Zech. 12:2-3; Jer. 23:3-8; Signs: In the realm of Israel

Today we conclude our review of the situation in the year 2000 with respect to the various signs of the times the Bible speaks of as fitting the latter days.

5.     In the Realm of Israel.

a.     Focus on Israel/Middle-East.

                                                 i.      Jerusalem to be a burdensome stone, Zech. 12:2-3.

                                              ii.      Nations gathered against Israel, Joel 3:2; Zech. 14:2f.

b.     Regathering and Restoration.

                                                 i.      Regathering to the land, Jer. 23:3-8; 31:23,28; 32:37f.

                                              ii.      Restoration of the land, Isa. 35:1.

                                           iii.      Desolate cities to be inhabited, Isa. 54:3;Ezek. 36:33ff.

                                            iv.      Rebuilding the temple, Mt. 24:15; 2 Th. 2:4; Rev. 11:1f.

c.     Gentile influence over Israel, Lk. 21:24; Rev. 11:1f.

In terms of the current news in 2000 and the issue of Israel and the nations the key factor was the start of the 2^nd Intifada.  We know this, from our time in Israel, that these days were fearful among Israelis.  Family never went out for a meal together; rather part of the family was on one side of the street and the rest on the other so that they would not be completely wiped out by someone with a bomb strapped to themselves.  Israel’s eventual answer was to build a wall between Jerusalem and Beit-lehem.  The nations did not understand this and were highly critical of such a move.  But it would eventually reduce the terror to a manageable issue.

It was also the time of Hamas’ rise to power in Gaza.  What had been a working arrangement at the Gaza/Israel border, where many Palestinians were gladly working in Israel to make good lives for their families, now came to a complete halt.  Hamas at that time became infamous for their tactics or putting innocent civilians in harm to keep their arms stashes safe.  Again, the nations did not, or simply refused to, understand what was happening.  Israel always seemed to take the blame.

The 2^nd Intifada began shortly before the US presidential election in 2000 when George W. Bush was elected.  The USA continued to be an exception (and there were others but definitely a minority) to the rule of making it difficult for Israel.  You will remember that we, as a nation, were attack during this time (Sept. 11, 2001) by the enemies of Israel and for that reason the solidarity of that relationship was strengthened. I am personally thankful for the fact of the friendship of the USA with Israel that continues to this day.  But we are aware that a time will come when even Israel’s best friend will turn against her.  We believe that in line with the promise of God to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3) that will be a time when God’s blessing will be significantly withdrawn from our nation.

May I again call upon the Apostle Paul for one of numerous New Testament encouragements that arise out of the terrible situation in the latter days? 

And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. ¹² The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. ¹³ Let us walk ^[c]properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. ¹⁴ But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. (Rom. 13:11-14)