Nothing wrong with the Message

Again I was reading an introduction to a book about Bible prophecy and the same sad message emanated from its pages. It was the old “doom and gloom” scenario and now this book takes a more practical approach to prophetic interpretation of imagery. But what is really wrong with the literal interpretation?

First, we must ask ourselves do we really understand God’s heart when it comes to prophecy. It is God’s stamp of approval on this God breathed book He gave us. What other religious writing was ever so bold to make so many predictions and yet be so accurate?

Second, the concept of literal interpretation is not as much doom and gloom as it is warnings of impending doom and the need for repentance. Noah’s culture was warned for more than a century. Lot’s culture was spared as God searched for just a handful of righteous people and Nineveh saw the greatest single revival ever recorded because they received the words and repented.

Finally, as believers, do we serve a God that just goes soft on Sin? Is it doom and gloom to realize after the age of man coming to a close the Creator of the universe will deal with all of the rebellion and wrong in the world? It is hard for me to picture a just God giving everybody a pass including the likes of Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, Arafat and bin Laden to name a few. There is not doom and gloom for those anticipating the just and righteous reign of Jesus Christ on earth. We look forward to it, and in reality there is nothing wrong with that message!

God Revealing Himself to All

God’s sovereignty is something to behold but in the end He will truly manifest Himself to all the nations of the world. The Gog-Magog coalition that will invade Israel in one last mad dash to destroy God’s covenant people, but will see the God of the universe truly in His awesome power.

Ezekiel 38:23 NKJ tells us “I (God) will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself and I will be known in the eyes of many nations.” Then in chapter 39:7a NKJ “So I will make My Holy name known in the midst of My people Israel, and I will not let them profane My Holy name anymore.”

Finally in verses 27-29- the Sovereign God, that He is hallowed in them (Israel) in the sight of many nations, and He will no longer hide His face from them anymore because He has poured out His spirit in the house of Israel, “says the Lord God.”

How awesome, God first reveals Himself to many nations of the world, then He reveals Himself to Israel, then the nations of the world realize God is hallowed in His people and His sovereign plan must be recognized.

Reading passages such as these reinforces to us that from Genesis to Revelation God has a redemptive plan for man which has always included Israel and the church. It also lets us know He does have a plan for Israel, hasn’t written them off and everyone else can look at God’s faithfulness to His covenant and take strength in His keeping His word.

This is but a glimpse of His glory, I can’t even imagine what it will be like when we see Him face to face!

Sure It Matters

Does the teaching of prophecy really matter even as we watch the panorama unfolding in front of us? The answer is yes, it does matter because it is not just confirmation of God’s word but it should be the catalyst to motivate our personal lives and activities.

First, if I believe Jesus is coming again, it should motivate me to make sure the Gospel gets out to as many as possible, that is the Great Commission!

Second, if I believe that Jesus is ready to knock on the door, it should put the accumulation of material things into perspective. If it is hay, wood, and stubble, it is going to burn. I want what is eternal!

Finally, knowing Jesus will return soon, there should come a purifying affect in our lives because I want to stand clear before my Lord and if His return is close, I need to be ready regardless.

We can impress with charts, statistics and the presentation of the compilation of all that information. We can also monitor the internet, periodicals, and TV and radio programs to stay up on all of the fast paced changes in the world. However, if prophecy doesn’t motivate us to spread the Gospel, put accumulation in perspective, and live like Jesus is coming back soon, then it doesn’t matter how much we know, it hasn’t changed our lives.

If the return of Jesus hasn’t moved you to the changes you need to make, let it happen today because He is coming soon and it does matter!

The Awakening of a Region

While visiting China, Napoleon Bonaparte made a very prophetic statement, “When China awakens it will shake the world.”  Napoleon was correct in his assessment as China for the past century has been a player in the international arena.

Snubbed by world powers during the post World War I peace negotiations this country became isolated from the west , began its internal progress, and the rest is history.    The awakened China has risen from obscurity to be a dominant political, military, financial, and cultural phenomenon and truly fits into the fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

However, Napoleon only saw part of the Asian awakening and there are other nations that have shaken the world in their awakenings.  Both North and South Korea in the past 50 years have truly been like China, demonstrating military might, financial influence, and a profound influence on culture worldwide.

Japan rose out of the ashes of nuclear disaster to take its place among the leading nations of the world and has been able to stay at the forefront.  Napoleon was essentially correct about China,also nations such as the Philippines and Indonesia with its threat of Islamic influence certainly are on the horizon of world influence.

While it is true Napoleon saw a portion of prophetic reality, the history of the Pacific Rim and prophetic fulfillment are running on a parallel course and as time marches on the accuracy of God’s word continues to be verified and one area to watch is definitely Asia!

What is Lost

There are many people that believe the twelve tribes of Israel are lost forever and many times this theory gets spun into some off-the-wall theology. While it is true the Jews were dispersed after the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E. and have gone to the far reaches of the globe they are still present to those of the Diaspora. In fact, James opens his epistle writing to the twelve tribes dispersed or scattered abroad, James 1:1.

Jesus spoke of the same group in Matthew 19:28 and Luke 22:30 and those that will sit to judge the twelve tribes, so the evidence of New Testament Scriptures carries on.

Even modern history has shown us in the past two decades the lineage of those of the tribe of Levi were being identified by DNA and are bring prepared for service in the Temple to be rebuilt in the near future. However, there is one question that begs to be answered and that is whether the tribes are truly lost or are they just in a place awaiting restoration?

Consider all the covenants and promises given to Abraham and all of his descendants, and then realize God would not covenant land to a lost people that could not occupy it!

I believe that the scriptures define a plan for the “lost tribes of Israel”. Amos 9:15, “And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.”

They are not lost but rather they are ready, waiting for God to fulfill His entire plan. There will be no questions; they will be where they are supposed to be!