Prophecy

Things To Come

Ken

“Thus says the LORD, The Holy One of Israel, and his [Cyrus’] Maker: Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons; And concerning the work of My hands, you command Me” (Isaiah 45:11 NKJV). 

Strange verse this. 

Isaiah 45 was written 150 years before Cyrus the Great was born and had conquered Babylon (539 BC). According to Josephus, Daniel handed this ancient scroll to Cyrus, containing the personal letter “To His anointed, To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held — To subdue nations before him And loose the armor of kings, To open before him the double doors [of the conquered city of Babylon]. So the gates will not be shut” (Isaiah 45:1). Cyrus was so impressed that he later authorized the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple (Ezra 1:1-4) previously destroyed by the Babylonians. 

Isaiah 45 argued the LORD’s case before Cyrus, “Woe to him who strives with his Maker! Let the potsherd [Cyrus] strive with the potsherds of the earth! Shall the clay say to him [the LORD] who forms it, What are you making? Or shall your handiwork say, He has no hands?” (Isaiah 45:9). In other words, who are you, Cyrus? You are the clay being formed into the potsherd. This is the same argument for God’s sovereign rule throughout history, e.g., Pharaoh (Exodus 9:16; Romans 9:17). 

Prophecy is history announced in advance. 

Skeptics claimed the Book of Daniel had to be written so much later in history, in order for Daniel 11 to so accurately forecast what actually took place. 

If we wrongly assume prayer is changing God’s mind to do as we ask, then it would concern us that the LORD invited Cyrus to command Him “concerning the works of My hands” (Isaiah 45:11). 

But, if we rightly understand prayer so changes us that it would be fitting for God to grant His will being done for us, then we can understand God telling Cyrus, “Concerning the work of My hands, you command Me” (Isaiah 45:11). Therefore, Cyrus could never command the LORD to do anything God was not already willing to do. 

Jesus the Messiah encouraged His disciples to seek to know the Father’s prophetic plans for the future based upon friendship. Friends share with friends. “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). 

Israel is key to the fulfillment of God’s prophetic purpose in the world. 

Abraham is the traditional founder of the Jewish religion, the spiritual ancestor of Christians, and a major Islamic prophet. “I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). Judaism, as the predominant religion of Israel, recognizes God’s promises to Abraham for a regathering of the diaspora of Jews into a political nation (1948). “For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land” (Ezekiel 36:24). Prophecy guarantees a future spiritual birth of Israel, whom Jehovah identifies as “Israel My glory” (Isaiah 46:13). This spiritual birth will take place at the Second Coming of Jesus the Messiah. “Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, She gave birth to her children” (Isaiah 66:8). 

Consequently, prophecy is primarily about Israel (Daniel 9:24-27), and the Church is the unexpected branch grafted into the Olive Tree of Israel (Romans 11). Fulfillment of prophecy to an OT Jew was the coming of “Messiah the Prince” (Daniel 9:25, 26) to deliver Israel from oppression, e.g., deliverance from Rome in Christ’s day. The NT Book of Revelation is an unfolding of the OT prophecies with the understanding that Revelation 4-22 represents a Post-Rapture scenario incorporating the presence of Tribulation Saints — and, not Church Age Saints — in what would be the Tribulation Week or the Seventieth Week of Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27). 

The Church does not replace Israel. 

Israel always had a place in God’s love. “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated” (Romans 9:13). Certainly there is no unrighteousness with God. “What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory” (Romans 9:22-23)? As a result, should we not rejoice in the mercy God has so sovereignly granted us? 

Israel does not become part of the Church, and the Church does not replace Israel. But, individual Jews do become part of the Church. “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit” (1Corinthians 12:13). Once the Church is removed at the Harpazō (1Thessalonians 4:17 Rapture), the prophecy timeline immediately focuses back to the Seventieth Week of Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27). 

Secular Israel today is subject to the displeasure of the Almighty for their obstinance in rejecting the Messiah, and for their obliviousness to the human rights of non-Jews in Israel occupied territory. Israel must be careful in its treatment of those with whom it disagrees, since “the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38). 

Current day Israel’s mistake is to assume their blessing and dominance over those who do not recognize their right to exist, represents Heaven’s approval of whatever they feel is appropriate to support the Jewish state, even when they cast a blind eye to the Holy One of Israel. What is an All Wise God to do? “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion” (Romans 9:15). God’s toleration of Gentile or Jewish unrighteousness is no more His approval than for any sin; but, “surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee: the remainder of wrath shalt Thou restrain” (Psalm 76:10 KJV). The God of Prophecy will accomplish His will with Israel “until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:25-26 NIV). 

Jesus Said It Would Be This Way

[1] Jesus warned of the upcoming Disappearance or Snatching Away (Rapture) — “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up [Greek, harpazō, seize, snatch away] together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1Thessalonians 4:17) — so many will undoubtedly repent and believe after they realize what they missed. “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe” (John 14:29). 

“36 But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. 45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. 47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But if that evil servant says in his heart, My master is delaying his coming, 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, 51 and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 24:36-51 KJV).

[2] Jesus warned of the upcoming Abomination of Desolation, which means 

[a] The Jews must be back in the land of Israel (1948). 

[b] A Temple must be rebuilt on Temple Mount in Jerusalem, in order for

[c] Sacrifices to take take place during the Tribulation Week. 

[d] Antichrist will then commit the Abomination of Desolation demanding all to worship him as God in the middle of the Seventieth Week of Daniel. “So when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains” (Mark 13:14 NKJV). Cp. “Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate” (Daniel 9:27). 

[3] Jesus outlined the events of the Seventieth Week of Daniel (Tribulation Week) in the NT Book of Revelation. “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John” (Revelation 1:1). 

[a] The Book of Revelation is a coherent outline of Church History until the New Heavens and New Earth. “Write the things which you have seen [PAST], and the things which are [PRESENT], and the things which will take place after this [FUTURE]” (Revelation 1:19).


[b] Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia Minor are represented in Revelation 2-3. Each church represents a successive stage of Church History, beginning with the Apostolic Church of Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) and ending with the Lukewarm Church of Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22). 

[c] Revelation 4:1 through 19:21 represent the events of the Tribulation Week (Seventieth Week of Daniel) culminating in the Battle of Armageddon and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:11-21). 

[d] The Millennium is an actual 1,000 year period (Revelation 20:1-6), where Messiah Jesus reigns from Jerusalem on the Davidic Throne (Psalm 132:11-12), culminating in the Final Rebellion (Revelation 20:7-9), the casting of Satan into the Lake of Fire (20:10), the White Throne Judgment of the Wicked (20:11-15), then the New Heavens and New Earth (21:1-27), and Eternity beyond (22:1-20).

In conclusion, the study of Bible Prophecy is the capstone of understanding what God intends to do. “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come” (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit is the Author, Illuminator, and Teacher of Bible Prophecy. God will not leave His people without a Divine Guide to show us the way until we enter His presence with thanksgiving. “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers” (1Peter 4:7).

Prophecy is the ‘what’ that will happen of Things to Come, and all the rest of Scripture is only a glimpse of the ‘why’ of the Infinite Mind of God explaining His actions. “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counsellor? Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen” (Romans 11:33-36 KJV).

Inevitability of God

Ken

“From everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God” (Psalm 90:2 KJV). True religion starts and ends with God. That is the inevitability of God. There is none like Him. Any attempt to build the Kingdom of God on any other foundation will “frustrate the grace of God” (Galatians 2:21) and aid the enemy in the delay of the return of our True King to take His place on the Messianic Millennial Throne of David. Herein is the seeming paradox of Christianity. Is our goal to fulfill the Great Commission of evangelizing the world with the saving grace of Jesus and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20), which requires more time; or, is it to warn the Church to be ready for imminent departure at the Rapture or Harpazō (1Thessalonians 4:17)? 

Both are true, but it is only the Holy Spirit, who will blend both goals for their appointed time fulfillment. Remember, all of the events of Acts 2 and the subsequent Church Age were directed by the Spirit of Christ to engage in the Great Commission, though the disciples were correctly awaiting the establishment of the Davidic Throne. “When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). The Holy Spirit managed the disciples by preparing them to direct their immediate attention on evangelism (1:8). But, our secret is we need not account for how the world will deal with all the world ending issues of human existence— though we are not oblivious nor insensitive to accomplishing the little we can — our emphasis must be upon keeping our hand on the Gospel Plow (Luke 9:62), strengthening the saints (Jude 1:20), and literally hastening our Lord’s return, i.e., “while waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2Peter 3:12 NET). 

Apparent delay will only use the enemy’s wrath to praise God’s name (Psalm 76:10) in the salvation of those previously unreachable. Jesus Christ is Yeshua the Anointed One, who will return not as a lowly sacrifice for our sins but as the KING of Kings and LORD of Lords (Revelation 19:16) to reign over us in an earthly kingdom. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28).

To end as we started, our LORD is the Inevitable God. He will win the battle. “The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, He shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: He shall cry, yea, roar; He shall prevail against His enemies” (Isaiah 42:13). Righteous energy belongs only to the Almighty. The saints of God participate in the LORD’s inevitability only so far as we walk righteously. “God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God” (Psalm 62:11). What inspires us to right action? God’s Spirit. “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before His throne” (Revelation 1:4). 


Father, You are the “high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; [You] dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isaiah 57:15). May Your Spirit direct us to keep our eyes upon Jesus that all will be done until it is the appointed time for our departure and Your Son’s return. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Your Name, we pray. Amen. 

What Did Jesus Mean?

Ken

“He that is not against us is on our part” (Mark 9:40 KJV). Jesus had just responded to His disciples forbidding others from casting out demons in His name, who were not followers and colleagues of theirs. Jesus is not interested in building our human organizations; instead, He glories in raising up His Spiritual Kingdom. We are not to quantify support for Jesus simply by counting membership in our group or following, because we are only fellow laborers with the larger Body of Christ. We ought to pray as an organization for all the endeavors of the Body, whether we are familiar with the other members or not. Our power is not in the superiority of our numbers at any given location but our connection with the entire Body of Christ. “He that is not with Me is against Me; and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad” (Matthew 12:3). Our understanding and emphasis must be upon our connection to Jesus. 

Yes, we have more connection to Christ’s Body than possibly we have appreciated; but, do we have more connection to OT Israel than also we have realized? Before there was an Israel, back at the Beginning, at the time of the Fall, the battle lines were drawn, when the LORD announced the conflict between Satan “and the woman, and between thy [Satan’s] seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). Israel and the Jews proclaim, “We have Abraham to our father” (Matthew 3:9; Luke 3:8); and likewise, the Church acknowledges Abraham’s parentage. “Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham” (Galatians 3:7). 

What connects Israel and the Church? The Messiah. It is Jesus, who proclaimed, “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30), and further made known, “he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father” (14:9). Both Israel and the Church are peculiar to the Almighty. “Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then ye [Israel] shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is Mine” (Exodus 19:5). “But ye [the Church] are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light” (1Peter 2:9). 

Israel’s current status is “unbelief” (Romans 11:20) and “blindness” (11:25) for the past 2,000 years. But, God’s choice or election of Israel is unconditional, “for the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (11:29). All of this is consistent with the “purpose of God according to election [that it] might stand, not of works, but of Him that calleth” (9:11). On the other hand, God’s Church has also been called, chosen, or elected (Romans 8:28) to fulfill His purpose of fulfilling His promise to Abraham of gaining for Himself “many nations” (Genesis 17:4), even while Israel sleeps. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance” (Psalm 33:12). 

If both Israel and the Church are to “declare His glory among the heathen; His marvellous works among all nations” (1Chronicles 16:24), then the Church does not replace Israel but explains the conduct of Israel “until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” (Romans 11:25). The Church is only doing what Israel should have done, but without the baggage of the ceremonial, Mosaic Law. It would appear the Fulness of the Gentiles concludes at the Rapture or Harpazō of the Church (1Thessalonians 4:17), when the prophetic program of the Seventieth Week of Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27) would recommence, concluding with the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16; 19:19-21), the Spiritual Rebirth of the Nation of Israel (Isaiah 66:8), and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to begin the Millennium (Revelation 19:15). 

To be remembered, the all important outpouring of the Spirit of God that defines the essence of the Church (Acts 2:38) was originally promised to Israel (cf. Jeremiah 31:31). Finally, the Blessing will come home to Israel! “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). Only by unbelief has Israel been sidelined, God using the Church to stir up Israel to jealousy (Romans 11:11). That God’s election of Israel might stand, He will pour out His Spirit upon Israel in one day (Isaiah 66:11) and will work out all the elements upon the Nation that once had only been received by a small number of Jews 2,000 years earlier at Pentecost (Acts 2).  

Father, bring about all Your will for Israel and Your Church that You may receive the honor and praise for so vast, mighty, wise, and loving a work. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and amen. 

Pushing a String

Ken

“You say, We want to be like the nations, like the peoples of the world, who serve wood and stone. But what you have in mind will never happen” (Ezekiel 20:32 NIV). A friend of mine would often use the expression, pushing a string, when speaking of an impossibility. Ancient Israel was never intended by Yahweh to be anything but a Peculiar People and Treasure for the LORD (Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 14:2; 26:18; Psalm 135:4). “For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto Himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth” (Deuteronomy 14:2 KJV). Almighty God never intended Israel to be replaced by the Church (Romans 11:1); however, “the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed” (Romans 9:8). Though Israel was politically resurrected from the dead in 1948, it will be spiritually given rebirth at the Second Coming of the Messiah. “Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children” (Isaiah 66:8). LORD, hasten the day when Your Church is Raptured Home to You that the events of Daniel’s Seventieth Week (Daniel 9:24-27) may unfold and Israel will be finally saved at Your Son’s triumphant return at Armageddon (Revelation 16:16). In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

God Is Not Done With Israel

Ken

God is not done with Israel. “I say then, Hath God cast away His people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin” (Romans 11:1 KJV). When the LORD established His covenant with Abraham, He unconditionally promised, “I will make of thee a great nation [Israel]” (Genesis 12:2), but He further promised, “in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed [the Church]” (Genesis 12:3). Both Israel and the Church were foreseen. And, no, the OT Mosaic law and feasts are not necessary for the salvation and sanctification of the Church. “In that He saith, A new covenant, He hath made the first old [literally, obsolete]” (Hebrews 8:13). Remember, humanity is equal in the sight of God — “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16) — but, He still has a special place in His heart for Israel — “Ye are My witnesses, saith the LORD, and My servant whom I have chosen” (Isaiah 43:10) — and in His prophetic program — “to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). 

It was no accident that the Gospel message started first “in Jerusalem, and [then spread] in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). All the first converts to Jesus were Jews, who crucified their Messiah. “Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children” (Matthew 27:25). Peter’s instructions to the Jews at the beginning of the Church, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:38-39), which includes the rest of us Gentiles, who have come to Messiah Jesus. 

The essence of Bible prophecy is God’s before-it-happens-certain-declarations of future events. If the OT Jews misread prophecy and missed the Messiah the first time, then shouldn’t the Church pay closer attention to prophecies to prepare for the return of Messiah Jesus the second time? “So Christ [Greek, Christos, anointed one, the Messiah] was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). Isaiah reveals God’s special relationship to Israel. “1 O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. 4 Since thou wast precious in My sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. 5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; 11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside Me there is no saviour. 12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are My witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God. 18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:1, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19). 

That “new thing” (Isaiah 43:19) prophesied by Isaiah was spoken of by Jeremiah, as well. “For the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man” (Jeremiah 31:22). “Created” (31:22) implies divine intervention. “Woman” (31:22) indicates an individual, not a collective noun. “Man” (31:22) compares to Isaiah 9:6, where it refers to God. Jeremiah 31:22 was believed by many in the Early Church as a reference to the Virgin Birth (Isaiah 7:14) of the Messiah: a virgin womb encircling a man without the necessity of a man’s participation, yielding the miraculous result of a Savior. As difficult to believe as this narrative, it would eventually result in Israel becoming a nation spiritually at Messiah’s Second Coming. “Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children” (Isaiah 66:8). 

Paul asked the Romans, “What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision” (Romans 3:1). What strategic advantage had the Jews over the rest of the world? The Jews superiority was their possession of the Word of God. “Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God” (3:2). But, you say, Nearly everyone today has access to the Word of God, so where is the advantage? Scripture has no practical benefit to us unless understood and obeyed. “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified” (2:13). Intelligence is valuable in society, science, government, military, and business, as well. It is not what you know, but what you do with the Word of God. “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him” (2Chronicles 16:9). 

We must remember, the Jews have long been the subject of prophecies: (1) that they would be subjected to the Babylonian captivity of Judah, i.e., “shall be carried to Babylon” (Isaiah 39:6), and (2) that they would be held in the Babylonian desolations for seventy years, i.e., “And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years” (Jeremiah 25:11). 

But, the Jews were also told: (1) when “Messiah the Prince” (Daniel 9:25) would appear, He would be “be cut off, but not for Himself” (9:26), answering to Christ’s atonement [First Coming of the Messiah], and (2) they were also told the Son of Man would have an “everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away” (7:14), answering to the Millennial Reign of Christ and beyond (Revelation 20:4) at the end of the Seventieth Week of Daniel (Daniel 9:26-27) [Second Coming of the Messiah]. 

In summary, the Jews were responsible for the custodial care of the Divine Scriptures (Romans 3:2), furnishing the bloodline of the House of David for the Messiah (Matthew 1:1-17), for the political rebirth of the modern nation of Israel (1948), and providing us a prophetic clock for the reappearance of the Messiah. “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” (Romans 11:25). 

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6). 

Father, You have not cast away Israel, the “apple of [Your] eye” (Deuteronomy 32:10). We pray for Your success in winning back the hearts of Your Chosen People Israel. Cause us the Gentiles to provoke Israel (32:21) to faith in the Messiah (Romans 11:11). We ask that our eyes would be enlightened, and we would not follow Israel’s former example of unbelief. May we see our victories in the immediate inspiration of Your Spirit inciting us to obedience (Ezekiel 36:27). May Jerusalem see Your peace. Messiah Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

Jehovah Will Not Return

Ken

“I will go and return to My place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek My face: in their affliction they will seek Me early” (Hosea 5:15 KJV). It is apparent that Jehovah will not return until the Jews petition Him to do so. Quite an ultimatum by the Offended God! Certainly not childishness on God’s part, but it is only a further demonstration of Jehovah’s certainty of national repentance on Israel’s part (Isaiah 66:8). Just because the Jews are politically back in the modern nation of Israel (1948), it doesn’t mean they are back in a right spiritual relationship with Jehovah. Their historic rejection of the messiahship of Jesus must be recanted and repented of, as much as any Gentile’s rejection of Christ. God does not play favorites. What is hard for the Church to understand is the Church has not replaced Israel as His chosen nation. 

Israel has merely been relegated to the status of blindness. “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” (Romans 11:25). Not until the end of the Seventieth Week of Daniel (Daniel 9:26-27) will Messiah Jesus return to defeat the Antichrist, and the “fullness of the Gentiles” (Romans 11:25) will come to an end. In the meantime, the prayer of the Church is for Messiah Jesus to return quickly and Israel’s repentance will be facilitated. Remember, Jehovah Jesus promised He will not return “till they acknowledge their offence, and seek My face” (Hosea 5:15). Praying for Israel’s repentance is key to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Father, cause Your people Israel to repent of their offense of rejecting Jesus, so You can send Your Son back to restore all things. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and amen.

Promises of God in Jesus

Ken

“For all the promises of God in Him are yea [Greek, nai, yes, verily, truly, surely], and in Him Amen [Greek, amēn, so it is, so be it, may it be fulfilled], unto the glory of God by us” (2Corinthians 1:20 KJV). What greater confidence than the name of Jesus attached to a promise! Is this only youthful enthusiasm? What greater accomplishment than the promises of Jesus fulfilled in our lives, and in those around us? He who is the Word accomplishes every jot and tittle of His promises because He is the essence of faithfulness and will not let one promise fall to the ground. 

The very placement of the words in the text of Scripture are not accidental. When Jesus stood up in the synagogue at Nazareth to preach the first sermon of His messianic career, He read Isaiah 62:1-2, but completed His reading at the end of the comma — “to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD,” (Isaiah 61:2). He did not complete Isaiah’s sentence with “and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn” (61:2) because that would only be fulfilled later. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised” (Luke 4:18). Just as Jesus fulfilled His Word in atoning for our sins on the Cross, so He will keep the prophecy of fulfilling His promise of vengeance during the Seventieth Week of Daniel (Daniel 9:26), then Israel will finally turn to Him at His Second Coming. “Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children” (Isaiah 66:8). 

Father, You will keep all Your Word through Christ Jesus in the salvation of Israel, since all Your promises in Him are yea and amen. Magnify Your name. Keep Your Word. Save Israel. In Jesus’ name, we ask it. Amen and amen.

Called Versus Driven People

Ken

I was reading a very interesting article by Jennie Allen, What Would You Do If You Knew Jesus Was Coming Back in Ten Years? from Bible Gateway (February 26, 2025). I agree we cannot know the day or the hour of Christ’s return (Mark 13:32), but I also agree it can be anytime soon (Revelation 22:12, 20). What especially caught my attention was Jennie Allen’s distinction between Called and Driven People. Does the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19, 20 make you a Called Person or a Driven Person?

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20 KJV).

(Just an aside, I, too, have had the same feeling of ten years come across my mind. Interesting that others have had such thoughts and dreams, as well.) 

She listed this distinction:

Driven people…

  • Need affirmation before they feel good about something.
  • Spend more time online than with Jesus.
  • Compare their results to others’.
  • Constantly look to arrive at an achievement.
  • Live frustrated at their lack of opportunities.
  • Get anxious when they aren’t performing.
  • Check numbers all the time.
  • Think of how others can elevate them.
  • Share their weakness publicly before they confess it privately.

But called people…

  • Have nothing to lose and nothing to prove.
  • Celebrate others’ successes easily.
  • Enjoy the work that God has for them no matter the results.
  • Are comfortable confessing weakness and sin.
  • Seek out and recognize others.
  • Enjoy Jesus.
  • Prioritize real life relationships over online significance.
  • Think about how they can elevate others.

I noticed the emphasis upon self accomplishment characterizes the Driven People, and Christ’s accomplishment distinguishes the Called People. If we want to distinguish ourselves from other disciples, then we are more driven to excel them. On the other hand, if we are called to make disciples and build Christ’s Kingdom, then we do not really care if my church does better than someone else’s church. The important thing is Christ’s Kingdom is advanced, when disciples are made. This is not a call to ecumenicity, where we may not really care, if the church believes in the divinity of Christ, the authority of the Bible, etc. Rather, it emphasizes the fruit belongs to the Lord. 

Father, make us Called People, who only care that Your Kingdom is built. Guard us against bigness at the sake of truth, but may Your Kingdom grow an honest crop of disciples before You return. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen. 

The Case for God

Ken

Why does an Almighty God trouble Himself with a sinful, frivolous humanity? Obviously, God did not make a mistake, when He created us, so why His angst in dealing with us? He fully demonstrates the scope of Perfect Love displayed with the majesty of His Awesome Sovereignty. For us to even glimpse the wisdom of His actions is almost beyond our understanding. So, we read with reverence the prophecies of His upcoming dealings with us. 

Isaiah 63:1-19

“1 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in His [Messiah’s] apparel, travelling in the greatness of His strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. 2 Wherefore art Thou red in Thine apparel, and Thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? 3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with Me: for I will tread them in Mine anger, and trample them in My fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon My garments, and I will stain all My raiment. 4 For the day of vengeance is in Mine heart, and the year of My redeemed is come [Revelation 18:20]. 5 And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore Mine own arm brought salvation unto Me; and My fury, it upheld Me. 6 And I will tread down the people in Mine anger, and make them drunk in My fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth. 7 I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which He hath bestowed on them according to His mercies, and according to the multitude of His lovingkindnesses. 8 For He said, Surely they are My people, children that will not lie: so He was their Saviour [Luke 2:11]. 9 In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them: in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bare them, and carried them all the days of old. 10 But they rebelled, and vexed His holy Spirit: therefore He was turned to be their enemy, and He fought against them. 11 Then He remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is He that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of His flock? where is He that put His holy Spirit within him [Ezekiel 36:27]? 12 That led them by the right hand of Moses with His glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make Himself an everlasting name? 13 That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble? 14 As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest: so didst Thou lead Thy people, to make Thyself a glorious name. 15 Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of Thy holiness and of Thy glory: where is Thy zeal and Thy strength, the sounding of Thy bowels and of Thy mercies toward me? are they restrained? 16 Doubtless Thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: Thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; Thy name is from everlasting. 17 O LORD, why hast Thou made us to err from Thy ways, and hardened our heart from Thy fear? Return for Thy servants’ sake, the tribes of Thine inheritance. 18 The people of Thy holiness have possessed it but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down Thy sanctuary. 19 We are Thine: Thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by Thy name” (Isaiah 63:1-19 KJV).

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Ken

Having never seen anything but a trailer for the movie (2022), it appeals to the multi-verse themes found in the Marvel movies and television shows. The entertainment media opens viewers to ideas, which otherwise would only be a conversation for scientists possibly discussing Big Bang cosmology or quantum mechanics. David contemplates the concept of God’s ever presence everything, everywhere, all at once. “7 Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, Thou art There. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand shall hold me” (Psalm 139:7-10 ). Such a God’s omnipresent in all possible universes, when coupled to the concept of being an Eternal Being, “without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually” (Hebrews 7:3), has been a staple of Scripture from the beginning. One can only conclude, the Devil desires the same worship from the world, appearing as God Almighty in a Jerusalem Temple, in the upcoming Seventieth Week of Daniel (9:26). 

The moviegoing audience is the world, whose mind is being prepared for the thought of the Almighty’s omnipresence and eternity. First, the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit will be removed through the imminent Rapture of the Faithful Church. “For the hidden power of lawlessness is already at work. However, the one [Holy Spirit Indwelling the Church] who holds him [Antichrist] back will do so until he [Holy Soirit] is taken out of the way [at the Rapture]” (2Thessalonians 2:7 NET). Second, Antichrist will be revealed, but not as Antichrist, instead as, God Almighty in the Temple. “8 And then shall that Wicked [Antichrist] be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming [Second Coming of Je go]: 9 Even him [Antichrist], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2Thessalonians 2:8-12). 

Father, may we be among the Faithful, who cannot be deceived. Help our saltiness to leave an impression upon those who are left behind, ultimately leading to their salvation. Return quickly, Lord Jesus. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.