Dan 12:10 says, “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” As we learned last week, according to God’s Word, the wise are those that fear the Lord; and what they understand are the signs of the end times. Let’s get into God’s Word.
What sets the Bible apart from all other books, is it’s incredible ability to prophecy things hundreds and even thousands of years before they happen. Add to this, the detail and exactness of the prophecies. There is no doubt that the Holy Bible is inspired by God, though many choose to still not believe It or heed It’s warnings.
Last week we focused more on what would happen in the church during the times of the end of the age. This week we will focus on Israel. Up until 1948, Israel seemed to be the missing element in Bible prophecy. However, we now live in a day where, miraculously, The nation of Israel exists once again - even after 1900 years of not existing.
Why is Israel important? Israel is the only physical nation, the only physical people, specifically created by God through a unilateral covenant, through whom He chose to reveal His character, His holiness, His laws, His Words, His salvation, His Messiah, His eternal purposes. Israel is called the apple of God’s eye (Dt 32:10 & Zec 2:8). Apple means pupil or center. In other words, God watches Israel, and it is the center of His attention.
The following are only seven, of many, prophecies concerning Israel. Remember in studying Bible prophecy, that prophecy is often (not always) progressive. In other words, they build on each other, and happen over long periods of time. One of numerous examples is comparing Isa 61:1-2 to Luke 4:18-20. Jesus didn’t read, “And the day of the vengeance of our God”, because that day would not come until (at least) 2,000 years later. So, some of these prophecies have happened; are happening; and will be totally fulfilled in the future.
#1. The Jews would be exiled and scattered (Lev 26:33, Dt 4:27, Dt. 28:62-66). For 1900 years, the Jews were scattered throughout the earth, with no homeland.
#2. The Jews would be persecuted and hated (Isa 3:24, Dt 28:25). There is an illogical hatred for Jews in the world. Josephus claims 1.1 million people were killed in 70 AD, most of them Jews; & 97,000 were sold into slavery. Hadrian exiled Jews in 135, and would not allow them to enter Jerusalem. Multitudes were executed and persecuted in the middle ages through the Crusades, Inquisition, and general anti-Semitism. They were driven out of country after country. Six million Jews were systematically executed in Holocaust. Today, the U.N. seems to exists to condemn Israel, with over half of their General Assembly resolutions being against them. Different Islamic groups and countries threaten to annihilate them on a regular basis.
#3. The Jews would be regathered into the land of Israel (Ezk 20:34, 11:17, 37:21-28, Jer 12:15, 24:6). That’s exactly what has happened. After 1900 years of having no home and no nation, Israel came into existence again in 1948. Millions of Jews have returned to Israel in present times, going from 1 million in 1949, to 6.1 million in 2013. Jews have immigrated from all over the world to Israel.
#4. Israel would be born in a day (Isa 66:8-9). On May 14th, 1948, Israel was “born in a day”. Again, I believe the fullness of this prophecy will be realized in the Millennial Kingdom, but it is interesting that we have seen a glimpse of this in our lifetime.
#5. The land of Israel will flourish again (Ezk 36:35-36, Isa 41:18-20, Isa 27:6, 35:1). Israel currently exports over 800 million dollars worth of fresh produce each year, including over 200 million in flowers and ornamental plants. They are one the worlds largest exporters of roses. They have planted more than a billion trees since 1900. In 2006 alone, they exported over 42 billion dollars worth of goods. In truth, the deserts of Israel are blooming roses and full of trees!
#6. Israel will be a burden to the whole world (Zech 12:2-3, 9). Why does the whole world seem to be constantly focused on little Israel? Why so much attention? It’s the size of New Jersey, for crying out loud. What’s all the fuss? Why are they always in the news? It’s illogical for that little sliver of land to get so much attention - unless it was fulfilling prophecy.
#7. A 3rd Jewish Temple to be constructed (2Thess 2:3-4, Dan 9:27, Rev 13:6-7). During the seven year tribulation period (Daniel’s 70th Week), the Antichrist (aka - the man of sin, Wicked one, son of perdition, beast, little horn) will stand in the Temple of God and declare himself to be God. Therefore, the Temple must exist. Now, there has not been a Jewish Temple since 70 AD, but the Jews are waiting in the wings. The Temple Institute has ready: the corner stone, priestly garments, Levites, Temple furnishings, etc. - all ready to go right now if the opportunity presents itself. Also, the Dome of the Rock does not have to be removed to build the Temple. The Temple can sit right next to it on the Temple Mount. Very interesting.
Jesus said, concerning the end of the age, that we should discern the signs of the times (Mt 24:32-33). Daniel said the wise would understand (the end of the age). I’m not making any fanciful claims, nor predicting dates, nor running for the hills. However, I’m also not sticking my head in the sand. Jesus is coming (Jn 14:1-3, 1Cor 15:51-53, 1Thess 4:13-18). Next hour, week, month, year – the exact time is irrelevant. What is relevant? That we must be born again. We must receive Jesus Christ - our Creator, God, King, and Sacrifice - as our Lord and Savior. We must be spiritually minded, and be ready to meet the Bridegroom. Are you ready to meet Jesus? Selah.
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