End Times JERUSALEM 4
Self-proclaimed Major 1 Prophet’s Church Under Attack
Date: 18 January 2019
Volume 02: Week No. 3 22
A Sign Of The Times
S we transition into the new year, one cannot help but wonder what 2019 holds in store, particularly as it relates to God’s divine agenda on earth. Fully understanding this agenda requires perfect foresight, which belongs to God, and he only reveals things to man partially (Deut. 29:29, 1 Cor. 13:9).
A
Nevertheless, hindsight and insight into current events are at our disposal to get a good idea; and what better place to start than the apple of God’s eye: Jerusalem (Zech. 2:8). From the time Jerusalem was officially recognized as the capital of Israel by the US (December 6th, 2017), there has been an increase in the global tide of hostility towards the Jewish state. Despite this, the US has remained steadfast in its support of Israel, even moving its embassy to Jerusalem (May 14th,2018). However, recent developments in the foreign policy of Jerusalem's strongest ally has cast a shadow of doubt over Jerusalem’s future outlook. On December 19th,2018, President Trump announced the withdrawal of US troops from Syria, casting concern over the security of the border with Israel (which has been used as an operating base for the Iranian military and Hezbollah). Whilst the US has reiterated its commitment to the security of Israel’s borders, the recent failure of the US Senate to advance the “Strengthening America’s Security in the Middle East Act”
Daily Star
(also known as the anti-BDS bill), which reaffirms US support for Israel and allies in the region, casts further uncertainty over the extent of future US involvement in the region as focus shifts to homeland issues. Juxtaposed with end-time biblical prophecies which point to ‘apparent’ conditions of peace and a ‘sense’ of security within Israel’s borders (and to an extent around the world) as a prelude to events such as the building of the third temple in Jerusalem (Zech.1:11, Dan.9:27),
the Gog-of-Magog invasion (Eze. 38:11) and the gathering of the saints before a period of tribulation (1 Thess. 5:3); these recent developments do not necessarily preclude their fulfilment as Israel seeks guarantees and assurances from its ally more so than a physical military presence. The demand is thus placed on Christians to be vigilant and carefully monitor the developments concerning Jerusalem in 2019 as a sign of the times.
Ronald McDonald A Book Review on the Cross in Israel Under Fire From Christians Ancient bible wisdom warns us: “knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their lusts,” (2 Peter 3:3). How well befitting is this scripture to the sculpture to the scoffing that was put up in Israel’s Haifa Museum of Art last week, such that an Arab-Christian had this to say: “I object to this disgraceful sculpture,” said Nicola Abdo, a Haifa resident and protester. “As a Christian person ... I take deep offence to this depiction of our symbols.” While the image was displayed against the wishes of the artist, and also that he supported the protest that took place last week; it is said the sculpture was displayed as means of a critique on capitalism.
After violent protests and calls to boycott McDonalds, even in a country far afield as South Africa from the happenings of the events, saw the Museum succumbing to pressure and removed the display this week. The 2% minority of Arab-Christians in Israel stood boldly and even reverted to violence to make their voices heard. When Israel mocks Jesus, they give the devil a foothold on their country and often bad things follow. Even though reluctant at first, however, the Museum did the right thing to remove the image.