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Approaching Sound Of Hoof Beats
by Donald Mehl On or about September 20, 2011, the Palestinians are scheduled to present a formal bid to the United Nations. Their objective will be to persuade the UN to declare a significant portion of Israel and Jerusalem as a legal, independent Palestinian state with full UN membership. The UN is almost certain to allow it...forcing Israel to abandon and hand over much of her God-given land to a pagan people who have been relentless in their attempts to destroy Israel and the Jewish people. Such a UN decision would certainly cause all Arab nations to sing and dance in the streets, since they would view the UN's decision as a major step forward toward their goal of eradicating Israel, as well as it being a victory for Allah and Islam. Most of the world's nations are openly supportive of the Palestinian cause. For the first time since Israel re-formed as a nation in 1948, and since Israel re-claimed Jerusalem in 1967, Israel now finds itself alone in the world with no allies. In the past, the USA has always defended Israel, but recently, Israel has been tossed aside. The USA will likely support the Palestinian's bid. The United Nations is a world-wide organization of nations that works to resolve issues of world peace and security for the betterment of mankind. On September 20, or very soon thereafter, the UN will probably cast its votes in favor of the Palestinian state...that a peaceful solution might be achieved to solve a centuries-old conflict. Then, the only thing remaining would be a declaration to the world announcing the newly established covenant with many. Enter the Antichrist onto the world scene, for he will confirm a seven-year covenant with many. The "many" could very likely describe the whole world...including Israel and the Jewish people. Daniel 9:27a NKJV Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; Initially, the Antichrist will make his appearance to the world as a man of peace. As the rider on the first horse of the apocalypse...a white horse symbolic of peace, victory and power...he will be viewed as the Jewish messiah by a people who have been desperate for a long-awaited peace. However, there will be no peace, for the man will prove to be a false messiah...an impostor who will deceive, control, and destroy millions of people. In the middle of the seven years, the Antichrist will break the covenant...bringing war and devastation to the world. His act of confirming the covenant will begin the first of twenty-one horrific judgments that God will allow to fall on planet earth during seven years of tribulation...known as Daniel's Seventieth Week. Its purpose is to punish unbelievers for their sin and rejection of Christ, and to bring a Jewish remnant to faith in Him. Revelation 6:2 NASB And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. Daniel 9:27b NIV In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. Should the UN, with its world-wide backing, support the Palestinian bid for independent statehood on September 20 as is speculated, then, would that constitute the "covenant with many" in which Daniel 9:27 refers? There is no way to know for sure prior to that date, but if a covenant is established at that time, and is confirmed by an individual for a "week of years", then, that individual is the Antichrist...fulfilling yet another Biblical prophecy. If a unilateral covenant is declared, then, what would happen next with Israel? Such an agreement would essentially divide Israel and Jerusalem...leaving that tiny nation unable to defend itself. It is possible that following a UN declaration in their favor, the Palestinians and their supportive Arab neighbors, all in a blind mental state of euphoria, might pour into Israel with overwhelming numbers in an attempt to overtake the entire country. On the other hand, if the Palestinian's bid is denied, they will likely be enraged to the point where they, along with the surrounding Arab nations, might attack Israel with everything they have at their disposal. With either possibility, a devastating war is almost a certainty...and it could be imminent. In spite of the UN decision, Israel simply cannot permit further division of their God-given land, nor, would they allow East Jerusalem to become the Palestinian capital. Most important, however, is the fact that the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will not permit it to happen. His hand of judgment will fall on all who would seek to destroy Israel and the Jewish people. Joel 3:2 NIV I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land. Joel 3:17 NIV Then you will know that I, the LORD your God, dwell in Zion, my holy hill. Jerusalem will be holy; never again will foreigners invade her. Will the "covenant with many" be declared and confirmed during the upcoming UN meeting? Are the sounds being heard actually the approaching hoof beats of a scruffy white horse carrying its rider...the Antichrist? The world will know very soon. However, as Bible believers, we must not be looking for the Antichristbut rather, we must be watching for the true Messiah, Jesus Christ. As recorded in Revelation 19:11-16, He will return soon from heaven with great power and glory while riding a powerful milk white stallion. On that day every eye will see Him, every knee will bow before Him, and every tongue will confess that He is Lord (Rev. 1:7; Phil. 2:19; Rom. 14:11; Phil. 2:11). Then...He will rule and reign forever just as He has promised. He has already won the battles of all the ages. We are assured of victory through Him...but only if we place our faith and trust in Him. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6). During retirement, my prayer is that I might serve the Lord by sharing the Gospel through my writing. As the Lord leads, my work will inform, challenge and encourage. I also enjoy Biblical theme woodcarving, Bible studies and Christian music. Watch, pray and keep looking up! Donald Mehl Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |