This article is not current, I am unsure of the date of its original writing. But it is significant nonetheless. Much of the things needed have since been fulfilled in regards to a "final war", and the rest is quickly approaching fulfillment, but we see through a glass darkly. May we see things as God sees them.




Latest Developments in the Middle East Crisis
By Reggie Kelly

The situation in Lebanon is surely another installment along the long road of tragedy in the region. It is part of an insoluble impasse that has existed since the quarrel that began in the tents of Abraham. Ezekiel called it the “perpetual hatred” (Ezek 35:5). It is the historical culmination of a dilemma that is divinely intended to defy any human solution. “Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which He hath made crooked?” (Ecc 7:13). “I will overturn, overturn, overturn, until he come whose right it is …” (Ezek 21:27)

Given what Israel represents to the eschatological vision of fundamentalist Islam, it is clear that nothing short of the complete annihilation of the Jewish state, if not the elimination of every Jew, could ever assuage this deeply religious form of hatred. The apocalyptic world-vision of Islamic fundamentalism views the very existence of Israel as an insult to Allah.

Since my earliest study of prophecy, I’ve been convinced that the scriptures make plain that the “ten nations” that the Antichrist will lead against Israel is not a so-called “revived Roman Empire” of the Western European common-market countries, but rather the modern equivalents of Israel’s ancient enemies described in Ps 83; Ezek 38 et al. These original descendants of Ishmael and Esau currently constitute the modern lands of the Arabic and Islamic world.

It behooves us to declare from the roof tops all that God has spoken by the mouth of His ancient prophets concerning these very days, and the impossible dilemma the will crowd the nations into the final crucible over Jerusalem. It is the final face-off between God and the demonic powers, the culmination of Satan’s age-long war against the covenant. It is destined to evoke all the great questions of God and history, discovering to the core the disposition of every heart towards the claims of God’s sovereign right and rule, His election and covenant.

The issue of the Jew and the Land is divinely calculated to reveal our deepest heart towards the nature of grace and the gospel. It is remarkable how profoundly the question of Jerusalem (“the controversy of Zion;” Isa 34:8; Jer 25:31) is bound up with ones understanding of God, the wisdom of His choice, and the glory of His purpose in history. Regardless of modernity’s distance and indifference to this ancient divine claim (the everlasting covenant), the nations are no less accountable, and will be held liable for their presumptuous defiance of it (Ezek 38:18; Joel 3:2 et al). Hence, the nations are ultimately tested by that age-old question: “Has God really said?” This is what is always at stake; and if you think about it, it is the essence of every test.

Regardless of which side your sympathies are with in any relative sense, to know the situation ‘after the flesh’ is death. In the natural, the issues are so multiplex that to mention any part of the equation in isolation from the bigger picture is to evoke righteous indignation from either side, and this is understandable, because no one part of this insoluble conundrum can do full justice to this subject. Its very design is to test us to the quick, and to eventually draw out every aspect of divine contention that has existed since the beginning. With Israel, it is “the quarrel of my covenant” (Lev 26:25; Micah 6:2) With the nations, it is “the controversy of Zion.” With the church, it is the issue of how one understands the nature of grace, as shown by the church’s historical tendency to “boast against the branches,” in costly ignorance of “this mystery.” Since the controversy of Zion will test all nations, what of the church? What of Peter’s warning that “judgment must begin at the house of God?” This will also sift the church.

Where this most current and particular resurgence of the “everlasting hatred” will lead in the immediate future, I do not know. But this much I can say: There is much still that must transpire before Jacob’s trouble can take place. The prophecy of Daniel provides the important details (let him that reads understand). There it is seen that certain preliminary conditions must be in place before Jacob’s trouble can begin. A careful comparison of the literal details and depictions of Daniel’s prophecy implies a dramatic contrast with the present political situation. Hence, a radical shift must come. But how? There are many formidable obstacles. What will it take to accomplish such enormous change?

It is difficult to conceive that anything less than a regional war of a serious magnitude, perhaps even threatening the near loss of the modern state, would be sufficient to bring about the kind of political changes necessary to provide for the conditions that precede and signal the beginning of Jacob’s trouble, particularly if these are to receive, as I expect, a very soon fulfillment. Therefore, I suggest that we will likely see a radical reconfiguration of the political landscape, and such change will most likely come as the result of war that Israel will survive (momentarily) in contrast to the final desolations of Jacob’s trouble. I’ve written briefly concerning this preliminary order of events in an email that Simon posted on our website under the title “Avoiding the False Alarms of Prophetic Speculation.”

If we are not to ignore certain clear scriptures that describe a definite set of events that mark the approach and signal the beginning of Jacob’s trouble, then we may well expect a regional war on a potentially tremendous scale, sufficient to affect the kind of radical changes implicit in a literal reading of prophecy. If so, then Jacob’s trouble is not an imminent event; other things must happen first. Jacob’s trouble (the ‘great tribulation’) awaits a political situation whereby the religious orthodox will have a controlling jurisdiction over Jerusalem. A league (Dan 11:23) or covenant with Antichrist (Daniel’s ‘little horn’ which I believe will be a regional neighbor) must be publicly ‘confirmed’ (sanctioned, ratified, approved, not created). Sometime shortly after the peace agreement with the Antichrist, the orthodox will begin restoration of the institutions of the ‘holy covenant,’ i.e., temple, sacrifice, etc.

This is not always a welcome interpretation because it seems to postpone the end, but it is the only interpretation that shows itself consistent and harmonious with the larger context of Daniel, particularly in chapter eleven where a number of events are detailed, intrigues, and regional conflicts, all depicted as preceding Jerusalem’s final desolations. Therefore, we can be certain that Israel will survive whatever comes until that time.

Unhappily, any momentary triumph over the Arab and Islamic threat will only contribute to an even greater presumption, as Israel enters into its ill-fated “covenant with death and hell.” This peace lie brings a momentary euphoria of false hope (“When they shall say ‘peace and safety’ ….”). It is the ultimate delusion that signals the imminent fall of Jerusalem to the ten nation confederacy of Antichrist (Dan 11:45; Rev 17:16).

According to prophecy, after 3 ½ years the momentary euphoria of presumed peace and security ends ‘suddenly’ in a flood of invading forces from many countries that make up the modern Islamic block of nations (Ezek 38). This will mean the unleashing of the full fury of the Islamic world on an unsuspecting Israel (Isa 28:15, 18; Ezek 38:8, 11, 14; 39:26; Dan 8:25; 9:27; 11:23-24 ASV; 1Thess 5:3). I personally believe we could begin to move rapidly into this last formation of events at almost anytime. However, as things stand now, it will require a considerable reconfiguration of the political and regional situation in order for the stage to be fully set for Jacob’s trouble, also called the ‘day’/ ‘time’ of Israel’s “calamity” (Deut 32:35; Ezek 35:5; Obadiah 13).

As for the current situation in Lebanon, I can only speculate. I do not know what Hezbollah hoped to gain by this (but it is certain that such a calculated provocation had much more in mind than the exchange of prisoners). I do not know where this stage of the conflict is headed. I only know that the prophetic scripture makes clear that there will be a false peace before the final war. But knowing you have close friends and loved ones in Lebanon, I will tell you what I count most important: That is the urgency by which we must guard our hearts in the days ahead. Jesus warned that “because iniquity shall abound the love of many shall wax cold.” Truly, there is nothing that more excites anger and hatred than ‘an outraged sense of justice.’ Therefore, if we permit the appalling scenes of injustice to prevail against our love, then regardless of the accuracy of our theology or political sympathies and ethical assessments, all is lost. The test will only get more impossible as time goes on, but that’s precisely where grace will be magnified the more (“Where sin did abound, grace did much more abound”). The whole situation and all the issues that it evokes are divinely intended to test the ground of our standing, whether our trust is in nature or grace (Hag 2:6-7; Heb 12:26-29).

As for what’s been said around here about this latest outbreak, really nothing very definite, but a sober sense that we are at another critical juncture and transition point (Art compared it to how he felt at the beginning of the intifada), as we see in all these things the inexorable approach of Jacob’s trouble. We simply pray; mostly with groans hard to articulate. In view of what must come first before the kingdom, the prayer for the “peace of Jerusalem,” like the prayer “Thy kingdom come …,” becomes a very costly prayer indeed (Acts 14:22).

Why can't people stand for Israel

When talking about theology , theology simply means knowledge of God
It is whether our knowledge of God fits what it says in the bible

_________________
Dominic Shiells

deltadom writes,

Why can't people stand for Israel

When talking about theology , theology simply means knowledge of God
It is whether our knowledge of God fits what it says in the bible

___________________

Some people (christians) can't stand for Israel because their knowledge of God fits what it says in the Bible.


2 John 7
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Yeshua The Messiah has come in the flesh; such a person is a deceiver and antichrist...
So then, if some come to you who do not bring this teaching, do not welcome them in your homes; do not even say, "Peace be with you."


2 Cor. 6:14-18
Do not become allied with those who do not believe, for what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What agreement has The Messiah with Satan? What lot has a believer with an unbeliever? And what mutual agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God, just as God said, “I will live in them and will walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Therefore “come out from their midst, and be separate,” says the Lord, “and touch no unclean thing, and I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,” says the Lord Almighty.

1 Corinthians 16:22-24
Whoever does not love our Lord Yeshua The Messiah, let him be accursed, our Lord has come. The grace of our Lord Yeshua The Messiah be with you, And my love is with all of you in The Messiah Yeshua.

Matthew 12:30
He who is not with me is against me; and he who does not gather with me, shall be dispersed. Jesus

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever rejects the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath of God remains on him.” John 3:36

Savannah,

"Christians" who do not stand for the Jewish people are not Christians. I am not sure what you intended to convey in your post, but antisemitism is the antithesis of Christianity, and Jesus. If you do not stand for the Jew first, and then the gentile, you do not know God as He has revealed Himself. The gospel itself is for the Jew first and then the gentile. Jesus came for the Jew first, and only after they rejected Him were the gentiles even offered salvation. Gentiles were given the crumbs from the table, and thank God for His mercy in this.

ESchaible writes,
"I am not sure what you intended to convey in your post, but antisemitism is the antithesis of Christianity, and Jesus."

_____________________________

Why are you not sure what I intended to convey? My post contains what God has said. Your question ought to be, "What does God intend to convey in His Word you read in my post?"

You also said,

"Christians" who do not stand for the Jewish people are not Christians." Your words, not God's Word!

Because one doesn't hold to your view of the jewish people does not = antisemitism. I have been involved in the evangelization of both jew and gentile for nearly 40 years.

God says,

"We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death."

"The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. And since we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ"

Christian or non-christian is only to be answered by God's Word. The marks of each are clearly delineated & defined by Him in His Word, as He knows those who are His and those who are not.

Savannah,

I don't understand... as is common in threads that dare to mention the Jews.

I really don't see a point at all, in anything you posted so far. At least not a point that has any relevance to the topic.

I guess I'll just ask this question: what is your opinion of the Jew?

EDIT: Something about your changing of those scripture verses in your original post makes my spirit recoil, almost like it is completely for show and to try and sound "hebraic", when in fact it is no more hebraic to change Greek to Hebrew than it is to attend synagogue on a Saturday. A sentimental Jewishness for show, when a gentile, is in fact horrid misappropriation of the culture, and in fact, to fall victim to Judaism in your shallow love for phrases and sayings. It's all for show.

Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy, showmanship, pretending.

Could peace actually be possible….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph9XF39yjgU

_________________
Fletcher

"I guess I'll just ask this question: what is your opinion of the Jew?"

________________

Relevantly speaking:

I don't have any opinion regarding anyone's ethnicity.

Mankind is made in the image of God. Any value that humanity (born & unborn) posseses is due to Whose image they bear by creation. You may as well ask,"What Is your opinion of the Asian, African, Mexican, Palestinian, Ukrainian...", and so on, fill in the blank. My answer is the same. As all God-fearing, Christ-loving people ought to answer.

And, so far as your false accusation of me, "changing of those scripture verses" or exhibiting "A sentimental Jewishness for show", or having a "shallow love for phrases and sayings", it is summarily unwarranted and unfounded. The Bible translation I copied and pasted those verses from used those words and phrases. So according to you, they are also guilty of having a "shallow love of phrases and sayings."

In reality, it's your own bias and cognitive dissonance leading you to have such an opinion of me as a son of God who has passed from death to life.

“THE LORD knows the reasonings of the wise, that they are worthless.” Therefore, let no man glory in the children of men, for everything is yours, Whether Paul, or Apollo, or Kaypha, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things future; everything is yours. And you are The Messiah's and The Messiah is GOD'S." 1 Cor. 3

"And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise." Gal. 3:29

That same verse has been translated by one you'd accuse of having a "shallow love for phrases and sayings, thus;

"And if you are of The Messiah, you are therefore the seed of Abraham and heirs by The Promise." Gal. 3:29

I was not aware that this was a truth or dare thread!

Yes, I would say the same regarding that "translation".

Heirs ACCORDING to the promise, not however, according to the flesh (wait for the numerous out of context scriptures regarding the flesh).

It's funny how Paul is never read as Paul should be read, in context.

These discussions are impossible, because no one can just read the Bible anymore, everyone has to interpret it. "Hath God really said...?" - it's the oldest rebellion in the book, but I guess that depends on your interpretation.

Thanks for that clip JFW, you may find this one of interest as well. Maybe you have seen it already though.

https://youtu.be/k-sIbtnz1eI?feature=shared