Friends, thanks for jumping on board with me as we view current events through the lens of Scripture, and as we stand together in prayer for the peace of Jerusalem and her neighbors.

Each day seems to bring news that should cause us to stop and consider how it aligns with Bible prophecy.  I believe we are seeing prophecy line up right before our very eyes, and I want to point to examples from current events that support that.

First, in an interview on Meet the Press Sunday morning, President Obama indicated that ISIS poses a larger threat than Iran.  Additional comments also seem to signal significant changes in American foreign policy, including shifting focus off of Iran in the Middle East.

Don’t get me wrong…ISIS is problematic.  The ruthless, brutal murder of Christians and other who do not agree with their ideology is a significant issue, and world leaders indeed should be addressing that issue and implementing well-developed strategy to deal forcefully with it.

However, since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has been determined to develop nuclear weapons to  help them accomplish their stated mission of “wiping Israel off the map,” and ultimately coming to destroy the “great Satan” (the US).  As indicated before, Iran seems to be a master of diversion, very successfully turning attention away from the fact that they continue to prohibit inspection of their nuclear plants, they fail to achieve the steps required by the International Atomic Energy Agency for nuclear transparency, and they continue testing explosives that could be used for an atomic device.  These are all violations of international agreements relating to Iran’s nuclear capability.

When viewed through the lens of Scripture, we know for certain that Iran (Persia) is a country that will team with Russia to lead a coalition in an invasion of Israel in the last days.  (See posts tagged “Northern Invasion,” and particularly Who’s Who Among Northern Invaders for identification of those nations, and what that Northern Invasion will be like.)

Given the coalition that is already being built between Russia and Iran, and the fact that we are seeing many other Bible prophecies line up in our day, I believe the US would be wise to maintain focus on the primary threat (Iran), and Israeli officials are expressing similar concern.  In the midst of this, Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister stated, “After a year of talks, Iran is closer than ever to attaining nuclear capabilities.”  My thought is that America will continue standing on the sidelines while Israel’s enemies attempt to consume her.  (Though I don’t believe it is a direct reference to the US, Ezekiel 38:13 does indicate that various nations/lands will stand around asking irrelevant questions while Israel is being invaded.  Personally, I don’t look for the US to act decisively on behalf of Israel during that invasion, partly because I believe those events will take place after the rapture and our country will be virtually void of those who will stand strongly with Israel at that point.)

 

On another interesting note, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is threatening to dissolve the unity government between Hamas (in the Gaza Strip) and Fatah (in the West Bank).  You may remember that he pushed for (and achieved) a “unity government” in order to bolster the Palestinian’s chances of gaining recognition as a sovereign state by the UN.  Well, apparently even the Palestinian Authority is upset about how Hamas is going about its business in the conflict with Israel!  You can read more about that here.

Finally, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi continues to show favor to Israel!  Not only has al-Sisi attempted to negotiate fair ceasefire deals between Israel and Hamas, he just recently presented a plan to give Palestinians land for a state in the Sinai peninsula that would expand Gaza to five times its current size.  That would, in very large part, resolve the Palestinian “refugee problem,” and would provide a bit of sovereignty to Gaza.  It is reported, however, that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has rejected the plan.

Why would they reject a plan that would go a long way toward resolving the issue?  Because the Palestinians don’t want the issue resolved!  Instead, they want reason to battle with Israel and ultimately accomplish the Islamic-driven purpose to destroy Israel.  They don’t want land, they want Israel to cease to exist!

Meanwhile, Egypt seems to be governed right now by a true moderate who wants the best for his people.  Interestingly, Isaiah 19:18-20 tells us that in the last days Egypt will swear allegiance to the Lord of hosts and will believe in the God of Israel!  So….should we be surprised that today’s events appear to be lining up with Scripture?  I don’t think so!  (See Egypt’s Prophetic Destiny)

But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads,
because your redemption is drawing near.  ~Luke 21:28