|
Theme: Israel
ISRAEL NEAR THE END OF TIMES
This article is an excerpt of Kurt Aaberg’s pamphlet, “Until the Times of the Gentiles is Fulfilled - the three wars of the end times".
“And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:39).
“In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. (Matthew 2:18)” It is thought-awakening that every time something new is at the Jewish people’s door, weeping from Rachel in Rama has been heard. It seems like all of hell’s forces are released to prevent these births.
When the time had come that the great leader Moses was to be born, a decree went from Pharaoh that all baby boys of Jewish heritage were to be killed (Exodus 1:22). It happened again at the time of Jesus' birth; King Herod commanded that all baby boys under the age of 2 in the area of Bethlehem should be killed. Again, the weeping of "Rachel in Rama" sounded.
In the end of the 1800s the thought was birthed of an independent state for the Jewish people. “Back to Zion.” Although the Jews around the world lived as regular citizens of the countries, in which they were and identified with, they were Jews and thereby God’s chosen. When the idea of an own homeland had been born, we see how the satanic forces were mobilized to eradicate this people. Anti-Semitism *) is given good soil, especially in Europe and topped in 1939-45 with the killing of 6 million Jews by the Nazis. Again the cry of Rama was heard. But like Moses and Jesus were born by divine protection and miraculously delivered from satanic thoughts and actions, so was a remnant of the Jewish people protected and the state of Israel was born on May 15th, 1948.
Unfortunately, Rachel didn’t stop weeping, and thousands of Jews in Israel have lost their lives in wars against hostile neighbors and not least through terror actions with the consequences of death and molestations. Anti-Semitism is basically opposition against God's plan with His people and a "no" to God's Word.
We find the first example of anti-Semitism in Amalek, the king of the Amalekites, who wanted to cut off the road for the Jews to the Promised Land, but God didn't allow Amalek to succeed. People should know this today. Deuteronomy 25:17-19 says: "Remember what Amalek did unto you by the way, when you were come forth out of Egypt; how he met you by the way, and smote the hindmost of you, even all that were feeble behind you, when you were faint and weary; and he feared not God. Therefore it shall be, when the Lord your God has given you rest from all your enemies round about, in the land which the Lord your God gives you for an inheritance to possess it, that you shall blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven."
Exodus 17:16 says: “…the Lord hath sworn that the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” God himself will see to that it doesn’t come to a light-headed and rash forgetfulness.
Jeremiah 30:16 speaks of anti-Semites: “Therefore all they that devour you shall be devoured; and all your adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil you shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon you will I give for a prey.” This is serious to God. God deals with anti-Semites.
The name –Tel Aviv" (Israel's next-largest city) is a biblical name and means "spring ridge". The city shield pictures a light house behind a gate. The light house lights for the Jews around the world, and the gate offers them all a place of refuge.
In Romans chapter 9 we read about Israel’s past, in chapter 10 about it's present, and in chapter 11 about Israel's future. First, Paul speaks about the Jews' major advantages (9:4-5):
Adoption: God has chosen Israel of the nations of the world and assumed it as His property (Deuteronomy 7:6). "Israel is my son, even my firstborn” (Exodus 4:22).
Glory: God’s glory rests as a cloud above the tabernacle and the temple (Exodus 40:34). This is the sign of God's presence with His people.
The Covenants: God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God’s covenant on Sinai, God's covenant with David and the promises of a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31).
The giving of the Law: Israel was given the Law, God’s great gift (Deuteronomy 4:8). We have taken over the Ten Commandments from the Jews.
The Service of God: Israel’s existence was characterized by services, ceremonies, sacrifices, and prayer. It had a spiritual assignment for the entire world (Exodus 19:5).
The Promises: (or the prophecies) all come from the Jewish land and the Jewish people. All belong to God’s gift to Israel, and He never takes them back.
The Fathers: Hebrews 11 testifies of the faith of their fathers, beginning with Abraham. Only of him says the Word of God that he was God’s “friend” (James 2:23). It's important to remember that from them originates - according to the carnal descent - Christ. From this people and from the lineage of David the world was given a savior (Matthew 1:1, Romans 1:3). Romans 11:1: “I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid.” And Romans 11:29: “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” This goes for both the Jewish people and for the land of Israel (Genesis 15:6 + 17:7 + 26:3).
Romans 11:11: “Through their [Israel’s] fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles.” Verse 17 tells us clearly that all the wild branches, meaning the Gentiles, which were grafted among the natural branches, which is Israel, are not to pride themselves over this, but are to be humble and grateful.
Matthew 24:32-34: Learn a lesson of the fig tree **). When its branches have become full of juice and gains leaves, you will know that the summer is near. Likewise, also know that when you see this, the Lord is at hand.
*) Anti-Semities are those who are opposed to Sem’s descendants. Sem was Noah’s eldest son, who were particularly blessed, and he is the ancester of the Jewish people.
**) The fig tree is an image of Israel
Comment by Allan K. Hansen: The introductory word from Matthew 24 commands us to be awake and alert. Israel's situation is an indication that Jesus is coming soon.
|
