Welcome back, faithful sojourners!  I hope you have had time to contemplate yesterday’s post, and that the thoughts presented serve as encouragement to allow the Lord to mold and shape your thoughts regarding end times and the Muslim people.

 

Today, we’re moving into a new week of study: US, Israel, and Other Nations in Prophecy.  Our cruise ship has only a few more ports of call before we head for home.  I hope you’ll stick with us this week.  We’ll start the study by examining America in Bible prophecy.  Do we show up anywhere?  If so, where…and what will our role be?  Intriguing questions, with answers that may surprise you!  Let’s dig in!

 

For a couple hundred years, America has occupied a dominate place in global affairs.  We have also been an ally of Israel.  Yet the Bible is surprisingly non-descript of America’s part in end times.  Perhaps we think more highly of ourselves than we ought!

 

Some scholars have implied that Scripture indeed makes some reference to America, so we’ll look at the most often referenced passages.  Turn first to Isaiah 18:7.

 

This verse references “…a people tall and smooth….,” “…feared far and wide…,”   and “…whose land the rivers divide.”  Indeed, America is a nation comprised of people from far and wide, and has a considerable number of rivers.  Arguably, America is “feared far and wide,” depending upon who is making the observation!

 

However, keep in mind that CONTEXT is key!  Verse 1 of that chapter refers to a land that “…lies beyond the rivers of Cush.”  In fact, if your Bible has chapter headings (which are not inspired, but often provide commentary of subject matter), it may say something like: “Message to Ethiopia.”  Indeed, this chapter is a message to the region of Cush…modern-day Ethiopia.  Difficult to draw reference to America here, so strike that one off your list!

 

Now turn to Revelation 12:14.  Some say that the “…wings of the great eagle…” might refer to the United States of America, as the eagle is a national symbol.  But again, CONTEXT puts this one to bed really quickly.  The first clue is contained in that very verse: “…a time and times and half a time…,” which refers to the last half of the tribulation.  However, that chapter deals specifically with the woman (Israel), the red dragon (Satan), the male child (Christ), and the angel (Michael).  Where does America enter that picture?

 

The Bible interprets itself.  God promised to provide a place of refuge for the Jewish remnant during the second half of the tribulation (Matthew 24:15-22, Revelation 12:6).  In the midst of utter chaos following the Northern Invasion, God will provide a place of refuge for the remnant of Israel.  The wings of the great eagle are similarly referenced in Exodus 19:4 and Deuteronomy 32:11, describing how God brought the Israelites out of Egypt.  This idea consistently refers to God’s rescue of the Jews.  So, this isn’t likely a reference to America.

 

Move on to Revelation 18, which describes the destruction of Babylon the Great.  Is Babylon symbolic of the US?

 

Babylon is described as a dwelling place of demons who export passion and immorality.  Today, the US stands guilty as charged for spewing passion and immorality around the world via TV, cable, and internet.  The world has eagerly bought what we are selling, and immorality is rampant in our country and around the world.

 

Babylon is also described as glorifying herself and living generously.  Again, I’m sad to say that America is guilty of this charge as well.  We boast and brag, and glorify ourselves while living in the lap of luxury compared to most of the world.

 

But, let’s take a look at the CONTEXT.  Revelation 18 follows 13 previous chapters in which God has poured out His wrath upon the earth.  And it immediately precedes the Lord’s Second Coming to earth.  At this point, it is even questionable as to whether nations will even be recognized!  What is being described is the last empire…a Gentile empire, not a nation…that will dominate until the return of Jesus.

 

Though it is the strongest argument yet, I don’t buy it…but you may!  This appears to be the empire of the antichrist that will be thrown down and destroyed.

 

The fourth passage is the most often referenced passage to refer to America in end times.  Take a look at Ezekiel 38:13.  In context, you will recognize this as the Northern Invasion passage.  Identifying the characters here is fairly certain in places, rather sketchy in others.  Sheba and Dedan almost assuredly refer to Saudi Arabia.  Tarshish probably refers to either Spain or the UK.  The “merchants” and villages” are not so easy to identify and some say that they could be colonized nations springing from Spain and/or Britain.  That could include the US, as well as perhaps Australia or other colonized nations.

 

Biblically, we can’t rule out the idea that this verse might refer to the United States, but we cannot confirm it either.  What we do know, according to that verse, is that these nations sit back and ask questions rather than take action.  Apparently they stand at a distance, trusting time and diplomacy to rule the day.  I have a sense that, once the second half of the tribulation starts, time and diplomacy will be of little effect.  However, an argument may certainly be made that the US is acting this way today.

 

The conclusion is that the Bible makes very little, if any, mention of America.  However, many Bible prophecies refer to all nations:

• Zechariah 12 tells us that Jerusalem will be a cup that causes reeling to all nations (when they all come against Israel).
• Isaiah 34 and Isaiah 66 warn that the Lord’s indignation will be against all nations.
• Jeremiah 30 and Jeremiah 46 indicate that God will completely destroy all the nations except Israel.
• In Haggai 2, the Lord says He will shake all the nations.

 

Personally, I believe America will cease to be a world power during the tribulation (and perhaps long before then) for one of these reasons:

• God’s discipline.  As our country spirals downward morally and walks further and further away from Biblical principles, we must expect that God’s hand of blessing will ultimately be removed.
• Military strike.  America’s military is being drawn down at alarming rates, and our forces are currently worn by continual deployments.  In addition, EMP weaponry is real and could rather easily be used against us.
• Financial collapse.  As a nation, we’re trillions in debt to rather unfriendly debtors.  Should China or other “unfriendlies” decide to call in the debt we owe, we could not do it.  America could easily collapse financially.
• Failure to bless Israel.  Scripture is clear…those who bless Israel will be blessed, those who curse Israel will be cursed.  (Genesis 12:3).  Though many Christians stand strong with Israel, our government is on a slippery slope, turning its back on Israel in order to appease her enemies.
• Rapture!  Yes, Jesus is coming to “meet us in the air!”  As a believer, I need not worry about the wrath to come.  One day soon, we will be “snatched away” to meet Him in the air.  But when that occurs, this nation will be void of believers.  Who will fill leadership positions?  Who will pay the mortgages that are left?  Who will buy the overstock of products?  What happens when all vestiges of morality are gone?

 

“Lord come quickly…but please have mercy and draw all people to Yourself!”

 

We’ve got a short encouraging post tomorrow, then we dive into the rest of this week’s study.  Stay tuned for prophecies regarding Damascus, Egypt, Babylon, Israel, and Israel’s enemies.