The Warnings Continue

As I listen to news reports of continued economic downturn, I must remind myself of the cyclic nature of these events. I honestly don't know if this is the final straw for the "good ole USA." I know that at times it becomes very popular to be the bearers of 'doom and gloom.' That being said, it is also important to heed warnings, especially as they are outlined in Scripture. The news events of the past few days (assassination of a radical Muslim leader in Lebanon) and the threats of all-out war in Israel drive the point home for believers once again.

Isaiah 1:24- 31 says , " Therefore the Lord says,
The LORD of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel,
“Ah, I will rid Myself of My adversaries,
And take vengeance on My enemies.
I will turn My hand against you,
And thoroughly purge away your dross,
And take away all your alloy.
I will restore your judges as at the first,
And your counselors as at the beginning.
Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city.”
Zion shall be redeemed with justice,
And her penitents with righteousness.
The destruction of transgressors and of sinners shall be together,
And those who forsake the LORD shall be consumed.
For they shall be ashamed of the terebinth trees
Which you have desired;
And you shall be embarrassed because of the gardens
Which you have chosen.
For you shall be as a terebinth whose leaf fades,
And as a garden that has no water.
The strong shall be as tinder,
And the work of it as a spark;
Both will burn together,
And no one shall quench them."

The context of this passage is judgement on a wicked and wayward Israel. There is promise of restoration as well. We are living in the day when these warnings are more appropriate than at any time in history. Those who study Scripture are struck by its stark accuracy and how it pertains to the day in which we live. I want to illustrate how close these events bring us to the return of Messiah.

In Daniel 9, we are told that a command to restore Israel goes forth. That command went out from the United Nations on Nov. 29, 1947. According to the same passage, Daniel gives a 70 year timeline that would end in the year 2017. Because of the reference to a 62 year period, Daniel's timeline puts the start of the final Tribulation in the year 2009-2010. It is no accident that there is international pressure TODAY to establish a Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capitol. We have crossed the threshold...The times of the Gentiles has come to a close...This is the day of the Revelation of our Messiah!! His message is the same as what he declared when He came the first time! Repent, for the Kingdom of Yehuweh is at hand!

Shalom!