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Sure Sign of Christ's ComingIsrael is more than a Jewish foothold in the Middle East, it is a Movement destined to have world shaking consequences, and affect the lives of every living person upon the globe.
World news constantly focuses the spotlight on the seething caldron of animosities, violence and bloodshed that repeatedly erupts in the Middle East. It reveals an ominous record of antagonism that threatens to plunge the world into the most devastating war known to history. From the terrifying nature of the weapons of destruction today being stockpiled or "improved", it is obvious that a nuclear war could completely destroy civilization, and render the earth uninhabitable. And the most critical point of impact is the Middle East. From the time the Jews commenced to return to their ancient homeland at the invitation of the British following the proclamation of the Balfour Declaration in 1917, to the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, onwards to the occupation of Jerusalem by the Israelis in 1967, and since then, the Middle East has been in a state of constant international ferment. These events fulfil Bible prophecy, enlivening the hopes of Bible students. They testify that the world is on the eve of the most dramatic event of all time: the personal, visible return of Christ in power and glory. At the same time, they also warn that the nations are rapidly moving towards World War III - and Armageddon. And this presents
a challenge. We can live in the present with hope or with fear. We can
share the glory of Christ at his coming, or the terror of World War
III. Meanwhile, the world's future is inextricably bound up with the destiny of Israel.
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That is obvious whether we heed the Bible or not! It is apparent from a consideration of present events; for they reveal that the future of Israel is a matter of major consequence in national policies. In addition, though Israel is a tiny nation of less than 4 million people, a mere drop in the bucket in comparison with the 4 billion people that make up the population of the globe, its future is of supreme importance in the purpose of God, and the future of humanity. Israel is more than a Jewish foothold in the Middle East; it is a movement destined to have world shaking consequences, and to influence the future of every living person.
Meanwhile, the tiny nation of Israel is a bone of contention in world politics; presenting a problem that the major powers fear to solve. Consider the attitude of Russia. It has not hesitated to attack and invade nations that have stood in its path to world domination, yet it does not do so to Israel. Not yet! When Russia invaded Hungary, and brutally smashed its way through the cities of that unhappy nation, ruthlessly gunning down any who dared oppose it, the Western World protested, but did nothing more! When the Soviet ordered its forces into Afghanistan, callously bombing its towns and citizens without thought to human rights, a vigorous protest was made by the West, but no intervention to save it. But the Middle East is treated differently. A "peace keeping force" is being mooted for the Sinai as a token of that. And whilst Russia continues to support its allies in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere, supplying them with arms, it hesitates to physically intervene against Israel. Why? Because statesmen know that whereas invasion elsewhere might be tolerated, for the Soviet to attack Israel will mean war! That is because of Israel's unique position, and the political importance of the Middle East to the modem world. But the significant fact to Bible students is that the very conditions existing there today were predicted in the Bible 2500 years ago. Together with their outcome!
Historically and prophetically, Israel is unique. It is one of the oldest countries in the world - and one of the youngest! It is the only country to have been reborn out of antiquity revived after a struggle as dramatic as those recorded in the Old Testament.
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Let
thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. Proverbs 4v25-27 |
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A wise man will hear,
and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto
wise counsels:
To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. Proverbs 1v5-6 |
