Friends, we could make an entire study of today’s topic, but that’s for another place and time. But today, we’ll tie some thoughts together with our previous installments in this mini-series, Understanding the Times. If you missed them, here are the first 3 days of study:
Something extraordinary happened May 14, 1948, that fired the starter’s gun to end time Bible prophecy. The nation of Israel came to life again! Short of Israel being back in their land as a reborn nation, Bible prophecies of the last days could not be fulfilled. Because of Israel’s rebirth, we can be certain that every prophecy given will ultimately be fulfilled without fail and with 100% accuracy.
Bible prophecy matters! When God’s Word tells us what is to come, we should be especially attentive. One important aspect of Bible prophecy is the consistent focus on Israel, the very cornerstone of all God has planned in the end.
Israel is Home to God’s Chosen People
Israel is not perfect…but they are uniquely called by God. Deuteronomy 9:6 makes clear they are chosen as “stiff-necked” people, not because they deserve His calling. Why? Because if God can save a stiff-necked people, He can save you! The Bible tells us they will be viewed as a nuisance and a stumbling stone (Zechariah 12:2), yet God has promised an everlasting covenant with them. Israel’s enemies don’t like that, and the end times are marked by intense attempts to destroy Israel. Sound familiar?
Israel is the Fulfillment of Prophecy
Israel is the centerpiece of Bible prophecy, and to date, there has been no more profound fulfillment of prophecy than Israel’s rebirth in 1948. Since 70 AD the Jews had been scattered throughout the world and Israel ceased to exist. How could prophecies such as those promising Jesus’ return to Israel be possible if Israel does not exist? Miraculously, Israel was reborn in a day, just as Isaiah 66:7-8 foretold, making possible many end time prophecies. While Israel has prospered tremendously, the Bible tells us they will go through incredibly difficult times during the Tribulation. However, because of God’s covenant with the Jews (and extended to Gentiles), those who put their faith in Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, will be saved from the Tribulation!
Israel Will Face Great Opposition
We recently covered the War of Gog and Magog, when Russia, Iran, Turkey and others will join together in battle against Israel. In another prophecy 2,600 years ago, God spoke through the prophet Joel to say:
“For behold, in those days and at that time,
When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem,
2 I will also gather all nations,
And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat;
And I will enter into judgment with them there
On account of My people, My heritage Israel,
Whom they have scattered among the nations;
They have also divided up My land.
~Joel 3:1-2
Today, we see attempts to divide the land of Israel. But again, in Zechariah 12, we are told that Jerusalem will be an immovable rock that will injure those who try to move it. Yet the world will do all it can to move it.
Undoubtedly, the re-birth of Israel was crucial to fulfillment of end time prophecies. Ezekiel 34:13 says:
13 And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land; I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the valleys and in all the inhabited places of the country.
God indeed brought it about, and we can be certain He will fulfill every remaining prophecy in its time.
Looking for the Blessed Hope 