No. 482 December 2011
Preparing the Road to the Kingdom
Even now we can clearly discern the three expected, distinct streams of aggression in progress against God’s plan! The Father is not sitting still in bringing these events forward – which is exactly what we should expect.
The First Aggressors
The first aggression of Israel and its people has been in progress for over 63 years. The enemies are the nations “round about” Israel – closely proximate to the Jewish state. We currently see turmoil and strife enveloping every one of these entities: Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Gaza and the “West Bank.” The worst of these is now occurring in Syria where the Assad regime is estimated to have killed 3,000 Syrians who have demonstrated against the government for immediate change. The Syrian regime is still in place although under pressure from many of its neighbors to stop the killings. It is difficult to know how this episode will play out. One fact is certain: Syria will live on temporarily to eventually join with Iraq in a terrible battle against Israel – which they will lose. These powers are the force named “Assyria” of Micah 5, Zephaniah 2: 10, Zechariah 10:11 (the pride of Assyria shall be brought down), and others.
The Deity’s purpose therefore moves ahead on multiple fronts. Iraq and Syria remain in place as their destiny of aggression against God’s people is a-preparing. All Islam continues to consolidate its power in an iron ring around Israel, steadily making progress on an intended Islamic Caliphate from Morocco to Afghanistan, including Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Its premises are two: (1) Expression of Islamic power, and (2) the destruction of Israel. But that is not to be!
In this issue we are purposely omitting most of the conflicts of Phase One – including the “Palestinian Question,” which will be the first to have its resolution in their first fatal attack upon Israel – since we have considered these in great detail in recently past issues.
The Second Aggressors
The way we see it, the second set of aggressors is nations led by Gog of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. Prominent in that group is Persia – Iran of today’s world. Persia is now rapidly moving forward on the track which the Father has prophesied through Ezekiel in 38 and 39. Under the Shah of Iran, prior to the Islamic Revolution of the late Seventies, Iran supplied Israel with all its crude oil for its refinery at Haifa; Iran was a bona fide friend of Israel. Not so today. Her bellicose president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, often condemns Israel and her people. He vilifies Israel and says it will soon be wiped from the “lands of the Palestinians,” avidly taking the “Palestinian” side as his own.
Iran is a major player in the second wave of aggression upon Israel. Its present claim to be developing nuclear energy solely for power generation is well known; but according to a new report issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Iran’s thrust is clearly toward the development of nuclear weapons. IAEA’s latest report is quoted at www.guardian.co.uk if you care to read it. It states that Iran presently has enough enriched Uranium to produce from four to six nuclear weapons. It is now rapidly developing rockets upon which to deliver these weapons. The report leaves no doubt that Iran’s heavy weapons development is strongly under way. The second stream of aggression is thus affirmed.
This brings our attention to Libya and Egypt, both enveloped in catastrophic upheavals this year. The tribal power centres in Libya are beginning to seethe as factious rivalries surface; no formal (post-Quadaffi) government is in view at this time.
Meanwhile the economies of both Egypt and Libya are crumbling due to the flight of capital; both have lost perhaps billions of dollars of wealth already, and the drain continues; such oppression always brings sterility of economic activity – the curse of Islam. which admits nothing more progressive than seventh century Arab “culture.” Egypt is only months from bankruptcy at this moment. Tourism is at an all-time low and capital has fled.
In Egypt, the formerly banned Islamic parties have advanced rapidly to the forefront of political activity. They are now believed to hold over sixty percent of public support and seem ready to step easily into power, as the recent election results show – that is, if the military rulers decide to allow them!
The overwhelming tide of Egyptian popular opinion FOR the establishment of Sharia Law will result in the expression of the cruel lord in Egypt spoken of by Isaiah 19:4 - And the Egyptians will I give over into the hand of a cruel lord; and a fierce king shall rule over them, saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts. Crime such as rape and torture as well as slavery is permitted (yea, even established and encouraged!) under Islamic law and will devastate their formerly “moderate” economies.
As we are aware, everything ends well for Egypt (along with Assyria) for it is she Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance. (Isaiah 19:25)
These observations bring up another interesting facet to consider. Meshech and Tubal have long been considered to be Moscow and Tobolski in Russia – and that seems to be a valid point – but it is certain that Meshech and Tubal (and even Magog!) were originally residents of large portions of Turkey today. For years students have believed that a hostile conquest of Turkey will come from Russia in its march southward to Israel.
But the newly adopted stance of Turkey may make such a move redundant as Islam is alive and well in Turkey, and is lately extremely resurgent. When the time comes, the new thrust of Turkey will integrate it with Russia and the other nations.
Some have long claimed that Turkey IS Gog. Some of the arguments seem feasible at first blush; but the preponderance of evidence belies this notion. One strong reason is that Turkey is not capable of being a guard unto the other Islamic nations composing the Gogian host as required by the phrase in Ezekiel 38:7.
Russia is the only nascent foe with the funds, the technology, the ideology, and the means of production to fulfill that role.
This does not, however, erase the possibility that Turkey will be one of the strong “hooks” in the jaws of Russia to bring her power and military might against the God of Heaven and His Son then Occupant upon the throne of David in Jerusalem!
We have long observed the Russian (and earlier, the Soviet) leanings toward the Islamic States as opposed to Israel and the West. That association grows stronger today with Russia’s newly established economic ties with Iran, for example, in its willingness to furnish nuclear technology and materiel to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Those ties with Turkey, too, stand to gain in intensity with the passage of time.
The Third Aggressors
In the more distant future, we consider the third wave of resistance to Christ and His kingdom on the earth: the Beast of Revelation 17 and 18 along with its rapacious female Rider. We recognize this Beast as the European Community as it has developed beginning with the Treaty of Rome, 1957. We are at this time viewing Europe steeped in debt and in a severe financial crisis.
The longer-term prospect is for the control and guidance of Europe to become more fully overseen and managed by the Roman Church, which is surely the Woman who is pictured astride the Beast of the Endtime, and for that guidance to bring the merchants of the earth to their financial knees by some means not yet clearly foreseen. The financial crisis we are now seeing may be the initial cracks in the European Scheme of things which brings Europe’s rebellion against the Woman and her System.
The Greek economic failure is a mere precursor to the collapse of still other EC economies such as Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Italy and even possibly France – all of which are standing on extremely shaky economic legs as of this time in history.
We wonder what abrupt and final crisis shall bring the pan-European decision to “burn the Whore” as foretold in Revelation 18:8, and to lose all confidence in their former credibility of the things of the Church. Her demise is certain and drastic – and as final as the casting of a millstone into the waters of the sea! Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God Who judgeth her. <HELafferty, MD/USA>
|
||||
|
||||
PRESENT DAY EVENTS
AND THEIR MEANING FROM THE BIBLE
GOSPEL PUBLICITY LEAGUE P.O.Box 4129 Edgeworth NSW 2285 Australia
www.gpl.org.au email: gpl3@dodo.com.au
No. 481 September 2011
USA FOLLOWS BRITAIN DOWN THE PATH
TO ECONOMIC RUIN. WHY?
Economic ruin seems the order of the day for many countries at the moment. This economic setback comes from overspending, or spending vital funds on frivolous projects. The USA is famous for “pork barrel” projects which to many seem utterly foolish and useless. Britain is much more of a welfare state than is the USA, making many goods and services “free” for its citizens – and even for new immigrants. The US Congress has received many new representatives who seem to be bent on cutting the wild spending which the present administration favors so highly.
Everyone remembers the street riots of a few weeks ago in which the youth of Britain spilled into the streets protesting a significant rise in university tuition charges. Mr. David Cameron’s government is striving to get its disbursements under control but these kinds of protests make it difficult. Britain is dragged eown with huge state debts, a large running deficit along with semi-nationalized banks.
The Obama administration in the US has markedly increased spending since 2009 when Mr. Obama took office. His bent is decidedly more socialistic than any previous president – a factor which was not apparent during his run for the office of president. Actually very little was evident during his campaign as he ran on the platform of “Change,” not making clear what kind of change he wanted to make. Many of the folk who voted for him have been bitterly disappointed in his performance. Both Britain and the US have been irresponsible in handling their incomes of late. Like families who overspend, a day of reckoning eventually comes when one has to live within his budget.
Isaiah 63 pictures Messiah in His conquest of Bozrah (Edom), and his lament that, … of the people (nations) there was none with Me. Not that He shall need assistance, but the complete lack of any national sympathy with His conquest is indicated. Significantly, NONE of the nations offer aid to Him.
We believe these excesses of spending shall result in the complete emasculation of Britain and the US to the extent that they shall be severely limited in any external (foreign) activities, and that if either one even desires to assist Israel in its Endtime conflicts they shall not be able to do so. <>
ISLAM'S OBSESSION WITH DESTROYING
ISRAEL. WHAT IS GOD'S PLAN?
Islam is indeed obsessed with the destruction of Israel. Their mantra of come and let us cut them off from being a nation is astoundingly heard throughout Islam – even in remote places such as Morocco and Indonesia, which have almost no contact with Israel. That wording appears in Psalm 83:4, and is the current battle cry of all Islam, but especially the nearby enemies of God. But their obsession is futile; it is impossible to implement against the God of Jacob. For He has long since set His judgments in stone upon Esau and Ishmael. Their destiny is to be utterly destroyed. But His people of Israel shall be preserved and protected from all harm. See Jeremiah 24: 6; Isaiah 11:12 – 16,.
Today we behold what seems like infinite patience of the Father with these vile enemies of His people, yet for their aggressive ideology Islamicists have not been able to harm Israel significantly for an hundred years or so! His longsuffering is astonishing in light of intractable Islamic insults and vilification of His people; yet His patience stretches out to the horizon!
But it shall not be so very much longer. Islamic territory is several hundred times greater than that of Israel, yet Islam covets Israel’s tiny land as well. Its greed for land and for revenge upon God’s people is well known to the entire world. Its insults upon God’s people are vile and blasphemous.
Ezekiel 35 is a remarkable prophecy against Edom (Esau) and is parallel to the prophecy of Obadiah against the same entity. In Ezekiel’s prophecy He says: Ezekiel 35:11 Therefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will even do according to thine anger, and according to thine envy which thou hast used out of thy hatred against them; and I will make myself known among them, when I have judged thee.12 And thou shalt know that I am the LORD, and that I have heard all thy blasphemies which thou hast spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, They are laid desolate, they are given us to consume. 13 Thus with your mouth ye have boasted against me, and have multiplied your words against me: I have heard them.
As we have previously noted, Edom in prophecy is equivalent to the modern-day “Palestinians,” as defined by the pockets of Edom outlined for conquest by Obadiah; her demographics are here clearly delineated for us. In a sense these six areas doomed for conquest by Israel are only representative of a far wider area of conquest of Proximal Islam (the nearby enemies) by Israel. Notice carefully in Ezekiel 35, that the “judgment” of Esau (verse 11) brings a sudden, divine adjustment in Israel’s state of mind, for the Almighty here states that I will make Myself known among THEM, when I have JUDGED THEE (Edom).
So we see the subtle and exquisite endpoint of God’s eternal plan – at least one of the final steps in that plan – outlined here; in this specific conflict He shall make it entirely clear to Israeli minds that He, their Father, is WHO HE DECLARES HIMSELF TO BE regardless of the faithlessness of some Israelis (the atheists among them), and that He is at that time executing measures toward their temporal and eternal salvation even though they do not deserve such pity.
In another prophecy He makes it clear to them that He is doing this for the sake of His holy name: Ezekiel 36:21 But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went. 22 Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. 23 And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.
You see, this enormously gratuitous act of mercy toward Israel accomplishes several desired ends: (1) the preservation of His holy name (by honoring His earlier promises), (2) the sanctification of the Father’s name (Himself) through Israel; (3) the enlightenment of the “heathen” (the nations); (4) and in the verses following these, His placing His spirit within Israel, and the replacement of their stony hearts with hearts of flesh, so that they obey Him. Please ponder the remaining text of this chapter. Israel’s resultant nature shall be eternal testimony to the Almighty’s innate mercy, and His infinite capacity for forgiveness after the abject repentance of His people (Zechariah 13 and 14).
Ezekiel 36 continues this benevolent stream of the glorious restitution of Israel.
Conclusion: we see God’s eternal plan in this convoluted series of events which He has determined upon Islam and upon His people. The end point is reached when the Father’s name is glorified and sanctified in His people – both natural and spiritual – although in Ezekiel the “spiritual” seed are not visibly accounted for. [In reality they ARE accounted for because the eternal blessing of natural Israel includes those of the New Covenant, as the Covenant of Abraham encloses and benefits both peoples!] <>
POINTERS TO CHRIST'S SECOND COMING
In the climate of current events every thinking person must have serious questions, and must be curious about what on earth is taking place in the world!
In Mark 13, the Master discusses the Endtime with His disciples:
Mark 13:29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. 30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. 31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. 33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
His clear instruction was that the day of His Second Advent was unknown. But the phrase, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors offers hope to us of today’s generation more than any previously! He is clearly warning us of this generation that the general climate of His return will be apparent; the specific“ generation” of His return has arrived!
One of the obvious, concrete portents of His Second Coming is the unmistakable signpost of 1948 – the establishment of the State of Israel after having disappeared 19 centuries ago. It is the budding Fig Tree of His parable!
That historic occurrence is the landmark event signaling the Second Advent’s nearness. Isaiah 5:26 refers to that entity as an “ensign.” And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly: Here the “ensign” is obviously the nation of Israel prior to Jesus’ return to which His people are bidden to come as he whistles (hisses) for them! His people HAVE returned to the Land swiftly, so that nearly six million of them dwell in that Ensign today!
Later the “Ensign” has obviously become the personal presence of the Lord returned from the heavens: Isaiah 11:10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. This can only be the personal King of Israel, the Christ of the Second Advent then enthroned upon Judah’s sacred hill of Zion. We await that time! <HELafferty MD/USA>
No. 480 June 2011
WHAT PART IS GOD PLAYING IN THE NATIONS TODAY?
He is allowing many nations impetus finally to weld together to oppose Him and His plans. The obvious opposition to Israel at this time is that of the Islamic nations round about her. Historically they have been fragmented and perpetually at odds with each other. We might surmise that God is Himself bringing them together to oppose His people, but He specifically says he is not doing so in the words of Isa 54:15 Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake. We understand by this that their resistance to Israel is of their own evil volition, not brought upon them by their Creator for punishment. This entire chapter 54 is a joyous celebration of His people’s regathering and blessing in the Endtime, a revival brought on by the Almighty because He loves them. Isa 54:9 … so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. God caused their earlier catastrophes for their punishment; He has promised that He will not again cause such ruin. 10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.
He is allowing the weak to claim great strength, and be subverted by their own pride. Joel 3 is a distinct reference to Israel’s rabid enemies of today. Joel 3:9 Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: 10 Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning-hooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong. Note that the plain truth is that these enemies are weak against the Lord’s power, though armed to the teeth! Their pride drives them on to utter defeat under His withering power..16 The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.
He is allowing Esau (Edom) to seek to destroy Israel and its people. Obadiah outlines the complete destruction of Edom in five distinct areas where the “Palestinians” of today have only today congregated! They ARE Edom of today. Psalm 83:6 specifically names “the tabernacles of Edom” which are to be destroyed! God is watching these people closely; their accounting is building toward their total destruction for the blasphemy against God and His people!
He is allowing the
decline in Britain, the United Nations, and the USA; all these have turned against His people. Britain
divided its Mandate in 1922, awarding 78 percent of it to Arabs of Mecca;
it has fallen from its premier position among the nations. The UNO divided
it in 1947 by Partitioning Palestine. That move did not succeed as planned
and the UNO has declined in power until today, when it is totally ineffective.
Today, the USA has a concrete plan it is forcing forward for its “two state
solution.” Joel 3:2 pronounces the Father’s displeasure in these actions and
dooms the participants! The USA is now visibly becoming weaker; its debt is
climbing rapidly and its economy is markedly faltering.
He is allowing nations to
make fools of themselves. In Psalm 2:4, a telling statement is made,
foretelling the fortunes of the great nations of the world: Psalm 2:2 The
kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands
asunder, and cast away their cords from us.4 He that sitteth in the heavens
shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 5 Then shall he speak unto
them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
Man’s time of dominance over
His creation shall then have passed. God is now then in complete control. His
law is righteous; his peace equitable.
<>
ALL NATIONS ARE NOW OPPOSING ISRAEL!
The Prophet Joel calls fervently for the “multitudes” of God’s enemies to flow down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat where their destruction is already determined in the pattern of that described in I Chronicles 20, when this concept certainly came into being. Moab, Edom and Ammon were destroyed by each army against the others. Israel never had to engage in war itself, yet its soldiers gathered booty (treasure) for three days in the valley which they named Berechah (blessing).
As the US leadership veers away from its close support of Israel – its long-lasting friendship with the Jewish state, Israel shall be left without a friend among the nations. We are fairly sure the nations’ adversity to Israel is not perceived by them as adversity to God – although they have no excuse for NOT knowing this relationship. The problem is mostly that they pay no attention to nor do they believe the Bible’s message! But the Father foresaw this condition; it is not news to Him.
We feel that the events of the Valley of Jehoshaphat are twin disasters, for two doomed groups of enemies of Israel. This metaphorical Valley is the setting for the destruction of the nations around about Israel as noted in Psalm 83. The second one is the giant horde of invaders of Ezekiel 38 and 39 – the Gogian Host. Details of these two chapters prove indisputably that millions of fighters and their military equipment are destined to be absolutely shattered in a location which today is the Yarmuk River of North Jordan, but in that time shall be “in Israel.” That momentous victory shall require seven months to bury the dead of Gog’s forces, and seven years to collect and dispose of the debris of battle! These secondary attackers are led by Gog of the land of Magog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal – Russia and her confederates, who originate in Gomer, Togarmah (both in Turkey), and Persia (Iran), Libya, and Ethiopia (Cush). This is the mechanism our Father has devised to rid his kingdom AND THE WORLD of all Islamic influence and power. <>
NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST THEE (ISRAEL) SHALL PROSPER
Again, we turn to the rich, comprehensive language of Isaiah: Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
This prophecy seems almost hyperbolic – purposefully exaggerated. But it is not! Just a few of the new developments in Israel will illustrate this fact. First: Israel has developed a missile to shoot down enemy anti-tank rockets after they are launched – in mid-flight. Deadly anti-tank rockets now carried by many foot soldiers have been devastating to tanks and their crews. Rafael Industries of Israel has developed an anti-missile missile which is capable of hitting and destroying rockets and artillery shells aimed at Israeli tanks before they reach their targets. Its near-instantaneous radar system senses these missiles as soon as they are fired and launches an inertial weapon (no explosives) at it, hitting it in mid air and exploding its own charge; it operates 360 degrees horizontally and from vertex to horizon against simultaneous multiple targets!
Second: Israel has developed several other similar devices to combat short, medium and long range rockets such as those fired by Hamas and Hezbollah – and potentially ICBMs coming in from, say, Iran! They are Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow I, and Arrow II. These likewise sense incoming missiles and fire a defensive round destroying it in mid-air, often still over enemy territory!
Third: Israeli scientists have developed wall-penetrating radar which is hand-held and can literally see through the walls of houses, warehouses, sheds and other structures. It detects people, weapons and other objects inside those structures! This gives the Israeli troopers far greater safety than blind combat in urban settings.
Fourth: The Israeli economy is on fire. In the fourth quarter of 2010 the Gross Domestic Product rose by 7.8% - the best growth of any economy in the world! By contrast, at the same time the EU’s GDP grew by an amount close to 2% for the same period; Israel is seeing this tremendous leap ahead while being threatened on all sides by literally every one of its neighbours! Mr. Netanyahu says their good fortune is due to the banking system’s close adherence to high lending criteria and prudent management. <>
IS THERE A PICTURE HERE OF ISLAMIC DEMISE?
The direct answer to that question is a resounding, Yes! You inquire, How so? This is one of the most popular subjects of the prophets of Israel, this end of Islam and all other forms of idolatry and religious sorcery.
The 35th and 36th chapters of Ezekiel are a good place to start on this one.
The first of those chapters is a luscious textbook of the destruction of Edom, or Esau, the twin brother and perpetual nemesis of Jacob personally and of all his progeny for centuries. The prophet’s phrases are rich and full as he describes in 35: 3 the Almighty’s intent: Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O mount Seir, I am against thee, and I will stretch out mine hand against thee, and I will make thee most desolate. Verse 5 explains God’s reasons: 5 Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred, and hast shed the blood of the children of Israel by the force of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time that their iniquity had an end, which you must know is OUR TIME in history! In verse 10, Esau has coveted Israel’s land. In verse 12 he has blasphemed the very mountains of Israel. In verse 15 he rejoiced in the desolation of God’s people who had been scattered and peeled. These insults to the Father shall not stand unchallenged!
WHAT THEN DOES HIS KINGDOM LOOK LIKE?
There is an excellent word picture of His nascent kingdom in its earliest stages in Ezekiel 38: the description is the words of Gog, as he contemplates his nefarious invasion of The Land where Christ has set his throne. And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates, Ezekiel 38:11. Peace and safety in the land is clearly evident throughout the millennium. Joel 2:26 And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God. So there shall be no want. Springs of water shall break out as in Isaiah 49:10: … for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
<HELafferty MD/USA>
Visit our GPL
website at:
http://www.gpl.org.au for quickest update of internet items.
Send all Emails to gpl3@dodo.com.au
A site associated with us is www.BibleEd.com which contains useful links.
Send all Emails to gpl3@dodo.com.au