The beginning of the new year is not the end of the holiday season in Sweden. No, the Swedes also get to take off work on Epiphany – January 6 - just a few short days after the end of the Christmas break. Lucky Scandinavians. Sweden is one of the very few countries that gives public honor to Epiphany, and many Christians these days don't even know what this holiday - celebrated 12 days after Christmas - is all about.
Epiphany celebrates the arrival of the Magi who traveled across the known world to pay homage to the young King of the Jews. They came out of more than mere curiosity. While we don't know the exact date of their arrival, their journey must have begun months, perhaps years before they reached Mary and Joseph's new home in Bethlehem. They also brought with them gifts that bore powerful prophetic significance; gold reflected the kingship of Jesus the Messiah; frankincense was a spice used in the priestly duties; and myrrh was an embalming ointment that signified Jesus' death.
The Magi also hold the honor of being the first gentiles known to have come to worship Jesus. The Messiah was born in Bethlehem to the Jewish people, but He came to be the Savior and Lord of all nations.
The 12 Days of Christmas:
Straight No Chaser, the men's acapella group at Indiana University, does a unique and entertaining version of The 12 Days of Christmas that has been all the rage on Youtube for a couple of years now. What many people don't realize is that the 12 Days of Christmas actually begin at Christmas. During centuries past, these were 12 days of celebration that were filled with feasting and gift-giving until the Twelfth Night – the evening of January 5th - the day before Epiphany.
The Magi:
The ancient Magi were a hereditary priesthood of the Medes credited with profound and extraordinary religious knowledge. After some Magi, who had been attached to the Median court, proved to be expert in the interpretation of dreams, Darius the Great established them over the state religion of Persia. (Contrary to popular belief, the Magi were not originally followers of Zoroaster. That all came later.)
It was in this dual capacity whereby civil and political counsel was invested with religious authority, that the Magi became the supreme priestly caste of the Persian Empire, and continued to be prominent during the subsequent Seleucid, Parthian, and Sasanian periods.
The Role of Daniel:
One of the titles given to Daniel was Rab-mag (Dan 4:9; 5:11), the Chief of the Magi. His unusual career included being a principal administrator in two world empires: the Babylonian and the subsequent Persian Empire. When Darius appointed him, a Jew, over the previously hereditary Median priesthood, the resulting repercussions resulted in the plots leading to the lion's den (Dan 6). Daniel apparently entrusted a messianic vision (to be announced in due time by a "star") to a secret sect of the Magi for its eventual fulfillment. But first, let's cover some historical background.
The Political Background:
Since the days of Daniel, the fortunes of both the Persian and the Jewish nations had been closely intertwined. Both nations had, in their turn, fallen under Seleucid domination in the wake of Alexander's conquests. Subsequently both had regained their independence: the Jews under Maccabean leadership, and the Persians as the dominating ruling group within the Parthian Empire.
It was at this time that the Magi, in their dual priestly and governmental office, composed the upper house of the Council of the Megistanes ("magistrates") whose duties included the absolute choice and election of the king of the realm. It was therefore a group of Persian-Parthian "king makers" who entered Jerusalem in the latter days of the reign of Herod. Herod's reaction was understandably one of fear when one considers the background of Roman-Parthian rivalry that prevailed during his lifetime.
Theophany:
Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany with another focus; Christ's baptism by John the Baptist. Epiphany, which means "to manifest" or "to show" in Greek, is often also called Theophany by the Eastern Church, because it is Christ's presentation to the world as the Son of God.
As John the Baptist said:
"He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God." -John 1:33-34
All these traditions and celebrations point to a very important truth - that the Son of God came to Earth. The God of the Universe sends both the wise and the meek of the earth to worship Him. May we continue to worship and serve Him every day of this new year and present to him the gifts, not of frankincense and myrrh, but the living sacrifice of our lives - to use for His awesome will.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
How Much Longer Will God Tarry?
On November 29, 1947, the United Nations passed the "Plan of Partition with Economic Union." Resolution 181 created a Jewish state and a Palestinian state out of the former British Mandate.
The Jews accepted the plan as offered by the United Nations. The Arabs rejected it. Then they tried to take all of Palestine by force. They failed.
On Thursday, November 29, 2012 -- exactly 65 years later -- Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called on the world body to forget the Arab rejection of its 1947 offer; overlook its five wars to annihilate Israel; and issue the Palestinians their long overdue "birth certificate."
The United Nations General Assembly happily complied and overwhelmingly approved the de facto recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state. The body voted to grant "nonmember observer state" status to three separate geographical regions in Israel: the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and east Jerusalem. Never mind that these areas are led by two UN-recognized terrorist groups.
Though the vote was largely symbolic since only the Security Council can grant official United Nations recognition of a state, it effectively changes the complexion of the situation in the Middle East.
There never has been a state of Palestine. Even when their fellow Muslims in Jordan and Egypt controlled the West Bank and Gaza Strip from 1948 to 1967, they refused to establish a state for the Palestinians or even recognize them.
But now, by simply elevating the Palestinian Authority from the designation of "entity" and attaching the word "state" to its name, the UN has changed the PA's status in the world. Mostly, it's opened up several possibilities - none of which are good for Israel.
For instance, the new status may permit the Palestinian Authority to achieve standing with the International Criminal Court. That would allow the Palestinians to endlessly charge Israel and its government and leaders with "war crimes." And even if those lawsuits are unsuccessful, they will complicate Israel's international dealings and may even make it dangerous for Israeli leaders to travel to other, less hospitable nations for fear of arrest.
The United Nations' vote also signaled several other disturbing things: First, its overwhelming endorsement of the Palestinians' quest for independence; Second, its pronounced disregard for Israel's national security concerns; and Third, its lack of concern for the critical danger imposed on a long-time member state (Israel) by continuous terrorist attacks.
And all of this in view of the fact that Israel was actually created by the United Nations!
To its credit, the United States along with Canada, the Czech Republic, and six other nations voted against the resolution. However, 138 of the 193 nations voted to further complicate the Mid-East peace process, if not torpedo it altogether.
Though US Ambassador Susan Rice reminded the General Assembly that voting for the resolution "does not establish that Palestine is a state," PA President Abbas saw it differently. Immediately upon returning to Ramallah, he told a joyous crowd of 5,000, "Yes, now we have a state!"
But he didn't stop there. Abbas told the celebrants, "One day a young Palestinian will raise the Palestinian flag over Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the state of Palestine!"
Does that sound like the reasonable voice of a viable "partner for peace?"
Well, to make a long story short, even Hamas has jumped onto the bandwagon. They're claiming that their "victory" over Israel's "Operation Pillar of Defense" made the positive vote at the UN possible. Now, everyone's getting chummy and it looks like Hamas is going to make nice with Fatah and the Palestinian Authority.
Israel's cabinet unanimously rejected the United Nations action. Then it went further. The Israeli government announced that it was proceeding with plans to construct 3,000 new apartments in east Jerusalem. And it's withholding $100 million in tax revenue it has collected on behalf of the PA. Since the Palestinians have an outstanding electric bill of $200 million owed to Israel, the Israelis are going to apply that money to the bill.
As you can guess, this has gone over like a lead balloon with the rest of the world. Even though the apartment construction project has been in the planning for several years, and the proposed site is vacant, under Israeli control, and not part of any existing agreements, the world is screaming bloody murder - and demanding that Israel back off.
Strangely, the announcements did not seem to dampen the Palestinians' jubilation at their newfound celebrity. And why should it? They've learned that all they have to do is sit back, relax, and let the world force Israel to do their bidding.
Just as the ancient prophets predicted.
But don't be fooled. God Himself figured this very thing might happen, so He made some special arrangements to protect His people. And He issued some ominous warnings to those who would mistreat the Jews. Let's just say it won't be pretty.
{Commentary from Hal Lindsey}
The Jews accepted the plan as offered by the United Nations. The Arabs rejected it. Then they tried to take all of Palestine by force. They failed.
On Thursday, November 29, 2012 -- exactly 65 years later -- Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called on the world body to forget the Arab rejection of its 1947 offer; overlook its five wars to annihilate Israel; and issue the Palestinians their long overdue "birth certificate."
The United Nations General Assembly happily complied and overwhelmingly approved the de facto recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state. The body voted to grant "nonmember observer state" status to three separate geographical regions in Israel: the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and east Jerusalem. Never mind that these areas are led by two UN-recognized terrorist groups.
Though the vote was largely symbolic since only the Security Council can grant official United Nations recognition of a state, it effectively changes the complexion of the situation in the Middle East.
There never has been a state of Palestine. Even when their fellow Muslims in Jordan and Egypt controlled the West Bank and Gaza Strip from 1948 to 1967, they refused to establish a state for the Palestinians or even recognize them.
But now, by simply elevating the Palestinian Authority from the designation of "entity" and attaching the word "state" to its name, the UN has changed the PA's status in the world. Mostly, it's opened up several possibilities - none of which are good for Israel.
For instance, the new status may permit the Palestinian Authority to achieve standing with the International Criminal Court. That would allow the Palestinians to endlessly charge Israel and its government and leaders with "war crimes." And even if those lawsuits are unsuccessful, they will complicate Israel's international dealings and may even make it dangerous for Israeli leaders to travel to other, less hospitable nations for fear of arrest.
The United Nations' vote also signaled several other disturbing things: First, its overwhelming endorsement of the Palestinians' quest for independence; Second, its pronounced disregard for Israel's national security concerns; and Third, its lack of concern for the critical danger imposed on a long-time member state (Israel) by continuous terrorist attacks.
And all of this in view of the fact that Israel was actually created by the United Nations!
To its credit, the United States along with Canada, the Czech Republic, and six other nations voted against the resolution. However, 138 of the 193 nations voted to further complicate the Mid-East peace process, if not torpedo it altogether.
Though US Ambassador Susan Rice reminded the General Assembly that voting for the resolution "does not establish that Palestine is a state," PA President Abbas saw it differently. Immediately upon returning to Ramallah, he told a joyous crowd of 5,000, "Yes, now we have a state!"
But he didn't stop there. Abbas told the celebrants, "One day a young Palestinian will raise the Palestinian flag over Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the state of Palestine!"
Does that sound like the reasonable voice of a viable "partner for peace?"
Well, to make a long story short, even Hamas has jumped onto the bandwagon. They're claiming that their "victory" over Israel's "Operation Pillar of Defense" made the positive vote at the UN possible. Now, everyone's getting chummy and it looks like Hamas is going to make nice with Fatah and the Palestinian Authority.
Israel's cabinet unanimously rejected the United Nations action. Then it went further. The Israeli government announced that it was proceeding with plans to construct 3,000 new apartments in east Jerusalem. And it's withholding $100 million in tax revenue it has collected on behalf of the PA. Since the Palestinians have an outstanding electric bill of $200 million owed to Israel, the Israelis are going to apply that money to the bill.
As you can guess, this has gone over like a lead balloon with the rest of the world. Even though the apartment construction project has been in the planning for several years, and the proposed site is vacant, under Israeli control, and not part of any existing agreements, the world is screaming bloody murder - and demanding that Israel back off.
Strangely, the announcements did not seem to dampen the Palestinians' jubilation at their newfound celebrity. And why should it? They've learned that all they have to do is sit back, relax, and let the world force Israel to do their bidding.
Just as the ancient prophets predicted.
But don't be fooled. God Himself figured this very thing might happen, so He made some special arrangements to protect His people. And He issued some ominous warnings to those who would mistreat the Jews. Let's just say it won't be pretty.
{Commentary from Hal Lindsey}
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
12/12/12-What If It Were Today-Are You Ready?
With today being 12/12/12, many people around the world are buzzing about the significance (if any) to this day. With the end of the Mayan calendar approaching on 12/21, people are asking if this is the "End of Days."
Here are just a few samples of what people around the world are talking about today.
* A Fox News headline reads: "With mere days to ‘doomsday,’ scientists call for calm."
* The Detroit Free Press has a story called: "Mayan doomsday or not, all eyes on Dec. 21."
* A headline in one British newspaper reads: "Doomsayers await the end of the world: But governments try to reassure their citizens not to panic."
* A headline in another British paper reads: "Mayan apocalypse: panic spreads as December 21 nears: Fears that the end of the world is nigh have spread across the world with only days until the end of the Mayan calendar, with doomsday-mongers predicting a cataclysmic end to the history of Earth."
* An Asian news site has a story called: "End of the world: There are only nine days left."
* Another Asian news service is running this headline: "Doomsday phobia hits China."
* Many are watching (or re-watching) the recent film, 2012.
To be clear: the Bible says nothing about 12/12/12. Nor does it say anything about the Mayan calendar. The prophecies in Scripture, however, do speak a great deal about the End of Days, known as the "last days" and the "latter times." In several of my books -- including Implosion: Can America Recover From Its Economic & Spiritual Challenges In Time? -- I examine a number of these prophecies and consider their implications for the U.S., Israel, and other nations.
To be honest, the Earth is not literally coming to an end this month. The Bible does say the earth will be destroyed someday, and then He will create a new earth. "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away," wrote the Apostle John in a prophecy about the future found in Revelation 21:1. The Apostle Peter wrote, "The heavens will pass aways with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up." (2 Peter 3:10).
Here are just a few samples of what people around the world are talking about today.
* A Fox News headline reads: "With mere days to ‘doomsday,’ scientists call for calm."
* The Detroit Free Press has a story called: "Mayan doomsday or not, all eyes on Dec. 21."
* A headline in one British newspaper reads: "Doomsayers await the end of the world: But governments try to reassure their citizens not to panic."
* A headline in another British paper reads: "Mayan apocalypse: panic spreads as December 21 nears: Fears that the end of the world is nigh have spread across the world with only days until the end of the Mayan calendar, with doomsday-mongers predicting a cataclysmic end to the history of Earth."
* An Asian news site has a story called: "End of the world: There are only nine days left."
* Another Asian news service is running this headline: "Doomsday phobia hits China."
* Many are watching (or re-watching) the recent film, 2012.
To be clear: the Bible says nothing about 12/12/12. Nor does it say anything about the Mayan calendar. The prophecies in Scripture, however, do speak a great deal about the End of Days, known as the "last days" and the "latter times." In several of my books -- including Implosion: Can America Recover From Its Economic & Spiritual Challenges In Time? -- I examine a number of these prophecies and consider their implications for the U.S., Israel, and other nations.
To be honest, the Earth is not literally coming to an end this month. The Bible does say the earth will be destroyed someday, and then He will create a new earth. "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away," wrote the Apostle John in a prophecy about the future found in Revelation 21:1. The Apostle Peter wrote, "The heavens will pass aways with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up." (2 Peter 3:10).
But four major prophetic events happen before the literal destruction and recreation of our planet:
- 1) the Rapture;
- 2) the Tribulation, a seven year period of God's judgment;
- 3) the Second Coming of Christ; and
- 4) the "Millennial Kingdom," a thousand year period in which Christ reigns over the entire earth.
At the present moment, if the Rapture were to take place today, we are at least 1,007 years away from the end of the earth.
A question that many are asking today is, "does the Bible teach about the second coming of Jesus and something called “the Rapture?"
The Bible describes two separate and distinct future events, both of which are often described as the Second Coming. The first event is what Bible scholars call the Rapture. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, the apostle Paul writes that “the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.” In this passage, Paul is describing an event in which Jesus Christ will not physically, literally touch down on the earth but will first come “in the clouds” and snatch away His true followers from the earth in an instant of time. Those who have not chosen to follow Christ, those who have not been “born again,” will remain behind on the earth and will have to go through a terrible time of wars, famines, natural disasters, and divine judgments known as the Tribulation.
The second event occurs at the end of the Tribulation. This is when the Bible teaches that Jesus will physically, literally return to earth, destroy His enemies, and set up His own righteous government based in Jerusalem. He will reign on earth for one thousand years. In Revelation 19:11–20:6, the apostle John writes, “I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. . . . He will rule [the nations]. . . . And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and he threw him into the abyss. . . . And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God . . . and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. . . . Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection. . . . They will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.”
Another question is, "Are there any signs that will indicate when the return of Jesus Christ is close at hand, and if so, what are they?"
One day while Jesus and His disciples were sitting on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the city of Jerusalem, the disciples asked Him this very question. Their query is recounted in Matthew 24:3.
“Tell us,” they said, “what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
Jesus could have refused to answer the question. Instead, He answered them at great length and detail. His answers are recorded in Matthew chapter 24 and in Luke chapter 21, and they provide a checklist of signs to watch for. Among them:
Why? He gave the answer in Matthew 24:42, when He said, “Therefore, be on the alert.” He reinforced the point in the next verse, when again He urged His followers to be “on the alert.” In Matthew 24:44, He stressed this critical point for a third time. “You also must be ready,” He insisted, “for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.”
Followers of Jesus Christ who study these signs are coming to the conclusion that they are being fulfilled today and that we are, in fact, living in the last days. They are, after all, living through revolutions, wars and rumors of wars, and horrifying persecution, for starters.
They have no idea precisely when Jesus will return, of course. But given how closely world events are tracking with Bible prophecy, they find themselves increasingly motivated to “be ready” by living lives of holiness, by sharing the gospel with Muslims and nominal Christians, by making disciples of all nations, and by planting new church congregations throughout the region.
That said, a final thought: while this month will not see the literal end of the world, is it theoretically possible that the Rapture could happen this month, even on 12/12/12? It is possible. I'm not saying it will happen that way. I have no idea. No one but God knows when the Ratpure will happen. But it could happen at any time. We should, therefore, be ready at any moment. How about you? Are you ready?
A question that many are asking today is, "does the Bible teach about the second coming of Jesus and something called “the Rapture?"
The Bible describes two separate and distinct future events, both of which are often described as the Second Coming. The first event is what Bible scholars call the Rapture. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, the apostle Paul writes that “the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.” In this passage, Paul is describing an event in which Jesus Christ will not physically, literally touch down on the earth but will first come “in the clouds” and snatch away His true followers from the earth in an instant of time. Those who have not chosen to follow Christ, those who have not been “born again,” will remain behind on the earth and will have to go through a terrible time of wars, famines, natural disasters, and divine judgments known as the Tribulation.
The second event occurs at the end of the Tribulation. This is when the Bible teaches that Jesus will physically, literally return to earth, destroy His enemies, and set up His own righteous government based in Jerusalem. He will reign on earth for one thousand years. In Revelation 19:11–20:6, the apostle John writes, “I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. . . . He will rule [the nations]. . . . And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and he threw him into the abyss. . . . And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God . . . and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. . . . Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection. . . . They will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.”
Another question is, "Are there any signs that will indicate when the return of Jesus Christ is close at hand, and if so, what are they?"
One day while Jesus and His disciples were sitting on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the city of Jerusalem, the disciples asked Him this very question. Their query is recounted in Matthew 24:3.
“Tell us,” they said, “what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
Jesus could have refused to answer the question. Instead, He answered them at great length and detail. His answers are recorded in Matthew chapter 24 and in Luke chapter 21, and they provide a checklist of signs to watch for. Among them:
- Revolutions (Luke 21:9, NIV)
- The rise of false prophets and false messiahs (Matthew 24:4-5, 11, 23-27)
- Wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6)
- Nations rising against nations (Matthew 24:7)
- Kingdoms rising against kingdoms (Matthew 24:7)
- Famines (Matthew 24:7)
- Plagues (Luke 21:11)
- Earthquakes (Matthew 24:7) and “great earthquakes” (Luke 21:11)
- “Terrors” that lead to “men fainting from fear” (Luke 21:11, 26)
- Persecution of the believers (Matthew 24:9)
- Apostasy and betrayal of one another (Matthew 24:10)
- Increasing lawlessness (Matthew 24:12)
- People’s love for one another growing cold (Matthew 24:12)
- “The roaring of the sea and the waves” (Luke 21:25)
- The good news (the gospel) of Christ’s love and forgiveness will be preached “in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations”—even Muslim nations, even Radical nations—“and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14)
Why? He gave the answer in Matthew 24:42, when He said, “Therefore, be on the alert.” He reinforced the point in the next verse, when again He urged His followers to be “on the alert.” In Matthew 24:44, He stressed this critical point for a third time. “You also must be ready,” He insisted, “for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.”
Followers of Jesus Christ who study these signs are coming to the conclusion that they are being fulfilled today and that we are, in fact, living in the last days. They are, after all, living through revolutions, wars and rumors of wars, and horrifying persecution, for starters.
They have no idea precisely when Jesus will return, of course. But given how closely world events are tracking with Bible prophecy, they find themselves increasingly motivated to “be ready” by living lives of holiness, by sharing the gospel with Muslims and nominal Christians, by making disciples of all nations, and by planting new church congregations throughout the region.
That said, a final thought: while this month will not see the literal end of the world, is it theoretically possible that the Rapture could happen this month, even on 12/12/12? It is possible. I'm not saying it will happen that way. I have no idea. No one but God knows when the Ratpure will happen. But it could happen at any time. We should, therefore, be ready at any moment. How about you? Are you ready?
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Coming Into The Midnight Hour?
The past few weeks, I haven't done a lot because of vacation, and the news was changing everyday. But I have been studying in Ezekiel and share the following thought. Feel free to pass on.
Ezekiel 28:20-26 (KJV)
20 Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
21 Son of man, set thy face against Zidon, and prophesy against it,
22 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her.
23 For I will send into her pestilence, and blood into her streets; and the wounded shall be judged in the midst of her by the sword upon her on every side; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
24 And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am the Lord GOD.
25 Thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob.
26 And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I am the LORD their God.
God says, "I intend to regather Israel." Satan cannot disturb His plan and program with the children of Israel. Neither can any theologian today dismiss God's plan to restore Israel to the land in peace. One reason that so many theologians are believed when they say that God is through with the nation Israel is because God's people are not acquainted with Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, the minor prophets, and Revelation. The theme song of these prophets is that God is not through with Israel as a nation. For this reason they should be studied. They throw new light on the Word of God so that it is no longer a jigsaw puzzle, but everything falls into place.
Neither has the Church (replacement theology) taken over the place of the nation of Israel.
There is a powerful movement afoot called Replacement Theology which states that the church is Israel and the promises given to Israel were primarily for the church. This movement is incurring the wrath of God, as it increasingly condemns the nation of Israel as illegitimate, which is natural for folks who
believe the church has replaced Israel. Even among those who still hold to Israel to one degree or another, there seems to be a propensity for yanking Old Testament promises out of the Bible
-- and, I might add, out of context -- and indiscriminately applying them to modern church situations.
In verse 25. God says, "When I shall have gathered the house of Israel"—God was talking about their long captivity. During this time of captivity, God had been preparing the land for them so as to make it a safe dwelling; and hence he executed judgments on all the heathen nations round about by means of the Chaldeans. Thus Tyre and Sidon were destroyed, as were the Ammonites and others who had been the inveterate enemies of the Jews. Judgment first began at his own house, then proceeded to the
heathen nations; and when they were brought down, then he visited and redeemed his people. Thus God's ways are proved to be all equal; partialities and caprices belong not to him.
God will be glorified in the restoration of his people to their former safety and prosperity. God had been dishonoured by the sins of his people, and their sufferings too had given occasion to the enemy to blaspheme (Isaiah 52:5); but God will now both cure them of their sins and ease them of their troubles, and so will be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, will recover the honour of his holiness, to the satisfaction of all the world, v. 25. For,
(1.) They shall return to the possession of their own land again: I will gather the house of Israel out of their dispersions, in answer to that prayer (Psa. 106:27), Save us, O Lord our God! and gather us from among the heathen; and in pursuance of that promise (Deu. 30:4), Thence will the Lord thy God gather thee. Being gathered, they shall be brought in a body, to dwell in the land that I have given to my servant Jacob. God had an eye to the ancient grant, in bringing them back, for that remained in force, and the discontinuance of the possession was not a defeasance of the right. He that gave it will again give it.
This happened in May 14, 1948, by the Balfour Declaration. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balfour_Declaration
The next is future.
(2.) They shall enjoy great tranquillity there. When those that have been vexatious to them are taken off they shall live in quietness; there shall be no more a pricking brier nor a grieving thorn, v. 24. They shall have a happy settlement, for they shall build houses, and plant vineyards; and they shall enjoy a happy security and serenity there; they shall dwell safely, shall dwell with confidence, and there shall be none to disquiet them or make them afraid, v. 26. This never had full accomplishment in the body of that people, for after their return out of captivity they were ever and anon molested by some bad neighbour or other. Nor has the gospel-church been ever quite free from pricking briers and grieving thorns; yet sometimes the church has rest, and believers always dwell safely under the divine protection and may be quiet from the fear of evil. But the full accomplishment of this promise is reserved for the heavenly Canaan, when all the saints shall be gathered together, and every thing that offends shall be removed, and all griefs and fears for ever banished.
One needs to take note of Luke 21.
Luke 21:20-32 (KJV)
20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;
30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.
Ezekiel 28:20-26 (KJV)
20 Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
21 Son of man, set thy face against Zidon, and prophesy against it,
22 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her.
23 For I will send into her pestilence, and blood into her streets; and the wounded shall be judged in the midst of her by the sword upon her on every side; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
24 And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am the Lord GOD.
25 Thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob.
26 And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I am the LORD their God.
God says, "I intend to regather Israel." Satan cannot disturb His plan and program with the children of Israel. Neither can any theologian today dismiss God's plan to restore Israel to the land in peace. One reason that so many theologians are believed when they say that God is through with the nation Israel is because God's people are not acquainted with Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, the minor prophets, and Revelation. The theme song of these prophets is that God is not through with Israel as a nation. For this reason they should be studied. They throw new light on the Word of God so that it is no longer a jigsaw puzzle, but everything falls into place.
Neither has the Church (replacement theology) taken over the place of the nation of Israel.
There is a powerful movement afoot called Replacement Theology which states that the church is Israel and the promises given to Israel were primarily for the church. This movement is incurring the wrath of God, as it increasingly condemns the nation of Israel as illegitimate, which is natural for folks who
believe the church has replaced Israel. Even among those who still hold to Israel to one degree or another, there seems to be a propensity for yanking Old Testament promises out of the Bible
-- and, I might add, out of context -- and indiscriminately applying them to modern church situations.
In verse 25. God says, "When I shall have gathered the house of Israel"—God was talking about their long captivity. During this time of captivity, God had been preparing the land for them so as to make it a safe dwelling; and hence he executed judgments on all the heathen nations round about by means of the Chaldeans. Thus Tyre and Sidon were destroyed, as were the Ammonites and others who had been the inveterate enemies of the Jews. Judgment first began at his own house, then proceeded to the
heathen nations; and when they were brought down, then he visited and redeemed his people. Thus God's ways are proved to be all equal; partialities and caprices belong not to him.
God will be glorified in the restoration of his people to their former safety and prosperity. God had been dishonoured by the sins of his people, and their sufferings too had given occasion to the enemy to blaspheme (Isaiah 52:5); but God will now both cure them of their sins and ease them of their troubles, and so will be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, will recover the honour of his holiness, to the satisfaction of all the world, v. 25. For,
(1.) They shall return to the possession of their own land again: I will gather the house of Israel out of their dispersions, in answer to that prayer (Psa. 106:27), Save us, O Lord our God! and gather us from among the heathen; and in pursuance of that promise (Deu. 30:4), Thence will the Lord thy God gather thee. Being gathered, they shall be brought in a body, to dwell in the land that I have given to my servant Jacob. God had an eye to the ancient grant, in bringing them back, for that remained in force, and the discontinuance of the possession was not a defeasance of the right. He that gave it will again give it.
This happened in May 14, 1948, by the Balfour Declaration. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balfour_Declaration
The next is future.
(2.) They shall enjoy great tranquillity there. When those that have been vexatious to them are taken off they shall live in quietness; there shall be no more a pricking brier nor a grieving thorn, v. 24. They shall have a happy settlement, for they shall build houses, and plant vineyards; and they shall enjoy a happy security and serenity there; they shall dwell safely, shall dwell with confidence, and there shall be none to disquiet them or make them afraid, v. 26. This never had full accomplishment in the body of that people, for after their return out of captivity they were ever and anon molested by some bad neighbour or other. Nor has the gospel-church been ever quite free from pricking briers and grieving thorns; yet sometimes the church has rest, and believers always dwell safely under the divine protection and may be quiet from the fear of evil. But the full accomplishment of this promise is reserved for the heavenly Canaan, when all the saints shall be gathered together, and every thing that offends shall be removed, and all griefs and fears for ever banished.
One needs to take note of Luke 21.
Luke 21:20-32 (KJV)
20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;
30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)