Matthew 24: 23-24 “32 “Now learn this lesson
from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender
and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.
33 Even so, when you see all these things,
you know that it is near, right at the door.”
It begins and ends with the nation of Israel. Who would have thought that Israel would bud again as a nation? The scriptures liken Israel to a fig tree.
Hosea 9:10a “When I found Israel, it was like
finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your ancestors,
it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree.”
,
The Jews have always been under siege—from the Assyrian, Babylonian and Persian empires up to the modern times. Hitler’s holocaust tried to annihilate them too.
Yet the Jews still thrived; and reverted as a nation, back in 1948, to the land of Israel which the Lord had promised them a long time ago.
And why would God not raise them up again? His plan of salvation had to be fulfilled through them!
Jesus, the promised Messiah—Savior—born that first Christmas day, demonstrated that He indeed was God, not only because of the miracles He performed, but because of the changed lives of those who believed in Him.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him
should not perish but have eternal life.”
The ultimate demonstration of His love and power? He willingly went to the cross—that those who would put their trust in Him may no longer “die”, or be eternally separated from God for their sins.
He was buried, rose again on the third day—as prophesied—then ascended to heaven, and took His seat at the right hand of the Father.
Here’s where the plot thickens. Jesus Himself prophesied:
Matthew 24:7-8 “For nation shall rise against nation,
and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines,
and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.”
Don’t we experience all of these “sorrows” happening under our very nose? More and more earthquakes elsewhere. Covid, ebola, sars. Wars and rumors of wars rumbling in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, even Asia—with Russia, Iran and China as aggressors.
Back to Israel. Just recently, Hamas terrorists breached Israel’s peace and borders. More than five thousand rockets fired. Close to a thousand Israelis died. Civilians butchered and hostages barbarically abused and paraded around Gaza. Thus, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s all out declaration of war against Hamas, and by extension, its enabler Iran. Israel’s 9/11, analysts say.
Experts see this as just the beginning of a wider conflict that may draw other nations too into the fight.
A cause for fear? Yes, greater unrest will arise because of all these. But, we need to pray for and stand with Israel; and continue to pray for God’s mercy and grace for our families and all nations—because Jesus is still seated on the throne, continuously interceding for those who would humble themselves before Him.
He is the God of all creation. He too is the God of history and His purpose will prevail.
And while He keeps Israel under His wing, He relentlessly calls us too, to come under His protective wing.
Jeus came that we may be saved. You and I can trust Him with our lives and our future—yeah, even our eternity!
Acts 4:12 “Salvation is found in no one else,
for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind
by which we must be saved.”
Here’s the best news for those who believe. Jesus revealed to John:
Revelation 3:10 “Since you have kept my command
to endure patiently, I will also keep you
from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.”
Most bible scholars refer to this “keeping us from the hour of trial” as the rapture.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 “For the Lord himself
will come down from heaven, with a loud command,
with the voice of the archangel and with
the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
After that, we who are still alive and are left
will be caught up together with them in the clouds
to meet the Lord in the air.”
Matthew 24:44 “So you also must be ready,
because the Son of Man will come at an hour
when you do not expect him.”
Would you rather trust Jesus, your Creator and God, than your own unbelief?
God’s plan for Israel will prevail. Until the very end of this age—and even through the seven-year tribulation—the remnants of Israel will carry on God’s plan to evangelize the nations. This too has been prophesied.
They’re not the chosen people for nothing. The fig tree has bloomed. Now they take center stage once more as God’s plan reaches its climax.
That’s the length and breadth of God’s love for mankind. He wants everyone saved till the very end.
Would you sincerely pray to ask Jesus to be your Savior and Lord?
Here’s how: O God, I believe you are sovereign and have a great plan for my life. It’s not for calamity, but for life—a life that’s full because of Jesus, your Son who came to save us from our sins. Jesus, I confess you now to be my Savior. I have sinned. I repent! You promised to give me a new heart, so I yield my sinful heart to you. Make it your residence through your Holy Spirit. Help me to listen and yield to and obey your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Here’s a reference for a more detailed view of the rapture and the seven-year tribulation. David Jeremiah’s site:
https://davidjeremiah.blog/what-is-the-tribulation/
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