Year 2018, no funny or meaningful numbers, so perhaps it will be this year we go to meet the Lord in the air, as the Lord told us, at a time that you think not He will come for us. It is only 69 years since the State of Israel came into being, not 70 years. So let’s look forward to the unexpected.
In January of each year I generally go through the areas of interest and see what’s happening. Although there is some interesting activities in areas not normally of close Biblical interest. There seems to be much interest in the behaviour of North Korea. We know the Devil is active because his time is short, and he is trying all he can to disrupt Gods plans. We know that the Bible tells us during the Tribulation time an army of 200 million originating in the Far East, will be part of the scenario of the battle of Armageddon. As they march across the lands they destroy a third of the world population on their way to the Middle East. [Rev 9:15-16][16:12].
In the Middle East the argument between various Arab countries seems to centre on their brand of Islam. The Shiites and the Sunni’s seem to be in opposition to each other and whoever they happen to be they are still all wary of Iran, as their nuclear bomb development continues regardless of agreements, sanctions and diplomatic discussion. If Iran keeps everybody talking long enough they can complete their research and manufacture while they talk. Iran has Accused Saudi Arabia of pursuing confrontation and stoking regional tension after the Saudi’s broke off diplomatic relations, Saudi Arabia and Iran are the key Sunni and Shiite powers in the Middle East and back opposing sides in Syria and Yemen. This strife between the Sunni’s and Shiites will manifest itself in the Battle of Armageddon where the attacking armies start fighting each other [Ezek 38:21-22]. There is no doubt that Russia [Magog] is entrenched in Syria and giving help and support to other Middle Eastern countries, whilst the US seems to be supporting Saudi Arabia. In Ezekiel it tells us that Sheba and Dedan [Saudi Arabia and the Emirates] and the government of Tarshish [Europe] query the attack by Magog [Russia} and Persia [Iran] upon Israel [Ezek38:12-13]. The members of this prophecy seem to be taking their places with all the right nations being the prophesied players. This is in the fulfillment of this prophecy. We are not told when this battle will take place in its fulfillment, but it seems most likely towards the end of the Tribulation or “Jacobs Trouble” [Jer 30:4-19]. The Nations of the World will have their armies destroyed and Israel will at last be free with the Lord ruling from Jerusalem as King.
Europe is a buzz with the inability of Angela Merkel to form a coalition government. Germany, with one of the strongest economies, it was thought that Angela Merkel would be in for a 4th term but that was not to be. Whilst everyone awaits the outcome of what is to happen, Britain goes on with its negotiations to leave the European block, with several member nations wanting to consolidate the EU with a united and international army and police force. In the Bible when the Antichrist or final “Emperor” of Europe arrives on the scene, he will be enlarge his army and be obsessed with munitions and armaments [Da 38:38]. In connection with the finances he will have to play with, it is estimated that only 28% of the world’s wealth is in circulation. By gaining hold of the worlds banking system the Antichrist or Beast will have access to many of the millionaire’s fortunes. As Hitler did in the last world war, he managed to gain access to all the money he needed for his army and weapon industry by seizing much of the Jews and others hidden money. As in the days preceding the 1939-45 war, Germany moved to the far right and became Fascist in its government. It is now happening again with the German government and several other European countries moving to the right of politics. Have you noticed that most of the armies of the world use Mercedes Benz Vehicles? It will tell us something about ability to equip the military. Will history repeat itself?
The Temple Mount in Jerusalem is increasingly becoming a bone of contention between the Muslims and the Jews. We know that many years ago King David bought the Temple Mount for the building of the first Temple by Solomon [I Ch 21:21-28] [2 Ch 3:1]. By law the Temple Mount should be returned to ownership of the government of Israel. At the moment the Muslims will not even let the Jews enter the Temple Mount land area. We will expect further development in that area as the contention grows. Israel wants to build its new Temple and we know it happens, but when and how we are not told. I have been told however that there are plans afoot and preparations are being made to build a new Temple, and re-introduce the old prerequisites of the Jewish religion including sacrifices held in a Temple on the Temple Mount. We will await developments with interest. They have the priestly line of Levi worked out by genetics, the priestly robes are made, the Red Heifer has been bred and the foundation stones made and the plans drawn up as per Ezekiel Chapters 40 to 42. All they want now is space on the Temple Mount and so we await events with interest.
We are not told how far in front of the Tribulation the Church will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. It could be this year. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first, Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [1 Thess 4:16-17KJV]. Are you ready should it be today? Do you believe in Jesus, have you repented of your sin’s, accepted Christ as your Saviour and been born again by the Holy Spirit? As I said before, are you ready?
Brian Papworth
Representative for the P.W.M.I. in the South Pacific.