of the sacrificial system, and dispersion of the Jews to the four corners of the earth where they would remain until the 20^th century.

(I would encourage you to read a trilogy of Eye of Prophecy articles, entitled: Where is the Temple? I, II, III. Posted 11-29, 12-6 & 12-13-14).

Under the Mosaic Law and the Levitical Sacrificial System, sacrifices for individual sins were offered daily and for the sins of the nation, annually (Yom Kippur). But no more. Not with the New Covenant. Not only would their sins be forgiven forever, the Lord would remember them no more. Unheard of! Inconceivable! Impossible!

Through what Scripture says and clearly infers, the people’s response was then and is to this very day: A better way? Maybe? Really? Not really. No way! Why would God do such a thing … to alter and actually annul the very foundation of the traditions given to us by God in the first place?

Here’s why. Read with me the amazing announcement of the New Covenant and the reason God would initiate this ground-breaking and life-changing agreement with his people; one that was unconditional … unlike the conditional Mosaic covenant that the people would not and could not keep.

“The day is coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and brought them out of the Land of Egypt. They broke that covenant, though I loved them as a husband loves his wife, says the Lord.

“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord. I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people … And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins” (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

Now listen to the words of Jesus of Nazareth spoken just a short time before he was crucified on a cruel cross: “…This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you” (Luke 22:20).

Three days later Jesus arose from the dead to eternally seal this covenant, to prove he was who he said he was (Messiah, Son of God), and to forever forgive and even forget the sins of Jew and Gentile alike, who would:

“…confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved … Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord who gives generously to all who call on him. For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’” (Romans 10:9-13, last sentence quotes Joel 2:32).

The Old Covenant had been written on tablets of stone, commandments which could not save the people because they could not and would not keep them.

The New Covenant would be written on the hearts of all who believe and receive Jesus as Savior.

The New Covenant of Grace does not abolish the moral foundation of the Law (represented by the Ten Commandments). Rather it sets straight the bent notion that the Law could redeem (make right with God) anyone who at least tried to keep it; or even that the sacrificed blood of innocent animals could take away their sin and guilt permanently.

Concerning the limitations of the sacrificial component of the Mosaic Law, we read:

“The old system under the law of Moses was only a shadow, a dim preview of the good things to come, not the good things themselves. The sacrifices under that system were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship. If they could have provided perfect cleansing, the sacrifices would have stopped, for the worshippers would have been purified once for all time, and their feelings of guilt would have disappeared” (Hebrews 10:1-2).

And, “Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest (Jesus) offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time…” (Hebrews 10:11-12, parenthesis mine).

This new relationship with God requires a new (spiritual) birth, which is what generates eternal life from spiritual death (see John Chapter 3). This is what will make possible the national salvation of Israel which began with individual Jews in the first century, and with the physical restoration of Israel that began 70 years ago next month (May) when Israel was reborn as a sovereign nation. And fifty years ago this coming June when Israel reclaimed Jerusalem in the Six-Day War as the eternal capital of Israel.

(If you want to learn more about the potentially stunning significance of this year, 2017, please read Eye of Prophecy article, The Omega Generation, posted 2-15-14. Also, Jubilee and Messiah … They Go Together! Posted 1-23-16).

In the first century A.D., thousands throughout Israel believed Jesus was the Messiah. Tragically, most of the religious leaders and many people did not—despite the dozens of miracles they witnessed or heard of first hand. Even after Jesus arose from the dead, most did not believe in him. Then, just as Jesus predicted, Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed by the Romans less than 40 years after he ascended back to heaven. This happened because God’s own people rejected Messiah, just as Jesus said would happen with these poignant words:

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. And now, look, your house is abandoned and desolate. For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’” (Matthew 23:37-39).

A New Beginning … A New Israel

God withdrew his protection of Israel. He would leave them to their own fate until the appointed time when the Lord would unilaterally initiate the completion (fulfillment) of his covenant with Abraham. Which was the sovereign possession of the Promised Land forever by the Jews.

That appointed time has come.

Despite 1,900 years of exile and persecution at the hands of many nations and peoples (even by Christians … with the vast majority Christian in name only, not true born-again believers), culminating in the unimaginable Holocaust perpetrated by a perverse man and his equally sadistic Third Reich, Israel is alive and well. According to the sure word of Biblical prophecy, the Jews will never again be uprooted from their Promised Land. They will never again be decimated, dominated, or defeated by Gentile nations.

I repeat with Biblical authority for emphasis: NEVER AGAIN.

Persecuted, yes. Attacked, also yes—by the Gog/Magog coalition in the first half and by the ten-nation confederation of Antichrist Nero in the second half of the Great Tribulation. But not destroyed.

Only those who oppose Israel will be soundly defeated and destroyed. That should be a cause for pause for peoples or nations that would seek to harm the pupil of God’s eye.

Presently, there are tens of thousands of Jews all over the world who have placed their trust and eternal destiny in Messiah Jesus (called Messianic Jews), and thank the Lord for them. But it won’t be until Jesus returns near the end of the Great Tribulation that the vast majority of Jews will reach out to him and say, Baruch haba beshem Adonai (blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord).

Despite our many individual and national faults, I love the United States of America. And I love Israel and the Jews. They are God’s special possession, chosen to give the world God’s awesome Word, including the Living Word of God, Messiah Jesus. With the Apostle Paul (once named Saul, once a devout Pharisee and defender of the Mosaic Law who was changed forever by a direct encounter with Jesus), I also say:

“Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved. I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal. For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God” (Romans 10:1-4).

Easter Sunday

Yesterday, Christians all over the world remembered the ultimate Passover (Good Friday).

Tomorrow we will celebrate Resurrection Day.

We’ll express our gratitude for so great a salvation purchased by the supreme sacrifice of our Passover Lamb, God’s own Son. We’ll rejoice that our sins are forgiven, and God will pass over (spare) us during the time of His final judgment of this earth. A judgment on those who have passively ignored or cultishly twisted the redemption that God has freely offered to them. And God’s final punishment for those who will aggressively make a final attempt (as has been done down through the ages) to disrupt, distort, despise, and defeat God’s two magnificent plans for the human race: (1) the perpetual physical possession of Israel by the descendants of Abraham. (2) The Kingdom of God on earth composed of both Jew and Gentile who have been redeemed spiritually by belief in the Jewish Messiah, Jesus.

The treacherous idea of Replacement Theology is once again rearing its ugly head, sadly, even in some Evangelical circles. They are those who believe that the Jews and Israel are irrelevant to God’s plan for the fast approaching last days, because they (erroneously but also arrogantly) think that the Church, not Israel, is the beneficiary of God’s promises to Israel.

There are so many Scriptural facts and principles to easily refute this fallacy; I’ll mention only one: Since when was the Church exiled to the four corners of the earth directly from Israel? Such an easy answer to this rhetorical question. Therefore, how can the Church be brought back to Israel? There is absolutely no way under God’s heaven that the Lord would simply ignore or forget or replace (with the Church) this promise that was made directly to Abraham and his descendants. Remember, we’re talking about the physical return of the Jews and the physical restoration of Israel, not about God’s 2^nd plan for mankind which is the New Covenant wherein Jew and Gentile alike are spiritually one in Christ.

I’m going to get a little blunt here: Frankly, these people, Christian or not, have little or no understanding of the hundreds of Old Testament prophecies concerning Israel, prophecies that have nothing whatsoever to do with the Church. In fact, it’s the true Church (body of Christ currently consisting of far more Gentiles than Jews—but that will change) that will benefit greatly from the final restoration of Israel and the ultimate salvation of the Jews. Not the other way around. If some may have taken offense at my suggestion that they are basically ignorant of Old Testament prophecy then let’s switch to the New Testament and see what they might say about the following passage.

Listen to the Apostle Paul’s dramatic description of what actually happened and why:

“Did God’s people stumble and fall beyond recovery! Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves. Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel turned down God’s offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the world will share when they finally accept it. I am saying all this especially for you Gentiles…” (Romans 11:11-13a).

Paul goes on: “For since their rejection meant that God offered salvation to the rest of the world, their acceptance will be even more wonderful. It will be life for those who were dead! … For if the roots of the tree are holy, the branches will be, too.

“But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree—some of the people of Israel—have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree. But you must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. You are just a branch, not the root.

‘Well,’ you many say, ‘those branches were broken off to make room for me.’ Yes, but remember—those branches were broken off because they didn’t believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe. So don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen. For if God did not spare the original branches, he won’t spare you either…

“You, by nature, were a branch cut from a wild olive tree. So if God was willing to do something contrary to nature by grafting you into his cultivated tree, he will be far more eager to graft the original branches back into the tree where they belong” (Romans 11:15-21).

Paul then concludes by saying:

“I want you to understand this mystery … so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ. And so all Israel will be saved. As the Scriptures say, ‘The one who rescues will come from Jerusalem, and he will turn Israel away from ungodliness. And this is my covenant with them, that I will take away their sins’” (Romans 11:25-27, quoting Jeremiah 31, which as noted earlier in this article is the announcement of the New Covenant).

God’s Two Majestic Plans: (A) Abrahamic Covenant; (B) Mosaic Covenant Yielding To the New Covenant of Grace

The New Covenant of Grace has replaced the Covenant of the Law, but only that Covenant.

God’s Covenant with Abraham is independent of the Mosaic Covenant. Like the unconditional Covenant of Grace, the Lord’s covenant with the Jews giving them the land of Israel forever is totally unconditional, meaning that one day it would be fulfilled no matter what the Jews did or didn’t do.

“Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith” (Romans 4:13).

Paul further explains: “This is what I’m trying to say: The agreement God made with Abraham could not be canceled 430 years later when God gave the law to Moses. God would be breaking his promise. For if the inheritance could be received by keeping the law, then it would not be the result of accepting God’s promise. But God graciously gave it to Abraham as a promise. Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised… (Galatians 3:17-19).

When the Apostle Paul uses Abraham and God’s covenant with him as a prototype example of faith as the only means of apprehending God’s salvation (given by God’s grace), the illustration is the principle of faith—in the once for all sacrificial atonement of Messiah Jesus—versus keeping the law as the way of salvation. Paul is NOT equating or attaching the essence or object of the Abrahamic Covenant itself (which is the ultimate inheritance of the Promised Land to Abraham’s physical descendants, the Jews) to or with the benefit of becoming a spiritual descendant of Abraham by one and only one means: Faith in, “…the coming of the child who was promised…” Galatians 3:19).

Do you see the difference? That is why there are hundreds of Old Testament prophecies that exclusively apply to the physical restoration of Israel, through return of Jews from all over the world to Israel. I have quoted dozens of these passages in prior Eye of Prophecy articles. It is from Jerusalem, Israel that the (our) Jewish Messiah Jesus will rule and reign forever.

Whereas, the spiritual descendants of Abraham are both Jew and Gentile who, like Abraham, have been counted as righteous because of our faith in the Promised Child. For Abraham, the first child of promise would be his son, Isaac; who would then be the progenitor of the final Child of Promise, Jesus of Nazareth.

But the spiritual inheritance that both Jew and Gentile will receive when Messiah returns is not Israel itself. Rather it is the awesome privilege of being sons and daughters in the family of God, join-heirs with Messiah Jesus in the Kingdom of God on earth and in the New Jerusalem for all eternity. With the earthly Jerusalem and the land of Israel home to succeeding generations of Jews forever.

Repeating for emphasis: The New Covenant of Grace replaced the Mosaic Covenant of the Law, not the Abrahamic Covenant. God’s covenant with his people through Moses was completely conditional, contingent on whether the people continued to keep that covenant. Not so with God’s unilateral covenant with Abraham. Thus, those of us who have been saved by the grace of God (both Jew and Gentile for there is only one salvation for all peoples) through simply accepting it as a free gift (God doing for us what we could not do for ourselves), have been given eternal life and will live with our Lord and the host of heaven forever.

The spiritual restoration of Israel began when thousands of Jews in the first century believed and received Jesus as their Messiah and Savior, both before and after he was crucified. However, because the vast majority including the religious and political leaders who represented the nation of Israel refused to acknowledge that Jesus was Messiah, God once again abandoned them by withdrawing his protection. The result: Roman conquest of Israel and Jerusalem, destruction of the Temple, mass dispersion of the Jews throughout the world, and finally the incomprehensible evil of the Holocaust.

But that is all behind God’s chosen people. In our lifetime, many have witnessed the miraculous rebirth of Israel as a nation (1948) and the return of millions of Jews to Israel. From less than 700,000 Jews in Israel in 1948 there are nearly 6.5 million Jews (75 % of the total population of Israel) in Israel today.

(Aliyah, Ingathering of Jews to Israel … Photo Shows Some of the First Jews to Return to Israel)

We have witnessed the extraordinary agricultural, economic, scientific, cultural, medical, and military growth of the only democracy in the Middle East. Along with that we have seen world-wide attention focused on Israel and surrounding countries like never before in history. This is far beyond mere coincidence. This, folks is the end-times unfolding of Biblical prophecies given thousands of years ago. This is what Scripture both states and implies. Which is:

AS ISRAEL GOES SO GOES THE WORLD

As God declared to Moses long ago, a promise that was delayed for thousands of years because God’s own people turned away from him; a promise, nevertheless, that the Lord would keep and fulfill unilaterally through his grace and mercy:

One day, “…the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you will always be on top and never at the bottom” (Deuteronomy 28:13).

This would happen…

“Even though you are banished to the ends of the earth, the Lord your God will gather you from there and bring you back again. The Lord your God will return you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will possess that land again. Then he will make you even more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors! The Lord your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants, so that you will love him with all your heart and soul and so you may live!” (Deuteronomy 30:4-6).

As already seen, this individual change of heart began with the New Covenant and will continue progressively until all of Israel is saved (changed forever).

Israel is alive and well!

God will fulfill his promise to Abraham. Not only to give the Promised Land in perpetuity to the Jews, but to also richly bless the Gentile nations from the land where Messiah himself will one day (soon) live and rule. We would do well as individuals and as a nation to support and defend Israel, both in word and deed. At least don’t harm her as do those who recklessly promote Replacement Theology. They do so by boycotting Israeli goods, supporting UN Resolutions against Israel, siding with her sworn enemies including Palestinians at the expense of Israel, falsely (with little or no real understanding of either ancient or modern history) claim that the Jews are illegally “occupying” Judea and Samaria (West Bank), and any number of other activities that are in direct contradiction of the Scriptures and history.

Here is an excerpt from an article written by Dr. Haim Shine (an observant Jew wounded while serving in the IDF) posted in Israel Hayom this past Monday on the eve of Passover Seder:

“One of the most chilling poems I have ever heard is the last Seder in the Warsaw Ghetto about a Jewish boy, one of the last who survived in the Ghetto, who sings his version of Ma Nishtana? (A four-question Passover poem recited around the Seder dinner table) and asks his father, ‘why is this night so long and more terrible than any nights before? And will there be any Jewish children left to ask the Ma Nishtana?’

“Tonight, on the 74^th anniversary of that bleak Seder in the Ghetto, my mother, who as a young girl stood humiliated and degraded at the Auschwitz-Birkenau train platform, will get to hear her great grandchildren sing Ma Nishtana? loud and clear in the independent State of Israel. No more dark nights, but rather a bright light of redemption and victory.

“Indeed, the fate of the Jews has changed beyond recognition. The State of Israel, which had risen like a phoenix from the ashes, is now a global military power, recognized and respected by many countries worldwide. Finally, after thousands of years, we are no longer slaves to the Pharaohs. We are now the masters of our own destiny.”

*Note: As I pray for the peace of Jerusalem, I also pray that many Jews like Dr. Shine will recognize that the true master of their destiny is none other than Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah).

A final excerpt from his article:

“The sense of freedom that has animated our souls since the Biblical exodus from Egypt is still alive and there isn’t a force in this world that could ever crush the spirit of our people. Against all odds, we are still alive and kicking, our heads held high, while great, tremendous empires have faded away…

“And here we are singing in Jerusalem. We lived to see our dreams become a reality…”

SONY DSC

(There’s Also Dancing in Jerusalem!)

Things to Ponder

Against impossible odds, the Jews have returned to Israel; Hebrew has been resurrected from a dead language; Israel is once again a sovereign nation among the family of nations on this earth. This has never happened to any other people or nation. There is one and only one reason for it: The sovereignty of the one and true living God. What the Lord says he will do, he does. What he says will happen, happens.

Recording and reviewing history without including the God of the Bible—a timeless book, past, present, future—is like pretending that a watch doesn’t have a watchmaker. Or that the watch was not created to measure and tell time. None of us looks constantly at our watch. We do so periodically, which is what the Bible does. It is not only the measure of universal divine truth, it is also a historical timeline of timely events integral to God’s prophetic plan.

True history is His Story … the Jewish Messiah Jesus, who is the very essence of prophecy (Revelation 19:10).

One day soon many more Jews, including Orthodox Rabbis, will embrace Jesus of Nazareth as their Messiah, when he returns in great glory and power to rescue Israel for the last time. First they will look on him whom they have pierced, and they will mourn. Then they will say, Baruch haba beshem Adonai. Blessed is He (Messiah Jesus) who comes in the name of the Lord (God the Father).

And they will rejoice.

Says Almighty God to Israel:

“Though you were once despised and hated, with no one traveling through you, I will make you beautiful forever, a joy to all generations. Powerful kings and mighty nations will satisfy your every need, as though you were a child nursing at the breast of a queen. You will know at last that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel … Violence will disappear from your land; the desolation and destruction of war will end. Salvation will surround you like city walls, and praise will be on the lips of all who enter there” (Isaiah 60:15-16 & 18).

Yes, Israel is alive and well. Through her nations have been blessed and these blessings will be multiplied exponentially during the Millennium and throughout all eternity.

Long live Israel!

Long live her great and glorious King!

Build The Temple! Will Messiah Come?

11 Saturday Mar 2017

Posted by garybowers in Prophecy in General

≈ 1 Comment

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Immanuel

“If you build it, he will come.”

For the second consecutive week, the Eye of Prophecy article begins with another legendary citation, ranked number 39 on the 100 most iconic film quotes designated by the American Film Institute.

Do you recognize the line? What was built and who was it that came when it was built? Do you know the name of the movie?

You are correct if you said: Field of Dreams.

This fantasy drama sports film was released in 1989 starring Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, and Burt Lancaster in his final role before he died. Nominated for three academy awards, including Best Picture, it is one of my two favorite sports movies. The other is The Natural (Robert Redford, Glenn Close, and Robert Duvall).

If you watched the movie, then you remember that Kevin Costner’s character, Ray Kinsella, heard a mysterious voice telling him, “If you build it, he will come.” The plot is then shaped around his efforts to identify the voice and the reason for him to build a baseball diamond near a corn field in Dubuque County Iowa. Sure enough, when the baseball field is finished, Shoeless Joe Jackson and some of his teammates from the infamous 1919 Chicago White Sox appear. And so does Ray’s deceased father, John Kinsella, who was a devoted baseball fan.

My own take on the underlying theme of the movie is that of redemption; a mysterious restoration from the “unforgivable sin” of the Chicago Black Sox (as they were dubbed), throwing the 1919 World Series. Shoeless Joe Jackson is allowed to return once again to play the game that he loved so dearly, and in some fashion to atone for his misdeeds. And Ray was able to play catch with his dad, who some say was the voice that spoke to him, although it could have been Shoeless Joe Jackson’s voice. Either way, their pain was eased (another well-known quote in the story).

However, any fictional analogy to real-life historical, present, or future events always has its limitations.

Even the title of today’s article needs some up-front clarification. Which is: Messiah Jesus’s physical return to this earth will take place some seven years after he takes his bride (believers who have received him as personal Savior) to heaven. Known as the Rapture, this miraculous event will occur at the exact time appointed by the Lord. That time has already been determined, and many contemporary signs suggest that it is so very close at hand.

Thus, the Day of the Lord beginning with the Rapture and culminating with the glorious return of Messiah to Jerusalem to usher in the Millennium does NOT depend upon the Jewish Temple being rebuilt. Putting it another way: It is not the building of the Temple that will cause Messiah to return (for that reason). However, the sequence of the Last Day’s events is such that the Temple will, in fact, have been rebuilt before Messiah Jesus returns to the earth. See Eye of Prophecy article recently published on 2-25-17, entitled, End of the World Events … In Chronological Order!

Nonetheless, when the Temple is rebuilt (if you build it), it is a sure thing that Messiah will return to earth (he will come). In that regard, the thematic line in Field of Dreams is a dramatic likeness with melodramatic imagery of what will be the supreme building project of the 21^st century. Which, in turn, will be a catalyst to the greatest event since Messiah Jesus came to earth 2,000 years ago as the Lamb of God to ransom many by his atoning sacrifice on the cross—the magnificent return of Messiah as King of all kings.

The Significance of a Rebuilt Temple

As written in a few previous Eye of Prophecy articles, a rebuilt Jewish Temple is a passionate prophetic anticipation of the Jews, second only to their longing for the appearance of Messiah. Religious and secular Jews alike yearn for the restoration of the Temple, although most do not understand its ultimate purpose and significance as set forth in Scripture.

For Orthodox Jews a rebuilt Temple will mean renewal of the long-lost Levitical Sacrificial System which ended with the destruction of the 2^nd Temple in 70 AD. Most Orthodox and Conservative Jews believe that Messiah will not come unless the Temple stands again on Temple Mount. A few believe that God will literally send the Temple down from heaven and Messiah will appear soon afterward. Liberal and secular Jews also desire a temple but more as a symbolic confirmation of Israel’s existing and hoped-for perpetual status as a sovereign country in the global family of nations. A rebuilt Temple will solidify their identity and unity as Jews like nothing else since Israel was reborn as a nation in 1948, then reclaimed Jerusalem as their eternal capital in 1967.

(Image of Rebuilt Temple Superimposed on Temple Mount)

Will the 3^rd Jewish Temple be rebuilt? Yes, absolutely it will. Scripture is abundantly clear on this fact. And animal sacrifices will resume, too. (See Eye of Prophecy articles, A Third Jewish Temple, Part I & II, posted 4-26-14 & 5-3-14).

Why and when will it be rebuilt? These are provocative questions, especially in the context of the Lord allowing not only Solomon’s Temple, but also the 2^nd Temple to be destroyed. However, what is the point of another temple, when the New Covenant of Grace produced a brand new (spiritual) Temple for both Jew and Gentile?

What’s the purpose for resumption of animal sacrifices? When, in historical fact, the Ark of the Covenant with its Holy Seat of Atonement disappeared before or during the first exile of the Jews to Babylon. Then the Temple Curtain separating the inner Holy of Holies from the rest of the (2^nd) Temple was torn in half while Messiah Jesus was dying on the Cross for the sins of the whole world. To this day, non-Messianic Jews are still in denial that the Levitical Sacrificial System ended because the purpose for which it served (a pattern and type) was replaced by the once for all redemptive sacrifice of their Messiah. For that matter, most Jews still deny that Jesus is the Messiah or that Messiah’s (next) appearance will be his return. (See Eye of Prophecy articles, The Cross and the Torn Curtain I & II, published 2-6-16 & 2-13-16).

Today’s article will answer these questions.

Since the New Covenant came into existence with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ Jesus, the Lord through the Holy Spirit has taken up residence in born-again believers, Jew and Gentile alike. Believers are a spiritual temple; in our heart, mind, and body is the Kingdom of Heaven which will soon become the physical Kingdom of God on earth.

Said the Apostle Paul to the believers in Corinth: “Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?” (I Corinthians 3:16).

This verse emphasizes that the entire body of Christ (composed of born-again believers) is the collective spiritual Temple of God on earth, which replaced the Temple of the Old Covenant.

Then Paul declares that the Temple of God is not only the entire body of Christ (all believers together), but also each Christian is a temple of the Lord. “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body” (I Corinthians 6:19-20).

Indeed, Christ’s death on the cross was the greatest sacrifice ever made by the highest price ever paid. Not only forgiveness of our sin, pardon of the penalty of that sin, everlasting life in heaven, but also the precious privilege of God (The Holy Spirit) residing in every believer.

God’s Amazing Plan to Live Among and Then In His People

Though our Great God dwells in heaven, long ago he chose to live among his chosen people, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This began with the Tabernacle built by the Hebrews under the instruction and supervision of Moses.

However, the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant fell into disuse and misuse as it rested in Shiloh for over 360 years. In part this was due to the constant rise and fall of Israel during the time of the Judges. Near the end of his life, King David embraced a passionate purpose: To construct a more permanent building (like the Tabernacle), but greater in size and more beautiful in its splendor in which God would dwell among his people. Although the Lord approved David’s plan, he told him that it would be David’s son, Solomon, who would build the Temple.

King David and King Solomon were the two greatest kings of Israel’s glory days some 3,000 years ago. Most know Solomon as the wisest man who ever lived even though he made several bad decisions, not the least of which was allowing some of his many wives to set up and worship idols in Israel.

Concerning the Temple, Solomon offered a lengthy prayer of praise and gratitude to the God of Israel; indeed, the God of the Universe. Included are these words:

“…O Lord, you have said that you would live in a thick cloud of darkness” (II Chronicles 6:1).

We’ll stop here for a moment to remember that when God guided his people through the wilderness, his glory was concealed in a dark cloud by day and column of fire by night. When the Lord spoke directly to Moses and whenever his glorious presence filled the Tabernacle, especially in the Holy of Holies over the Ark of the Covenant, he did so through a dark cloud.

This was absolutely necessary to shield the people, Moses, and the High Priest from the (literal and lethal) brilliant light and glory of God’s presence. Though God is Spirit, his very presence consist of and is surrounded by tangible light and pure spiritual holiness that would be the death of anyone looking directly at the Lord. That is one of the reasons that God the Son came to this earth as a man. Not only to bear our sins as one of us (Son of Man), but also to shield us from God the Father’s awesome glory by temporarily giving up the divine glory that also belonged to Jesus, the Son of God.

We see the same thing happening at the dedication of Solomon’s Temple, one of the grandest celebrations of all time as described in II Chronicles 5 and I Kings 8.

Before the planned dedication service could be completed, we read what happened:

“The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the Lord with these words: ‘He is good! His faithful love endures forever!’

“At that moment, a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord. The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple of God” (II Chronicles 5:13-14).

Continuing with Solomon’s Prayer of Praise:

“Now I have built a glorious Temple for you, a place where you can live forever! … Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who has kept the promise he made to my father, David. For he told my father, ‘From the day I brought my people out of the land of Egypt, I have never chosen a city among any of the tribes of Israel as the place where a Temple should be built to honor my name…’” (II Chronicles 6:2-5).

We see two powerful precedents being set here: (1) God would now dwell among his people in and through a permanent Temple, not a portable Tabernacle that had already served its purpose during the Hebrews’ journey through the wilderness. (2) God had chosen a special city in Israel to dwell with his people: JERUSALEM. Actually, God’s presence is what made Jerusalem special.

Temple Mount was also the ancient site where God spared Isaac’s life. Only to not spare the life of God’s own Son, Messiah Jesus, some 2,000 years later and nearly 2,000 years ago. But praise and glory to God: To not spare his son meant that we could be saved from an eternity in the Lake of Fire separated from God. ALL we need do is believe and receive Jesus as personal Savior (Romans 10:9-10).

Yet our majestic God created the universe, the heavens, the earth, and all living things. Does he really need a Temple in which to dwell on earth, when the entire earth belongs to him, when the entire expanse of heaven is his home?

Listen to Solomon’s wisdom to understand all this:

“But will God really live on earth among people? Why, even the highest heavens cannot contain you. How much less this Temple I have built!” (II Chronicles 6:18).

Then at the close of this splendid prayer of praise:

“And now arise, O Lord God, and enter your resting place, along with the Ark, the symbol of your power. May your priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation; may your loyal servants rejoice in your goodness” (Verse 41).

Why Did The Lord Choose To Live Among His People?

Many people don’t know or have forgotten (including some Christians) that God actually dwelt on this earth in the form of what is called in Hebrew his “Shekinah” glory. Yes, God was present with his people the Jews, and is now present in his people, both Jew and Gentile, who have been redeemed by the Son of God, Messiah Yeshua.

Why on earth (an expression we often use) would God choose to live on earth? God is God no matter where he dwells. Scripture clearly shows us that God is omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipresent (everywhere and all at once if he chooses to be).

Solomon knew that, which is why he was in awe that the Lord would, “really live on earth among people.”

From direct Biblical passages and from inferred reasoning, I believe that Scripture is abundantly clear: the main purpose (above all) that God chose to dwell among his people is to show us (his creation) that he is a PERSONAL GOD. Then he sent his beloved Son, born as both God and man, to show us that he is a PERSONAL SAVIOR. Then he gave the Holy Spirit as a gift to indwell each believer to be our PERSONAL MENTOR.

In Tabernacle and Temple times only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies and only one time a year—Yom Kippur, Day of Atonement. Under the New Covenant of salvation through grace apprehended by faith in Christ Jesus, each believer is a spiritual temple indwelt by the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Triune God. As a result:

“And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God” (I Peter 2:5).

With this wonderful position in Christ each born-again believer has the awesome privilege to:

“…boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean…” (Hebrews 10:19-22).

Praise God, there are tens of thousands of Jews all over the world who have recognized Jesus as Messiah, who have accepted his once for all redemptive sacrifice.

As the Jewish author of the book of Hebrews writes: “…He (Messiah Jesus) cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. For God’s will was for us to be made holy (separated from the world) by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time” (Hebrews 10:9-10, parenthesis mine).

Sadly, there are still millions of Jews and billions of Gentiles who do not believe or do not care that the New Covenant prophesied by Isaiah and Jeremiah has replaced the Old Covenant of the Law with its incessant sacrifice of animals. If they could only see and accept that:

I would encourage you to read a trilogy of Eye of Prophecy articles entitled, Where Is The Temple, Part I, II, III, published 11-29, 12-6 & 12-13-14. Here is a brief excerpt from Part III (in italics):

The intriguing question posed in this article and the past two Eye of Prophecy articles relating to the fate of the Jewish Temples is designed as a challenge to explain what happened to them and why. To stimulate reflection about the repercussions of such a devastating time of Jewish history. To investigate the staggering impact on the entire Jewish faith WHEN Solomon’s Temple, then (hundreds of years later) Herod’s Temple, was destroyed. But also Gentile participation in this history pertaining mostly to religious systems that, to varying degrees, were patterned after and around the Mosaic Laws.

To once again come to terms with the rolling Premise of these articles: No Temple, no sacrificial offerings. No sacrifices, no atonement forgiveness of sins. No forgiveness, no redemption. No redemption, no right standing with God.

Once again I will pose the question: Will there be a rebuilt Jewish Temple? And yet again, the answer is: Absolutely it will be rebuilt.

But why? And even more so: Why will the Jewish sacrifices be restored, when Scripture clearly tells us that Messiah Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection was and is a sufficient sacrifice for all time?

In the final Revelation of Jesus Christ that completed the Canon of Scripture, we read about the magnificent New Jerusalem that descends directly from heaven to hover over the earth for all eternity. Included in that amazing description is:

“I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light” (Revelation 21:22-23).

(It’s Quite Difficult to Artistically Depict the New Jerusalem)

Yet only believers in Messiah, both Jew and Gentile, will inhabit the New Jerusalem and not until the end of the Millennium.

(Size of the New Jerusalem If Placed Over the Above Land Mass on Earth, Dimensions are 1,400 miles wide, 1,400 miles long, and 1,400 miles high … Revelation 21:16)

However, (Old) Jerusalem—the eternal capital of Israel and the city most loved by God above all other cities—will remain on this earth. There are numerous Old Testament prophecies and promises to validate this statement. During the Millennium, Christ Jesus will rule and reign from Jerusalem, Israel, and believers will go freely to and from Jerusalem … all the while serving him throughout the earth wherever he stations us.

And on Temple Mount in Jerusalem, there will be another Temple.

What a Temple It Will Be!

Ezekiel Chapters 40-47 provide meticulous detail on that temple, which was not the 2^nd Temple built by Zerubbabel (see books of Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah). One of the differences between Ezekiel’s Temple and the 2^nd Jewish Temple was the size (dimensions).

Another remarkable distinction: from Ezekiel’s Temple flowed a river with many trees growing on both sides of its banks.

With the astounding result that: “…This river flows east through the desert into the valley of the Dead Sea. The waters of this stream will make the salty waters of the Dead Sea fresh and pure. There will be swarms of living things wherever the water of this river flows. Fish will abound in the Dead Sea, for its waters will become fresh. Life will flourish wherever this water flows” (Ezekiel 47:8-9).

I’ve been to Israel; unfortunately, I didn’t have time to make it to the Dead Sea. But I’ve read much about it and seen many photographs of people floating on the surface, buoyed up by the tremendous amount of minerals including salt. There’s nothing alive in the Dead Sea. All that will change when Messiah returns.

John, the author of the book of Revelation, confirms that the Temple will have been rebuilt before the last 3 ½ years of the Tribulation.

“Then I was given a measuring stick, and I was told, ‘Go and measure the Temple of God and the altar, and count the number of worshippers. But do not measure the outer courtyard (Court of Gentiles), for it has been turned over to the nations. They will trample the holy city for 42 months” (Revelation 11:1-2, parenthesis mine).

As written in several past Eye of Prophecy articles, Antichrist Nero’s seven year treaty with Israel will lead directly to the rebuilding of the 3^rd Temple soon after the treaty goes into effect. Although Nero will desecrate the Temple near the very end of the Tribulation, the Temple will not be destroyed. Instead, it will be made even better and bigger to fit the size of the Temple as given to Ezekiel. Or it’s possible that the Jews who rebuild the Temple soon after the Rapture will follow precisely Ezekiel’s specifications. Either way, half way through the seven-year treaty Nero will bring a screeching halt to sacrifices (Daniel 9:27).

Nevertheless, Temple services will resume when Messiah triumphantly returns to earth to vanquish Israel’s enemies, including Antichrist and the False Prophet. The offerings will then continue into the Millennium. How do we know this? And once again, why?

Not only from Ezekiel, but also from the prophet Zechariah, we read:

“In the end, the enemies of Jerusalem who survive the plague will go up to Jerusalem each year to worship the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies (none other than Jesus the Messiah), and to celebrate the Festival of Shelters” (Zechariah 14:16, parenthesis mine).

All seven of the Jewish Festivals ordained by God required sacrifices, including the Festival of Shelters (Feast of Tabernacles) or Sukkot as it is now called by the Jews. Sukkot will be the one Festival in which representatives from all nations will be required to attend.

Continuing in Zechariah:

“On that day, even the harness bells of the horses will be inscribed with these words: HOLY TO THE LORD. And the cooking pots in the Temple of the Lord will be as sacred as the basins used beside the altar. In fact, every cooking pot in Jerusalem and Judah will be holy (consecrated) to the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. All who come to worship will be free to use any of these pots to boil their sacrifices. And on that day there will no longer be traders in the Temple of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies” (Zechariah 14:20-21, parenthesis mine).

At the beginning of the marvelous Millennial Reign of Messiah Jesus, the Temple will once again be purified … to be what Jesus said (quoting the prophet) it was intended to be from the beginning.

Soon after Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem when he was hailed as the Messiah, the Son of David, we read:

“When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and he stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. He said to them, ‘The Scriptures declare, My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations, but you have turned it into a den of thieves.’ When the leading priests and the teachers of religious law heard what Jesus had done, they began planning how to kill him. But they were afraid of him because the people were so amazed at his teaching” (Mark 11:15-18).

(Depiction of Solomon’s Temple)

This wasn’t the first time that God’s chosen people had defiled their own Temple. Listen to the word of the Lord to Jeremiah concerning the people and Solomon’s Temple:

“Don’t be fooled into thinking that you will never suffer because the Temple is here. It’s a lie! Do you really think you can steal, murder, commit adultery, lie, and burn incense to Baal and all those other new gods of yours, and then come here and stand before me in my Temple and chant, ‘We are safe!’—only to go right back to all those evils again? Don’t you yourselves admit that this Temple, which bears my name, has become a den of thieves? Surely I see all the evil going on there. I, the Lord, have spoken!” (Jeremiah 7:8-11).

Read with me one of the many end times prophecies concerning the return of the Jews from exile to the four corners of the earth, which is being fulfilled before our 20^th and 21^st century eyes:

“I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer. I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices, because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations. For the Sovereign Lord, who brings back the outcasts of Israel, says, I will bring others, too, besides my people Israel” (Isaiah 56:7-8).

What God says will happen, always happens. What he says he will do, he always does. Hundreds of fulfilled Biblical prophecies attest to the indisputable fact that there is one and only one God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Yes, Jesus of Nazareth will return as King of all kings.

“On that day life-giving waters will flow out from Jerusalem, half toward the Dead Sea and half toward the Mediterranean, flowing continuously in both summer and winter. And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one Lord—his name alone will be worshipped” (Zechariah 14:8-9).

There is no doubt whatsoever: The Temple will be rebuilt and will once again be filled with God’s glory. But there’s more this time: The Son of God who was the first to be raised from the dead with an everlasting spiritual body will return to rule the nations with truth, justice, righteousness, and peace. And we, who will be given these same wonderful spiritual bodies at the Rapture, will reign with him … as we have been destined to share his inheritance.

Among many other glorious experiences (soon to come):

“In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s house will be the highest of all—the most important place on earth. It will be raised above the other hills, and people from all over the world will stream there to worship. People from many nations will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of Jacob’s God. There he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths.’

For the Lord’s teaching will go out from Zion; his word will go out from Jerusalem. The Lord will mediate between peoples and will settle disputes between strong nations far away. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore. Everyone will live in peace and prosperity, enjoying their own grapevines and fig trees, for there will be nothing to fear” (Micah 4:1-4).

Summary

The two-day Jewish Festival of Purim begins tomorrow. Jews will celebrate Queen Esther’s bold, but uninvited entrance to King Xerxes’ presence to save her people from genocide. Bold, because Esther didn’t know if the king would accept her or reject her (under penalty of death). For Messianic Jews and Christians the world over, we also honor the story of Esther. And in our remembrance, we can be thankful for another miracle: the miracle of God’s grace that (through redemption in Messiah) grants us unlimited access to the very presence of God.

In fact, the King, God’s Royal Son, has already extended his standing invitation:

“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Things to Ponder

If you build it, he will come.

And, if you build it, they will come.

This was an intriguing invitation from a fantasy filled story that even the authors and actors didn’t fully understand what they were saying, or what it meant, or how it would work… not in the context of today’s realty and things to come. Yet, the Bible—the Word of God—tells us so much of what has happened, what will happen, and how and why. Scripture presents God’s remarkable plan of redemption for the human race and the fascinating finish of our salvation including, but not limited to, Messiah’s ultimate victory over evil and death itself.

In summary answer to the questions of why a rebuilt Temple and resumption of offerings:

Solomon’s Temple was built so that God’s glory (his very presence) would be personally with the people. But God’s people couldn’t and wouldn’t keep the Lord’s commandments nor trust in him as their God, the only God. Thus, the Lord abandoned them and withdrew his presence and protection, allowing their enemies to completely conquer them (not once but twice) and exile them throughout the earth. The Lord departed from Solomon’s Temple and his glory did not return to Herod’s Temple. Both of these temples were destroyed.

Thus, the Lord implemented his New Covenant with the Jews, to this time include the Gentiles. The physical temples of stone and wood and the sacrificial offerings were but a pattern, a prelude pointing to something, someone far greater and much better. They gave way to the spiritual temple of the believer’s body, soul, and spirit.

When Christ Jesus returns, he will be forever Immanuel … God with us. As will the Father. But this time the Temple and the Temple offerings will point back as a solemn and also joyful reminder of so great a salvation purchased by the life blood of so great a Savior.

It will be a graphic illustration and meaningful reminder of the timeless sacrifice of the Jewish Messiah for his people, which is the culmination of Israel’s destiny from the beginning—to be a light to the Gentiles.

And while we wait, may we always remember:

“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds” (Titus 2:11-14).

Hallelujah to the Lamb of God!

Everlasting praise to the Lion from the Tribe of Judah

Peace on Earth … Is It Really Possible?

11 Saturday Feb 2017

Posted by garybowers in Prophecy in General

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Prince of Peace

The Incomparable Names and Titles of Messiah Jesus

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

This is one of my favorite passages in all of Scripture, one that I’ve quoted in several Eye of Prophecy articles when it fit the theme of that article. One other article (The Wonder of It All, posted 12-21-13) also began with this passage. The article, The Child of Promise Part II (published 8-30-14) examined each part of the passage in detail.

In whatever context this verse was quoted, invariably it was to demonstrate that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah foretold by Isaiah and many other prophets. Moreover, the Messiah would not only be sent by God as a man, he would be (is) Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, and Everlasting Father!

In addition to the appellations found in Isaiah Chapter 9, Jesus (Yeshua) is known by several other titles. Some of which he ascribed to himself; other names given to him by the Holy Spirit inspired writers of Scripture.

Such as: The Son of God, Son of David, Son of Man, The Good Shepherd, The Bread of Life, Light of the World, Lamb of God, Lion from the Tribe of Judah, Redeemer, The Living Word of God, The Bright Morning Star, The Creator, King of Israel, King of all kings, Lord of all lords, Cornerstone Foundation (of the Church), The Mediator (between God and man), The Way, The Truth, The Resurrection and the Life, Lord of the Sabbath, The Gate, The Vine, The Branch, Alpha and Omega, Emmanuel (God with us), The Messiah, and I AM! (Yahweh).

If I have omitted one of your favorite titles, then add it to the list!

These names express not only who Jesus is, but also what he has done and will do upon his glorious return to the earth. They convey his origin (from the distant past, Micah 5:2) and eternal existence (The Beginning and the End, First and Last). He is from Everlasting to Everlasting.

Today we want to focus on the title that has been quoted as often or more than any other, especially during these last day’s eager expectation for Messiah’s appearance to bring peace to a woeful, war-torn world filled with apathy, anger, anguish, and apocalyptic anxiety.

Which is: PRINCE OF PEACE

Is Messiah Jesus the Prince of Peace? (Sar Shalom, in Hebrew)

The answer is emphatically expressed in Scripture. Yes he is … but not yet.

Why would I say such a thing? What do I mean by not yet or not now?

To adequately answer these questions, we need to define peace. Then we need to grasp the Biblical evidence that peace comes in two kinds and stages. One is internal and the other external. One is individual, the other is universal; one must come before the other. Before there can be peace between people, there first must be harmony between God and man.

A Ruler from the Distant Past

Let’s begin with another well-known verse of Scripture. One of many that announced the coming of Messiah.

“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past” (Micah 5:2, italics for emphasis).

The italicized words in this verse clearly convey that this prophesied ruler of Israel would be of divine origin, and who but God is Divine. Yet as the prophet Micah tells us: he would come from Bethlehem. And as Isaiah says, he would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14).

Then a short while later, Micah writes: “…Then at last his fellow countrymen will return from exile to their own land. And he will stand to lead his flock with the Lord’s strength, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. Then his people will live there undisturbed, for he will be highly honored around the world. And he will be the source of peace” (Verses 3-5, italics for emphasis).

Thus, the context of the passage specifically links Messiah’s birth to deliverance of Israel (at last, signaling a lengthy passage of time) and ushering in peace throughout the world.

The primary point in this passage as related to today’s topic is that Messiah (Jesus) would bring peace to the world but not at the time when he first arrived on the earth as a baby born of a virgin in Bethlehem. As explicitly expressed in Isaiah 53, the Messiah must first suffer and die for the sins of his people (the Jews), but also for the sins of the whole world … Gentiles.

In so doing, he would bring peace, but not between peoples. Not then, not during his first visit to the earth. That would come later, upon his royal return.

Then the prophet Zechariah records the words of Messiah who speaks of the last days, of coming to dwell permanently with his people (the Jews), to include the Gentiles:

“The Lord says, ‘Shout and rejoice O beautiful Jerusalem, for I am coming to live among you. Many nations will join themselves to the Lord on that day, and they, too, will be my people. I will live among you, and you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies sent me to you. The land of Judah will be the Lord’s special possession in the holy land, and he will once again choose Jerusalem to be his own city. Be silent before the Lord, all humanity, for he is springing into action from his holy dwelling’” (Zechariah 2:10-13, italics for emphasis).

How do we know it is Messiah speaking in this passage (italicized)? Because he speaks in the first person, and says that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies (God the Father) sent him.

Prince of Peace (Shalom)

Isaiah Chapter 9 tells us that Messiah is the Prince of Peace, but notice that this designation is the last of three other majestic titles—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father.

By ascribing these names to the Messiah, Scripture is reinforcing other Biblical passages that reveal the attributes of the mighty Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For example, without using the word Trinity which is a theological term used to describe the Great Three in One God, we see that in the very beginning God declared, “Let us create man in our image” (Genesis 1:26).

The context of Isaiah Chapter 9—the only Bible passage that assigns the Messianic title of Prince of Peace—is unquestionably speaking of and attached to, “His government and its peace (that) will never end” (Isaiah 9:7). In other words, the end-time (second) coming of Messiah to finally establish the Kingdom of God on earth.

Shalom … The Hebrew Word for Peace

There are other Hebrew words for peace or the idea of peace, but the word Shalom is used most often in the Old Testament … 238 times in the New American Standard Bible. It is the word used in Isaiah Chapter 9 and Micah Chapter 5 that we just read.

According to Thayer’s Bible Dictionary (a great resource to define Greek and Hebrew words), Shalom means: “Completeness, soundness, welfare, health, prosperity, tranquility, and safety” especially as applied to human relationships. For millennia and still today it is the standard salutation of Israelis and Jews all over the world, for both greetings and farewells.

Innately imbedded in the concept of Shalom (peace) is, of course, absence of war and cessation of interpersonal conflicts between ethnic groups and societies.

Although the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God can be used, in a general sense, interchangeably as found in Scripture (specifically the New Testament), each concept also contains a unique connotation and specific reference point. Jesus came to earth to establish the Kingdom of God. Tragically, his own people refused to accept him as Messiah—despite the numerous miracles he performed and the unparalleled teaching and wisdom he imparted. Even after his resurrection from the dead, they still would not believe. Please see Eye of Prophecy article, Lazarus and Lazarus & The Sign of Jonah (Posted 1-14-17).

Yet this was all prophesied in Scripture, most notably in Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53. It was all part of God’s splendid plan for mankind—redemption through the perfect, once for all sacrifice of God’s very Son. It was the greatest sacrifice ever made by the highest price ever paid.

Therefore, Jesus established the Kingdom of Heaven in the hearts and minds of all who would believe and receive him as personal Savior. Which is how and why the angel announced the glorious news of Jesus’s birth, the arrival of the Messiah who would offer salvation to all people.

“…I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! … Suddenly the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased’” (Luke 2:10-14, italics for emphasis).

Greek Word for Peace … Eirene (pronounced i-rah’nay)

This Greek word for peace contains the same intrinsic meaning as the Hebrew word Shalom. Like the Hebrew word, its definition stands alone; however, both words are further defined and understood by the context of the passage. Yet with the Greek word as used in the New Testament, we find an expanded application (meaning).

Such as found in another verse that nearly all born-again believers have heard or read; one that many have memorized.

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us” (Romans 5:1).

This is the peace that we have in our hearts and minds, a peace absent the enmity and division caused by sin; indeed, by the very sin nature we were born with, that separates every human being from God. It is peace with God, a prerequisite to “peace on earth” good will toward men.

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead (death means separation … here separation from God) because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)” (Ephesians 2:4-5, first parenthesis mine, second parenthesis found in the text).

Thayer’s Dictionary defines the Greek word (Eirene) for peace as: “Christian tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ … no fear of God’s condemnation.”

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

The Kingdom of Heaven was and is still being established in the hearts and minds of all who believe and receive Messiah Jesus as their personal Savior. This heavenly kingdom on earth came through Messiah Jesus when he was crucified, buried, and when he arose from the dead.

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(“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind” Matthew 13:47).

“After supper he took another cup of wine and said, ‘This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you’” (Luke 22:20).

So great a salvation truly gives believers in Messiah Jesus peace of mind and assurance of the heart.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NASB).

This is the peace that only the Holy Spirit can produce (as spiritual fruit) in the lives of believers in Messiah Jesus, to whom the Holy Spirit is given and in whom he dwells. “…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Jesus promised this peace to his disciples (all believers):

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27, NASB).

The Lord promised believers that we can have protective peace of heart and mind that comes from a right standing with God (God and His Son’s righteousness imputed to us that pardons all our sins). Jesus also contrasted his peace to the (a) peace that the world thinks it can attain without acknowledgment of God in the affairs of people.

Which leads us to the common conclusion of most people on this planet: peace is between people, with no or little regard for the horse before the cart Biblical principle that we must first have peace with God.

To further emphasize that peace on earth between peoples and nations can only be achieved when there is individual peace with God, here is an excerpt from Eye of Prophecy article, Messiah and the Jewish Festivals … An Extraordinary Connection! (Published 9-24-16):

To be sure, the Messiah would one day deliver Israel from all Gentile domination, but not until he first freed the people from themselves. Until the human heart is supernaturally changed by the righteousness that only God can give (as opposed to sin induced self-righteousness that only enslaves people), a kingdom (nation) cannot be changed from one of darkness to one of light.

A Stunning Statement by Messiah Jesus

As additional reinforcement to the Biblical premise that there are two different kinds of peace and that Jesus came to earth the first time to mediate peace with God by making us right with God, let’s look at a profound but perplexing statement by Jesus that contains the same Greek word eirene (peace). Perplexing, however, only if we fail to see that the Lord’s astonishing announcement is not a nullification of the peace that he gives to the hearts and minds of believers. Rather, his reference is to the transitory type of peace that the world wants and thinks it can achieve without any need to change the human heart from the inside out. A global peace that will one day be realized—but only through the return of Messiah Jesus to save the world from annihilation that comes from the pretense of making peace they really didn’t understand in the first place.

The Apostle Paul warned us of this deceptive peacetime that will result in destruction.

“For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, ‘Everything is peaceful and secure,’ then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape” (I Thessalonians 5:2-3).

Before we read the stunning statement of Jesus, let’s look at Webster’s Dictionary primary definitions of peace, most of which reflect the second kind of peace … peace on earth among nations.

“1. A state of tranquility or quiet: as a: freedom from civil disturbance, b: a state of security or order within a community provided by law or custom. 2: freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions. 3: harmony in personal relations. 4: a: a state or period of mutual concord between governments, b: a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity…”

That is kind of peace Jesus addressed when he said:

“I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning! I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished. Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other. From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against—or two in favor and three against. Father will be divided against son…” (Luke 12:49-53a).

Amazing! At face value it seems that Jesus is negating all that he wants his followers to possess and present to others, including love, joy, peace, and unity.

The Lord says he would divide “people against each other,” yet this division begins within the family, which is the foundational fabric of communities, societies, and nations.

But there is no contradiction. When Jesus said he came to “set the world on fire,” he was referring to the fire of redemptive purification that ONLY the truth of Biblical salvation can ignite. Which is Jesus, himself, who declared that he is the Way, Truth, and Life. Jesus was referring to the “truth that sets us free” (John 8:32) from the bondage of incessant, incapacitating sin that produces all of the ills of human kind … exhibited rampantly and continuously in today’s wicked world. Such as those listed in the same passage in Galatians preceding the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21).

*Note: Paul is not talking about perfection or that Christians don’t commit one or more of these wrong things. He is talking about unbelievers whose entire lifestyle is consumed with such things, because they are following the desires of their sinful nature. Christians still sin, but as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, we sin less, because that is not who or what we are any longer. We are a new creation in Christ with a burning desire to follow Messiah Jesus. We are not sinless, but by the grace of God, we do sin less.

“…At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (II Corinthians 5:16-17).

A True Peace That Divides

It is belief in and acceptance of the truth of the gospel (Jesus substitutionary sacrificial death on the cross) that sets us free from the penalty of sin and gives us eternal life in heaven, when we will be forever free from the very presence of sin, grief, pain, remorse, hostility, and death itself.

But this truth divides. It separates good from evil; light from darkness; right from wrong; honesty from lies; God’s righteousness given to us from self-righteous efforts of good works that vainly try to gain God’s favor; and true everlasting peace with God from man-made peace that produces only a temporary false sense of security and serenity. A semblance of safety that all too quickly disappears with the next war just around the corner.

That is why Jesus said he did not come (the first time) to bring peace to the earth. “Peace on earth” announced by the angel at Messiah’s birth is connected to and generously given to those, “with whom God is pleased” … meaning all who place their faith in God’s Son as Savior.

As the Son of God and God the Son, Jesus knew all too well that he must first die (which is why he was under such “a heavy burden” when he spoke these words) to redeem Jew and Gentile alike; before Jew and Gentile and before Gentile and Gentile could have peace with one another by being joined with Christ.

*Note: The Greek noun eirene stems from the verb eiro which means “to join.” For you ladies out there, the Greek noun (for peace) is a feminine noun. Not only grammatically, but rightfully so! For the most part, women much more than men long for peace between peoples (starting with their husband!) that provide them with a lasting sense of security, tranquility, and contentment.

However, before there can be peace and harmony between people, God’s truth needs to be embedded in our hearts and minds. This leads to real peace with God, with our self, and with others.

So, once again I’ll ask the question, which is just as rhetorical as when asked earlier in this article; but with, I hope, a better understanding of the answer.

Is Jesus the Prince of Peace?

Yes, but not yet.

When?

Soon, when he returns to judge the world’s final rebellion against the Most High God, and to establish the Kingdom of God on earth with truth, justice, and Shalom.

During the Great Tribulation there will be incredible wickedness on this earth, perpetrated by Satan through his man of sin, Antichrist Nero, and the false prophet; and with appalling approval of billions of people who have shaken their fist at Almighty God. As King David proclaimed long ago:

“The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one (Messiah Jesus). ‘Let us break their chains,’ they cry, ‘and free ourselves from slavery to God’” (Psalm 2:2-3, parenthesis mine).

Here is God’s reaction, as continued in this passage, which contains an indisputable reference to Messiah as God’s Son (also found in Psalm 110 … please see Eye of Prophecy articles, Does God Really Have a Son?, Part I and II, posted 10-31 & 11-7-15):

“But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. Then in anger he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury. For the Lord declares, ‘I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.’

“The king proclaims the Lord’s decree: ‘The Lord said to me, You are my son. Today I have become your Father. Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession’” (Psalms 2:4-8).

Then, near the end of the Great Tribulation—the end of this epoch age of human history as we know it, we hear:

“And I heard a voice from the altar, saying, ‘Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, your judgments are true and just’” (Revelation 16:7).

For thousands of years, God has patiently allowed the human race to prove that it can achieve true peace (not only absence of war but total tranquility in societies) with God and among themselves. You don’t have to know all that much history to realize how miserably we have failed in accomplishing this otherwise noble endeavor. Would-be messiahs down through the ages have tried without success. In fact, most rulers misused their power and abused their people to establish their own kind of “peace” through subjugation of freedom itself.

Scripture is crystal clear: There is only one Man who can bring peace to the human race. First, he enabled those who believed and received him as personal Savior to have peace with God by returning and reuniting them back to God.

“For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone…” (I Timothy 2:5-6). Without this freedom from enslavement to sin and the repulsive repercussions of the wrong things we do, there can be no peace in us or around us.

Messiah Jesus is the author and finisher of the New Covenant between God and his chosen people, the Jews; a marvelous New Way to God that also includes the Gentiles.

“But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it” (Hebrews 8:6-7).

One glorious result of the New Covenant of Grace will be perfect peace during the Millennial Reign of Christ Jesus on this earth as foretold by the prophet Isaiah:

“…For the Lord’s teaching will go out from Zion; his word will go out from Jerusalem. The Lord will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore” (Isaiah 2:3b-4).

Is Peace on Earth really possible? Will it actually happen?

Absolutely! Messiah Jesus will return as the Prince of Peace to see to it. When that happens,

“His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity…” (Isaiah 9:7).

Things to Ponder

It is said, “Be careful what you wish for.”

Those who want nothing to do with God, who don’t believe that God’s unequivocal truth is found in His Word, the Bible; who reject the very idea of absolute truth to show us what is universally right and wrong, good and evil, life and death, then they’ll get what they want.

They will be free from “slavery to God.”

But, oh, what a tormented non-peaceful “freedom” that will be.

They will also seal their destiny. If they believe the lie that acceptance of God’s plan of salvation means “slavery to God” instead of freedom from slavery to sin and selfishness, then the Lord will give them the “peace” and “freedom” to join many others in the Lake of Fire. Ever so sadly, they will be eternally separated from the God who loved them enough to sacrifice his only Son; who wanted to save them from themselves and the lies that Satan, through false religions, vain philosophies, and false messiahs (culminating with The Anti-Messiah), foisted on them.

“This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them … Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth” (II Thessalonians 2:9-12).

In closing, let’s listen to the words of Jesus quoted earlier, this time from the New Living Translation and with the promise of his return:

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again…” (John 14:27-28).

“Amen! Come Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20b).

Hanukkah … The Festival Born of a Prophecy!

31 Saturday Dec 2016

Posted by garybowers in Prophecy in General

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Festival of Lights, Maccabees, Menorah

Hanukkah in History

Last week’s Eye of Prophecy article (The Virgin Birth … How and Why?) was posted on Christmas Eve, which “just happened” this year to occur on the first day (eve) of Hanukkah. This week’s article falls on the final (eighth) day of what some say is the most widely celebrated festival of the Jews, religious and secular alike. On most Jewish calendars you’ll find the oft used Hebrew spelling of this happy holiday … Chanukah. That’s because of the more accurate pronunciation of the hard “Ch” syllable (Kahnukkah), instead of the soft “hah” sound.

Like Purim that is normally observed in the Gregorian calendar month of February, Hanukkah is not one of the Biblical festivals required by God as given in the Mosaic Law. Whereas Purim was (Biblically) instituted by Mordecai and Queen Esther as an annual Jewish observance, Hanukkah is not found in Scripture. It wasn’t even recorded in any extra-Biblical Jewish religious literature; although the secular Jewish historian Titus Flavius Josephus provided a narrative of this event in his book, Jewish Antiquities XII. However, the circumstances surrounding Hanukkah were added to the Jewish Talmud (written collection of Jewish oral teachings and history) some 600 years after the time of the Maccabees.

Rather, we find Hanukkah’s captivating chronicle through the Books of the First and Second Maccabees, which are not part of the Biblical canon; but are considered by many Biblical scholars as historically accurate. Why the story of the Maccabean revolt that led to the “miracle of Hanukkah” is not part of the Old Testament Bible, would take far more time/space than this week’s article can afford. Thus, I’ll offer just two brief reasons:

(1) It occurred some 250 years after God’s last appointed prophet (Malachi) spoke God’s words to his people. The composite four-hundred year span of God’s silence was a transition time between the Old Covenant of the Law and New Covenant of Grace. Not until the next Jewish prophet John the Baptist prepared the way for the Messiah of the New Covenant, did God reveal himself again to the Jews and also, this time, to the whole world.

(2) Due largely to reason number one, God chose (for other reasons known only to him) not to directly inspire the recording of the events leading to Hanukkah through any of God’s chosen authors of New Testament times/books.

Based on the title of today’s article, you might get the impression that Hanukkah was predicted in Scripture by one or more of the Old Testament prophets. It was not, at least not the results of the Maccabean Jewish victory over an evil Syrian ruler. Those results were twofold, constituting the essence of this remarkable Jewish holiday. They were (A) Restoration and rededication of the Jewish Temple after the Jews defeated the Syrian/Greeks against all odds; (B) One day’s supply of the sacred oil used to light the Menorah, lasting for eight days until more purified olive oil could be produced.

(Replica of the Original Biblical Menorah … During a Trip to Israel, I Stood Next to This Menorah in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem)

Thus, respectively, in direct connection to A and B listed in the preceding paragraph, Hanukkah is also referred to as the: Festival of Dedication and Festival of Lights. Hanukkah is the Hebrew word meaning “dedication.” Although the 2^nd Temple was later destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD, observant Jews still emphasize dedication (loyal observance) of their lives to the principles of holiness (consecrated separation) found in the civil, ceremonial, and moral features of the Law of Moses. Hanukkah serves as a serious but also festive reminder of this dedication.

Yet, when it comes to the equally vital component part of the Mosaic Law (Levitical Sacrificial System), the Jews are unfortunately in denial that there is no atonement for sin without the sacrificial shedding of innocent (animal) blood. Instead of recognizing and accepting the New Covenant established through the once for all substitutionary sacrifice of their very Messiah (Yeshua), they hope that mitzvot (good deeds … acts of love and giving) will merit salvation.

(I would encourage you to read the trilogy of Eye of Prophecy articles entitled: Where is the Temple? I, II, III. Posted in November and December, 2014).

HOWEVER, the sequence of events that produced the marvel of Hanukkah were, in fact, predicted by the prophet Daniel some 370 years before they took place, including dramatic details about the malicious Syrian ruler who would devastate Israel and profane the Temple. Followed by even more amazing information about another wicked tyrant (the little horn of Daniel Chapter 7 and the beast of Revelation 13 & 17 … Antichrist Nero) who would follow in the warped footsteps of his evil archetype predecessor. Hanukkah was a direct result of this fulfilled prophecy.

The original Kingdom that would split into four parts—one of which this 2^nd century BC Syrian despot would rule over—was also prophesied by Daniel.

Alexander the Great

It all began when Alexander the Great soundly defeated the Persians, spelling the end to an empire even greater than that of Babylon, at least in terms of longevity. In 334 BC, Alexander launched a campaign that would engulf most of the civilized world, establishing a Grecian dynasty that would last some 300 years with ongoing influence of Greek civilization in the Roman Empire for another 500 years. Alexander’s realm would not be equaled until the Roman Empire reached its zenith. Yet even Rome was heavily saturated with Greek language and culture.

(Bust of Alexander the Great)

Alexander died a mysterious death in June, 323 B.C. at the young age of 32. History is unclear whether he was murdered (poison) or died from natural causes (fever). Yet his passing was so abruptly unexpected that no heir had been appointed to his domain. Subsequently, the Grecian Empire was divided into four regions: Ptolemy of Egypt; Seleucid of Mesopotamia and Central Asia; Pergamon; and Macedon. It’s the Ptolemaic and Seleucid dynasties that are referenced in Daniel Chapter 11, long before they came into existence.

The Greek empire was one of the four world kingdoms revealed by God to Daniel in the form of four “huge beasts.”

“Then the third of these strange beasts appeared, and it looked like a leopard. It had four bird’s wings on its back, and it had four heads. Great authority was given to this beast” (Daniel 7:6).

These four beasts were initially in the form of a four-part statue seen in a dream by the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel Chapter 2). The figurative imagery recorded by Daniel clearly matches subsequent world history, confirming that the third beast was Greece.

Later, Daniel is given more information about the great ruler of this third empire, which history also affirms as none other than Alexander the Great. Included in this subsequent revelation to Daniel (which I strongly believe was given by the Pre-Incarnate Messiah Jesus), were meticulous details to confirm the (four-part) division of the third beast—the leopard (four wings and four heads). Plus intricate details of ensuing rulers of the Ptolemaic and Seleucid domains, specifically Antiochus IV Epiphanes; followed by an evil despot (Antichrist) who would be even more ruthless than Antiochus.

Concerning Alexander the Great and the dominant Grecian Empire, we read:

“Then a mighty king will rise to power who will rule with great authority and accomplish everything he sets out to do. But at the height of his power, his kingdom will be broken apart and divided into four parts. It will not be ruled by the king’s descendants, nor will the kingdom hold the authority it once had. For his empire will be uprooted and given to others” (Daniel 11:3-4).

Antiochus IV Epiphanes

Time/space does not allow us to cover the first part of Daniel Chapter 11 through verse 27, which predicted what history has termed, “The Seleucid Wars” that culminated in 198 BC between Egypt and Syria. The armies of Seleucid King Antiochus III defeated Ptolemy V and took over Judea and Samaria, which had been part of the Ptolemaic realm. Instead, we will fast forward to 175 BC, when Antiochus IV ascended the Seleucid throne.

Antiochus IV arrogantly added Epiphanes to his name, which means, “manifest god.” He and his subsequent counterpart (Antichrist) Nero considered themselves divine, God on earth. He was the first Seleucid king to have his divine image printed on coinage. Later, Caesar Nero did the same thing.

(Antiochus IV Coinage)

To assert his power and enhance his sphere of influence and to prevent King Ptolemy VI of Egypt from expanding the Ptolemaic dynasty, Antiochus IV launched a preemptive strike against Egypt in 170 BC, conquering all of the Egyptian kingdom except Alexandria. This is precisely what Daniel said would happen. As was Antiochus’ second campaign against Egypt predicted by Daniel.

In Antiochus’s first campaign, “The king of the north will then return home with great riches. On the way he will set himself against the people of the holy covenant, doing much damage before continuing his journey” (Daniel 11:28).

The “people of the holy covenant” were the Jews (Israel). During his return home from Egypt, Antiochus IV made it clear that he would do something about this stubborn people, most of whom refused to yield to his authority, and resisted assimilation into the Greek Hellenistic culture that he was trying to instill throughout as much of the territories conquered by Alexander as possible. Unlike his predecessor, Antiochus III, who allowed the Jews extensive sovereignty under their High Priest, Antiochus IV began a pernicious persecution of the Jews to force Greek Hellenization on them.

However, to avoid antagonizing the new burgeoning empire of Rome, which supported the Ptolemaic realm, Antiochus withdrew his armies from Egypt and left Ptolemy VI as a puppet king. But this megalomaniac tyrant couldn’t keep his autocratic face out of the picture. With an apparent assumption that Rome would no longer interfere, in 168 BC he led a second assault on Egypt, and also sent a large naval fleet to Cyprus. Before Antiochus IV reached Alexandria, a Roman ambassador warned him to withdraw or risk a war with the Roman Republic.

We read on: “Then at the appointed time he will once again invade the south, but this time the result will be different. For warships from western coastlands will scare him off, and he will withdraw and return home. But he will vent his anger against the people of the holy covenant and reward those who forsake the covenant” (Daniel 11:29).

Antiochus was humiliated by his failed plans to again invade Egypt. He threw a temper tantrum and decided to take out his “tail-between-the-legs” retreat on the Jews. He would ratchet up the time table of a more peaceful integration of Hellenism into Jewish culture. Through brutal force he would bring an end to Judaism in Judea and Samaria. Whether he thought of it or not, his intentions were every bit as malevolent as the Persian ruler Haman, whose sadistic strategy was genocide of the Jews. Antiochus IV became further enraged when he learned that Jason, the Jewish High Priest that he had deposed, had initiated a surprise attack against Menelaus, the high priest appointed by Antiochus IV.

He ordered a halt to all Jewish sacrifices and worship rites in the Temple, commanding the Jews to worship Zeus. When they refused, Antiochus IV dispatched his armies to crush what he considered an insubordinate Jewish revolt against his kingdom.

Even if you know little about Antiochus IV, you probably have read or heard that during this onslaught against the Jews his troops ransacked the Holy Temple, and sacrificed a pig to the Greek god Zeus on the altar in the Holy of Holies. What occurred in 168-167 BC is one of the bloodiest, saddest chapters of Jewish history. But out of it came one of the greatest triumphs and miracles ever experienced by the Jews. Which is what the celebration of Hanukkah is all about.

Here is an account of Antiochus’ brutality:

“When these happenings were reported to the king, he thought that Judea was in revolt. Raging like a wild animal, he set out from Egypt and took Jerusalem by storm. He ordered his soldiers to cut down without mercy those whom they met and to slay those who took refuge in their houses. There was a massacre of young and old, a killing of women and children, a slaughter of virgins and infants. In the space of three days, eighty thousand were lost, forty thousand meeting a violent death, and the same number being sold into slavery” (2 Maccabees 5:11-14).

Antiochus IV’s atrocious actions fulfilled Daniel’s amazingly accurate prophecy.

“His army will take over the Temple fortress, pollute the sanctuary, put a stop to the daily sacrifices, and set up the sacrilegious object that causes desecration” (Daniel 11:31).

(Depiction of Zeus Erected by Antiochus IV in the Jewish Temple)

There’s More!

Before we examine the following verse 32 of Daniel’s remarkable prophecies, let’s look at an excerpt from a Wikipedia article concerning Antiochus IV and the Maccabean revolt that began not long after Antiochus desecrated the Temple, then slaughtered and enslaved tens of thousands of Jews.

“Traditionally, as expressed in the First and Second Books of the Maccabees, the Maccabean Revolt was painted as a national resistance to a foreign political and cultural oppression. In modern times, however, scholars have argued that the king was instead intervening in a civil war between the traditionalist Jews in the country and the Hellenized Jews in Jerusalem. According to Joseph P. Schultz: ‘Modern scholarship on the other hand considers the Maccabean revolt less as an uprising against foreign oppression than as a civil war between the orthodox and reformist parties in the Jewish camp.’”

Still referring to the actions of the “king of the north” (Antiochus IV), Daniel goes on to say:

“He will flatter and win over those who have violated the covenant. But the people who know their God will be strong and will resist him” (Daniel 11:32).

For modern scholars to contend that Antiochus IV Epiphanes was simply “intervening in a civil war” between the Hellenistic Jews and the observant religious Jews of Israel is an oversimplification; it is not an accurate analysis of everything that actually took place. Nor does it track with Scripture’s preview of what would occur, i.e. “the people who know their God will … resist him” (the king of the north which would be Antiochus IV).

These people who know their God were the Maccabees representing Jews who remained faithful to God. Their resistance was directly against Antiochus IV; only indirectly against the Hellenistic Jews (those who have violated the covenant). It was the Hellenistic Jews that Antiochus IV would, “flatter and win over.” Likewise, Antiochus military assault against Israel was designed to stop the Maccabees in their revolutionary tracks, not to preemptively intervene in what may have become a full-fledged Jewish civil war.

At the very least, the modern view of Antiochus’s reason for invading Israel ignores the clear historical record of his virulent hatred of the Jews, expressed in his contempt for the sacred sites and rites of the Jewish faith. Nevertheless, Antiochus courted those Jews who agreed with him that Israel should incorporate Greek philosophy and culture into Israel, even if it meant compromising the Mosaic Law as the governing influence over Jewish life in Israel. However, even the Hellenistic Jews were appalled at the Temple’s desecration and the blatant religious, political, and cultural subjugation of the Jews, whether secular or religious.

Thus, his so-called “intervention into a Jewish civil war” was much more than merely taking sides with the Hellenists. It’s clear that he was infuriated by any Jewish attempt to undermine his authority over Judea/Samaria. He couldn’t have cared less whether the hiloni (secular) Jews or the haredi, masorti (observant, traditional) Jews would have fought and prevailed one against the other. He wanted all of Israel under his thumb.

Daniel says that the people who know their God would be strong and would resist him (Antiochus IV). Which is exactly what the Maccabees were and did. Much like King David and his group of 600 faithful soldiers; then his band of Thirty of Israel’s mightiest warriors led by the even more elite Three, accomplished in Israel before and after David ascended to the throne. The military exploits and fighting skill of these men of valor became legendary with the Jews and with their enemies. As did the extra-Biblical account of the Maccabees and their warriors.

The Maccabean Revolt

Until the ascension of Antiochus IV to the Seleucid throne, the observant Jews had, for the most part, been given sufficient freedom and flexibility to practice their Judaic faith.

But enough was enough. It was absolute anathema to both religious and secular Jews for anyone (let alone a Gentile ruler) to desecrate their sacred Temple and to bring a screeching halt to their religious practices, no matter the degree of observance among varying Jewish factions and sects.

In description of Antiochus IV and his armed invasion of Jerusalem under the pretense of helping the secular faction called the Tobiads—which supported the Hellenistic Jews in particular and the Ptolemaic realm in general—the ancient Jewish historian Flavius Josephus wrote:

“The king being thereto disposed beforehand, complied with them, and came upon the Jews with a great army, and took their city by force, and slew a great multitude of those that favored Ptolemy, and sent out his soldiers to plunder them without mercy. He also spoiled the temple, and put a stop to the constant practice of a daily sacrifice of expiation for three years and six months.”

*Note: Josephus description of this king being “thereto disposed beforehand” validates the premise that Antiochus already had a mindset disposition toward conquest of the Jews.

Here is yet another remarkable correlation between Antiochus Epiphanes’ 3 ½ year reign over Israel and the future ruler also mentioned in Daniel Chapter 11 (Antichrist Nero) who would break a seven-year pact with Israel half way through that treaty, resulting in cessation of Jewish sacrifices and desecration of the (3^rd) rebuilt Temple… 42 months as prophesied in Daniel Chapter 9. And as confirmed by Revelation Chapter 13.

Even though the Shekinah glory of God no longer filled the Temple, it was more than many Jews could bear to be deprived their right of circumcision and for pigs to be offered as sacrifices to the Greek god Zeus in the Temple itself. With unrelenting conditions and with ruthless enforcement, Antiochus IV had done away with Judaism. Even the great empires of Assyria and Babylon that had conquered and exiled the Jews; and Persia and Greece (until Antiochus IV) that had reigned over Israel, permitted the Jews to practice their faith.

(Depiction of the Abominable Sacrifice of a Pig on the Temple Altar)

Against overwhelming odds, a Jewish priest Mattathias (Mattiyahu) and his five sons led a revolt against Antiochus IV. When Mattathias died in 166 BC, his son Judah took his place as leader of the rebellion. Less than a year later, against all odds the Jews had soundly defeated the armies of Antiochus IV, recaptured Jerusalem, liberated Temple Mount, cleansed and rededicated the Temple, and reinstated Judaism and the sacrificial system.

That is one of two reasons the Jews instituted this wonderful festival of Hanukkah … which, as indicated, means dedication. Most Jews, but not all, consider this military triumph a miracle in the same vein as Gideon’s amazing rout of the Midianites and modern Israel’s stunning triumph over insurmountable Arab military might in her 1948 War of Independence.

However, all Jews who know anything about the desecration of the 2^nd Temple by the most appalling of all Gentile kings ever to rise against Israel (rabbinical sources refer to Antiochus IV as, harasha, “the wicked”) agree that the second reason for celebrating Hanukkah is based on a miracle. There simply is no normal or natural explanation for what took place.

Judah Maccabee commissioned resumption of Temple proceedings which began on the 25^th day of Kislev, 165 BC.

*Note: Kislev is the Jewish month that overlaps the Gregorian calendar of November and December. The first full day of Hanukkah is the 25^th of Kislev; however, a Jewish day begins at sundown the previous day. Thus, Hanukkah this year (2016) actually began on December 24^th. I suppose we could call Kislev 24^th, Hanukkah Eve.

But first things first: the treasured Menorah (lamps of which were to be kept burning day and night) must be relit, for it was God’s holy light to illuminate the Temple. In hindsight, this was a shortsighted (or short lighted, if you will!) plan. There had not been sufficient time allowed to produce enough pure (holy) olive oil expressly refined from pressed olives and dedicated by the high priest for the Menorah.

Each branch of today’s menorahs contain candles; whereas, the stem branches of the original Menorah in the Tabernacle and then the Temple were lamp cups in which olive oil was poured and then ignited.

Miracle of the Kosher Oil

According to the story, there was only one flask of consecrated oil … enough to last one full day. Yet, the priests decided to light the Menorah anyway, then wait to start it again after more oil was produced. Evidently, they were so excited and determined to resume Temple rites that they were willing to temporarily waive the requirement that the Menorah lamps must be kept burning continually.

But they didn’t need to light the menorah again. That one flask lasted for seven more days, the time needed to prepare a fresh supply of kosher oil for the menorah!

Although the First Book of Maccabees records the eight-day celebration that began annually for the re-dedication of the Temple and altar, it does not mention the miracle of the oil. But the Jewish Talmud does, which nearly all scholars acknowledge as a historically accurate compilation of Jewish vocal traditions.

Thus, Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Dedication, and also the Festival of Lights.

Jews in Israel and all over the world light the candles of the Menorah, one each day for the eight days that the oil kept burning. Special foods cooked in oil to commemorate the miracle are eaten, such as Latkes (potato pancakes) and doughnuts.

(Modern Day Hanukkah Celebration and Menorah)

Down through the centuries Jews have debated whether Hanukkah is a religious festival (Holy Day) or just a national secular holiday. True, it is not a festival specifically ordained by the Lord to be observed, as commanded by God for the seven holy festivals. Please refer to a series of five Eye of Prophecy articles on these seven Jewish Festivals and how each feast points to Messiah Jesus. You can find them in the Eye of Prophecy archives, posted 9-24-16 through 10-22-16.

However, Hanukkah is definitely connected to God’s ultimate plan to preserve his chosen people the Jews and his special possession Israel until the time of their final redemption. This joyous festival is a direct result of Daniel’s prophecy concerning the third of the four Gentile nations, Greece. Then more specifically the evil tyrant Antiochus IV tirade against the Jews that is also a foreshadow of the Antichrist who will turn on the Jews half way through the Great Tribulation.

Like Purim, Hanukkah remembers God’s miraculous deliverance of the Jews from disaster at the hands of wicked men and nations that sought to destroy Judaism and even eliminate the Jews (genocide) from the face of the earth. No different than the insidious plot of Muslim nations in today’s world, especially Iran.

The Messianic Menorah Light

Most of all, the light of the Menorah represents Israel’s coming Messiah, who would bring the light of God’s salvation to the Jew first, then to the Gentile (Romans 1:16).

Yeshua, himself, celebrated Hanukkah. In fact, other than his crucifixion trial in which Caiaphas the Jewish High Priest insisted that Jesus answer his question, “I demand in the name of the living God—tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God” (Matthew 26:63); and Pontius Pilate posing a similar question, “Are you the king of the Jews?” (John 18:33), an incident that occurred in the Temple was the most notable interrogation of and challenge to Jesus’ Messiahship.

“It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication. He was in the Temple, walking through the section known as Solomon’s Colonnade. The people surrounded him and asked, ‘How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.’

“Jesus replied, ‘I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish … for my Father has given them to me … No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one’” (John 10:22-30).

At that point the people picked up stones to kill Jesus; because he, in no uncertain terms, claimed to be God (equal to God as His Son). Previously, Jesus had made the same claim to another crowd who also wanted to stone him to death when he said: “…I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I Am!” (John 8:58).

There was no misunderstanding of Jesus’s words. When he said, “I AM,” he voiced the sacred name of God, YHWH (Yahweh).

In the scene of John Chapter 10, Jesus went on to confirm and defend the truth of who he was. Listen to his words:

“…Why do you call it blasphemy when I say, ‘I am the Son of God?’ After all, the Father set me apart and sent me into the world. Don’t believe me unless I carry out my Father’s work. But if do his work, believe in the evidence of the miraculous works I have done, even if you don’t believe me. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father” (John 10:36-38).

Not long after that Jesus would perform another mighty miracle by raising Lazarus from the dead. And just a few days later, Jesus would prove beyond any doubt whatsoever that he was Messiah, the Son of God, the Light of the world, when he arose from his own grave!

Before the scene during Hanukkah, Jesus declared, “…I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12).

The Apostle John was only one of many who witnessed the powerful miracles of Jesus and listened to his words of life. Beyond any doubt, John and others knew that Jesus was the Messiah, that he was Divine, just like Isaiah said Messiah would be (Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Isaiah 9:6).

Thus, John began his gospel with this powerful proclamation:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (John 1:1-5, NASB).

The Fall of Nations … The Rise of Israel

What about the fate of Antiochus IV Epiphanes?

After this vile ruler dispatched one of his commanders, Lysias, to fight the Maccabees, he set sail with the rest of his forces to do battle with King Mithridates I of Parthia who had made war against the Greeks.

The Second Book of Maccabees records that he contracted some incurable disease, then (in an implied weakened condition), “fell out of his chariot as it was rushing along, and the fall was so hard as to torture every limb of his body.” The writer of Maccabees and apparently most Jews of the time attributed the spectacular Maccabean victory against the forces of Antiochus as well as his untimely death to, “…the all-seeing Lord, the God of Israel, struck him an incurable and unseen blow.”

Antiochus IV and his Seleucid dynasty went the way of even greater empires that tormented, terrorized, and toppled the Jews. The once mighty nations of Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome are no more. Hitler’s Third Reich that mercilessly slaughtered six million Jews and Stalin’s Communist Russia that relentlessly persecuted the Jews are gone.

But Israel was reborn from the floods of dispersion and he fires of Nazi death camps. Their ashes of defeat have turned into the beauty of a strong and vibrant nation … the only democratic country in the Middle East. Their people thrive despite acts of terrorism, UN anti-Israeli resolutions, and threats of annihilation by Muslim nations. They have won four conventional wars against Arab forces much stronger than Israel.

I’ve said it before, and will say it again: What God says will happen, happens. What he says he will do, he does. Miracles and 100% fulfilled prophecies (which also are miracles) separate the true and living God of the Bible and the Judeo/Christian faith from all other religions like Islam; but also from Godless philosophies, which are also religions (a belief system), such as communism and human secularism.

Moreover, the Christian faith is not nor should be separate from the Jewish belief and trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Instead, the Christian faith is an extension, a completion, and a culmination of God’s majestic plan for the human race. The New Covenant of Grace fulfilled and replaced the Old Covenant of the Law, because God’s chosen people could not and would not keep that Law. Only one Man did that … Messiah Jesus. His once for all sacrificial atonement for sin is what makes Jew and Gentile united—one new person in Messiah (Ephesians 2:14-16).

Things to Ponder

This year’s Hanukkah is poignantly relevant to Israel’s destiny in two observable ways. (1) It’s no coincidence that Hanukkah began on Christmas Eve this year, the first time since 1978. I believe this is a strong signal that their Messiah (and ours as believers in Christ Jesus), the Light of the World, is soon to come again and make all things right in this war-torn, weary, wicked world in which we live.

(2) Another reprehensible UN resolution (# 2334) was passed on the Jewish Sabbath, which began on December 23^rd, the day before Hanukkah began. It was yet another attempt to discredit and delegitimize Jewish settlements in the so-called West Bank (Judea and Samaria … rightfully Jewish land); and also to denigrate and demonize the State of Israel as a whole and the Jewish people individually.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already responded in meaningful ways, including the call back of Israeli Ambassadors from some of the nations that voted yes to the resolution. Perhaps the boldest and most expressive reply of all was to change his plans and participate in the second day lighting of the Menorah in the Old City of Jerusalem.

He said, “I did not plan to be here this evening, but in light of the UN resolution, I thought that there was no better place to light the second Chanukah candle than the Western Wall … And here I would like to light Chanukah candles on behalf of the Glory of Israel. Happy Chanukah.”

And this recent letter from an Israeli soldier to President Obama (in italics):

Dear Mr. President,

You may deny our right to our homeland. You may try to rewrite our history. Just know that we are the most resilient people this world has ever seen. Our lighting of the menorah is proof of that fact. This time will be no different. Not yourself, not the UN, not the terror that you have given legitimacy to. No one will defeat us.

Jews light the menorah to celebrate restoration of Jewish control over Jerusalem and the Temple Mount—thousands of years ago. We were small and vastly outnumbered, but that did not stop us. We came together and we returned to our capital. Our home.

I have no doubt that the lights of our menorah will dispel all darkness. It will lighten the path to overcoming the endless Israel and Jew hatred. It will inspire us, and inspire our Jewish people. It will strengthen the brave men and women of the Israel Defense Forces. It will bring us together once again, and we will return to our capital. Our home.

Happy Chanukah!

Leibel A. Mangel

On this last day of the Festival of Lights—along with Prime Minister Netanyahu and the brave Israeli soldier—I, too, wish you a,

Happy Hanukkah!

And,

Happy New Year!

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eyeofprophecy … watch and wait

~ "For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus" (Rev.19:10)

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Hanukkah … The Festival Born of a Prophecy!