© 1998 H&J Vincent
Have you noticed that we have a History, from time immemorial, of every major event that has ever happened in this world? It is the History of Prophecy, the record of God's interaction with Man! Through all the timeless ages of this relationship - from Adam, through Noah, and Abraham, to Moses, David, Solomon, and with prophets throughout history, the people whom God touched have recorded His Word, His Guidance, His Warnings, and His Promises.
Over the centuries of Man's attempt to understand the "meaning of life," we have discovered archeological evidence which has so far only confirmed the events and existence of people described in documents recorded over 3,000 years ago!
There has never been another single reference where people can turn to discover the path the world has taken since its birth. We read that Abraham received a promise from God that he would father a son. After some years of waiting, Abraham and Sarah decided he should impregnate her concubine, Hagar. We know that not long after, at age 86, Abraham fathered Ishmael; that the record of that time quotes God telling Hagar that Ishmael would "live in hostility toward all his brothers," (Genesis 16:12).
We also learn that when Abraham was 100 years old, he fathered Isaac with his wife Sarah. Before long, Ishmael's "mocking" created strife in Abraham's household, and Sarah declared that he "will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac," (Genesis 21). At Sarah's insistence, Hagar and Ishmael were sent out of Abraham's camp,and were wandering in the desert, when God promised Hagar: "I will make him into a great nation."
So...We may now come to understand a bit about the constant strife in the Middle East, and why that area is central in Biblical History and in Prophecy. Most middle-eastern people are descendants of Ishmael; most of them are Islamic. Israelites are direct descendants of Isaac, the son of God's Promise when He made His covenant with Abraham. Seeing the struggles in our time we also can see the fulfillment of God's Prophecy that Ishmael would live in hostility with his brothers!
Concerning the prophecies of a huge "army from the north" being formed for the "final" erradication of Israel, we need to realize that the countries north of Israel are peopled by followers of Islam. These people continue to adhere to the goal of the prophet Muhammed - which is to eradicate all people outside of Islam: of which the Jews are the prime target, with Judeo-Christian peoples second.
The apostle John recorded Jesus' final Word concerning the condition of the world from about 100 AD until He returns. The final Prophecy of Christ defined the "end times," which would include restoration of Temple worship in Jerusalem, followed by a catastrophic war against Israel by the "kings of the north." These events would precede the final intervention by Christ that would conquer the invaders and bring about the millenial kingdom of God.
Read the current news...read, see, and hear of the persistent suicide bombings of Islamic fanatics all over the world...note the spread of Islam to every country...
Ever heard of the ancient historical city of Babylon? It was one of the original Seven Wonders of the World. It also plays a central role in the Revelation of Jesus Christ as told to John. Well...Sadam Hussein has - for the past 10 years - spent untold millions of dollars restoring Babylon, with the intent of taking his place on its throne as the "true heir of Nebuchadnezzar"! Some scholars suggest that a restored ancient Babylon would be the site described. Other scholars read the descriptions of the country called "Babylon," located "between the waters," and the decadence and worship of wealth and power, and wonder whether these phrases couldn't fit the United States! From wherever this "new world order" leader arises, we know that Israel's struggles and the Middle East crises are also described in great detail. The entire Bible contains the names and places from which the final battle will initiate, and what the end result will bring.
So...where are we in the Biblical perspective? Well... we know that God kept His promise to send His "Redeemer;" we learned from Isaiah and others that the world would reject Him. We learned that He would be slain for our sins, and would live again. Those of us who trust the Word of God is faithful and true, believe the Redeemer is Jesus of Nazareth. His story, too, is recorded in our History.
In this historical context - in every single instance - where God prophesied an occurrence to an historical person, or through any of His prophets whose works are recorded in the Bible, all but one of them has come to pass!
God has always kept His promises, brought about the very events He predicted. Why, then, does Man seek the soft, deadly whispers of the enemy of his soul? Why do we continue to worship - and Man must worship something, or someone - the false gurus and advocates of "self"?! Because we cannot admit we are running amok down those paths... we don't want to acknowledge our need of a "Father" to Whom we are held accountable. Unfortunately, we will be held accountable, whether we want to admit it or not.
Don't take our word for any of this: we're not Biblical scholars or theologians. But every Christian is an epistle written by God - and every seeker is the recipient of that Word. We believe that God brings His Truth to those whose eyes are open and whose hearts are seeking Truth.
Is our generation living in and witnessing the awesome fulfillment of God's final Prophecy?! Those of us who are looking out for the return of our Redeemer truly believe this is what we are seeing. Even so, Lord Jesus: Come!
© 1998 H&J Vincent