Israel's Prophetic Future News and Events

URGENT WARNINGS

2011-09-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

If a seismograph machine was blaring out an urgent warning that a gigantic earthquake was about to hit the town you live in and where you are a pastor, would you want to know about it? And would you want to warn as many people as possible so they could make all necessary preparations to save lives and properties?

If frantic warnings were announcing the imminent arrival of a typhoon or tornado that was heading for the area in which you live and minister, would you want to know in order to warn everyone you could reach? Would you make every effort to be fully informed in order to make the best possible arrangements for your family, loved ones, neighbors and fellow citizens?

The Bible predicted 2,500 years ago (Psalm 83, Zechariah 12, Joel 3) that in the Last Days there would be a savage attack on Israel, launched by all her near neighbors with a determination to conquer a restored Israel. It also predicts what the result of that war will be and what will transpire in the wake of it. It will be an earth shattering event with an amazing consequence. Everything on the planet will be forever changed and a new era will arrive. It is all foretold in the scriptures but how many pastors and people area aware of it? How few are the prophetic voices that are warning the Church and challenging the whole world about what is soon certain to happen? How very sad it will be if the words of scripture apply to us. Isaiah 56:10

10 His watchmen are blind, They are all ignorant; They are all dumb dogs, They cannot bark; Sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. NKJV

Surely it is better to be sure than sorry. The only way we can know if such dramatic events are imminent is to read every applicable scripture prayerfully. Listen to what the Spirit is saying to the Church. Revelation 1:3

3 God blesses the one who reads this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to it and obey what it says. For the time is near when these things will happen.NLT

If you want to be better informed about the dramatic events that God has predicted to happen in the imminent future at least listen to what God is saying and then decide to be either informed or foolish. If you do not listen you will not know one way or the other.

Gerald Rowlands

www.israelspropheticfuture.org

NOW IS THE TIME TO STAND WITH ISRAEL

2011-07-18T22:58:00.000-07:00

From a purely military perspective Israel currently faces the possibility of total destruction. Extreme Islamic fanaticism plus an arsenal of missiles and weapons of mass destruction could equal a massive elimination of the tiny nation. Islamic prophecy demands the eradication of all infidels (Jews and Christians) from the land they call Palestine. Before Islam can subdue the whole world it must first conquer Israel. These are the words of Muhammad himself and his true followers are completely dedicated to attaining this goal. Current voices of radical Islam are fervently calling for the total destruction of Israel that even the very memory of its existence will be forever eliminated.

Most nations on earth are now in favour of an Islamic Palestinian State through a program engineered and supported by the United Nations Organisation under pressure from Islamic nations. Such a State would be a gigantic step towards the possible imminent annihilation of Israel. The perverted power of UNO may well create the Palestinian State in the very near future. An unthinkable victory for Islam that would eradicate Israel would render the Bible completely unreliable. The prophecies and promises of God that guarantee Israel’s future safety would become null and void. Thus His character would be irrevocably flawed. And with that the whole Bible would be considered unreliable.

Meanwhile, the Church for the most part, seems completely oblivious of the universal havoc that the planned attack on Israel could produce. The Church like the rest of the world seems to be blissfully ignorant of how serious a situation the world is in. Everyone, including the Church is acting as though nothing serious is amiss. Despite the blatant signs of unrest the Church is engaged in its business as usual mentality. It is also willingly ignorant of the essential role of Israel in the prophetic purposes of God. It is also completely unaware of what the negative impact of such an Islamic victory would have on Christianity, the Bible and the God of the Bible. Thankfully such a victory will never happen, but defeat will only be averted by a direct, supernatural intervention of God. (Zechariah 12:9).

The challenge to stand with and pray passionately for Israel has never been greater than at this present moment. The battle lines are currently drawn between Yaweh and the anti-Christ. There is no middle neutral ground. If we are not fervently and practically standing with Israel and the Holy One of Israel then we are standing in opposition to God Himself. This great battle which is currently taking place in the heavens will soon be enacted on the earth. The attack that is launched on Israel will have universal repercussions. No nation or individual will be exempt from the aftermath. Now is the imperative moment to take a stand on the side of God and righteousness. It must be a strong determined action involving total commitment. The prophetic future is invading the present hour. The outcome of this present hour will have eternal effects. The decision that this current situation demands is the most important matter that all Christians currently face. Nothing on our Christian agenda is more important than our attitude and actions regarding the tremendous threats that Israel currently faces. The words of scripture echo once again. Joshua 24:15.

Choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. KJV

WARNING: DO NOT IGNORE ISLAM’S PLANS

2011-07-16T00:58:00.000-07:00

There is an issue on the world horizon that simply cannot be ignored any longer. It is the fact that Islam is planning to attack Israel very soon with the intention of completely destroying the nation. Israel is facing a very real threat of total extermination. The Muslim creed has this objective at the very heart of their prophetic agenda. This threat has been brewing since the earliest days of Islam but now in the 21^st century they believe the critical moment has arrived. Initially Mohammed sought to win both Jews and Christians to his satanically inspired beliefs. When his attempts failed miserably he turned against all members of both faiths, labelled them infidels and vowed to finally eliminate them all.

Now, in the 21^st century this plan has been resurrected. Islam is striding resolutely into the future with the firm intention of bringing the whole world under the sway of its satanically inspired beliefs. Islam’s firm unwavering determination is to eventually conquer and subdue the whole world bringing all nations under the shariah law of Islam. But according to Islamic prophecy the first essential stage of the strategy, without which the whole plan will fail, is the total annihilation of Israel and America. This is precisely why the Arabic nations that surround Israel on every side, are moving closer to their purpose with every day that passes.

One day, in the very near future, this vicious attack, which will have the potential power to annihilate Israel will finally be launched. Plans are afoot even now to initiate the attack. The so called “Arab Spring” is part of the orchestrated plans. The next major threat to peace in the Middle East and the entire world is almost ready to be launched. When this happens, as it surely will, Israel will be under an onslaught of missiles carrying chemical, biological and perhaps even nuclear warheads. So powerful will be this attack that even Israel’s sophisticated and previously successful Defense Force may prove to be totally inadequate to properly defend the nation. Israel’s greatest friend which is the USA may no longer rise to her defense. Israel may be left politically friendless, alone on a stormy sea that threatens to swallow her. But just when that ship seems to be sinking, Almighty God will personally appear on the scene. His stated intention will be to completely destroy the armies that seek to destroy Israel and then to transform Israel into a nation under the blessings of God.

Zechariah 12:9 (AMP)
⁹And it shall be in that day that I will make it My aim to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.

Immediately after this astounding victory and even more amazing event will transpire. A major outpouring of the Holy Spirit, superseding by far all that occurred on the Day of Pentecost will take place. The whole nation of Israel will be powerfully affected by this unprecedented event. Our question is how will all of this affect the Church? What will be our new role? How can we get ready for this amazing chain of events?

Zechariah 12:10 (AMP)
¹⁰And I will pour out upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace or unmerited favor and supplication. And they shall look [earnestly] upon Me Whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him as one who is in bitterness for his firstborn.

The Holy Spirit will be poured out on the house of David.
The angel of the Lord who delivers Israel from destruction will reveal Himself as the Jewish Messiah.
There will be national mourning and deep repentance.
Israel will emerge as a Messianic nation
The whole world will be stunned by Jehovah’s dramatic intervention.

These imminent sensational events will happen very soon. It behooves everyone to be alert, aware and spiritually prepared!

ISRAEL'S IMMEDIATE PROPHETIC FUTURE

2011-05-06T15:15:00.000-07:00

A brief commentary on Zechariah 12

Zechariah is an Old Testament prophetic book that portrays the coming glory of the MESSIAH. Many scholars describe Zechariah as "the most Messianic of all the Old Testament books" because it contains eight specific references to the Messiah in its brief 14 chapters.

The 14 chapters of Zechariah fall naturally into two major sections: chapters 1-8, the prophet's encouragement to the people to finish the work of rebuilding the Temple, and chapters 9-14, Zechariah's picture of Israel's glorious future and the coming of the Messiah.

The second major section of Zechariah's book, chapters 9-14, contains God's promises for the new age to come.

Like the Book of Revelation, Zechariah closes on the theme of the universal reign of God. All nations will come to worship Him as He extends His rule throughout the world.
(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

Read the full Article at...

http://www.israelspropheticfuture.org/IsraelsImmediateFuture.pdf

AN IMMINENT EVENT - PART 2

2011-05-06T15:10:00.000-07:00

Zechariah is a minor prophet with a major prophetic message, part of which is likely to be fulfilled in the very near future. When this happens Israel will emerge as an extremely prominent nation with great respect and will be recognized and honored by all the nations on earth. Zechariah graphically describes this amazing event. In the Message version of the Bible the prophet frequently refers to “On the Big Day” which is usually translated in other versions as “In that day.” In fact it will be a bigger day than almost anyone has ever yet imagined. A truly amazing and astounding time when Israel will arise as though from the dead! (Romans 11:15).

Zechariah Chapter 12 (MessageVersion)

Home Again in Jerusalem

¹ War Bulletin: God's Message concerning Israel, God's Decree—the very God who threw the skies into space, set earth on a firm foundation, and breathed his own life into men and women:
² "Watch for this: I'm about to turn Jerusalem into a cup of strong drink that will have the people who have set siege to Judah and Jerusalem staggering in a drunken stupor.

³ "On the Big Day, I'll turn Jerusalem into a huge stone blocking the way for everyone. All who try to lift it will rupture themselves. All the pagan nations will come together and try to get rid of it.

⁴ "On the Big Day"—this is God speaking—"I'll throw all the war horses into a crazed panic, and their riders along with them. But I'll keep my eye on Judah, watching out for her at the same time that I make the enemy horses go blind.

⁵ The families of Judah will then realize, 'Why, our leaders are strong and able through God-of-the-Angel-Armies, their personal God.'

⁶ "On the Big Day, I'll turn the families of Judah into something like a burning match in a tinder-dry forest, like a fiercely flaming torch in a barn full of hay. They'll burn up everything and everyone in sight—people to the right, people to the left—while Jerusalem fills up with people moving in and making themselves at home—home again in Jerusalem.

⁷ "I, God, will begin by restoring the common households of Judah so that the glory of David's family and the leaders in Jerusalem won't overshadow the ordinary people in Judah.

⁸ On the Big Day, I'll look after everyone who lives in Jerusalem so that the lowliest, weakest person will be as glorious as David and the family of David itself will be godlike, like the Angel of God leading the people.

⁹ "On the Big Day, I'll make a clean sweep of all the godless nations that fought against Jerusalem.

¹⁰ "Next I'll deal with the family of David and those who live in Jerusalem. I'll pour a spirit of grace and prayer over them. They'll then be able to recognize me as the One they so grievously wounded—that piercing spear-thrust! And they'll weep—oh, how they'll weep! Deep mourning as of a parent grieving the loss of the firstborn child.

¹¹ The lamentation in Jerusalem that day will be massive, as famous as the lamentation over Hadad-Rimmon on the fields of Megiddo:

¹² Everyone will weep and grieve, the land and everyone in it: The family of David off by itself and their women off by themselves; The family of Nathan off by itself and their women off by themselves;

¹³ The family of Levi off by itself and their women off by themselves; The family of Shimei off by itself and their women off by themselves;

¹⁴ And all the rest of the families off by themselves and their women off by themselves.
Zech 12:1-14 (MSG)

Let’s go through the whole chapter making brief comments,

Zechariah 12:1 (Message Version)
¹ War Bulletin: God's Message concerning Israel, God's Decree—the very God who threw the skies into space, set earth on a firm foundation, and breathed his own life into men and women:
² "Watch for this: I'm about to turn Jerusalem into a cup of strong drink that will have the people who have set siege to Judah and Jerusalem staggering in a drunken stupor.

Zechariah predicts that in the last days a devastating attack will be launched on Israel by all her surrounding neighbours. The brazen attack will actually be a declaration of war upon Jehovah, the God of the Bible (Psalm 83:2). In response God will give an intoxicating drink to Israel’s enemies causing them to stagger and reel like drunken men acting irrationally and crazily. This will be a cup of judgment from the LORD who is the Holy One of Israel.

God will make Jerusalem like an immovable rock. Those who strive to change its status will only succeed in rupturing themselves. Their ranks will be torn apart. In their confusion they will begin to destroy each other.

⁴ "On the Big Day"—this is God speaking—"I'll throw all the war horses into a crazed panic, and their riders along with them. But I'll keep my eye on Judah, watching out for her at the same time that I make the enemy horses go blind.

Israel’s enemies and their weapons will lose all sense of direction. They will cease to function intelligently.

⁵ The families of Judah will then realize, 'Why, our leaders are strong and able through God-of-the-Angel-Armies, their personal God.'

The Israeli government and leaders and the general population of Israel will transfer their confidence and trust from the IDF to Yaweh Sabaoth, the Lord of heaven’s armies. This will happen because the attack will appear to be too powerful for the defense force to handle and the whole nation will turn directly to the living God.

⁶ "On the Big Day, I'll turn the families of Judah into something like a burning match in a tinder-dry forest, like a fiercely flaming torch in a barn full of hay. They'll burn up everything and everyone in sight—people to the right, people to the left—while Jerusalem fills up with people moving in and making themselves at home—home again in Jerusalem.

Infused by the power of God the defense forces will become like a blazing fire destroying everything before it (Psalm 83:14)

Jehovah Himself will defend Jerusalem. Even the most feeble members of the nation will become like King David, the warrior king of Israel. (Hebrew for feeble, kashal, likely to stumble and fall due to weakness in the legs. Typical of tiny tots or elderly people).

⁹ "On the Big Day, I'll make a clean sweep of all the godless nations that fought against Jerusalem.

¹⁰ "Next I'll deal with the family of David and those who live in Jerusalem. I'll pour a spirit of grace and prayer over them. They'll then be able to recognize me as the One they so grievously wounded—that piercing spear-thrust! And they'll weep—oh, how they'll weep! Deep mourning as of a parent grieving the loss of the firstborn child.

Zechariah 12:9 At that time I will destroy¹ every nation that tries to attack Jerusalem.
Zechariah 12:10 "I will fill the descendants of David² and the other people of Jerusalem³ with the spirit⁴ of mercy⁵ and the spirit of prayer⁶. They will look⁷ at the one whom they stabbed to death, and they will mourn⁸ for him like those who mourn for an only child. They will mourn bitterly⁹, like those who have lost their first-born son¹⁰.

The earlier verses of this profound chapter (vs 1-8) describe an End Time attack on Israel by all her surrounding neighbors. I believe these enemies to be the same ones that Asapah describes in

Psalms 83:4-8
4 "Come," they say, "let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the very memory of its existence."
5 This was their unanimous decision. They signed a treaty as allies against you —
6 these Edomites and Ishmaelites, Moabites and Hagrites,
7 Gebalites, Ammonites, and Amalekites, and people from Philistia and Tyre.
8 Assyria has joined them, too, and is allied with the descendants of Lot. NLT

Each of these ancient and historic foes of Israel have their modern counterparts today surrounding the borders of modern Israel. They have all formed an alliance the chief aim of which is the conquest of Israel and the annihilation of the Jewish state which they intend to replace with an Islamic shariah based government.

I further believe that this attack and its amazing consequence is about to happen very soon.

This war is now inevitable. It also appears to be very imminent. It was predicted in Islamic prophecy and many Muslims believe absolutely that it will happen soon. They are currently and fanatically preparing for it. The plans are in place. Iran is boldly and arrogantly proclaiming its intentions to the whole world. They and their minions are absolutely determined to launch a massive attack on Israel. They are absolutely determined to let nothing deter them. However when their efforts fail there will be tremendous “loss of face” and shock among them.

The question is what will be the response of God, who calls Himself “The Holy One of Israel” and also “The Lord (Commander) of Heaven’s Armies”? It seems obvious that verses 9-11 provide a succinct prophetic account of what His response will be. ONE THING IS ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN. GOD WILL NEVER ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN. All His prophetic predictions and plans would become null and void if Israel was destroyed. The very many wonderful promises that God has made to Israel will not be worth the paper on which they are written. Israel will be defended, delivered and exalted. Let’s analyze these verses together.

1. V. 9. God declares that His specific intention is to destroy* Israel’s enemies (Hebrew shamad*, to desolate, overthrow, bring to nought, pluck down, cause to perish) How much clearer could God’s intention be stated?

2. V.10 House of David. All the descendants of David whose lineage descends from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. (Romans 11:25-27 All Israel will be saved).

3. V. 10. The inhabitants of Jerusalem which today comprises of Jews, Christians and Muslims.

4. V. 10 . The Spirit (Hebrew, ruach) The definite participle THE SPIRIT refers to the Holy Spirit who is God.

5. V.10. Grace or mercy (Hebrew: chen H2603 Graciousness, kindness and unmerited favor). God will not perform these acts because Israel is necessarily worthy of them but because of His unfailing grace towards them. (Isaiah 31:35-37)

6. V.10. They shall look (Hebrew: nabat H5027 to look intently upon, to behold, to carefully consider with deep respect, to regard with pleasure and favor).

7. V.10. Supplications (Hebrew: tachanun – tachanunah H8469, with much {many} entreaties).

8. V.11. Mourning (Hebrew: saphad H5594, to tear out one’s hair, to beat the chest, to lament in grief).

9. V.11. Bitterness (Hebrew: marar H4843, to grieve bitterly).

10. V.11. Firstborn son (Hebrew: b kor H1060, A firstborn, eldest son).

(All translations from Strong’s Analytical Concordance)

It is very sad to see what most commentators derive from these verses. Very few, if any seem to draw the very obvious conclusion. My brief and simple interpretation is as follows.

Israel’s nearest neighbors, with both direct and tacit support, will launch a powerful attack on Israel with the intention to totally annihilate the Jewish State.
It would appear in the natural that they have the power and ability to accomplish this aim.
Israel will be delivered only by the direct intervention of Jehovah and the “Angel of the Lord” who goes before the Israeli defense force.
God has determined to completely destroy these enemies and smash their evil intentions.
After this predicted victory Jehovah will pour out His Spirit (Ruach Ha Kodesh) on the descendants of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
This outpouring will be accomplished with by God’s grace, causing deep prayers to pour forth from the people of Israel.
They will recognize and identify the deliverer as their long awaited Messiah, the One who was previously pierced.
The whole nation will mourn for Him in a manner not seen since the death of King Josiah. (2 Chronicles 35:20-27).
They will mourn as one would for a first born son who has died.
Zechariah 13:1"On that day a fountain will be opened for the dynasty of David and for the people of Jerusalem, a fountain to cleanse them from all their sins and defilement.
The whole nation of Israel will have a renewed perception of their Messiah.
They will be sealed with God’s protection and will powerfully proclaim the Messiah to a troubled and distressed world. (Revelation 7:1-8).

I would be genuinely interested to hear any (and every) alternative interpretation to these verses.

Please do write me at israelspropheticfuture.org

I will be sincerely grateful to receive your comments whether pro or con. Gerald Rowlands

AN IMMINENT WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST

2011-04-18T13:28:00.000-07:00

The Bible is more up to date than tomorrow’s Newspaper. It is a book of history which is also the most accurate and reliable book of prophecy, predicting all the events that will happen at the end of this turbulent age in which we live. A dramatic event will soon happen in the Middle East that will transform the nation of Israel and subsequently impact every nation on earth. This pamphlet contains details of this event that have seldom been recognized even by ardent students of the Bible. It certainly deserves your thoughtful consideration. It may change your life and destiny forever!

A war against Israel is certainly inevitable in the very near future. All the indications of this are presently extremely evident. The stage has been carefully set by Iran using several terrorist agencies in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Egypt. This war has also been graphically predicted in the Bible. The enemy armies are sitting on Israel’s borders awaiting the strategic moment to strike. This war will be intended to annihilate the Jewish nation but will have several unforeseen results that will explode upon the world.

It will be followed by a visitation and revelation of Messiah to Israel. These results will begin in Israel and Jerusalem but the impact will ultimately be felt all around the world.

In our present troubled world three things are currently imminent and inevitable. The first is a vicious attack on Israel by all her surrounding neighbours with the aim of totally destroying the Jewish State. The second thing is a miraculous, supernatural intervention by Almighty God to save, deliver and preserve Israel and her population. The third thing will be the visitation and revelation of the Jewish Messiah who will have led Israel to this amazing victory (Zechariah 12:10).

The first of these critical events, the attack upon Israel, will be made by mortal men under the banner of a false god. As such it will be flawed and unsuccessful. The response to the attack will be made by the true God who has declared Himself to be the saviour, deliverer and King of Israel. In the wake of this amazing victory Israel will recognize the identity of their deliverer and the whole nation will humbly acknowledge Him as their long awaited Messiah.

For some years now Israel has been living under the serious threat and threshold of a possible nuclear war. The threats have been consistently made by the President of Iran and the religious Mullahs who support him. President Ahmadinejad is obviously a mentally deranged psychopathic tyrant, capable of anything who is certainly a dangerous person whose threats need to be seriously considered. He is an Haman/Hitler tyrant who must certainly never be underestimated. He is spending billions of dollars of his nation’s budget to produce weapons of mass destruction that include nuclear warheads. He has also been supplied with hitech missiles capable of reaching targets hundreds of miles away bearing highly destructive warheads.

Ahmadinejad has already launched the early stages of this war under the auspices of his minions in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza and Egypt. Thousands of highly trained terrorist - fanatically minded men and women have dedicated their lives to the cause of destroying Israel. They have already launched several efforts to attack, invade and destroy the structure of the Jewish State but each attack so far has been defeated. Nevertheless they continue to persuade themselves that their task is not an impossible one. They are constantly planning further more effective attacks and have surreptitiously gained the support of numerous nations and organizations.

The world in general and the church in particular needs to wake up and realize that these threats are more than empty threats. They are explicit, intentional and extremely serious. Not only is Israel under intimidation, the entire world will suffer fearful repercussions from such a war.

The Bible Clearly Predicts These Events

Few people have recognized it. Even fewer are evidently truly convinced that it will happen any time soon. Even though the Bible foretells it and the present world situation confirms it, most people thrust their heads into the proverbial sand and try to ignore the possibility. Secularists of all shades have tried to prove that the Bible is outmoded, unreliable and inaccurate. But they will soon see that Bible prophecy concerning the days in which we now live is meticulously accurate and in considerable detail. Hundreds of prophecies that occur in the Bible have already been fulfilled with amazing accuracy. These were mainly concerning the first coming of Christ to this earth. However there are yet many predictions still to be fulfilled concerning the End Times of this age. Some of those prophecies refer to a war that will be launched upon Israel by her closest neighbours backed by several other nations. We will look into some of these prophecies in Psalm 83, Joel 3, Zechariah 12 and elsewhere. Not only does the Bible predict an amazing, startling, supernatural victory for Israel. It also predicts the greatest event that has happened to Israel since the exodus from Egypt. It will be the spiritual re-birth and transformation of Israel as a precursor to a worldwide harvest from all nations into the Kingdom of God.

A Modern Day Haman/Hitler Has Arisen

The Book of Esther is coming to life again. And God is calling out to those who “have come to the Kingdom for such a time as this” to be watchmen on behalf of Jerusalem. This great drama was played out on the stage of Persia (modern Iran) when a psychopathic maniac determined to completely annihilate all Jews throughout a vast kingdom. The thrilling story of how God intervened and saved the Jews through the intervention of a young unknown Jewish girl is still celebrated to this day among Jews. How ironic that another madman has taken the centre stage in Iran and declared to all the world his intention to annihilate the Jewish State and restore their land to Islamic rule.

Bible believers who recognize that Bible prophecy is accurate to the finest detail may understand that history often repeats itself and that this will be the case with Iran. Firstly because a new potential destroyer has arisen breathing fearsome threats against Jews. Secondly because Jehovah God will once again outwit the destroyer and obliterate him. Israel is about to be dramatically rescued once again and the ultimate result will be even more sensational than was their deliverance and exodus from Egypt.

Iran Is Frantically Stockpiling Nuclear Weapons And Missiles

Working in and with Syria, Lebanon, Russia, North Korea and China, Iran has been working for several years now on a plan to wipe out the Jewish presence in “Palestine.” Not only has Ahmadinejad made verbal threats of annihilation he has also made many concrete steps towards his objective by creating a nuclear arsenal at tremendous expense. Not even a madman would expend so much money, time and effort into the project he had no intention of fulfilling. The scenario is so much like what happened in Germany in the 1930’s. Initially at that time the world did not take Hitler seriously. Although he had laboriously made his plans widely known to all and sundry, no one took him seriously until he had invaded and devastated several European nations. By the time the world awoke to the dreadful reality that Hitler really mean to carry out his plans it was too late to save millions from tragedy and genocide.

Islamic Resolve And Determination

The agents of Islam have a maniacal and fanatical dedication that defies the understanding of the non Muslim world. The perpetrators of international terrorism are filled with a dark obsession with death. Christians may talk, preach and sing about the impending Kingdom of God but their dedication to its reality pales desperately compared to the dedication of Islamic disciples. When most Christian speak of dying with Christ they usually have a sentimental, idealistic euphoria with purely spiritual application. In complete contrast when Muslims volunteer for martyrdom they have a very real purpose in mind such as strapping a bomb around their waist and blowing a group of innocent people into eternity. The Islamic vision of world domination is not a fairy story. They fully intend to literally gain ascendancy over all humanity and many of them are prepared to enthusiastically lay down their lives to attain it.

The Predicted Result Of The War

The war that will soon be launched by Israel’s nearest neighbours will produce an amazing, supernatural victory for Israel. The Israeli Defence Force that has already gained an awesome respect through the victories they have won against overwhelming odds, will gain a victory that will eclipse all previous victories. This time it will not be Israel’s military skills and strategies that will win the day. It will become recognized by every nation on earth that this victory has been procured with direct divine aid. The world will be staggered and stand amazed in awe and wonder before the unusual event in Israel.

The Messianic Unveiling

Isaiah prophesied that Jehovah’s servant (the Messiah) would bring Jacob back to Him and gather Israel to Him. He further declared that this task alone was too small for Messiah and that He would also be a light to the Gentiles to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.

Isaiah 49:5-6

5 "And now the LORD says, Who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, To bring Jacob back to Him, So that Israel is gathered to Him (For I shall be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, And My God shall be My strength),

6 Indeed He says, 'It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.'" NKJV

Immediately after the victory has been won the world will then witness a tremendous spiritual phenomena when Israel’s deliver will reveal His true identity as the long promised Messiah.

Israel will become a Messianic Nation when Jehovah pours upon her the anointing of the Holy Spirit and reveals His Messiah. A great army of reapers from the ranks of the house of David will combine with a multitude of Gentile believers to be the “One New Man” and gather in the greatest harvest of all from a world that is experiencing great tribulation. Not only will the awe and reverence of God be upon the nations. The knowledge of the Lord Jehovah will also cover the earth as the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:9).

To condense and abbreviate what is going to happen soon in the Middle East let us look at what the Bible, the only truly reliable predictor of the future says:

1. A vicious attack, will be soon be launched by all Israel’s Muslim neighbours

Psalms 83:2-8

2 Don't you hear the tumult of your enemies? Don't you see what your arrogant enemies are doing?

3 They devise crafty schemes against your people, laying plans against your precious ones.

4 "Come," they say, "let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the very memory of its existence."

5 This was their unanimous decision. They signed a treaty as allies against you —

6 these Edomites and Ishmaelites, Moabites and Hagrites,

7 Gebalites, Ammonites, and Amalekites, and people from Philistia and Tyre.

8 Assyria has joined them, too, and is allied with the descendants of Lot. NLT

2. Jehovah God will completely destroy the enemy armies that lead the attack blowing them way like chaff before the wind

Psalms 83:13-18

13 O my God, blow them away like whirling dust, like chaff before the wind!

14 As a fire roars through a forest and as a flame sets mountains ablaze,

15 chase them with your fierce storms; terrify them with your tempests.

16 Utterly disgrace them until they submit to your name, O LORD.

17 Let them be ashamed and terrified forever. Make them failures in everything they do,

18 until they learn that you alone are called the LORD, that you alone are the Most High, supreme over all the earth. NLT

Zechariah 12:5-6

5 And the governors (Hebrew -Alluphim i.e. generals) of Judah shall say in their heart, 'The inhabitants of Jerusalem are my strength in the LORD of hosts, their God.'

6 In that day I will make the governors of Judah like a firepan in the woodpile, and like a fiery torch in the sheaves; they shall devour all the surrounding peoples on the right hand and on the left, but Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place — Jerusalem. NKJV

Zechariah 12:8-9

8 On that day the LORD will defend the people of Jerusalem; the weakest among them will be as mighty as King David! And the royal descendants will be like God, like the angel of the LORD who goes before them!

9 For my plan is to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. NLT

3. God will pour out His Holy Spirit on Israel imparting grace and prayers of national repentance to the citizens.

Zechariah 12:10-14

"And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.

11 In that day there shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning at Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo.

12 And the land shall mourn, every family by itself: the family of the house of David by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Nathan by itself, and their wives by themselves;

13 the family of the house of Levi by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of Shimei by itself, and their wives by themselves;

14 all the families that remain, every family by itself, and their wives by themselves. NKJV

Every person in Israel must immediately prepare themselves for the following events in the very near future

1. A vicious war will be launched against Israel by all near neighbours

2. A miraculous, supernatural intervention and deliverance will be achieved by God.

3. A revelation will occur concerning the “Angel of the Lord” Messiah.

4. A national recognition of the true Messiah will happen. (Zechariah 12:10)

5. A time of peace and prosperity for Israel will follow. Isaiah 60:1-3

1"Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all the nations to see! For the glory of the LORD is shining upon you.

2 Darkness as black as night will cover all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the LORD will shine over you.

3 All nations will come to your light. Mighty kings will come to see your radiance. NLT

6. A glorious time of national rejoicing will occur. Zephaniah 3:14-17

14 Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!

15 For the LORD will remove his hand of judgment and will disperse the armies of your enemy. And the LORD himself, the King of Israel, will live among you! At last your troubles will be over, and you will fear disaster no more.

16 On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be, "Cheer up, Zion! Don't be afraid!

17 For the LORD your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song." NLT

7. A new, Messianic nation will emerge proclaiming salvation to all nations.

8. The appearance of the ONE NEW MAN who is both Jew and Gentile will eventuate.

Every person on earth should urgently prepare themselves for this imminent and inevitable event that will ultimately impact all the nations on earth. We must earnestly anticipate the event by calling on God for His mercy and grace to grant us salvation.

Isaiah 55:6 Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. NLT

God is about to intervene directly in human affairs. He will judge all nations according to their attitude towards Israel. He will also save all whose hearts are surrendered to Him.

Psalms 79:6-7

6 Pour out your wrath on the nations that refuse to recognize you — on kingdoms that do not call upon your name.

7 For they have devoured your people Israel, making the land a desolate wilderness. NLT

Gerald Rowlands

www.israelspropheticfuture.org

ISAIAH 19 - EGYPT’S PROPHETIC DESTINY

2011-02-17T04:31:00.000-08:00

February 11^th 2011 will do down in history as the day that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak stepped down. This event will begin a new era in the Middle East. Although the public protests that caused Mubarak to resign seemed relatively peaceful, the future of Egypt and the Middle East will not be peaceful and calm. Egypt’s immediate future will bring God’s judgment upon the nation, but God’s ultimate plan for Egypt will bring God’s blessings and prosperity on the land.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has finally stepped down; more than two weeks after the protests that began January 25^th 2011 and which launched a flood of unrest and public protests to remove the president from power.

From the beginning, the revolution in Egypt was propelled by the use of social media and recent events in Tunisia. It at least partly began on Facebook with the creation of Facebook groups that gained hundreds of thousands of members and promoted the early protests in Cairo.

Subsequently, the government blocked Face book and Twitter and eventually shut down Internet access completely. And with the outside world following the unfolding revolution online, political leaders and others, including Twitter, spoke out against the violence and freedom of expression issues at risk. But even a government shut down couldn't keep the news from flowing. Twitter and Face book users found ways to work around the blackout. Though, eventually access was completely restored in Egypt.

History Unfolds In Egypt

The events in Egypt served as a flash point for journalists on the ground, too. For perhaps one of the first times in history, history itself has been recorded instantaneously, as reporters took to Twitter to share 140 updates and personal stories from the protests. The messages provided a stark reality to readers in the outside world, especially as the protests turned violent and police turned on journalists -- the very people many of us outside the country were following.

But Al Jazeera had its "CNN Moment," and although it couldn't reach viewers in the U.S. by cable television, it found a way to viewers -- on YouTube. The network live streamed Mubarak's public address But Al Jazeera's comprehensive coverage put it on the radar for U.S. and world viewers and it created a campaign to bring its English-language network into the picture.

Images of the turmoil spread around the world via Flicker and YouTube. Al Jazeera made its images and its word reached an even broader audience around the world. Without a doubt, social media, mobile devices and the web have brought the stories from Egypt closer to home. And conversely, the events in Egypt have shown the strength of these tools for both organizing and informing people. The Egyptian people and reporters alike found ways to share their messages even when the government tried to stop them. Using proxy sites, third parties and other tools they were able to continue sharing news with those of us on the outside. And at the same time, the rest of the world found ways to use tech to disseminate information.

The Prophecy of Isaiah 19

Isaiah 19:1 The burden (Massa, Heavy declaration) against Egypt. Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud, and will come into Egypt; the idols of Egypt will totter at His presence, and the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst. NKJV

The bible has much to say about Egypt. In fact Egypt is mentioned more than seven hundred and forty times in scripture which gives us some indication of the important role that Egypt has played in the history of the people of Israel and will play in the near future and the prophetic future as God’s plans and purposes unfold.

The major prophecy that tells about the destiny and future of Egypt is found in Isaiah chapter 19. “This message came to me (that is Isaiah) concerning Egypt. Look the Lord is advancing against Egypt, riding on a swift cloud. The idols of Egypt tremble and the hearts of the Egyptians melt with fear.”

The opening sentence of this chapter which says “this message came concerning Egypt,” uses the word “massa” which is the Hebrew word for “heavy.” It means “this heavy message” came to Isaiah concerning Egypt. It is the very same word that occurs in Zechariah chapter 12:1 where the scripture in that sentence says the “massa” or the “heavy message of the Lord” concerning Israel’s future.

I wonder if the use of this particular word links those two passages together? I wonder if it brings them into time sequel so that they are both relating to something that takes place in the same period of time?

The first verse says that the LORD (and LORD is in capital letters) which signifies “Jehovah” – (Jehovah Sabaoth is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies) is advancing against Egypt. It quaintly says “riding on a swift cloud.”

I wonder if that could be an intimation of supersonic aircraft flying over Egypt to bomb vital places within the nation. Or perhaps even missiles launched from Israel against Egypt. Whatever the case may be, it certainly will be a strong attack that God will launch upon Egypt and the scripture tells us that “the hearts of the Egyptians will melt with fear.” A fearful time is coming for the people of Egypt. They think at this moment of time that they are moving into a democracy that will be friendly and productive for the people of the land. But actually the ultimate result will be chaos in the land of Egypt.

It is interesting to hear on the news when I listened to the announce-ment of Mubarak’s resignation, that Hamas sent their congratulations. Hamas is one of the strongest, most fanatical terrorist organisations on the Globe. Particularly Hamas is strongly established at the moment in Gaza with many links already to Egypt which obviously will increase and multiply when the Islamic control takes effect on the land of Egypt. We are told that the “heart of the Egyptians will melt” during the attack.

Civil War?

An interesting thing that we read too in verse number two is “I will make Egyptians fight against Egyptians, brother against brother, neighbour against neighbour, city against city, province against province.”

We have seen some of this taking place recently during the protest. We have seen the protesters massing in the streets up to a crowd claimed by the media to be of more than one million people. We have also seen the supporters of Mubarak and they have come against one another, sometimes in violent clashes and we have seen the beginnings of what perhaps could become a civil war in Egypt. Very specifically characterised in verse two of Isaiah 19, “brother against brother, neighbour against neighbour, city against city.” There will be tremendous chaos in the population of Egypt for a period of time.

Isaiah goes on in verse three to say “the Egyptians, that is, as a whole, even those who were divided against one another in civil war” - the Egyptians will lose heart and I will confuse their plans. They will plead with their idols for wisdom and call upon spirits, mediums, and those who consult the spirits of the dead.”

This is a time of chaos and confusion that will come upon Egypt almost immediately after this amazing event which has seen the resignation of Mubarak. He appeared so adamant that he would not resign. Then he began to say that he would resign in September when an election would be called. But the protest has increased so powerfully that he has been forced to retract his original decision and make his resignation effective immediately.

Friends, we are living at a very crucial time. We are living in days when prophecies are being fulfilled that tell us that the Day of the Lord is close at hand. We need to study our bibles. We need to prepare our hearts. We need to get ready for a tumult of confusion that will fill the whole world; beginning in the Middle East but it will ultimately herald the gracious redemptive purpose of God.

In verse 4 of Isaiah 19: God says “I will hand Egypt over to a hard and cruel master. A fierce king will rule them” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

I want to emphasise that throughout this chapter God is referred to by that title “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” Every time we see the word LORD in capital letters, that is what it is a translation of - “Yaweh Sabaoth” is The Lord of Heaven’s Armies. He is the one who is consistently spoken of in chapter 19. He is the one who says “I will hand Egypt over to a hard, cruel taskmaster.”

I believe that this will be a transference of power, not from a democracy, not from the rule of Mubarak, but to the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood who are largely behind this overthrow of President Mubarak. I am not sure exactly what will transpire in the immediate future. I don’t quite know who will initially take the lead now that the army has been given control over the affairs of Egypt. But I do believe that it will not be very long until the powers of Islamic fanaticism that wish for not only the destruction of Israel, but also the suppression of the whole world, will begin to be activated in the land of Egypt.

I think the chapter tells us that initially that Egypt will suffer a very trying and devastating time of judgement. But after that period is finished, God has a redemptive purpose in mind for Egypt. He is going to reveal Himself to the nation. God will appear not only as Yaweh Sabaoth, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, but also as the Redeemer and Deliverer of the people. Some of the things that will overtake Egypt are mentioned beginning in verse five where Isaiah tells us that “the waters of the Nile will fail to rise and flood the fields. The riverbed will be parched and dry. The canals and its subsidiaries will dry up and the streams of Egypt will stink of rotting reeds and rushes. “All the greenery along the river bank and all the crops along the river will dry up and blow away.” This is speaking of a time of devastating drought which will be so severe that the Nile itself will dry up and all the subsidiary streams from the Nile that fertilises and irrigates the land will be dried up. It will obviously be a season of great drought upon the land of Egypt.

In verse 8 the prophet goes on to say “the fishermen in Egypt will lament for lack of work.” Because the Nile has dried up, there will be no fish to catch. The scripture says that “those who cast hooks into the Nile will groan and those who use nets will lose heart.” So the fishing industry which is very vital to the wellbeing and to the economy of Egypt, will come to a standstill as drought covers the land and the rivers become dry beds.

Verse 9 tells us another thing there will be no flax for the harvesters. No threads for the weavers. They will be in despair and all the workers will be sick at heart. This is going to be an exceedingly trying time economically and socially for the people of Egypt. It will look like the land as it was in the days when God judged it in the days of Moses, when he sent hail and destruction and plagues upon the land. Egypt is going to be judged again in a very similar manner. The officials and leaders of Egypt – their counsel will prove to be stupid and wrong. Verse 11 tells us “what fools are the officials of Zoan, their best counsel to the king of Egypt are stupid and wrong. Will they still boast to Pharaoh of their wisdom, will they brag about all their wise ancestors.” Instead of wisdom, for which Egypt has often been renowned, being in the past one of the greatest civilisations in the world, all the plans, the glory of the pharaohs, the riches of Egypt, all the historic treasures that are to be found in that nation. The leaders will give advice, but rather than being wisdom it will be stupid and wrong. This will further the devastation upon the land of Egypt. Isaiah goes on in verse 12 to say “where are your wise counsellors Pharaoh? Let them tell you what God plans, what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is going to do to Egypt.”

God is going to intervene into this situation. The leaders of the land will be proved to be foolish, inadequate, their advice and wisdom desperately wrong.

Verse 13 says “the officials are fools, and the officials of Memphis are deluded. The leaders of the people have led Egypt astray.”

Egypt in recent years has been something of an ally to Israel. To some extent they have deterred military activity against Israel that would have emerged from Egypt. Although quite an amount of weaponry has been smuggled from Egypt into Israel through tunnels that have been made in the ground, President Mubarak and his government have basically honoured the treaty and the truce that was made with Israel. They have deterred and diminished to some degree, the military activity from Egypt against Israel. But here we read that the leaders of the people in the time period about which we are speaking, that is the present and immediate future, have led Egypt astray.

Verse 14 says “the LORD (that is Yaweh Sabaoth) has sent a spirit of foolishness on them, so that all their suggestions are wrong”. They cause Egypt to stagger like a drunk in his vomit and there is nothing that Egypt can do. All are helpless, the head and the tail, the noble palm branch and the lowly reed.”

Verse 16 says “In that day the Egyptians will be as weak as women. They will cower in fear beneath the upraised fist of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Just to speak the name of Israel will terrorise them, for the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has laid out his plans against them.”

These verses that I have been sharing are all ominous. They all speak of judgement that God, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will send upon the whole nation of Egypt. Describing the fear that will dominate their minds as the upraised fist of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies comes down on the nation of Egypt. And as the name of Israel terrorises the Egyptians, as the Lord of Heaven’s Armies’ plan becomes clear, as they realise that God is going to deal with this nation in a very stringent and powerful way. God is going to bring judgement on the land. But thank God His judgement will ultimately bring about redemption and Egypt is going to come through this period of trouble, - industrial trouble, - trouble between brethren. Almost a civil war – God is going to bring them through this trouble into a time of lasting peace and prosperity.

These are the things that we, as watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem should be praying earnestly about. This is something that is about to take place very soon and we must wake up to realise the seriousness of the hour in which we are living. May God bless you as you prayerfully look to the future of Israel, and of the entire world.

In Isaiah chapter 19 and verse 16, we are told that the Egyptians will be as weak as women; they will cower in fear beneath the upraised fist of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Just to speak the name of Israel will terrorise them, for the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has laid out His plans for them.

Fortunately for Egypt, those plans are not only plans of judgement, they are plans of redemption. Verse 18 is an amazing verse. It says “In that day” – that is following all these troubles that will come upon Egypt, “In that day, five of Egypt’s cities will follow the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” In other words they will surrender to Jehovah. They will surrender to the One who has demonstrated His power and authority to the nation in such a powerful and dynamic way. They will not only surrender to Him, they will follow the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. They will submit to Him. They will walk in His ways.

The latter part of verse 18 says “they will even begin to speak Hebrew – the language of Canaan.” One of these cities will be Heliopolis, that is the City of the Sun. Imagine that cities in Egypt – I am not sure if five is a specific, definite number or whether it infers that numerous cities in Egypt will speak Hebrew, it also says in verse 19, “In that same day there will be an altar to the Lord in the heart (or the centre) of Egypt and there will be a monument to the Lord at its border. It will be a sign and a witness that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies are worshiped in the land of Egypt. When the people cry to the Lord for help against those who oppress them He will send a Saviour who will rescue them.

The Lord, Yaweh, will make Himself known to the Egyptians. Yes, they will know the Lord and will give their sacrifices and offerings to Him. They will make a vow to the Lord and will keep it. The Lord will strike Egypt and then He will bring healing to Egypt. The Egyptians will turn to the Lord and He will listen to their pleas and heal them.”

What an exciting prophecy this is. What a powerful word. And to realise that it will transpire, in our day, in the very near future. We are on the verge of seeing all of these things come to pass and be fulfilled. What a tremendous thing that Egypt, which has been, nominally at least, an Islamic nation. Eighty million citizens will be transformed into the nation that will no longer worship Allah but they will worship Yaweh, the one true and living God. There will not only be a revolution in Egypt, there will be a revival! There will be a great outpouring of the Spirit and of grace upon the land of Egypt. The Egyptians will cry out to Jehovah for deliverance from their oppressors and they will set up an altar to Jehovah upon which they will offer sacrifices and oblations. The scripture says that Jehovah, the Lord, will hear them and will heal their land.

How encouraging for Egypt that after a period of great trial and testing and after a time of great calamity and consternation God will cause good to come to Egypt. After the judgements of God have fallen again upon Egypt, as they did in the days when Moses led the Children of Israel out of Egypt. After the ten plagues had descended upon the Egyptians and upon Pharaoh, the last of them being the death of the eldest son. Again Egypt will be subjected to a time of powerful, devastating judgement. But praise God that is not the end of the story. For the scripture says in verse 21 that “Yaweh shall be known throughout Egypt,” that is throughout the whole land. We are told that there will be an altar to God in the centre of Egypt and there will be a monument on the border. This is the way of expressing the fact that the whole of Egypt will come under the influence of Yaweh. It says in verse 21 “In that day the Lord will make Himself known to the Egyptians.

This intimates a vital knowledge of the Lord Yaweh. It doesn’t just mean that they will know that He exists, it means that they will know Him in the sense that they will begin to understand Him. They will honour His Word. They will honour His commandments. They will learn His ways, and walk in His ways. The scripture says “they will follow after Jehovah.” This is almost a statement of discipleship that will take place throughout the land of Egypt. What a glorious transformation. What a wonderful prospect. How marvellous it is to think that God is not only going to judge Egypt but He is going to redeem Egypt.

There is another remarkable prophecy at the end of this chapter. Beginning in verse 23.

Isaiah says “In that day, Egypt and Assyria will be connected by a highway. The Egyptians and the Assyrians will move freely between their lands and they will both worship Yahweh and Israel will be their ally. The three of them together and Israel will be a blessing to them for the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will say “blessed be Egypt my people, blessed be Assyria, the land I have made. Blessed be Israel, my special possession.

God’s favour upon Israel is guaranteed. But His favour upon the children of Ishmael as well as those descendents of Isaac, will come into a period of blessing under the hand of the Lord. God has promised remarkable things for the children of Abraham. Not only the Jews who are the immediate descendents of Abraham but also for the descendents of Ishmael through Hagar and Keturah. God is going to send a great revival and harvest in the lands of Ishmael’s descendents. They will witness the providence, goodness and prosperity of the Lord God.

This is an amazing prophecy. But prophecies have to be taken up by those who believe the Lord who gives the prophecy. We must not just sit down and wait for these things to happen. We must be active in prayer. We must be intercessors on behalf of God’s plan and purpose for Egypt and for Israel and for the Middle East and for all the nations upon earth for the blessing of God, the harvest that God is going to send. It will begin in Israel and will spread throughout all the earth. All the nations of the earth will come to recognise the omnipotence of God. They will come to regard Him as the great Creator of the Universe. They will come to recognise Him as the One who holds the Universe in His hands and has planet Earth in the centre of His palm as He works out His glorious plan of Redemption for the nations of the world.

Some Sobering Thoughts From An Intercessor In Israel

Since June 1952, Egypt has been ruled by the military - at times there was a notable strongman at the helm: Nasser, Sadat, Mubarak - but the real power has always been the Egyptian Military High Command. In Egypt as in China, the military has not limited itself to military matters. They own cement factories, olive oil factories and myriad other commercial ventures. They are the real big players in the Egyptian economy. What has changed in the last few weeks? Nothing really - not yet anyway.

Certainly things were not happening in Egypt as the media wanted us to believe they were.

Some facts: Cairo is a city of 17 million people; Egypt's population is 84 million. The demonstrators in Cairo never exceeded 300,000. While by itself this is not an insignificant number, in the context of the population of Cairo and of Egypt it is only a drop in the bucket. Certainly it was not the "mass uprising" it was called. The revolutions that we have seen in Eastern Europe, Iran and other places were precipitated by demonstrations of millions of people and without the use of the internet either. We have been told that this uprising was orchestrated via the internet. Somehow this does not bear witness to me.

During the demonstrations, a letter was forwarded to a friend. The letter supposedly was sent by an Egyptian believer and in short it said: The people in Tahrir square are not Egyptians, the media is manipulating the situation and the people of Egypt do not want Mubarak to leave. Two Israeli journalists who were in Tahrir square reported that it was the scene of "medieval brutality" and nothing like what was being reported in the media.

If this letter and report is true, then some serious manipulation has taken place. I am sure we have not seen the last of the unrest in Egypt. Personally I believe we will see an Islamic dictatorship sometime in the not too distant future. I believe this will be the "cruel master and fierce king" who will rule over them according to Isaiah 19.

Some time ago a prophecy given by a Coptic Bishop who had been exiled by Mubarak because he was so popular. We were told that he had prayer meetings attended by thousands. The prophesy went like this: Mubarak will be the last secular ruler of Egypt, then would come an Islamic dictatorship and then would come the Lord. Is this word in process of being fulfilled?

I do not believe that the military takeover in Egypt is the last scene of the drama. The fundamentalists are in the ascendency and in either a shorter or longer time frame they will control Egypt.

At this point, the biggest winner in Egypt is the Moslem Brotherhood. Founded in 1928, its basic belief is: "Allah is our objective; the Koran is our constitution, the Prophet is our leader; Jihad is our way; and death for the sake of Allah is the highest of our aspirations." Hamas in Gaza is a Palestinian branch of the Moslem Brotherhood (MB) and has the same basic belief system. Even now the MB is speaking out of both sides of its mouth. On the one hand they say that they will not seek a majority in upcoming elections nor run a candidate for President of Egypt. Other MB leaders openly and clearly have been saying that as soon as they have power they will cancel the peace treaty with Israel - and this is just for starters.

Concerning the peace with Israel, it is not only the Muslim Brotherhood that wants to cancel the treaty but just about all the self-proclaimed candidates for President of Egypt. As of now the only active voice that wants to keep the peace with Israel is the Egyptian Military.

The Director of National Intelligence in the USA actually stated as have most media pundits, that the MB is a moderate group that has rejected violence. I can't in any way see how the word "intelligence" or "intelligent" has any meaning in relationship to these people. The killers of Anwar Sadat, the former President of Egypt, came out of the MB. Zarkawi, the #2 in the Al-Quida terrorist organization, came out of the MB. The MB is not stupid - it is much more PC (politically correct) for them to say they are not seeking power and are not violent but it is a subterfuge that hides their true goal of an Islamic Caliphate ruling the world. Under Mubarak, membership in the MB was illegal and he put many of the MB leaders in prison, some even to death. With all of that governmental oppression, the MB is the largest political party in Egypt with an estimated 30% of the population supporting them.

Strategic Implications

The implications for Israel of an Egypt that is once again at war with Israel are almost catastrophic. For more than 30 years, our southern border with Egypt has been militarily quiet. The IDF has not had to plan for war with Egypt and could concentrate on our enemies in Lebanon, Syria and Iran. Egypt is the most populous Arab state with the largest, best trained and equipped army. Since the peace treaty with Israel, Egypt's army has American equipment and training. Before that it was Soviet equipped and trained. This has been a big upgrade for Egypt.

Another area of concern is Jordan on Israeli's eastern border. The MB is also very strong in Jordan and the population of Jordan is predominately Palestinian (Jordan an artificial state created by the British in 1922 on land that should have been part of Israel, with an appointed King who had no previous connection with that land). Certainly the present Jordanian King Abdullah has taken notice of how quickly Obama abandoned Mubarak.

But God! In this increasingly difficult situation that Israel finds itself in, we look to and trust in the Almighty God who has made promises that He cannot break, but only keep. He who knows the times and the seasons has a redemptive plan and purpose for the nation and people of Israel that is one of the heralds of the Lord's return. This does not eliminate the probability of much conflict and suffering, it strengthens us in the knowledge that God's Word remains sure.

An analysis of Isaiah 19.

1. 1. Jehovah will come against Egypt like a swift cloud. (A supersonic air attack?) The transition of power in Egypt will eventually descend into a nation with strong Islamic ambitions to see the destruction of Israel. Egypt will temporarily become a powerful enemy of Israel which will occasion a devastating attack by Israel’s Air force.

2. 2. The heart of Egypt will melt through the attack. V 3

3. 3. Internal conflict. (Civil war?) Brother against brother V2

4. 4. A cruel lord will reign over them. V 4. The Islamic Anti Christ system will rise to power in Egypt.

5. 5. The Nile and various rivers will evaporate. V5

6. 6. Fishermen will mourn V 8 As fishing industry fails

7. 7. Industry will fail. V 15. Weavers etc V 10

8. 8. The leaders of Egypt will deceive the people Vs 11-13

9. 9. Egypt will live in fear. V 16

10. 10. Israel will be a terror in Egyptian minds. V 17

11. 11. The fear of Jehovah will come upon the people.

12. 12. Egyptians will surrender to Jehovah. Vs 18-22

13. 13. They will cry out to Jehovah for deliverance from their oppressors and

14. 14. They will set up an altar to Jehovah. Vs 19 -20

15. 15. They will offer sacrifices and oblations to Jehovah V 21

16. 16. Jehovah will hear them and heal their land V 22

17. 17. Five cities in Egypt will speak Hebrew and swear to Jehovah Sabaoth V 18

18. 18. Jehovah shall be known throughout Egypt. V 21 Isaiah 19:21 In that day the LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians. Yes, they will know the LORD and will give their sacrifices and offerings to him. They will make promises to the LORD and keep them. NLT

19. 19. A highway will be built from Egypt to Assyria Isaiah 19:23-23 In that day Egypt and Assyria will be connected by a highway. The Egyptians and Assyrians will move freely between their lands, and they will worship the same God. 24 And Israel will be their ally. NLT

20. 20. Jehovah Sabaoth will bless Egypt and say “Blessed be Egypt My people.” Isaiah 19:25 For the LORD Almighty will say, "Blessed be Egypt, my people. Blessed be Assyria, the land I have made. Blessed be Israel, my special possession!" NLT

www.israelspropheticfuture.org

Summary and review of 'THE MESSIAH COMES TO ISRAEL' by author Gerald Rowlands

2011-01-11T01:56:00.000-08:00

If you are sure you understand end time theology and have all the time lines sorted out, then this book will cause you some problems.

If you believe that the Church has all the OT blessings, and Israel has all the OT curses then this book is not for you, or perhaps it is.

If you believe all the Muslim propaganda (lies) that Israel is a pariah state that practices apartheid and has been rejected by God

In this book Gerald has identified in the books of Zechariah, Joel and in Psalm 83 the end time prophesies that do not fit easily into the commonly assumed 'Gog – Magog, Tribulation, Armageddon' understanding of the end times.

As a reviewer I must say that I could not put this book down. I read Psalm 83 the whole of Joel, Zechariah and this book in one long sitting and I then went over the book again. I see so much both in the scriptures and the day to day news and security reviews which cause me to agree with the assessment of Gerald that the war described in Zechariah and Psalm 83 is imminent

I paraphrase Gerald who writes: 'It is based mainly on two vital chapters of Scripture, i.e. Psalm 83 and Zechariah 12. ( plus numerous other references). Gerald (and I) believe that these chapters all refer to the same event – an End Time war launched against Israel by all her nearest neighbours supported by Iran. This is a war that is imminent and will precede the war of Ezekiel 38 and 39.

The war of Zechariah 12 concludes with amazing supernatural victory for Israel which God wins on their behalf. Zechariah 12:10 also clearly reveals that immediately after the victory God is going to pour out His Holy Spirit on the descendants of the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem. This outpouring will be a divine gracious act which will elicit from Israel fervent prayer accompanied by cries of repentance and grief concerning the Messiah who will disclose the fact that it was He, in the role of the Commander in Chief, that obtained deliverance and victory on Israel’s behalf.

This will be a tremendous event for Israel that will lead to a Messianic transformation through the acknowledgement of Yeshua as their longed for Messiah. It is a glorious superlative time for Israel after which God will extend Israel’s borders and bring her into a marvellous era of peace and prosperity'.

The only criticism I have of this excellent book is Geralds line of reasoning regarding the actual reign of King David from Jerusalem before the Gog Magog war. I am still working through this scenario.

The Messianic movement in Israel, the Messianic movement in the diaspora and the Church all need to be aware that, even with the slightest possibility of the events describe in this book taking place in the next few months, we need to be prepared. Not just preparation for war but for its triumphant aftermath with thousands if not tens of thousands of converts seeking for answers. Many seekers who are Jews may only be conversant

with the Talmud and Rabbinical rulings. The Tanach and the Brit Hadashah will need to be taught and explained in their fullness. I fear for the Messianic community much of which is bent on blindly following the Rabbis, and some of which has thrown out valuable Jewish traditions and lifestyles. I fear also for the Church, most of which does not teach the Tanach and views the new covenant teachings through an anti Jewish bias.

This is a book that should be read by all.

David Wright

The review is by a long established Elder in Israel and part of the leadership of congregation Adonai Roi in Tel Aviv. He is moving to a pastoral position in the Tikkun messianic congregation Yeshua HaMashiach in Mesa Arizona

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Patriarch of Faith Award 2010

2010-12-22T01:25:00.000-08:00

Israel Today is privileged to present its second Patriarch of Faith Award to Reverend Gerald Rowlands of Queensland Australia.

Rev Rowlands has been a faithful minister of the Gospel for more than fifty years. He has served at various times as pastor, evangelist, missionary, Bible College lecturer and College principal in Zimbabwe. Africa. He has written several books and is the author of the Church Planting Institute series of Studies. He is the founder and president of Church Planting International, a training course for prospective church planters which is being used effectively in numerous nations. In 2006 he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal(OAM) by the Australian government for services rendered in the emerging world.

God’s mandate to Gerald and Elizabeth Rowlands – given over 30 years ago – was loud and clear and altered the direction of their lives forever. The Spirit of the Lord spoke to them during a Derek Prince meeting in Africa “I want you to get your attitude towards Israel straightened out because the effectiveness of your ministry from now on will depend on you having a right attitude to My ancient people and their land.” A Word of knowledge followed describing events that would soon connect them with Israel and Jerusalem.

Currently Reverend Rowlands serves as president of Israel’s Prophetic Future (www.israelspropheticfuture.org) a ministry that seeks to promote Israel’s sovereign role in the end times. He has a weekly radio program entitledShalom Israel which focuses on the nation’s biblical past and prophetic future. Gerald also served for ten years as the director of praise and worship at the annual Feast of Tabernacles Celebration in Jerusalem. In the course of their ministry, he and Elizabeth have travelled to some 70 nations and have lived in Africa and Asia. Gerald’s newest book The Messiah Comes to Israel was released by Destiny Image Europe in July 2010 and is a must read. This intriguing book is available postage free from http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book/9788889127995/The-Messiah-Comes-to-Israel. It encourages a fresh approach to the scriptures that promised glorious things for Israel – not in the distant future, but in our times. The Lord has truly multiplied and prospered the work of the Kingdom through the hands of his servants the Rowlands. Therefore ISRAEL TODAY is proud and honored to present them with the Patriarch of Faith Award for 2010.

A DEVASTATING TIME-BOMB

2010-12-08T18:23:00.000-08:00

The whole world is currently sitting on a time bomb that is about to explode. When it does, and this will very soon, it will change the future of the world forever. The event of which I am speaking may seem an innocuous one to many uninformed people, but it will trigger results that will vitally affect the future of every nation on earth. It is an attack that will soon be launched on Israel.

It must be very evident to everyone that the attack that currently threatens Israel is now both inevitable and imminent. Islamic forces have armed at great expense with high tech weapons that have the capability of virtually annihilating Israel. They fanatically believe that Allah will soon rule the whole world and that the conquest of Israel is the first necessary step towards that global conquest.

The Church, which ought to be awake and alert regarding this event that has been foretold in the Bible, (Psalm 83 and Zechariah 12) is virtually silent and inactive regarding this predicted event. It may take the Church completely by surprise. This fact is truly sad because the ultimate result of the amazing victory that God will grant to Israel will be followed by a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Israel and ultimately on all flesh (Joel 2:28).

Church, it is time to wake up, become aware of Biblical predictions, and urgently prepare for the greatest harvest of souls that has ever been reaped. Israel will soon arise in glorious splendour out of the darkness that envelops the nations (Isaiah 60:1). In a world that will be in absolute confusion, God will also cause the Church to arise and together with Israel proclaim the reality of the Kingdom of God. This great move of God will be different to any visitation in history. The Church of Jesus Christ will be transformed from an insipid humanistic organisation to a powerful army that will overwhelm the powers of darkness and achieve a mighty and splendid triumph over every enemy of Jehovah. The present form of Christendom that exists will be divided asunder. The institutional Church will wither and die. The true Body of Christ that is born again and completely surrendered to the will and purpose of God will assume the role of a mighty spiritual army led by the Lord of heaven’s armies. It will also become like a bride prepared for her bridegroom without spot, wrinkle or blemish (Ephesians 5:27).

Our vision of the Church of the future must be clarified and freshly identified. The emergence of this Church must be the most important issue on our agendas. The ranks of this Church will be filled with a prophetic people that truly know their God and are strengthened by Him to accomplish GREAT EXPLOITS. Daniel 11:32-33
...but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. NKJV

Daniel 12:8-10
8 Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, "My lord, what shall be the end of these things?"
9 And he said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
10 Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand. NKJV

Gerald Rowlands

www.israelspropheticfuture.org

Will Israel Disappear Off The Map?

2010-11-30T00:43:00.001-08:00

Israel is currently under a serious threat of annihilation. The threats have been made on numerous occasions and the weapons of destruction feverishly prepared by people who believe the destruction is pre-ordained by their “God”. The major question is, could this possibly happen and when? Our response is surely a definite NO, but how can we be absolutely sure? The fact is that Yaweh, the only true and living God, has actually predicted that this attempt would be made in the last days. He has also foretold what the ultimate result of this attack would be. That result will be achieved by a direct supernatural intervention that will not only save Israel from destruction but will gloriously transform and extend the borders of Israel winning an era of peace and prosperity.

Australian author Gerald Rowlands has written an intriguing and somewhat controversial book about an attack on Israel that may have an astonishing effect on Israel, the Middle East and ultimately the whole world. It presents the possibility that the next major item on God’s prophetic agenda may include a remarkable outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the nation of Israel that will lead to a great spiritual transformation.

A grave situation that initially appears to threaten the future existence of Israel, may be transformed into a miracle that is even greater than what occurred in Egypt when God delivered His people with a strong and mighty arm (Psa 118:15,16). The very real possibility of this apparently inevitable and imminent attack was greatly increased by a recent speech made by the president of Iran.

On a visit to Lebanon Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad recently (Thursday 14th October 2010) told thousands of supporters at a rally along the Lebanon/Israel border that Israel would soon disappear, while they (Lebanon) would thrive. Ahmadinejad was in the Hezbollah stronghold of Bint Jbeil which was once bombed by Israel and rebuilt by Hezbollah.

Speaking to a crowd brandishing Iranian flags and cheering, Ahmadinejad praised Hezbollah and its southern stronghold as "the foremost shield of Lebanon." He further announced that “The entire world should know that the Zionists are destined to soon disappear from the world.” His vehement views have even been aired before the United Nations on several occasions provoking very little protest.

In several of his vitriolic speeches, wittingly or unwittingly Ahmadinejad has actually quoted a Biblical prophecy that a war would be launched against Israel by all her neighbors that would be intended to literally “wipe Israel off the map.” Psalm 83:4-8

What Ahmadinejad did not quote was the conclusion of the psalm in which Israel’s enemies would become ashamed and terrified and learn that Jehovah alone is the “Most High” supreme over all the earth. Psalm 83:16-18

The attack that Ahmadinejad foreshadowed that would make Israel disappear off the map is not only predicted in Psalm 83 it is also described in Zechariah 12. However, the account that is given in Zechariah 12 adds much more detail about the attack and its amazing conclusion.

Zechariah 12:9-10 (AMP)
9 And it shall be in that day that I will make it My aim to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
10 And I will pour out upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace or unmerited favor and supplication. And they shall look [earnestly] upon Me Whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him as one who is in bitterness for his firstborn.

Faced with a vicious attack that appears to have the potential to annihilate the Jewish State, the prophet describes a direct intervention by Yaweh Sabaoth (The Lord of heaven’s armies) which achieves an astonishing supernatural victory for Israel. Immediately after the miraculous victory, the person who led Israel to that victory is recognized as - “the one who was pierced.” This totally unexpected revelation is the cause of a national time of mourning encompassing a major part of Israel’s population.

The question this book addresses is whether or not this apparently inevitable attack is the one predicted by Zechariah. If it is then according to verse ten the victory will soon be followed by the transformation of Israel through a fresh revelation of the Holy One of Israel and subsequent repentance and prayers. This “appearance” of the Messiah to Israel will not fit the prophetic perceptions of many Christians. However, according to this book, the possibility of its occurrence appears to have considerable Biblical support. Surely it is a possibility that should at least be seriously and urgently considered. If it proves to be true it will drastically change the future particularly for Israel and the Church and ultimately the whole world.

Outgoing MI Chief: in Next War, TEL AVIV IS FRONT LINE

2010-11-21T21:19:00.001-08:00

Major-General Amos Yadlin, the outgoing head of the IDF's Intelligence Branch, told the cabinet Sunday (21st November 2010) that Iran is the major threat against Israel, and not only with regard to its nuclear ambition. “Iran is reaching out with octopus-arms to anyone who acts against Israel,” he said. "In the next confrontation, there is a chance that war will break out on more than one front, and that Tel Aviv will become a front,” Yadlin warned, as he has before. “There is also a struggle against the very legitimacy of Israel's existence,” he added, “and to face it we need intelligence and to mobilize the nation.”

"Israel's deterrent power is very strong,” Yadlin told the ministers in his final briefing as Military Intelligence Head, “but the quiet should not deceive us – to the contrary. Our enemies are getting stronger and arming themselves.”

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu bid Yadlin farewell and said: "I met with him every week, sometimes several times a week. We discussed the difficult problems and new challenges that face us, from the Iranian nuclear threat through the threat of missiles and rockets against the State of Israel, the development of Hizbullah and Hamas, as well as various developments in the countries of the region. I believe that Amos succeeded in giving us the tools with which to assess these dangers and to prepare to meet them."
by Gil Ronen

Israel is currently bracing itself for an expected attack by her near neighbors which will be orchestrated by Iran. Such an attack has been announced numerous times by the Iranian government. I personally believe that it has also been predicted in the Koran and in the Bible. Many Muslims across the world are anticipating it and preparing in various ways. Why is it that the Church for the most part, is not recognizing the inevitability and imminence of this attack?

One of the Biblical predictions that clearly describes this attack, also predicts a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon Israel that will soon be followed by an outpouring upon all flesh. (Joel 2:28) The world scene will dramatically change and the Church will soon be confronted by a new challenge and a glorious opportunity. The events that will surely follow this outrageous attack. We must pray earnestly and passionately that the Church will awake to the predicted attack and the astounding aftermath. The whole world will be affected one way or another but this predicted event will affect the Church more than any other people group on earth. The Church needs to urgently ask itself exactly what is about to happen? How will it affect the nations on earth? What can we do to prepare for these imminent eventualities?

Gerald Rowlands

MESSAGE FROM GERALD

2010-11-15T02:54:00.000-08:00

The war predicted in Psalm 83 and Zechariah 12, appears to be more inevitable and imminent with every passing day. The enemies of Israel are sitting like vultures on her borders, waiting for their signal to attack Israel with a fearful onslaught. As certain as this war may be, so certain also is the predicted response of God when He will judge and destroy those armies that attack His chosen ones. (Psalm 83:3)

Immediately after an astounding victory that God will win for Israel, He will then pour out His Holy Spirit on the entire nation of Israel. (Zechariah 12:10) This will not only initiate a dramatic transformation of Israel. It will also transform the present scenario for all the nations on earth. A brand new day will dawn that will take the world by complete surprise. Ironically, it will also take the great majority of Christians by surprise too despite the fact that it has all been foretold in the Bible. The element of surprise within the Church will find many believers totally unprepared. Instead of flowing directly into the rapidly unfolding plan that takes shape, they will be left as spectators on the sideline.

Revelation 3:6
6 Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches. NLT

Ezekiel 3:18
18 If I warn the wicked, saying, 'You are under the penalty of death,' but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. NLT

Christian TV and radio ministries, who have a unique opportunity to warn people both sinners and the Christians, and fail to use the facility that God has granted them, will have the blood of those people on their hands. Unfortunately many Churches and Christian media ministries today are focussed on entertaining their congregations instead of warning them. Very few preachers, in pulpits or on the airwaves are plainly warning their audiences that we are now living in the last days of this present era. God is about to visit the earth with both judgment and salvation. We who belong to Him, whose lives are truly surrendered to His plan and purpose, need to blow an alarm in such a manner that no one will be able to say, “I never heard the warning. I had no idea of the urgency of the hour.” Whatever means we have access to as an instrument of warning, let us use it powerfully and immediately. Gerald Rowlands www.israelspropheticfuture.org

8,000 ETHIOPIAN FALASH MURA TO MAKE ALIYAH TO ISRAEL:

2010-11-15T02:51:00.001-08:00

Almost 8,000 people from the Falash Mura community in Ethiopia will immigrate to Israel in the next four years, according to a decision that was confirmed in the Knesset on Sunday. “There are approximately 8,000 men, women and children who live under very difficult humanitarian conditions,” PM Netanyahu said during a government meeting. He went on to say that the Government of Israel seeks to resolve this problem and to avoid the creation of additional refugee camps in Ethiopia. "We have a moral commitment as Jews, as the People of Israel, to find a solution," he continued. (J.Post) “We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.” Ps 33:20

WARNING - VIOLENT TURBULENCE AHEAD.

2010-11-10T17:06:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has flown even a few air miles is usually aware of this warning message. “This is your captain speaking. Please take your seats and fasten your seatbelts we are flying into turbulence ahead.” Usually the passengers are already vaguely aware of the turbulence even before the official announcement is made. Air currents are beginning to buffet the plane and a general awareness of change is growing.

I believe that our captain is presently issuing such a warning. Let him that has ears, hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church. Every Christian should be made aware that we need to take urgent appropriate action in the light of the turbulence that we are currently flying towards. We are rapidly entering the time zone of which it is said that everything that can be shaken will be shaken.

Hebrews 12:26-27
"Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also."
27 This means that the things on earth will be shaken, so that only eternal things will be left. NLT

The world is about to be shaken as never before when God unleashes His judgment on the nations that have chosen to attack His land and His precious ones.

Psalms 83:2-4
2 Don't you hear the tumult of your enemies? Don't you see what your arrogant enemies are doing?
3 They devise crafty schemes against your people, laying plans against your precious ones.
4 "Come," they say, "let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the very memory of its existence." NLT

This attack, though aimed specifically on Israel, will have the power to thoroughly shake the whole world. God’s response to the attack will constitute the fulfilment of one of the most dramatic events in Biblical prophecy.

Zechariah 12:8-9
9 For my plan is to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. NLT

Psalms 83:16-18
16 Utterly disgrace them until they submit to your name, O LORD.
17 Let them be ashamed and terrified forever. Make them failures in everything they do,
18 until they learn that you alone are called the LORD, that you alone are the Most High, supreme over all the earth. NLT

The epicentre of this turbulence will be the Middle East and the catalyst that causes the shaking will be an attack launched on Israel by all her nearest neighbours. Although the attack will be centred directly on Israel, its impact will be felt in various ways around the world. In many ways the whole world will change forever. The ultimate fallout from this vicious attack will cause unprecedented havoc in the nations most closely aligned and participating in the attack. The devastating power of the attack will initially appear to be capable of achieving its desired result which will be the total annihilation of Israel. The nature of the attack will constitute the most formidable of all attacks made on Israel. The whole world will wonder how Israel can possibly survive it. The answer to that question will come in the form of a direct, supernatural intervention that will be launched by Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of heaven’s armies. Almighty God will rescue and deliver Israel in a manner that will surprise all humanity.

We certainly do not relish the thought of such an attack, but unfortunately it does appear to be both inevitable and very imminent. The particular philosophy and power behind the attack is initiated by ancient Islamic prophesies that predict the ultimate conquest of Israel by the warriors of Islam.

Another analogy that illustrates the world’s dilemma at this dramatic moment is the sinking of the Titanic which was reputed to be the world’s first unsinkable ship. When the Titanic embarked on her maiden voyage on April 15, 1912, the world was filled with hope and awe. In just a few short days those emotions turned to horror and grief as the ship ploughed into a giant iceberg. One of the most fascinating aspects about the tragic history of the Titanic, is the assorted mix of passengers onboard the ill fated luxury liner. When the ship sank, the lives of both the famous and the unknown were lost as well. As the illustrious ship sailed blissfully into the dark night, many passengers were dancing gracefully in the ballroom. The band was playing, and the air was filled with joyful anticipation of a successful voyage. The last thought on anyone’s mind was of possible danger and destruction. This tragic scenario powerfully illustrates the present world situation. Most of the people in the world seem completely oblivious of the danger that lies immediately ahead as the planned attack on Israel reaches its final stages.

There are at least four beliefs that Muslims will never forsake.
1. That the land on which Israel is currently situated belongs to Islam.
2. That the Al Aksa Mosque in Jerusalem must be under strict Islamic rule.
3. That peace can never be negotiated with Israel.
4. That the Jewish nation of Israel must be totally destroyed.

These are the beliefs that drive Islamic ambition. For them the conquest of Israel is the first step towards ultimate universal rule. The Muslims will never be satisfied with a Palestinian State side by side with a Jewish one. Islam must totally eradicate the Zionist entity.

When the prophecy of Zechariah 12 takes place as it surely will, it will bring massive change to the whole world. This change definitely applies to the Church, and the leaders of the Church must prepare its members now in order to survive and thrive in the new world scenario that will be established. In seeking to prepare for the forthcoming era we must look to God for His prophetic rhema word regarding the shape and nature of the Church. The present status quo is in no way good enough to survive and thrive in the time period that will envelop the world. The Church must awake from its slumber and face the reality of the end time days in which we now live. We are about to be catapulted into truly extraordinary times. We dare not continue as though nothing is different and that no radical changes must be made. We must cry out to God for a new outpouring of His Holy Spirit.

In the aftermath of the battle and subsequent victory, God is going to pour forth His Holy Spirit on the nation of Israel.

Zechariah 12:10-11
10 "And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.
11 In that day there shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning at Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. NKJV

This visitation will eclipse the Day of Pentecost phenomena. It will radically and dramatically transform Israel. But the Church will be transformed too. Israel and the Church will face together a brand new era. The One New Man, who is both Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:15) will reap the greatest spiritual harvest of all time.

Revelation 7:9-10
9 After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white and held palm branches in their hands.
10 And they were shouting with a mighty shout, "Salvation comes from our God on the throne and from the Lamb!" NLT

These events are not in the dim and distant future, they are in the here and now. The war predicted upon Israel is already engaged in its earliest stages. The stage is set. The participants are making final preparations. The battle is imminently inevitable, but so are the sensational events that will surely follow the victory that God has purposed to grant (Zechariah 12:9).

The world is at the threshold of an amazing prophetic time. God is calling on the Church to “Wake up” and surrender to Him afresh as we prepare for the gigantic harvest that will take place.

Gerald Rowlands

www.israelspropheticfuture.org
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI7cMhQcBGg

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COULD THIS ASTOUNDING PREDICTION SOON BE FULFILLED?

2010-11-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

Gerald Rowlands’ new book THE MESSIAH COMES TO ISRAEL which has been released in July 2010, is certainly thought provoking and even somewhat controversial. He introduces a prophetic possibility that is quite different from any of the usual Christian End Time scenarios. From Zechariah 12 and Psalm 83 he describes an attack launched in the last days upon Israel by all her nearby neighbors supported by Iran. This attack concludes with a supernatural and astounding victory for Israel through a direct intervention of God and the “Angel of the LORD.” This is followed by the astounding revelation of who the Angel of the Lord truly is.

Zechariah 12:10 then describes a time of Israel’s national grief and repentance towards their deliverer who reveals Himself as the Messiah, the One who was previously pierced. An outpouring of the Spirit of grace and supplications on all the descendants of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem elicits a spirit of grief and repentance by the entire Jewish nation. This verse also describes the national recognition of the Messiah as the One consistently predicted throughout the Jewish Scriptures.

This amazing revelation would introduce a period of peace, prosperity and exaltation for Israel of the nature described by Isaiah 60, an inspiring prophetic chapter that begins with “Arise and shine Jerusalem for the glory of the Lord has risen upon you…The Lord will arise upon you and His glory shall be seen upon you…Gentiles shall come to your light and kings to the brightness of your rising”.

While gross darkness covers the Gentile world, Israel will be illuminated before all the nations on earth by the Shekinah glory of the Lord. All of this transpires well before the war described in Ezekiel 38 and 39. Indeed it is the peace and prosperity that comes to Israel following this victory, that entices Gog and Magog to finally launch their attack on Israel which is also repulsed and powerfully defeated by the sovereign God.

All of this makes for fascinating, challenging and insightful reading that every Bible lover should closely study. Without an understanding of this amazing chain of events that will happen very soon, an essential aspect of Bible prophecy is missing. These events constitute the next item in God’s prophetic agenda.

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EMAIL info@israelspropheticfuture.org

IMMANENT EVENT

2010-06-16T05:21:00.000-07:00

ISRAEL’S “BIG DAY”
Is Coming Soon!

The nations of the world are currently lining up together against tiny Israel. Iran is increasing the volume of her threats against Israel every week. The nations aligned with Iran are sitting like vultures on Israel’s borders waiting for a signal to launch a devastating attack. The aim behind their plans is to totally annihilate the Jewish State. Israel’s enemies believe that they can finally succeed in achieving this objective. What will be the result of this war and when will it be launched? The Bible is the only source with an answer to this solemn question and this is your chance to read what it will be. Read Psalm 83 and Zechariah 12 and you will begin to understand what has been predicted.

An Imminent Event In the Foreseeable Future?

Of all the major issues that currently face our world and its future security, the one most likely to happen next is a massive attack upon Israel launched by all Israel’s nearby neighbors backed and incited by Iran. The clear indications of such an attack have been proclaimed and demonstrated by feverish activities on the part of Iran together with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon. The attack, although made directly on Israel, will have devastating worldwide repercussions powerfully affecting every nation on earth. In many ways our world will be changed forever. If this proposed attack were to succeed and the State of Israel was annihilated, the whole plan of redemption as revealed in the Bible would be derailed. Jehovah’s plan to rule the world from David’s throne in Jerusalem would immediately become defunct. How strange that so few people seem to be vitally aware of this impending drama and the apparent proximity of it.
Zechariah is a minor prophet with a major prophetic message, part of which is likely to be fulfilled in the very near future. When this happens Israel will emerge as an extremely prominent nation winning great respect and will be recognized and honored by all the nations on earth. The prophet Zechariah graphically describes this amazing event. In the Message Version of the Bible the prophet frequently refers to “The Big Day” which is usually translated in other versions as “In that day.” In fact it will be a bigger day than almost anyone has ever yet imagined. It will be a truly amazing and astounding time when Israel will arise as though from the dead! (Romans 11:15).
I firmly believe these enemies to be the same ones that Asapah described in Psalms 83:4-8
4 "Come," they say, "let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the very memory of its existence."
5 This was their unanimous decision. They signed a treaty as allies against you —
6 these Edomites and Ishmaelites, Moabites and Hagrites,
7 Gebalites, Ammonites, and Amalekites, and people from Philistia and Tyre.
8 Assyria has joined them, too, and is allied with the descendants of Lot. NLT
Each of these ancient and historic foes of Israel have their modern counterparts today surrounding the borders of modern Israel. They have all formed an alliance the chief aim of which is the conquest of Israel and the annihilation of the Jewish State which they intend to replace with an Islamic Shariah based government.
I further believe that this attack and its amazing consequence is about to happen very soon. This war now already seems to be inevitable. It also appears to be very imminent. Such an End time war was predicted in Islamic prophecy and many Muslims believe that it will happen very soon. They are currently and fanatically preparing for it. Their plans are in place. Iran is boldly and arrogantly proclaiming its intentions to the whole world. They and their minions are absolutely determined to launch a massive attack upon Israel. They are totally steadfast to let nothing deter them. However when their efforts fail, there will be tremendous “loss of face” and shock among them. There will be a massive capitulation of Islamic forces.
The question is, what will be the response of God who calls Himself “The Holy One of Israel” and also “The Lord (Commander) of Heaven’s Armies”? It seems obvious that Zechariah 12:9-11 provides a succinct prophetic account of what His response will be.

ONE THING IS ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN. GOD WILL NEVER ALLOW THE DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL TO HAPPEN.

All His prophetic predictions and plans would become null and void if Israel was destroyed. The very many wonderful positive promises that God has made to Israel would not be worth the paper on which they are written. However, Israel will be defended, delivered and exalted through divine intervention.
Zechariah Chapter 12 (Message Version)
Let’s go through the whole chapter making some brief pertinent comments,

Zechariah 12:1 (Message Version)
1 War Bulletin: GOD's Message concerning Israel, GOD's Decree—the very GOD who threw the skies into space, set earth on a firm foundation, and breathed his own life into men and women:

Zechariah 12 is likened to a News Bulletin for the world. It is called “Israel’s Big Day.” Zechariah predicts that in the last days a devastating attack will be launched on Israel by all her surrounding neighbours. The violent attack will actually be a declaration of war against Jehovah, the God of the Bible (Psalm 83:2). Initially it will be a very grave time indeed for Israel. It will even appear to be the day of Israel’s total annihilation. It is intended to be so devastating that Israel will disappear from the world’s memory bank and history books.
2 "Watch for this: I'm about to turn Jerusalem into a cup of strong drink that will have the people who have set siege to Judah and Jerusalem staggering in a drunken stupor.

The amazing nation that God has restored after 2,000 years of exile would be eradicated from human history. However, in response to the ferocious attack God will give an intoxicating drink to Israel’s enemies causing them to stagger and reel like drunken men acting irrationally and irresponsibly. This will be a cup of judgment from the LORD who is the Holy One of Israel.
3 "On the Big Day, I'll turn Jerusalem into a huge stone blocking the way for everyone. All who try to lift it will rupture themselves. All the pagan nations will come together and try to get rid of it.
God will make Jerusalem like a huge immovable rock. All those who strive to change its status will only succeed in rupturing themselves. Their ranks will be torn apart. In their confusion they will begin to destroy each other. The status of Jerusalem will not be altered though all the nations on earth will desire otherwise.
4 "On the Big Day"—this is GOD speaking—"I'll throw all the war horses into a crazed panic, and their riders along with them. But I'll keep my eye on Judah, watching out for her at the same time that I make the enemy horses go blind.
Israel’s enemies and their weapons will lose all sense of reality and direction. They will cease to function rationally and intelligently. All the Hi tech weapons that Israel’s enemies may use will become disoriented and ineffective. They will lose their ability to reach their intended targets.
5 The families of Judah will then realize, 'Why, our leaders are strong and able through GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, their personal God.'
The Israeli government and leaders and the general population of Israel will become filled with an unusual feeling of assurance. They will transfer their confidence and trust from the Israel Defense Force to Yaweh Sabaoth, the Lord of heaven’s armies. The word leaders is a translation of Alluphim, the modern Hebrew word for Generals. This verse implies that all the top military Generals in charge of Israel’s security will transfer their faith and confidence from the Israel Defense Force to the LORD of heaven’s armies. This will happen because the attack will appear to be too powerful for the defense force to handle and the whole nation will turn directly and desperately to the living God. As a direct result the nation will experience the peace of God despite the massive attack launched against them.
6 "On the Big Day, I'll turn the families of Judah into something like a burning match in a tinder-dry forest, like a fiercely flaming torch in a barn full of hay. They'll burn up everything and everyone in sight—people to the right, people to the left—while Jerusalem fills up with people moving in and making themselves at home—home again in Jerusalem.
Infused by the power of God, Israel’s defense forces will become like a blazing fire destroying everything before it (Psalm 83:14). Israel’s forces will become like a prairie fire in a forest that is tinder dry. They will swoop on their enemies like blazing rockets. The forests will turn to ashes before the devouring flames of God’s fierce anger against Israel’s enemies.
7 "I, GOD, will begin by restoring the common households of Judah so that the glory of David's family and the leaders in Jerusalem won't overshadow the ordinary people in Judah.
8 On the Big Day, I'll look after everyone who lives in Jerusalem so that the lowliest, weakest person will be as glorious as David and the family of David itself will be godlike, like the Angel of GOD leading the people.
Jehovah Himself will personally defend Jerusalem. Even the most feeble members of the nation will become like King David, the warrior king of Israel. (Hebrew for feeble is kashal, which means - likely to stumble and fall due to weakness in the lower legs. This is typical of tiny tots learning to walk or elderly people whose legs have lost their natural strength). The amazing victory will be credited to the whole nation, not simply to the very elite.
9 "On the Big Day, I'll make a clean sweep of all the godless nations that fought against Jerusalem.
The armed alliance of nearby nations that has launched the fierce attack will be totally destroyed. Even the nations that have only given tacit approval to the attack will be severely diminished in confidence. Every nation, including our own, needs to exercise great caution in its attitude and actions in respect of Israel at this critical time in human history.
10 "Next I'll deal with the family of David and those who live in Jerusalem. I'll pour a spirit of grace and prayer over them. They'll then be able to recognize me as the One they so grievously wounded—that piercing spear-thrust! And they'll weep—oh, how they'll weep! Deep mourning as of a parent grieving the loss of the firstborn child.
Let’s Examine Zechariah 12:9 -10, In The Good News Bible:
Zechariah 12:9 At that time I will destroy1 every nation that tries to attack Jerusalem.
Zechariah 12:10 "I will fill the descendants of David2 and the other people of Jerusalem3 with the spirit4 of mercy5 and the spirit of prayer6. They will look7 at the one whom they stabbed to death, and they will mourn8 for him like those who mourn for an only child. They will mourn bitterly9, like those who have lost their first-born son10.
The earlier verses of this profound chapter (vs 1-8) describe an End Time attack on Israel by all her surrounding neighbors.
1. V. 9. God declares that His specific intention is to destroy* Israel’s enemies (Hebrew shamad*, to desolate, overthrow, bring to nought, pluck down, cause to perish) How much clearer could God’s intention be stated?
2. V.10 The house of David. All the descendants of David whose lineage descends from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. (Romans 11:25-27 All Israel will be saved).
3. V. 10. The inhabitants of Jerusalem which today is comprised of Jews, Christians and Muslims will personally witness this staggering event. It will impact powerfully on their psyche diminishing and destroying their self confidence and aspirations.
4. V. 10 . The Spirit (Hebrew, ruach) The definite participle, THE SPIRIT refers to the Holy Spirit who is God. This is not merely a spirit. It is THE HOLY SPIRIT. When God poured out the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost 3,000 people were transformed but when He pours out the Spirit once again as in Zechariah 12:10, a whole nation will be transformed!
5. V.10. The Spirit of Grace and mercy (Hebrew: chen H2603 Graciousness, kindness and unmerited favor). God will not perform these acts because Israel is necessarily worthy of them or deserve such intervention but because of His unfailing grace towards them. (Isaiah 31:35-37) This amazing event will not occur because of anything that Israel has done or not done. It will eventuate purely because of the grace and mercy of God and because He is a covenant keeping God.
6. V.10. They shall look (Hebrew: nabat H5027 to look intently upon, to behold, to carefully consider with deep respect, to regard with pleasure and favor). It will be a gaze of recognition. When they see Him they will immediately recognize Him.
7. V.10. Supplications (Hebrew: tachanun – tachanunah H8469, with much {many} entreaties). Many prayers and entreaties will be in the mouths of Israelis and others too. They will plead for mercy from a merciful God
8. V.11. Mourning (Hebrew: saphad H5594, to tear out one’s hair, to beat the chest, to lament in grief). The national grief of Israel over the Messiah will be deep and genuine. It will not be merely recited religious prayers but genuine mourning and deep grief.
9. V.11. Bitterness (Hebrew: marar H4843, to grieve bitterly). The national mourning will be like the mourning of Israel over the death of King Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:25).
10. V.11. Firstborn son (Hebrew: b’kor H1060, A firstborn, eldest son). The firstborn son that Israel will recognize will be their own Messiah whom they failed to recognize when he first appeared. But then they will embrace and accept Him with great gladness and relief. (All translations from Strong’s Analytical Concordance)
It is very alarming to see what most Christian commentators deduce from these verses. Very few if any, seem to draw the very obvious conclusion. My brief and simple interpretation is as follows. Israel’s nearest neighbors, with both direct and tacit support of several other nations, will launch a powerful attack on Israel with the intention to totally annihilate the Jewish State. It would appear to the natural mind that they have the weapons and determination to accomplish this aim.
Israel will be delivered only by the direct intervention of Jehovah and the “Angel of the Lord” who goes before the Israeli defense force. The Angel of the LORD is a code name for the Messiah. God has determined to completely destroy these enemies and smash their evil intentions.
After this predicted victory Jehovah will pour out His Spirit (Ruach Ha Kodesh) upon the descendants of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. This outpouring will be accomplished by God’s grace, and appropriate supplications causing deep prayers to pour forth from the people of Israel. They will recognize and identify the deliverer as their long awaited Messiah, the One who was previously pierced. The whole nation will mourn for Him in a manner not seen since the death of King Josiah. (2 Chronicles 35:20-27).
They will mourn as one would for a first born son who has died. Zechariah 13:1"On that day a fountain will be opened for the dynasty of David and for the people of Jerusalem, a fountain to cleanse them from all their sins and defilement. The whole nation of Israel will have a new revelation of their Messiah. They will be sealed with God’s protection and will powerfully proclaim the Messiah to a troubled, utterly confused and distressed world. (Revelation 7:1-8).
It is surely time for all people and particularly Christians to earnestly search the Bible and allow God to speak to them concerning prophetic events that will soon come to pass.

Gerald Rowlands.
Nambour, Queensland
www.israelspropheticfuture.org

DIVINE & DAVIDIC

2010-05-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

May 29th 2010

On our month long recent visit to Israel we were alarmed and disturbed to discover that many of the Messianic believers do not believe in the divinity of Jesus. We have since made this a matter of much prayer. Today I received this heartening article from the pen of Asher Intrater the senior leader of a Messianic fellowship in Israel. In addition we received the following Email regarding an exciting incident that happened on Temple Mount while we were in Israel.

Gerald Rowlands

Divine and Davidic
By Asher Intrater

We believe that Yeshua (Jesus) is both man and God. Once I was meditating on Romans 1 where Yeshua is described as Seed of David (verse 3) and Son of God (verse 4). I sensed the Holy Spirit ask me which was more important. I answered: "Being the Son of God." The Holy Spirit said, "No." To which I responded in surprise, "That He is the son of David?!" I sensed the Holy Spirit say again, "No." I was perplexed. The solution came in the still voice within: "That He is both together."

It is by being both God and man that Yeshua becomes the source of our salvation. He is God in the image of man, and man in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). He is the divine judge who punishes our sins and the human substitute who takes away our sins.

Among the Israeli Messianic leadership this past year, both sides of the issue were debated. There was a small group of leaders who denied Yeshua's divinity; there was another small group who denied his humanity. The vast majority of the pastors and elders stood firmly with His dual nature.

In the New Covenant scriptures there is a development in the understanding of who Yeshua is. It starts with the Davidic in the gospel of Matthew and progresses toward the Divine in the book of Revelation. I see three stages:

• Yeshua as king of Israel - synoptic gospels and Acts
• Yeshua as head of Church - Pauline Epistles
• Yeshua as angel of YHVH - Writings of John.

The New Covenant starts in Matthew with the genealogy of Yeshua. This chapter is a bridge which connects the gospel events to the biblical history of Israel's kingdom. The emphasis is that Yeshua is the son of David. [Note: For this reason the genealogy is divided into periods of 14 (verses 17-18). In Hebrew there are no vowels; therefore the equivalent of David is spelled: DVD. Each letter has a numerical value: D is 4; V is 6. David's name equals 4-6-4, totaling 14. The number 14 emphasizes that Yeshua is David's son.]

God gave the government of planet earth to David (II Samuel 7). If we don't understand the Davidic nature of Yeshua, we miss our dominion over this planet, the transformation of the kingdoms of the world (Revelation 11:15), the restoration of the kingdom to Israel (Acts 1:6), and the literal nature of the millennial kingdom. That's why the connection to David is so important.

With each stage of the revelation of Yeshua, there is a corresponding revelation of our destiny in Him. The revelation of Yeshua as king of Israel was given to Shimon (Peter) in Matthew 16. Yeshua tells Shimon that this revelation was not human or natural, but heavenly and supernatural (verse 17). At the same time, Peter receives spiritual authority that whatever he would bind or loose on earth would be done so in heaven (verse 18-19). The same is true for anyone today who comes to faith in the same revelation that Shimon Peter had.

The revelation of Yeshua as head of the Church was given to Shaul (Paul) in Ephesians 1. Yeshua has ascended into heaven over all powers and principalities (verses 20-21). Shaul says that this understanding was given to him by revelation and prays for us to have the same enlightenment (verses 17-18). That enlightenment will impart to us the same power and authority that Yeshua has, both in this world and the world to come. We are seated with Him spiritually in heaven (Ephesians 2:6-7).

The revelation of Yeshua as king of Israel was given to Shimon (Peter) and as head of the church to Shaul (Paul). Yet the full revelation of Yeshua as the angel of YHVH and the manifestation of God in human form was given to John (Yochanan). John's revelation also connects Yeshua to the Law of Moses and the Hebrew Prophets.

• He is the light and word of creation: John 1 and Genesis
• He is the Angel of the Lord whose finger wrote the Ten Commandments: John 8:6 and Exodus 31:18
• He is the God-man who appeared to Abraham: John 8:56 and Genesis 18
• He is the glorified King on the throne who appeared to Isaiah: John 12:41 and Isaiah 6
• He is the Man of fire who appeared to Daniel: Revelation 1:13-15 and 5. Daniel 10:5-6
• He is the Man on the throne over the cherubim who appeared to Ezekiel: Revelation 3:21; 4:2-7; 5:6-8 and Ezekiel 1:4-12, 26
• He is the Commander of the armies of YHVH who appeared to Joshua: Revelation 19:11-14 and Joshua 5:13-15.

The first stage of our destiny is revealed to us through Peter in the gospels; the second stage through Paul in the epistles. The ultimate stage is through John. The book of Revelation is the final revelation (Revelation 1:1).

As we meditate on the vision of Yeshua in the book of Revelation, a change takes place in us. As we grasp who He really is, so do we grasp who we are in Him. His eyes are a flame of fire. He wears many crowns. He is dressed in white, with a gold band on His chest and a sword coming out of His mouth. His hair is like wool and His face is shining like the sun.

When that picture gets IN you, it makes you different. There is new power, passion, and purity. Holiness burns out carnality and worldliness. We see a heavenly perspective of the kingdom. We are made ready for His coming. We have a new ability to judge and rule and war. Dominion and authority are imparted.

May we see both the Davidic and Divine aspects of Yeshua! May God grant us the understanding of who Yeshua is as was revealed to Peter, Paul, and John! And may we be changed to be like Him.

You can visit Asher's website at www.revive-israel.org

New Development in Israel: Temple Mount Police Allow Rabbi to Prostrate Himself in Prayer

2010-05-28T22:48:00.000-07:00

Teresa Neumann (May 27, 2010)
"In ancient times, Jews who ascended the Mount fully prostrated themselves as part of the prayers there. The regular Jewish prayer services in synagogues include several instances of bowing in the direction of the synagogue's Torah Ark, and partial prostration is carried out on some holidays."

FOUNDING EDITOR'S NOTE: While these Orthodox Rabbi's do not accept Jesus (Yeshua), might it be the beginning of Israel finally realizing they need something more than their rituals? Might it be that G-D is preparing them to receive even the Messiah? We know that day WILL COME. -Steve Shultz, BCN.

(Jerusalem, Israel)—A report from Arutz Sheva states that on May 25 a large group of hareidi-religious Jews ascended the Temple Mount and received friendly service from the police there—unlike the harsh police treatment that Jews typically receive on the Mount in recent years. One of the Jews was even reportedly allowed to fully prostrate himself in prayer, facing in the direction of the location of the ancient Temple—which is now occupied by a Muslim mosque. (Photo: Israel National News)

Not only was the group's ascension not blocked at the Mount, as in previous attempts on Passover, but police on the Mount were even courteous and friendly. Says the report, "They were gripped by excitement when one of the rabbis prostrated himself facing the presumed location of the Temple's Holy of Holies in ancient times. Police allowed this religious act as well."

According to the report, Jews are usually forbidden from openly praying or even mumbling prayers on the Mount, as part of an Israeli policy of complying with Muslim Wakf's demands in this matter.

Noted reporter Gil Ronen, "It is not completely clear whether the friendly police attitude Tuesday was a fluke or a sign of changing attitudes."

Temple Mount activist Yosef Rabin told Arutz Sheva that the event is a significant one. "There has been a long running effort to bring hareidim to the Mount and now it is starting to take root...It seems that everyone has followed the hareidi lead when it comes to Har HaBayit [Temple Mount], and now that hareidim are starting to go, we might start seeing a tremendous wave of all types."

Excitement on Temple Mount as Rabbi Prostrates Himself

by Gil Ronen

A large group of hareidi-religious Jews ascended the Temple Mount Tuesday and received friendly service from the police there – unlike the harsh police treatment that Jews typically receive on the Mount in recent years. One of the Jews was even allowed to fully prostrate himself in prayer, facing in the direction of the location of the ancient Temple – where the Muslim-built Dome of the Rock now stands.
Unlike previous Jewish ascensions to the Mount in the recent past, and in contrast to this group's last ascension on Passover, in which their entry to the Mount was blocked, police on the Mount were courteous and friendly. The group was allowed in promptly upon arrival and without delays. They were gripped by excitement when one of the rabbis prostrated himself facing the presumed location of the Temple's Holy of Holies in ancient times. Police allowed this religious act as well.
Jews are usually forbidden from openly praying or even mumbling prayers on the Mount, as part of an Israeli policy of complying with Muslim Wakf's demands in this matter. It is not completely clear whether the friendly police attitude Tuesday was a fluke or a sign of changing attitudes.
Temple Mount activist Yosef Rabin told Arutz Sheva that the event is a significant one. “There has been a long running effort to bring hareidim to the Mount and now it is starting to take root,” he said.
Rabin noted that ever since the liberation of the Mount in 1967, hareidi-religious Jews have usually preferred to avoid ascending it, and that the ones who went up to the holy site were Jews of the national-religious ilk. However, he said, “the image of the type of people that go to the Mount is starting to crack. It seems that everyone has followed the hareidi lead when it comes to Har HaBayit [Temple Mount], and now that hareidim are starting to go, we might start seeing a tremendous wave of all types.” Most of the renowned hareidi rabbis are against going up on the mountain, as was Rav Avraham Shapira zt"l of the zionist flagship Merkaz Harav Yeshiva, for fear of treading in places that are forbidden.
The group of Jews was led by Rabbi Yitzchak Brand of the city of Emanuel and Rabbi Yisrael Ariel of the Temple Institute in Jerusalem. The rabbis say they intend to bring ever-larger groups of Jews to the Mount with the purpose of eventually holding a Passover sacrifice there.
In ancient times, Jews who ascended the Mount fully prostrated themselves as part of the prayers there. The regular Jewish prayer services in synagogues include several instances of bowing in the direction of the synagogue's Torah Ark, and partial prostration is carried out on some holidays.
Rejoice to see the inspiring photo below of the Rabbi prostrated on Temple Mount.

Photo: Har HaBayit Shelanu (IsraelNationalNews.com)

Book Release : THE MESSIAH COMES TO ISRAEL

2010-05-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

Elizabeth and I have just returned from an amazing month long visit to Israel. It was amazing firstly because the Lord organized the visit from the very beginning to the end. We did not actually definitely decide to make the trip until a couple of weeks before we were due to leave. Even so Elizabeth was able to organize our flights from our frequent flier points which in itself was quite remarkable. Although we flew economy we were treated like VIPs all the way.
Initially we were due to share the ministry to Russian and Ethiopian Messianic believers with our good friend David Smethurst. However, at the time of departure Dave was in the UK and all flights from there were cancelled because of the volcano problem in Iceland. Liz and I escaped the ramifications of this crisis in several ways as thousands of international flights across the world were cancelled. Through several miraculous interventions we arrived in Israel on schedule and ready to conduct the meetings that Dave and myself were supposed to share.
The first of these meetings were in Tel Aviv and I shared the basic message of my soon to be released book THE MESSIAH COMES TO ISRAEL. It is a message that vitally affects the immediate prophetic future of Israel and it was received very enthusiastically by all who heard it. Initially we spoke to a Messianic group of Russian believers. A few days later we shared the message with several even more excited groups of Ethiopian believers. The theme of the book centres on an inevitable attack that will soon be launched upon Israel by all her bordering neighbours plus Iran. When faced with the prospect of national annihilation Israel will be delivered by a direct supernatural intervention of Jehovah and His Messiah. This amazing victory will be followed immediately by a revelation of the Messianic identity of the deliverer which will provoke national grief, mourning and repentance and bring the whole nation to a recognition and acknowledgement of their Messiah. Although the message presented a very new and different prophetic perspective to all the leaders present, they examined it like the Bereans of old and became thrilled with the prospect of what Zechariah 12 actually presents. Every group to which we ministered begged us to return soon and promised that many other groups would be thrilled to hear this exciting message.
I was also very extremely interested to share the concept in discussions with other individual Messianic leaders in the land to discover what their reaction would be to this somewhat revolutionary prophetic scenario. The Lord organized numerous such occasions with avid discussions and much searching of the scriptures. In every case after much searching of scripture and frank discussions that provoked great interest, every leader we were privileged to meet gave us very positive and excited responses. We actually drove through many parts of Israel to connect with various Messianic leaders. In several cases we met some leaders unexpectedly as God caused our paths to cross in various parts of Israel.
One Messianic leader initially admitted that he did not want to even think about the future and what might transpire in and against Israel. But as I shared the theme of our book with him he became very excited and admitted that it was the most exciting and encouraging possibility he had ever heard or considered.
God has commissioned every Bible believer to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6). However this command is even more necessary and imperative now that EVER BEFORE as the often repeated threat of mass destruction through weapons of mass destruction looms over Israel. In order to respond intelligently and passionately to this command it is ESSENTIAL TO UNDERSTAND from the scriptures exactly what is predicted for Israel’s future. We are also commanded to “Blow the trumpet in Zion and sound an alarm in God’s Holy mountain in Jerusalem.
Joel 2:1-2
1 Blow the trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; For the day of the LORD is coming, For it is at hand:
2 A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness, Like the morning clouds spread over the mountains. A people come, great and strong, The like of whom has never been; Nor will there ever be any such after them, Even for many successive generations. NKJV
We need to sound this alarm in the ears of ALL BELIEVERS but particularly in the ears of every person in Israel. Please join us in prayer that God will supernaturally open up ways and means for this to happen. Our book has recently been printed and is now ready for distribution. Please pray with faith for its distribution TO ALL WHO NEED TO READ IT.

THE MESSIAH COMES TO ISRAEL
Gerald Rowlands’ new book THE MESSIAH COMES TO ISRAEL is certainly thought provoking and somewhat controversial. He introduces a prophetic possibility that is quite different from any of the usual Christian End Time scenarios. From Zechariah 12 and Psalm 83 he describes an attack launched in the last days upon Israel by all her nearby neighbours supported by Iran. This attack concludes with a supernatural and astounding victory for Israel through a direct intervention of God and the “Angel of the LORD”
Zechariah 12:10 then describes a time of Israel’s national grief and repentance towards their deliverer who reveals Himself as the One who was previously pierced. An outpouring of the Spirit of grace and supplications on all the descendants of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem elicits a spirit of grief by the entire Jewish nation. This verse also describes the national recognition of the Messiah as the One consistently predicted throughout the Jewish Scriptures.
This amazing revelation would introduce a period of peace, prosperity and exaltation for Israel of the nature described by Isaiah 60, an inspiring prophetic chapter that begins with “Arise and shine Jerusalem for the glory of the Lord has risen upon you…The Lord will arise upon you and His glory shall be seen upon you…Gentiles shall come to your light and kings to the brightness of your rising”.
Whilst gross darkness covers the Gentile world, Israel is illuminated before all the nations on earth by the Shekinah glory of the Lord. All of this transpires well before the war described in Ezekiel 38 and 39. Indeed it is the peace and prosperity that pertains in Israel following this victory that entices Gog and Magog to finally launch their attack on Israel which is also repulsed and defeated by the sovereign God.
All of this makes for fascinating, challenging and insightful reading that every Bible lover should closely study. Without an understanding of this amazing chain of events that will happen very soon, an essential aspect of Bible prophecy is missing. These events constitute the next item in God’s prophetic agenda.

The book is published by Destiny Image Europe and can be obtained from www.destinyimageeurope.com

Destiny Image Europe, Via Acquacorrente, 6 - 65123 Pescara, ITALY
Tel +39 085 471 6623 Fax +39 085 943 1270
VAT Number: [IT]01950590693

Please Email Destiny Image Europe and tell them that you are eagerly awaiting the release of this book:

Email to: info@eurodestinyimage.com

Or from the author at www.israelspropheticfuture.org or from:

Gerald Rowlands
PO Box 5262 SCMC
Nambour, Queensland 4560. Australia

ISRAEL'S PROPHETIC FUTURE

2010-04-17T23:10:00.000-07:00

God has made many glorious prophetic pledges to Israel promising peace, prosperity, exaltation and great spiritual blessings. Sadly the Church has taken most of them to herself leaving Israel with only predictions of gloom and judgment during the Great Tribulation. The Church has assigned the many positive promises for Israel to fulfilment in the Millennium but I personally believe that many of these will actually be fulfilled before the Millennium. A considerable number of these predictions were made through the writings of Isaiah. I believe the fulfilment of these and others will transpire following Zechariah 12: 9, 10.

Something amazing and glorious beyond description is about to happen soon in Israel. Although this event was predicted long ago, the full implication of it has been largely overlooked and ignored by the majority of Bible students. The astounding impact of this major fulfilment of prophecy will utterly transform the nation and land of Israel. Although the predicted scenario will commence with a massive attack on Israel it will not only conclude with their gaining a surprising victory beyond belief, it will also include a glorious spiritual re-birth for the nation. This fulfilment of a major Bible prophecy appears to be the next item on God’s prophetic agenda and is likely to happen in the very near future. The scene is already set for it with Israel’s enemies sitting like vultures on her borders. The prophecy in Zechariah 12:10, involves a private appearance of the Messiah to the nation of Israel and their subsequent recognition and acceptance of Him with deep mourning and intense grief. He will appear in the role of Commander in Chief of heaven’s armies who has led their nation to victory against overwhelming odds. The Holy Spirit will then be poured out on the descendants of King David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Grace and fervent supplications will fill the hearts and mouths of the recipients.

Gerald Rowlands

To read the whole message click on the link below

http://www.israelspropheticfuture.org/IsraelsPropheticFuture.pdf

An Imminent Event ?

2010-04-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

Of all the major issues that currently face our world and its future security the one most likely to happen next is a massive attack on Israel by all Israel’s nearby neighbors backed by Iran. The clear indications of such an attack have been proclaimed and demonstrated by feverish activities on the part of Iran together with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon. The attack, although made directly on Israel, will have devastating worldwide repercussions powerfully affecting every nation on earth. In many ways our world will be changed forever. If this proposed attack were to succeed and the State of Israel was annihilated, the whole plan of redemption as revealed in the Bible would be derailed. Jehovah’s plan to rule the world from David’s throne in Jerusalem would immediately be made defunct. How strange that so few people seem to be vitally aware of this impending drama and the apparent proximity of it.

Zechariah is a minor prophet with a major prophetic message, part of which is likely to be fulfilled in the very near future. When this happens Israel will emerge as an extremely prominent nation with great respect and will be recognized and honored by all the nations on earth. Zechariah graphically describes this amazing event. In the Message version of the Bible the prophet frequently refers to “On the Big Day” which is usually translated in other versions as “In that day.” In fact it will be a bigger day than almost anyone has ever yet imagined. A truly amazing and astounding time when Israel will arise as though from the dead! (Romans 11:15).

Zechariah Chapter 12 (MessageVersion)

Home Again in Jerusalem

1 War Bulletin: God's Message concerning Israel, God's Decree—the very God who threw the skies into space, set earth on a firm foundation, and breathed his own life into men and women:
2 "Watch for this: I'm about to turn Jerusalem into a cup of strong drink that will have the people who have set siege to Judah and Jerusalem staggering in a drunken stupor.
3 "On the Big Day, I'll turn Jerusalem into a huge stone blocking the way for everyone. All who try to lift it will rupture themselves. All the pagan nations will come together and try to get rid of it.
4 "On the Big Day"—this is God speaking—"I'll throw all the war horses into a crazed panic, and their riders along with them. But I'll keep my eye on Judah, watching out for her at the same time that I make the enemy horses go blind.
5 The families of Judah will then realize, 'Why, our leaders are strong and able through God-of-the-Angel-Armies, their personal God.'
6 "On the Big Day, I'll turn the families of Judah into something like a burning match in a tinder-dry forest, like a fiercely flaming torch in a barn full of hay. They'll burn up everything and everyone in sight—people to the right, people to the left—while Jerusalem fills up with people moving in and making themselves at home—home again in Jerusalem.
7 "I, God, will begin by restoring the common households of Judah so that the glory of David's family and the leaders in Jerusalem won't overshadow the ordinary people in Judah.
8 On the Big Day, I'll look after everyone who lives in Jerusalem so that the lowliest, weakest person will be as glorious as David and the family of David itself will be godlike, like the Angel of God leading the people.
9 "On the Big Day, I'll make a clean sweep of all the godless nations that fought against Jerusalem.
10 "Next I'll deal with the family of David and those who live in Jerusalem. I'll pour a spirit of grace and prayer over them. They'll then be able to recognize me as the One they so grievously wounded—that piercing spear-thrust! And they'll weep—oh, how they'll weep! Deep mourning as of a parent grieving the loss of the firstborn child.
11 The lamentation in Jerusalem that day will be massive, as famous as the lamentation over Hadad-Rimmon on the fields of Megiddo:
12 Everyone will weep and grieve, the land and everyone in it: The family of David off by itself and their women off by themselves; The family of Nathan off by itself and their women off by themselves;
13 The family of Levi off by itself and their women off by themselves; The family of Shimei off by itself and their women off by themselves;
14 And all the rest of the families off by themselves and their women off by themselves.
Zech 12:1-14 (MSG)

Let’s go through the whole chapter making brief comments,

Zechariah 12:1 (Message Version)
1 War Bulletin: God's Message concerning Israel, God's Decree—the very God who threw the skies into space, set earth on a firm foundation, and breathed his own life into men and women:
2 "Watch for this: I'm about to turn Jerusalem into a cup of strong drink that will have the people who have set siege to Judah and Jerusalem staggering in a drunken stupor.
Zechariah predicts that in the last days a devastating attack will be launched on Israel by all her surrounding neighbours. The brazen attack will actually be a declaration of war upon Jehovah, the God of the Bible (Psalm 83:2). In response God will give an intoxicating drink to Israel’s enemies causing them to stagger and reel like drunken men acting irrationally and crazily. This will be a cup of judgment from the LORD who is the Holy One of Israel.
3 "On the Big Day, I'll turn Jerusalem into a huge stone blocking the way for everyone. All who try to lift it will rupture themselves. All the pagan nations will come together and try to get rid of it.
God will make Jerusalem like an immovable rock. Those who strive to change its status will only succeed in rupturing themselves. Their ranks will be torn apart. In their confusion they will begin to destroy each other.
4 "On the Big Day"—this is God speaking—"I'll throw all the war horses into a crazed panic, and their riders along with them. But I'll keep my eye on Judah, watching out for her at the same time that I make the enemy horses go blind.
Israel’s enemies and their weapons will lose all sense of direction. They will cease to function intelligently.
5 The families of Judah will then realize, 'Why, our leaders are strong and able through God-of-the-Angel-Armies, their personal God.'
The Israeli government and leaders and the general population of Israel will transfer their confidence and trust from the IDF to Yaweh Sabaoth, the Lord of heaven’s armies. This will happen because the attack will appear to be too powerful for the defense force to handle and the whole nation will directly to the living God.
6 "On the Big Day, I'll turn the families of Judah into something like a burning match in a tinder-dry forest, like a fiercely flaming torch in a barn full of hay. They'll burn up everything and everyone in sight—people to the right, people to the left—while Jerusalem fills up with people moving in and making themselves at home—home again in Jerusalem.
Infused by the power of God the defense forces will become like a blazing fire destroying everything before it (Psalm 83:14)
7 "I, God, will begin by restoring the common households of Judah so that the glory of David's family and the leaders in Jerusalem won't overshadow the ordinary people in Judah.
8 On the Big Day, I'll look after everyone who lives in Jerusalem so that the lowliest, weakest person will be as glorious as David and the family of David itself will be godlike, like the Angel of God leading the people.
Jehovah Himself will defend Jerusalem. Even the most feeble members of the nation will become like King David, the warrior king of Israel. (Hebrew for feeble, kashal, likely to stumble and fall due to weakness in the legs. Typical of tiny tots or elderly people).
9 "On the Big Day, I'll make a clean sweep of all the godless nations that fought against Jerusalem.
10 "Next I'll deal with the family of David and those who live in Jerusalem. I'll pour a spirit of grace and prayer over them. They'll then be able to recognize me as the One they so grievously wounded—that piercing spear-thrust! And they'll weep—oh, how they'll weep! Deep mourning as of a parent grieving the loss of the firstborn child.
Zechariah 12:9 At that time I will destroy1 every nation that tries to attack Jerusalem.
Zechariah 12:10 "I will fill the descendants of David2 and the other people of Jerusalem3 with the spirit4 of mercy5 and the spirit of prayer6. They will look7 at the one whom they stabbed to death, and they will mourn8 for him like those who mourn for an only child. They will mourn bitterly9, like those who have lost their first-born son10.

The earlier verses of this profound chapter (vs 1-8) describe an End Time attack on Israel by all her surrounding neighbors. I believe these enemies to be the same ones that Asapah describes in Psalms 83:4-8

4 "Come," they say, "let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the very memory of its existence."
5 This was their unanimous decision. They signed a treaty as allies against you —
6 these Edomites and Ishmaelites, Moabites and Hagrites,
7 Gebalites, Ammonites, and Amalekites, and people from Philistia and Tyre.
8 Assyria has joined them, too, and is allied with the descendants of Lot. NLT
Each of these ancient and historic foes of Israel have their modern counterparts today surrounding the borders of modern Israel. They have all formed an alliance the chief aim of which is the conquest of Israel and the annihilation of the Jewish state which they intend to replace with an Islamic shariah based government.
I further believe that this attack and its amazing consequence is about to happen very soon.

This war is now inevitable. It also appears to be very imminent. It was predicted in Islamic prophecy and many Muslims believe absolutely that it will happen soon. They are currently and fanatically preparing for it. The plans are in place. Iran is boldly and arrogantly proclaiming its intentions to the whole world. They and their minions are absolutely determined to launch a massive attack on Israel. They are absolutely determined to let nothing deter them. However when their efforts fail there will be tremendous “loss of face” and shock among them.
The question is what will be the response of God, who calls Himself “The Holy One of Israel” and also “The Lord (Commander) of Heaven’s Armies”? It seems obvious that verses 9-11 provide a succinct prophetic account of what His response will be.
One thing is ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN. GOD WILL NEVER ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN.
All His prophetic predictions and plans would become null and void if Israel was destroyed. The very many wonderful promises that God has made to Israel will not be worth the paper on which they are written. Let’s analyze these verses together.
1. V. 9. God declares that His specific intention is to destroy (Hebrew shamad, to desolate, overthrow, bring to nought, pluck down, cause to perish) How much clearer could God’s intention be stated?
2. V.10 House of David. All the descendants of David whose lineage descends from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. (Romans 11:25-27 All Israel will be saved).
3. V. 10. The inhabitants of Jerusalem which today comprises of Jews, Christians and Muslims.
4. V. 10 . The Spirit (Hebrew, ruach) The definite participle THE SPIRIT refers to the Holy Spirit who is God.
5. V.10. Grace or mercy (Hebrew: chen H2603 Graciousness, kindness and unmerited favor). God will not perform these acts because Israel is necessarily worthy of them but because of His unfailing grace towards them. (Isaiah 31:35-37)
6. V.10. They shall look (Hebrew: nabat H5027 to look intently upon, to behold, to carefully consider with deep respect, to regard with pleasure and favor).
7. V.10. Supplications (Hebrew: tachanun – tachanunah H8469, with much {many} entreaties).
8. V.11. Mourning (Hebrew: saphad H5594, to tear out one’s hair, to beat the chest, to lament in grief).
9. V.11. Bitterness (Hebrew: marar H4843, to grieve bitterly).
10. V.11. Firstborn son (Hebrew: b kor H1060, A firstborn, eldest son).
(All translations from Strong’s Analytical Concordance)
It is very sad to see what most commentators derive from these verses. Very few, if any seem to draw the very obvious conclusion. My brief and simple interpretation is as follows.
Israel’s nearest neighbors, with both direct and tacit support, will launch a powerful attack on Israel with the intention to totally annihilate the Jewish State.
It would appear in the natural that they have the power and ability to accomplish this aim.
Israel will be delivered only by the direct intervention of Jehovah and the “Angel of the Lord” who goes before the Israeli defense force.
God has determined to completely destroy these enemies and smash their evil intentions.
After this predicted victory Jehovah will pour out His Spirit (Ruach Ha Kodesh) on the descendants of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
This outpouring will be accomplished with by God’s grace, causing deep prayers to pour forth from the people of Israel.
They will recognize and identify the deliverer as their long awaited Messiah, the One who was previously pierced.
The whole nation will mourn for Him in a manner not seen since the death of King Josiah. (2 Chronicles 35:20-27).
They will mourn as one would for a first born son who has died.
Zechariah 13:1"On that day a fountain will be opened for the dynasty of David and for the people of Jerusalem, a fountain to cleanse them from all their sins and defilement.
The whole nation of Israel will have a renewed perception of their Messiah.
They will be sealed with God’s protection and will powerfully proclaim the Messiah to a troubled and distressed world. (Revelation 7:1-8).
I would be genuinely interested to hear any (and every) alternative interpretation to these verses.

Please do write me at churchplant@optusnet.com I will be sincerely grateful to receive your comments whether pro or con.
Gerald Rowlands

A message from Gerald Rowlands

2010-03-29T16:10:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 11:1 Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days. NKJV
Approximately 20 years ago, whilst Elizabeth and I were living in Singapore, we conducted a Church planting training seminar in Surabaya, Indonesia. Amongst the delegates was a young man who was a relatively new believer and was working as a youth evangelist in Java. During the seminar we gave every delegate a set of books containing the basic subjects of our training material in the Bahasa (Indonesian) language. A couple of years later whilst we were preaching in Bali we invited the local pastor there to attend the Christian Celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem at which I was the director of praise and worship. When the pastor asked if he could invite another two colleagues who were also pastors, we readily and happily agreed. However, when they arrived in Jerusalem they had brought 300 of their church members with them including the young pastor who had attended the Surabaya seminar
Last year (2009) one of our Asian associates organized some ministry appointments for us that included a visit to a particular church in Sumatra. When we arrived in this city we were met by the pastor and his lovely wife. As we greeted each other he looked me in the eye and said, “You are my guru!” I laughed and asked him what he meant. He then explain that he was a delegate at the seminar in Surabaya 20 years ago and together with all the other delegates he had received copies of our training manuals that focus on soul winning, evangelism and church planting. He further informed us that he and his wife diligently studied the material and on the strength of what they learned they left Jakarta and went to Sumatra to plant a church. The only Biblical training they had ever received came from studying our material. They commenced a house meeting and in the first of these some five persons were present. To our surprise and amazement he then told us that in the fifteen years since then, the congregation in this heavily populated Muslim city and surroundings had grown to 15,000 members. Of course we were thrilled and delighted to hear about this tremendous response. What a blessing for us to preach and teach several thousand of these precious members.
Last week (March 2010) we again went back to that same church to assist in helping them to launch a new training centre which would use our training material to prepare hundreds of believers to evangelize their nation and also to prepare to go as missionary to other nations. Imaginer our delight when on arrival we discovered that the church now has 40,000 members! Obviously they cannot all fit into any auditorium in the city. So there is one main congregation that meets in six services every Sunday with approximately 3,500 to 4,000 members in each service. They have also planted many other smaller congregations that are increasing in number at the rate of one every eleven days. The first meeting at which I spoke was a communion service for over 1,000 pastors and workers. The second service was a prayer meeting on the Saturday morning at which more than 3,500 people prayed fervently for more than 3 hours. (This prayer is a weekly event). This congregation has also opened a small private hospital and a number of medical clinics.
The Senior pastor who gained a deep love for Israel when he originally attended the Feast in Jerusalem has instilled this same love into his congregation. He still visits Israel three times every year, each time with a group of his pastors and church members. I observed, during the week that we stayed with them that at least two of the factors what are present in this exciting church that is expanding so rapidly and solidly are strong, fervent, corporate prayer meetings and a deep love and support for Israel.
The church in which we were teaching last week has purchased a defunct hotel/resort with more than 80 guest rooms and sufficient land to build an auditorium to seat 15,000 people, plus enough land for appropriate parking. Whilst we were with them last week I had the joyous privilege of praying a dedicatory prayer on the building site where the foundations are now being laid. The training school will be accommodated on this site too.
(Incidentally even greater growth is present in the churches pastored by the other two ministers we had invited to Jerusalem. One of those churches has a building that seats 25,000 and is filled six or seven times every Sunday)

Gerald Rowlands
Church Planting International
Queensland Australia

churchplant@optusnet.com
info@israelspropheticfuture.org

Jerusalem, Israel's Forever

2010-03-29T16:06:00.000-07:00

Jerusalem, Israel's Forever
By Bill Keller

Each day, this nation gets further away from God and closer to seeing His wrath and judgment unleashed on our once great land. On top of legally slaughtering over 4,000 innocent babies each day, making a mockery of God's Holy Institution of Marriage, embracing every type of sexual perversion man has thought up in his depraved mind, worshipping the false gods and idols of the world, and literally living in all-out rebellion to our Creator and His Truth, the United States is now standing with the ENEMIES OF ISRAEL! My friend, if we ever wanted to experience the wrath of God, we are doing everything we possibly can to see that it happens.

Memo to President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton: Jerusalem belongs to Israel, ALL of it! If Israel wants to build settlements in Jerusalem, they can. The enemies of Israel have NO CLAIM to this land. We are on the verge of seeing God's judgment poured out on this wicked nation, and now we are siding with the enemies of Israel? We are out of our mind! This is like going up to the biggest guy you can find on the street and spitting in his face. We are literally putting our middle finger in the air and screaming profanities at the top of our lungs to God!!!

Please, do yourself a favor right now and get your Bible and sit down and spend the next 10 minutes reading the anchor verses for today, Genesis 12:1-7, 13:14-16, 15:18; Deuteronomy 9:4-6; Joshua 1:1-11; 21:43-45. You could spend hours reading all the passages in God's Word that confirm that modern-day Israel is the land God promised to Abraham and gave to His children. You do not have to be a Bible scholar to quickly realize in just the few key passages I have given you today that the land of Israel is indeed the exact land God Himself promised to His children 4,000 years ago, and fulfilled that promise in 1385 B.C. when Joshua took possession of that land.

Having laid the Biblical case to support that the land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people, now you can see why giving away even one inch of that land to anyone else is going against God Himself. No person, no nation, has the right to give away what God promised and gave to the Jewish people. Those who do make themselves an enemy of God! Over and over throughout the Bible and human history, nations have invaded this land, taken it over, only to be defeated in the end. The land of Israel is only 20,330 sq km, slightly smaller than the state of New Jersey. Out of the billions of square miles that exist on this earth, this is the only place on the planet God literally promised and gave to His children. For anyone to go in and try to give a piece of that land away is foolish.

That is why the current "peace plan" the United States has had such a large role in working out will never work and has actually put our nation on the opposite side of God again! Let me be clear. The Gaza Strip belongs to ISRAEL! The West Bank belongs to ISRAEL! Jerusalem, all of it, belongs to ISRAEL! For this nation to be involved in any deals, even under the guise of "peace," that involves giving away the land God gave to the children of Israel is taking on God Himself! Not to mention that this land is being given away to the ENEMIES OF ISRAEL!!!

My friend, one of the problems many have with the Bible is that they can't understand why a God of love would command His children to go to war and "Kill every man, woman, child, and living thing" as He did many times in the Old Testament. The reason was this. God in His omniscience knew that the enemies of Israel, those who came to possess their land, had no desire for peace but the complete destruction and annihilation of the Jewish people. The complete obliteration of the Jewish people was their ONLY goal, not peace. Sadly, there are some people who have no desire for peace, only death and destruction and you either destroy them or they destroy you. That is one of the sad realties of living in this fallen and evil world.

For those who oppose the war in Iraq, they either don't understand or are completely blind to the fact that there are people on this planet whose only goal is the complete destruction of the United States and every person who lives here. That means you and your family too! I am thankful that this current administration understands this fact and that the peace-nuts we see on TV constantly don't have the power to impose their Pollyanna views of life on the defense policies of this nation or we would all be in grave danger. The sad reality is that there are very real people alive this very moment whose very real goal is the complete destruction of the United States. We will either kill them or they will kill us. We are blessed that our forefathers understood the evil that exits in this world or we would not be here today, enjoying the wonderful freedoms and life we do.

Israel also clearly understands the reality that there are people who desire their death and destruction. They don't have the luxury of great oceans on either side as we do and their enemies literally live all around them. That is what makes this current "peace plan" so silly. To actually take some of the small amount of land that belongs to Israel and literally give it to their enemies is absurd and ridiculous. It will only embolden and empower those who seek the destruction of Israel. Again, make no mistake about it. While we and others seek "peace," it takes TWO to make peace. Despite the claims by the Palestinian leadership, their goal is NOT peace but the destruction of Israel.

I have always been amused at why anyone thinks it is necessary to give the little strip of land God gave to Israel away to her enemies, when Israel is surrounded by Arab nations with VAST AMOUNTS of land who could easily assimilate their Arab brothers into their countries. Why do the Palestinians have to live on the land God gave to Israel when there is plenty of land in neighboring Arab countries they could live on? What is wrong with a "peace plan" that gave some of the land in surrounding Arab countries to the Palestinians?

I want to close today with a powerful promise God made to Abraham 4,000 years ago in Genesis 12:3, "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." This one verse of Scripture is why what is happening in Israel right now is so critical to THIS NATION! In being part of a plan to give away the land God gave to Israel to anyone, especially her enemies who seek her destruction, puts us on the wrong side of God. We should be seeking the BLESSINGS of God, not His CURSES!

Know that I am praying for you today. Even though most Jewish people have rejected Christ as their Savior, blinded to the reality that He is the Messiah they were promised in the Old Testament, they were, are, and always will be God's chosen people. The promise God gave Abraham in Genesis 12:3 is still in effect today. Our Christian faith is traced back through the children of Israel. The last events of this world will be played out in Israel. That is why we need to pray for and support the Jewish people and God's plan for the land of Israel. Our blessings in life come from following God not being in opposition to God!

Also, be praying for this special group of people God chose to reveal Himself to and carry His message to the world. It was through the Jewish people God brought His Son, the Messiah, the Savior of the world. Wonderful groups like Jews for Jesus have done a great work in bringing the fact the Messiah prophesied throughout the Old Testament, is Jesus! Jesus is the fulfillment of all of those Old Testament prophecies, and despite the fact He was rejected by his own people, today millions of Jewish people have come to know Jesus as their personal Savior by faith. In Heaven there will be no Jew or Gentile, only those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

www.raptureready.com

A WAR BETWEEN IRAN AND THE WEST IS IMMINENT

2010-02-23T01:33:00.000-08:00

Editors of Arab Dailies Assess: A War between Iran and the West Is Imminent - www.memri.org

In recent articles, editors of Arab dailies assessed that a war between Iran and the West is imminent, and did not rule out the possibility that the Arabs would take part in it. The editor of the Al-Quds Al-Arabi daily, 'Abd Al-Bari 'Atwan, wrote that the war would change the face of the region, and the fate of Israel's occupation would be like that of the Nazi regime after World War II; the editor of the Egyptian daily Al-Gumhouriyya, Muhammad 'Ali Ibrahim, stated that Iran has already made the first move towards war; and Al-Sharq Al-Awsat editor Tariq Alhomayed stated that whatever happens – whether Iran acquires nuclear weapons or a war breaks out to prevent it from acquiring them – the Arabs will become victims of the Iranian regime.

Following are excerpts from the editorials:

Al-Quds Al-Arabi Editor: If Israel Attacks Iran, Syria Is Likely to Fire Tens of Thousands of Missiles at Israel, Some with Chemical and Biological Warheads

'Abd Al-Bari editor of the London daily Al-Quds Al-Arabi, wrote in a February 13 editorial that if Israel attacks Iran, Syria is likely to respond with a brutal attack against it: "[Iranian President Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad's declaration that his country is a 'nuclear nation'... and that it can enrich uranium to above 80%, exposes the real aim of Iran's nuclear program – that is, to produce nuclear warheads. In a phone conversation with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, he demanded that Syria wage war against Israel and eliminate this country if it launches an attack in the region (on Iran). In my view, this is the most important development, particularly in light of the fact that [Ahmadinejad's] demand comes at a time of stepped-up preparations for war [by Israel]...

"I don't know how President Assad responded to the requests of his Iranian colleague and ally, but according to Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Al-Mu'allem, it appears that he felt that the explosion was imminent...

"There are two views regarding how Syria will respond if Israel attacks Iran, either by itself or together with the U.S. One [view is that] the Syrian government, in all its cleverness, will not lift a finger, preferring to take its time... The second is that Syria will join in the war and fire tens of thousands of missiles – including some with chemical and biological warheads – at Israeli cities and targets, under [its] current binding agreement [with Iran]...

"The second possibility is the more likely of the two. Perhaps the next war, if it breaks out... will change the face of the region from top to bottom, just as World War II did: Regimes will be wiped off the map, and others will take their place. Perhaps Israel will be impacted most of all, and it is not inconceivable that its fate [as an occupier] will be similar to that of the German Nazi regime...

"The current American administration is already preparing for the new war with a strangling blockade on Iran...

"[Most of] the pressure is now on China, so that it will not thwart a U.N. Security Council international resolution on a blockade [against Iran]. These pressures take the form of carrot and stick: The stick is the arming of Taiwan and economic threats; the carrot is demonstrated by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit to Qatar and Saudi Arabia, aimed at persuading them to sell gas and oil to China at low prices in order to compensate it for losses it is likely to incur as a result of sanctions on Iran...

"Some talk of a six-month timetable [for the war], which according to estimates, is the time that Iran needs to produce nuclear weapons."[1]

The U.S. Is Working to Line Up the Gulf States to Back Sanctions and a Military Move against Iran

In a February 15 editorial, Atwan wrote: "...Hillary Clinton visited the Arabian Gulf to focus efforts there prior to [asking] the U.N. Security Council for strangling economic sanctions on Iran... This means that American diplomacy is being implemented along with military preparations [against Iran]...

"Clinton's requests of her Gulf hosts can be boiled down to three points:"

"1) Making tempting offers to China of low[-cost] gas and oil ...

"2) Involving [the Gulf countries] in the blockade or economic sanctions on Iran...

"3) Opening bases, ports, and airports [of the Gulf states] to American, and perhaps [also] Israeli, planes, ships, and forces, in case of a military move against Iran...

"It is too early to estimate to what extent the Gulf States will comply with the American requests, [but I believe] they are likely to acquiesce, perhaps [even] without any argument at all..."[2]

Al-Gumhouriyya Editor: Iran Has Already Made the First Move towards War

Egyptian MP Muhammad 'Ali Ibrahim, editor of the Egyptian government daily Al-Gumhouriyya, wrote in his editorial that Iran has already made the first move towards war, but that only U.S. President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu know when it will actually break out and what it will entail. "One can envision the region as a chessboard with white and black pieces moving across it... The opening move was made by Iran when it announced that it was beginning to enrich uranium to 20%... As everyone knows, chess is a game played by two opponents, but in the Middle East, Iran is playing against a very formidable rival [consisting of] the U.S. and Israel, and with each passing day it acquires new opponents and loses more of its allies. Syria seems to be hesitating, [although] Ahmadinejad has urged it to join the war should Israel attack the resistance, [i.e.,] Hizbullah and Hamas...

"Iran is interested in this war, because it sees it as an opportunity to suppress its [domestic] opposition and accuse it of cooperating with the West. [It also hopes that] the shared sense of danger will prompt the Iranians to unite around their leadership. The U.S. is also interested in the war, because it will enable it to sell advanced weapons to the countries of the region, to impose its air defense umbrella on the Gulf states, and to determine oil prices independently of OPEC...

"Tehran is forgetting that there will be no ground war against it... Cruise missiles and one-ton bombs will drop [from the sky] and carve [craters] seven stories deep... But will this paralyze Iran? Will not [Iran] attack the Gulf states and kill every American soldier in the region? And when will this scenario materialize? Nobody knows for sure... except Obama and Netanyahu..."[3]

SCHOLAR SEES PROOF FOR BIBLE

2010-02-23T01:27:00.000-08:00

In ancient wall, scholar sees proof for Bible - Matti Friedman – www.news.yahoo.com

JERUSALEM – An Israeli archaeologist said Monday that ancient fortifications recently excavated in Jerusalem date back 3,000 years to the time of King Solomon and support the biblical narrative about the era.

If the age of the wall is correct, the finding would be an indication that Jerusalem was home to a strong central government that had the resources and manpower needed to build massive fortifications in the 10th century B.C.

That's a key point of dispute among scholars, because it would match the Bible's account that the Hebrew kings David and Solomon ruled from Jerusalem around that time.

While some Holy Land archaeologists support that version of history — including the archaeologist behind the dig, Eilat Mazar — others posit that David's monarchy was largely mythical and that there was no strong government to speak of in that era.

Speaking to reporters at the site Monday, Mazar, from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, called her find "the most significant construction we have from First Temple days in Israel."

"It means that at that time, the 10th century, in Jerusalem there was a regime capable of carrying out such construction," she said.

Based on what she believes to be the age of the fortifications and their location, she suggested it was built by Solomon, David's son, and mentioned in the Book of Kings.

The fortifications, including a monumental gatehouse and a 77-yard (70-meter) long section of an ancient wall, are located just outside the present-day walls of Jerusalem's Old City, next to the holy compound known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary. According to the Old Testament, it was Solomon who built the first Jewish Temple on the site.

That temple was destroyed by Babylonians, rebuilt, renovated by King Herod 2,000 years ago and then destroyed again by Roman legions in 70 A.D. The compound now houses two important Islamic buildings, the golden-capped Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa mosque.

Archaeologists have excavated the fortifications in the past, first in the 1860s and most recently in the 1980s. But Mazar claimed her dig was the first complete excavation and the first to turn up strong evidence for the wall's age: a large number of pottery shards, which archaeologists often use to figure out the age of findings.

Aren Maeir, an archaeology professor at Bar Ilan University near Tel Aviv, said he has yet to see evidence that the fortifications are as old as Mazar claims. There are remains from the 10th century in Jerusalem, he said, but proof of a strong, centralized kingdom at that time remains "tenuous."

While some see the biblical account of the kingdom of David and Solomon as accurate and others reject it entirely, Maeir said the truth was likely somewhere in the middle.

"There's a kernel of historicity in the story of the kingdom of David," he said.

www.israelspropheticfuture.org

THE MESSIAH COMES TO ISRAEL. Part 1

2010-02-22T02:14:00.000-08:00

In his recently released book The Messiah Comes to Israel, author Gerald Rowlands takes a detour from the traditional “Rapture Next” path. From the prophecy in Zechariah 12 he investigates the high probability of an imminent war to be launched against Israel by all her near Muslim neighbors. According to verses nine and ten, Almighty God Jehovah will intervene directly to defend and deliver Israel from her fanatical enemies, after which He will pour out His Holy Spirit upon the nation, and reveal Himself as Israel’s Messiah. He will then be received by Israel with period of great mourning and national repentance that precedes a glorious national transformation.
Zechariah 12:9-11
9 For my plan is to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
10 "Then I will pour out the spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on all the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died.
11 The sorrow and mourning in Jerusalem on that day will be like the grievous mourning of Hadad-Rimmon in the valley of Megiddo. NLT
The chapter opens with a strong message from Jehovah God concerning the prophetic future of Israel and Jerusalem. God predicts a fierce End Time attack upon Israel by all her surrounding neighbors. Amazingly, the attack will be repulsed by the direct intervention of Jehovah and all Israel’s enemies will be soundly defeated and destroyed. In the wake of this supernatural victory, Jehovah will pour forth His Spirit on the population of Israel and Jerusalem. This outpouring will come by the sovereign grace of God causing cries of repentance to fill every mouth. The immediate result will be an immense scene of national mourning the like of which has never been witnessed in Israel since the death of King Josiah.
Immediately after the cries of repentance, God will open a fountain of cleansing to purge Israel from all their sins and defilements. (Zechariah 13:1)
The amazing victory will gain for Israel a great deal of territory formerly occupied by her enemies. It will also win a period of peace and prosperity when Israel and Jerusalem will be exalted above all the nations and the God of Israel will also be highly exalted. Many of the glorious promise that God has made over Israel will be wonderfully fulfilled. Predictions such as Isaiah 61may then be fulfilled. This peaceful and prosperous period will last until the war that is predicted in Ezekiel 38 and 39.

The Sequence of Zechariah’s Prophecy
Zechariah 12:1
The burden (massa: H5375) of the word of the LORD (Jehovah) against (concerning) Israel. Thus says the LORD, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him: NKJV
The opening statement of the chapter says that this particular message is a burden (Hebrew, massa - a heavy load, a weighty matter) concerning the future of Israel. God is extremely serious about the predicted situation. He is warning Israel and the world about a serious event that will happen in the End Times future of Israel. God also presents His credentials as the creator and sustainer of the universe including mankind.
Zechariah 12:2-3 all the nearby nations send their armies to besiege Jerusalem. NLT
All the nearby nations on the borders of Israel will attack Jerusalem. They will launch a united savage attack upon Israel and its capital city. It will be launched with the optimistic belief that at last they have the ability and opportunity to destroy the Jewish presence in Israel. Jehovah then outlines His response to the attack. In definitively naming Israel’s enemies in this war as “all the nearby (geographically adjacent) nations” Zechariah clearly distinguishes this war from the one predicted in Ezekiel 38, 39. This is a different war preceding, possibly by several years, the one mentioned in Ezekiel.
Zechariah 12:2-3
2 I will make Jerusalem and Judah like an intoxicating drink to all the nearby nations that send their armies to besiege Jerusalem. NLT
He will give to the attacking nations the cup of His anger which will be like a powerfully intoxicating drink. The attacking forces will begin to act like drunken men in an irrationally and uncoordinated manner. Sensible strategies and actions will desert them and they will conduct themselves like men in a drunken stupor. In some yet technically unknown manner God is also going to “mess with their minds” causing forms of insanity that will cause them to perform ill advised actions that will defeat their own purposes.

Who Are The Enemies?
The immediate enemies are all the nearby enemies as outlined in
Psalms 83:4-8
4 "Come," they say, "let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the very memory of its existence."
5 This was their unanimous decision. They signed a treaty as allies against you —
6 these Edomites and Ishmaelites, Moabites and Hagrites,
7 Gebalites, Ammonites, and Amalekites, and people from Philistia and Tyre.
8 Assyria has joined them, too, and is allied with the descendants of Lot. NLT
These ancient nations all have their descendant equivalents in the modern Islamic nations that currently surround Israel on every side. At present this war is being waged mainly by Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, motivated and armed by Iran. However, there are also numerous nations that are giving tacit approval to the aims of Israel’s enemies through plans to divide Israel and Jerusalem giving place to Islamic ambitions. Certainly the UN and its minions are already guilty in this regard. U.S and U.K government policies are also complicit with plans to create a Muslim State within the current boundaries of Israel and Jerusalem; they too will face the anger and judgment of God. Joel 3:2.
Once again, as on many previous occasions, the religious leaders of Iran have spoken openly of their determination to destroy and eliminate what they called the “Zionist regime.”

Iranian leader predicts destruction of Israel – January 28th 2010
TEHRAN (AFP) – Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is confident Islamic nations will one day watch the destruction of arch-foe Israel, his website Wednesday quoted him as saying. Khamenei made the remark during a meeting with Mauritanian President Mohammed Ould Abdel Aziz in Tehran, the website said.
The all-powerful Iranian leader also said that Israel's continued "pressure to erase Palestine from the world of Islamic nations" will fail.
"Surely, the day will come when the nations of the region will witness the destruction of the Zionist regime... when the destruction happens will depend on how the Islamic nations approach the issue," Khamenei told Aziz, who arrived in Tehran on Monday.
"The Zionist regime, by continuing to use pressure, blockades and committing genocide, wants to erase Palestine... but it will not succeed."
Zechariah 12:3 On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone, a burden for the world. None of the nations who try to lift it will escape unscathed. NLT
God will also then make Jerusalem like a very heavy, immovable stone. All who try to displace this stone will only succeed in rupturing themselves and tearing their nations apart. The stone will prove too heavy for even the whole world to dislodge. They will make no progress in their attempt to change the status of the city. Jerusalem will remain intact and wholly in Jewish hands.
Every nation that has any role in supporting the division of Israel and Jerusalem will experience severe judgment from the hand of God.
Joel 3:1-2
1 "At that time, when I restore the prosperity of Judah and Jerusalem," says the LORD,
2 "I will gather the armies of the world into the valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will judge them for harming my people, for scattering my inheritance among the nations, and for dividing up my land. NLT
As a faithful watchman over Jerusalem God neither slumbers nor sleeps.
Psalms 121:3-5
3 He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep.
4 Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps.
5 The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade. NLT
However in Zechariah 12:4 He issues fresh and further assurance that at this particular time in her history He will keep an especially alert eye on the people of Israel.
Zechariah 12:4 "On that day, says the LORD, I will cause every horse to panic and every rider to lose his nerve. I will watch over the people of Judah, but I will blind the horses of her enemies. NLT
In another version of the Bible Jehovah says, “And I will open My eyes on the house of Judah.” (MKJV)
The phrase “open my eyes” implies to give special attention to indicating that God will be especially mindful to the plight of His people at a given time. He will be solicitously mindful of them.
In addition to keeping His eyes on Israel Jehovah also says that He will “blind the horses of Israel’s enemies” i.e. He will cause them to lose all sense of direction. They will be completely disoriented. I am sure this means that God will confuse all the radar, radio transmissions and directional finding instruments of the enemy.
In an induced state of total confusion all Israel’s enemies will lose their nerve. They will be severely demoralized and in a state of grave panic to the degree of mental breakdown. I believe that Israel will have some hitherto secret weapons that will be like ray guns, capable of zapping the brains of their enemies and incapacitating them. There will also be supernatural powers working to cause mental problems and intellectual disarray. Alternatively it may be God Himself who strikes the mental faculties of Israel’s enemies.
Zechariah 12:5 'The people of Jerusalem have found strength in the LORD Almighty, their God.' NLT
In the Israeli ranks there will be an absolute difference in mentality. They will discover and be imbued with supernatural strength from Jehovah Sabaoth, the commander in chief of Heaven’s armies. Instead of trusting wholly in their own military strategies and capabilities they will place their faith solely in the Living God.
Zechariah 12:5 And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, the inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God. (KJV)
The clear intimation of verse 5 is that the rulers (government leaders) of Israel will boldly declare that their strength and confidence will be in the LORD of Hosts. Although since the birth of modern Israel their confidence has been invested in their amazing Defense Force, in this new situation their hope will be placed in the God who is defending and delivering them from their fanatical attackers. Another version declares that the “governors” i.e. ruling administrators of Israel will transfer their hope to the LORD of Hosts.
Zechariah 12:5 And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, the inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God. (KJV)
The plain inference of verse 5 in the King James Version is that the rulers (government leaders) of Israel will boldly declare that their strength and confidence will be in the LORD of Hosts. Although since the birth of modern Israel their confidence has been invested in their amazing Defense Force, in this new situation their hope will be placed in the God who is defending and delivering them from their fanatical attackers.

www.israelspropheticfuture.org

THE MESSIAH COMES TO ISRAEL. Part 2

2010-02-22T02:11:00.000-08:00

Netanyahu in Poland - Jewish Telegraphic Agency - ‎Jan 27, 2010‎
In a speech at Auschwitz to mark International Holocaust Memorial Day Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu reasserted the right of the Jewish people to self-defence. Noting that many of the slain must have uttered the phrase, "Remember what Amalek did to you" before their death, the Prime Minister again cautioned, "Remember what Amalek did to you." We will always remember what the Nazi Amalek did to us and we will not forget to be alert and ready when a new Amalek appears on the stage of history and threatens to destroy the Jews once again.

And we will not again make the mistake of taking the matter lightly and thinking that the threats are empty. We will not forget and we will always remember to stand guard." Netanyahu added: "The lesson of the Holocaust is that evil must be stopped as early as possible whilst still in its early phases not yet able to realize its intentions," in a clear allusion to Iran's nuclear threats. "This lesson must be internalized by all the world's enlightened nations. We, the Jewish people, internalized it well, after losing one third of our nation on the blood-soaked earth of Europe.

We learned that we must be prepared to defend ourselves. We have learned that the only guarantee for the survival of our nation is a strong Israel and its army—the Israel Defence Force. We learned that we must alert the nations of the world and be prepared to defend ourselves. From this place I vow, as the head of the State of the Jews: never again will we let the machine of evil cut off the life of our nation. Never again."

"Am Yisrael Chai, we have returned to our homeland," he concluded, "to the land of our forefathers, to Jerusalem, our capital. We have converged from all corners of the world, Holocaust survivors, Arab Jews, Jews from former Soviet Union states, Ethiopian Jews," Netanyahu said. "We bow our heads in memory of the Holocaust victims and raise our heads as our flag waves with its two blue stripes and the Star of David at its centre. We still haven't lost our hope."

OSWIECIM, Poland (JTA) -- Israel is prepared to fight a new Amalek 65 years after the liberation of Auschwitz, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ...
PM in Auschwitz: New Amalek has appeared on stage of history Ynetnews
We will never forget, says Netanyahu at Auschwitz Sydney Morning Herald
Netanyahu in Auschwitz: Remember Amalek and Trust in IDF Arutz Sheva
Jerusalem Post - Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Netanyahu’s Visit to Poland – Joel Rosenberg - January 2010

* Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently traveled to Poland to commemorate the 65th anniversary of liberation of Auschwitz. Speaking on the actual site of the Nazi death camp, the Prime Minister warned the world of new genocidal threats against the Jewish people and the importance of acting early enough to prevent such threats from coming to pass. In a stunning and remarkable moment, Netanyahu also declared to the people of Europe and the world that the prophecies of Ezekiel 37 have been fulfilled. The Holocaust, he said, represented the "dry bones" and "graves" of the Jewish people, and out of that horror the State of Israel was resurrected, just as the Lord said would happen through the Hebrew Prophet Ezekiel. Rarely has any world leader given a major address on an international stage declaring End Times prophecies from the Bible have come true. But that is exactly what Netanyahu did.
Zechariah 12:6-7
6 "On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a brazier that sets a woodpile ablaze or like a burning torch among sheaves of grain. They will burn up all the neighboring nations right and left, while the people living in Jerusalem remain secure. NLT
The Israeli Defense Force will become like a roaring fire in a timber yard and like a blazing torch in fields of dry grain. The fire will sweep swiftly through the ranks of their enemies.
Asaph the psalmist also mentions this feature of God’s judgment and wrath upon Israel’s enemies.
Psalms 83:13-15
13 O my God, blow them away like whirling dust, like chaff before the wind!
14 As a fire roars through a forest and as a flame sets mountains ablaze,
15 chase them with your fierce storms; terrify them with your tempests. NLT
Zechariah 12:7-8
7 The LORD will give victory to the rest of Judah first, before Jerusalem, so that the people of Jerusalem and the royal line of David will not have greater honor than the rest of Judah. NLT
Zechariah 12:6 while the people living in Jerusalem remain secure. NLT
Zechariah 12:8-9
8 On that day the LORD (Jehovah) will defend the people of Jerusalem; the weakest among them will be as mighty as King David! And the royal descendants will be like God, like the angel of the LORD who goes before them!
9 For my plan is to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. NLT
Zechariah predicts that
* God will personally defend and deliver the people of Jerusalem.
* The weakest Israeli citizen will be strong like King David. (The Hebrew word kashal, - weakest, signifies weakness in the legs especially the ankles, causing one to falter, stumble or fall).
* The descendants of David will be like the Angel of the LORD.
* The Angel of the Lord (Messiah) will lead Israel into battle.
* God will destroy all the armies that attack Jerusalem.

Zechariah 12:10-14
10 "Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on all the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died.
11 The sorrow and mourning in Jerusalem on that day will be like the grievous mourning of Hadad-rimmon in the valley of Megiddo.

Immediately After Victory Is Attained
* Jehovah will pour out His Holy Spirit (Ruach Ha Kodesh) upon Israel.
* The Spirit will be poured out by the grace (unmerited favour) of God.
* Israeli mouths will be filled with inspired supplications.
* Israelis will look upon the Face of the God who was pierced.
* They will grieve bitterly as though for an only son who died.
* The national mourning will fill the land.
* It will be as the mourning reserved for royalty.

V 12 All Israel will weep in profound sorrow, each family by itself, with the husbands and wives in separate groups. The family of David will mourn, along with the family of Nathan,
13 the family of Levi, and the family of Shimei.
14 Each of the surviving families from Judah will mourn separately, husbands and wives apart. NLT
* The whole nation will weep in sorrow for Messiah.
* Each family will mourn, husbands and wives apart.
* The rulers (Government officials) will mourn.
* The religious leaders will mourn.
* The family of Levi (priests) will mourn.

Zechariah 13:1"On that day a fountain will be opened for the dynasty of David and for the people of Jerusalem, a fountain to cleanse them from all their sins and defilement. NLT
In the original scriptures the chapters were not divided as in our Bibles.
I believe there was no separation between Zechariah 12:14 and Zechariah 13:1. The fountain of cleansing was opened for all those who will mourn in Zion, i.e. the population of Israel mentioned in Zechariah 12:9, 10. Joel 2:30 - 32)

I personally believe there is a time gap between the end of chapter 13 and the commencement of chapter 14 which then speaks about the “Second Coming” of the Messiah when His feet will touch down on the Mount of Olives. This chapter also relates to the inauguration of the Millennium when all the remaining nations will to Jerusalem every year to worship the King of kings.
Zechariah 14:16-17
And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. NKJV
U.S. Intelligence Report: Source: The Jerusalem Post 30thJanuary 2010
US intelligence finds 5,000 Hizballah trained to seize Galilee towns -www.debka.com Jones was not talking out of the top of his head, but on the strength of solid US intelligence gathered over months on detailed war plans Iran, Syria, Hizballah and Hamas have drawn up to send five Hizballah brigades sweeping across the border to seize five sectors of Galilee, while also organizing a massive Israeli-Arab uprising against the Jewish state.
Hamas would open a second front in the south and in the east. Syria is expected to step in at some stage. This plan with attached special map was first published exclusively by DEBKA-Net-Weekly 430 on Jan. 22, 2010. Key excerpts appear here.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards instructors at especially established training facilities near Tehran are already well advanced in training a cadre of 5,000 Hizballah fighters in special operations and urban combat tactics to standards equivalent to those current in similar US and Israeli military forces.
At the outset of the course, the group was split up into five battalions, each given a specific northern Israeli sector for capture with details of its topography and population for close study.
1st Battalion: This unit will break through the Naqura-Rosh Haniqra border pass and sweep south along seven kilometers to seize Nahariya, the Israeli Mediterranean city of 55,000 - or parts thereof.
UN peacekeepers have their headquarters at Naqura, the other side of Rosh Haniqra, and Israel defenses there are lax, so no military or geographic obstacles to this Hizballah drive are anticipated. This battalion will capture a large number of Israeli hostages for use as live shields against an Israeli counter-attack. A small group of 150 fighters, trained by Revolutionary Guards marines, will also try and reach the coast by swift boats. They are already standing by in Lebanon.
2nd Battalion: This unit is assigned to capture the northern Israeli town of Shlomi, 300 meters southeast of the Naqura border pass and home to 6,500 inhabitants. Holding this town and its environs will give Hizballah control of a key road hub and stand in the path of Israeli reinforcements heading for Nahariya through routes 89 and 899 from key Israeli bases in the Galilee and Upper Galilee regions to the east.
3rd Battalion: Driving further south than any other Hizballah unit, this battalion must reach the three Israeli-Arab villages of B'ina, Deir al-Asad and Majd el-Krum, which are located north of the town of Carmiel and alongside Israel's Route 85 which connects Acre on the Mediterranean with Safad in the central Galilee mountains.
Iranian war planners want Hizballah to control the three Israeli-Arab locations for two advantages:
One: As a commanding position for stirring up the disaffected Israeli-Arab villages and towns of Lower Galilee and Wadi Ara to the south into a full-blown uprising. The incoming combat force will be backed up by clandestine Hizballah cells which for some years have established, armed and funded the underground "Galilee Liberation Battalions” in Sakhnin, Araba and Deir Hana, by means of drug smugglers.
Hizballah's West Bank cells have been active for some time in the Wadi Ara region, through which National Route 65 connects central Israel to the North.
Two: To gain fire control of Acre-Safed Route 85 from positions in occupied Arab villages and so have a shield ready for the Hizballah units holding Nahariya and Shlomi, and seriously impede the passage of Israeli forces from bases in the center of the country to relieve these northern towns. The Israeli Air Force will be constrained from attacking the areas held by Hizballah by the presence of large civilian populations.
4th Battalion: This battalion will push southeast into the Kadesh Valley, on the rim of which the Makia and Yiftah kibbutzim and Makia moshav are clustered. Capture of these locations would afford Hizballah fire coverage of Israel's northernmost Galilee Panhandle.
5th Battalion: Hizballah's Strategic Reserve. Rocket attacks from Lebanon will focus on disabling Israel's strategic military sites, such as air force bases, missile bases, its nuclear facilities and naval bases. Targeting Israeli population centers is a lower Iranian priority.
Syria's initial involvement will be limited to cover by artillery or air for Hizballah operations. But if the fighting escalates or drags on, Hizballah will invite Syrian back-up forces to go into Lebanon; Damascus will open Front No. 4 against Israel from the Syrian side of the Golan Heights.
The Tehran-Hizballah war strategy is all but ready for any contingency. The obvious trigger would be an Israeli military operation against Iran's nuclear facilities, but once all the elements are in place, they could be activated by any other pretext conjured up in Tehran or Damascus.
In recent weeks, both Hizballah and its Syrian allies have mobilized their forces while telling the Arab world that the Jewish state is about to attack Lebanon.
Hizballah leader Hassan Nasrallah is straining at the leash to attack Israel however the crisis over Iran's nuclear program turns out. Sunday, January 17, he said: "I promise you, in view of all the threats you hear today… that should a new war with the Zionists erupt, we [the Lebanese resistance movement] will crush the enemy, come out victorious, and change the face of the region.
"God willing, Israel, the occupation, hegemony, and arrogance are in the process of disappearing!"
Nasrallah was not alone in anticipating a troubled year for the Middle East.

Shalom al Israel
PO Box 5262 SCMC
Nambour
Queensland 4560

www.israelspropheticfuture.org

THE NEXT MAJOR BIBLE PROPHECY TO BE FULFILLED

2010-02-16T22:55:00.000-08:00

The world is currently faced with several highly possible international disasters which appear to threaten the immediate future of our planet. These potential disasters include severe global warming, a massive economic collapse and deadly new viruses and diseases. All of these possibilities have an air of inevitability and imminence. However the most severe and most impending threat is one in which the world appears to show only little interest. While thousands of delegates gather in massive international conferences relating to the climate and economy, relatively few people appear to have much real concern about what is the most inevitable, dangerous and imminent disaster. It is the situation in the Middle East pertaining to a war that is about to be unleashed upon Israel which will have the potential to seriously devastate and degrade the whole world. This war will undermine the social, political, economic and religious aspects of world society. There will be a dramatic and devastating negative affect upon the entire world and its immediate future.

It is a war that will be conducted by fanatical Islamic forces as the first stage of their determined ultimate purpose to assume total world domination. Although Islam presents itself publicly as a religion of peace it is actually a religious, political ideology with serious ambitions to transform the world into an international enclave of Islam. The real power behind this plan is neither religious or political. It is actually a spiritual one and the only power that can withstand and defeat it is also a spiritual power. No political humanistic power can defeat the determined objective of Islam. Only the authority of Jehovah the true God, can achieve victory over the principality of Allah.

Zechariah predicted this war some 2,500 years ago. He also predicted that in its aftermath, the long awaited Jewish Messiah would appear again to Israel. This miraculous appearance will totally transform Israel and subsequently introduce a new era of peace and prosperity for Israel. God’s glorious light will arise over Jerusalem and all the nations will recognize that God’s presence is there. This horrendous clash of ideologies is inevitable yet many people are too fearful to acknowledge this. Political correctness dictates that we should not even speak of such things lest we offend someone. However, it would be absolute foolishness to capitulate to such ideas and leave ourselves totally unprepared for events that will surely happen and will forever change the world in which we live.

There are several reasons why this war together with its aftermath seems imminently inevitable.

Messianic Mania

Ahmadinejad, the political leader of Iran is acting under the strong delusion that Allah has brought him to power to prepare the way for the appearance of Al Mahdi, the Islamic Messiah. Such preparation involves the creation of total global chaos and confusion, plus the annihilation of Israel and the Western world. Ahmadinejad is so dedicated to this mission that he is obviously ready and willing to do anything and everything necessary to achieve it.

Military Preparations

For too many years the wealth of Iran has been used primarily to pursue the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction. The pursuit has been and is driven by a fanatical determination to ultimately bring the whole world under the dominant rule of Islam. So fanatically determined is the religious ambition that Ahadinejad will allow nothing whatsoever to stand in his way or thwart his purpose. The Western world is so naïve in its appraisal and understanding of the serious nature of this threat that it has virtually stood by and watched it develop to the degree that it will soon attain its objective and be ready to launch the first stage of the global strategy through an all out attack upon Israel. All of Israel’s nearest neighbours have been primed and prepared to augment the attack from Syria, Lebanon, Gaza etc. They all await the psychological moment when they sense the opportunity of a certain victory over Israel that will prepare the way for a violent unleashing of terrorist attacks on the West. The main factor that gives hope to their confidence is not only the acquirement of nuclear warheads and long range missiles, but the ultra fanatical belief that Allah has declared his prophetic intention to assume global domination of the whole world in the Last Days. The fanatical belief of radical Islamic leadership has reached such a degree of intensity that it confidently assumes complete success and it will soon be unleashed on a largely unsuspecting and under prepared world.

Biblical Predictions

The main reason why I believe that the war we have described will certainly happen in the very imminent future is that the Bible prophets predicted it thousands of years ago and the signs they described as portents of it have almost reached final proportions. The prophetic details of this war are foretold in Psalm 83, Joel 3 and Zechariah 12. In addition Zechariah also predicted the amazing result and aftermath of the war.
Zechariah 12:7-11
8 On that day the LORD (Yaweh) will defend the people of Jerusalem; the weakest among them will be as mighty as King David! And the royal descendants will be like God, like the angel of the LORD who goes before them!
9 For my plan is to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
10 "Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on all the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died.
11 The sorrow and mourning in Jerusalem on that day will be like the grievous mourning of Hadad-rimmon in the valley of Megiddo. NLT
In March 2010, Destiny Image will publish a book entitled “The Messiah Comes To Israel” the author of which is Gerald Rowlands of Australia. It describes fully the details of this imminent war and the glorious effect it will have on Israel as the nation merges into its amazing prophetic future. This is a “must read” for everyone who is endeavouring to understand what might be the next stage of God’s End Times strategy.

Further details can be obtained from:
Rev Gerald Rowlands
PO Box 5262 SCMC
Nambour
Queensland 4560
Australia

www.israelspropheticfuture.org