The Peace and Security Rant
Israel, in the opinion of most of us who write, teach, broadcast and pontificate on the last days from the Pre-Trib perspective, is the number one signal that gives indication of where this generation stands on God’s prophetic timeline. It is among the very tiniest of countries, yet no nation in history has ever drawn the attention of the whole world, as does that little Jewish state.
Lest you think that is an overreach, I remind that at no time in history has the world had the global, instantaneous news coverage, as has been the case since Israel’s rebirth into modernity in 1948. That fact, alone, has made Israel the focus of interest. Add to the 24/7 coverage of the never-sleeping-media conglomerate today, the petroleum that drives the machinery of the world and the prospects for all-out-war in the region at any moment, and Israel as a focal point becomes all the more riveting.
In my presentations on Bible prophecy, I can’t help but always say something like: “No matter which way the microphones and cameras of the world’s news media turn to catch other issues and events, they always end-up focused again on Israel and upon Jerusalem, in particular. As a matter-of-fact, there are cameras that have the Temple Mount live via satellite at all times, for everyone on the planet to view.
This, in itself, brings to mind the two witnesses scheduled to prophesy and preach to those left behind after the Rapture. These Jewish thorns in the side of Antichrist will make his life and the lives of his regime miserable as they point the prophetic Finger of accusation and warnings at those rebellious earth-dwellers. We are told that everyone on earth will see these two witnesses killed and lying dead in the street in Jerusalem.
“And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them” (Revelation 11:7-12).
Perhaps it will be the very cameras now focused on the Temple Mount 24/7 that will capture this for the initially jubilant, but instantly terrified anti-God rebels of the Tribulation. Just as Israel is the number one signal of where this generation stands on God’s prophetic timeline, I’m convinced that the second most glaring signal is the ongoing Mid-East peace process – The Roadmap to Peace as it is termed.
We have witnessed over the past decades, the many secretaries of state for the United States shuttle back and forth to that most volatile region of the world in search of peace. From Henry Kissinger to Hillary Clinton, to John Kerry, who has now taken the baton as peace emissary for earth’s most powerful nation, the quest never ceases. There is one incessant cry that rings in the ears of everyone who has the ability to receive newscasts by the world’s media. It is the call for peace and security.
Here are a few examples in just the last two presidential administrations:
George W. Bush, Address to the Nation, September 11, 2001: “America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against terrorism.”
George W. Bush, Rose Garden Speech on April 4, 2002: “Israel has recognized the goal of a Palestinian state. The outlines of a just settlement are clear: two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side, in peace and security.”
President Vladimir Putin, Joint Statement with President George W. Bush, May 24, 2002. Taking this as their basis: “Russia and the USA intend to exert maximum efforts in order to realize this vision of a negotiated settlement of the conflict, which includes the existence of two states - Israel and Palestine - living in peace and security within recognized borders.”
Meeting between Prime Minister Tony Blair and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. January 28, 2013: “It is up to us to work for peace and security, and no one is more fitting to work on this than you,” he said (Netanyahu). Blair replied, “I look forward to working with you on matters of peace and security. We have many challenges, but I’m sure they can be overcome with good will and hard work.”
Condoleezza Rice, American Jewish Committee’s 96th Annual Meeting, 2002: “On April 4, President Bush articulated a vision of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.”
Hillary Clinton, November 30, 2012 address in Washington: “America supports the goal of a Palestinian state, living side by side in peace and security with Israel.”
President Barack Obama, Jerusalem International Convention Center, Jerusalem. March 21, 2013: “I’d like to focus on how we -- and when I say “we,” in particular young people -- can work together to make progress in three areas that will define our times -- security, peace and prosperity. ... First, peace is necessary. I believe that. I believe that peace is the only path to true security.”
The apostle Paul, as prophet, wrote the following:
For when they shall say, peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape (1 Thessalonians 5:3).
The Greek word for “safety” here is “asphaleia.” It is a feminine noun meaning: security from enemies and dangers, safety.
In the preceding verse Paul had just foretold of the moment when the time of the Tribulation would begin breaking on a world ripe for God’s judgment.
“For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5: 2).
The rant we hear most prolifically today, with regard to the nation Israel, the city of Jerusalem, and the ongoing peace process in the Middle East is, “Peace and security.” I could have added hundreds more such quotes.
Listen during the upcoming days for this cry from the diplomats of the world who will not have the God of Heaven rule over them (Read Psalms chapter 2 again.) It is a rant that pinpoints precisely just how near is the thief in the night moment that Paul forewarned─the Rapture.
--Terry
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