This is the title of a new article as seen in the Jerusalem Post (here) today. We've been watching this situation closely, as the new administration in Israel has promised to take military action against Iran if diplomatic efforts fail. We already know that all such efforts undertaken thus far have failed, so its a foregone conclusion that Israel will take military action against Iran. Quotes from this article include:
- "Teheran plans three more satellites this year, creating an easily weaponized space net that worries American military..."
- "American policymakers are now convinced that Iran, despite all protests and charades is in a mad dash to create a deliverable nuclear weapon."
- "Binyamin Netanyahu has just become prime minister of Israel. He is determined to take action before -not after- Iran achieves its nuclear potential."
- "This creates a volatile, hair-trigger situation that could explode at any moment."
- "The consequences for this confrontation are apocalyptic because Iran's full partner in this enterprise is Russia."
- "Iran, of course, has repeatedly threatened to counter any such attack by closing the Strait of Hormuz, as well as launching missiles against the Ras Tanura Gulf oil terminal...and indispensable Saudi oil facility"
This last quote is particularly concerning, as such actions by Iran would effectively shut down 40% of all seaborne oil and 18% of global oil, including 20% of American daily consumption.
So, not only would a regional war become ignited, but the U.S. gas and oil prices would skyrocket to unimaginable levels. Many of us also believe the epic battle (as led by Russia-Iran) of Gog-MaGog, described in Ezekiel 38-39 could be triggered by this scenario of Israel "attacking" Iran.
Stay tuned to this one. This situation is approaching rapidly, and it seems obvious that Israel will be forced to "attack" within a few months if not weeks. When they do, a cascade of subsequent events appears inevitable - events which are shaping up exactly as described by the prophet Ezekiel over 2,500 years ago.
Of all the prophecy news circulating right now (and there are many), this may be the most significant. When the invasion of "Gog-MaGog" occurs, God will reveal Himself in a big way, making His divine intervention obvious to all.
The question isn't IF these events will happen - the question is WHEN these events will happen, because, according to God Himself:
"It is coming! It will surely take place, declares the Sovereign Lord. This is the day I have spoken of." (Ezekiel 39:8)
Kamis, 26 Februari 2009
Rabu, 25 Februari 2009
America and Genesis 12
As mentioned on many occasions, I attempt to remain apolitical during these last days. Watching politics for many prophecy watchers becomes a "tunnel-vision" scenario, as the only concern being how our administration may play a prophetic role; in other words, how may a U.S. administration shape the prophetic future. To further narrow this discipline of viewing politics - through the lens of prophecy - one main concern is how our administration handles policy towards Israel. Based on this, I would have to give the Bush administration a D-, as an emphasis of the Bush administration was to force Israel to give away land for peace. Many believe that such efforts completely disregard the mandate given in Genesis 12, which is intended to serve as a directive on determining policy towards Israel.
As God was giving the land known of Israel to Abraham, He informed both Abraham and the entire world of His view:
"I will make you into a great nation. amd I will BLESS YOU...I will BLESS THOSE WHO BLESS YOU, and whoever CURSES YOU, I WILL CURSE" (Genesis 12:2-3).
A clear, unambiguous command. God wasn't kidding around. In fact, a detailed analysis has been done by author John P. McTernan in several books ("Israel, The Blessing or the Curse", "God's Final Warning to America", and more recently, "As America has done to Israel") correlating various national disasters with policy against Israel.
With the current administration now in power, we have been closely watching to see how Israel would be viewed and what exactly our new policy would be towards Israel. The early trends are quite ominous. Once again, my good friend, prophecy watcher and brother-in-Christ, Michael Mickey, has written a timely review of this situation (here) and below:
Obama Administration Betraying Israel
by Michael G. Mickey
(2-24-09)
If you thought things were bad and getting worse here in the United States of America before President Obama took office, I have some more discouraging news for you. The future isn't looking any better and this time? The discouraging news doesn't have a thing to do with poor lending practices by banks, bailouts needed or anything of that nature. Today's commentary is about a stern promise God made to Abraham long ago concerning the nation of Israel and our new president's willingness, based on reports, to overlook it.
Genesis 12:3: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
It doesn't get much plainer than that, does it? If you want your nation to be blessed, bless the nation that God has asked you to. If you prefer to be cursed by God, roll with Satan and those who bow to his desire to see Israel wiped from the face of the earth and take your lumps! That's it, simply put.
So, how is the Obama administration performing in relation to blessing Israel? It depends on who you ask - and who you believe. While the Obama administration is paying lip service to being concerned with the welfare of Israel, from the outset of President Obama's term in office he has been cuddling up to Israel's enemies. His first telephone call to a foreign head of state, for example? Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinians. His first television interview? On an Arabic television station, but there's more to consider.
Israel National News is reporting that Chas Freeman, "former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, considered a sharp critic of Israel, is to be named to a top intelligence post in the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama." The headline of that story? New U.S. Intel Chief: Support of Israel Not a U.S. Interest
Support of Israel not a U.S. interest? Clearly, assuming INN's story is accurate, the Obama administration doesn't understand God's promise of blessing and curse found in Genesis 12:3!
The INN report contains two excerpts of speeches made by Freeman, both of which make it clear to me that he has bought into the precise logic that I have stated in the past is going to lead the world into isolating Israel as foretold in Bible prophecy. The logic of which I speak is this in a nutshell:
Radical Islamic terrorists hate Israel. They pose a threat to the United States primarily because we support Israel in its stubborn refusal to cease to exist as a nation. Therefore, theoretically, if the United States would care less about Israel, terrorists would be less interested in targeting and attacking us.
Below are the aforementioned excerpts of Freeman's speeches (emphasis added mine).
"American identification with Israeli policy has also become total. Those in the region and beyond it who detest Israeli behavior, which is to say almost everyone, now naturally extend their loathing to Americans. This has had the effect of universalizing anti-Americanism, legitimizing radical Islamism, and gaining Iran a foothold among Sunni as well as Shiite Arabs. For its part, Israel no longer even pretends to seek peace with the Palestinians; it strives instead to pacify them. Palestinian retaliation against this policy is as likely to be directed against Israel’s American backers as against Israel itself. Under the circumstances, such retaliation – whatever form it takes – will have the support or at least the sympathy of most people in the region and many outside it. This makes the long-term escalation of terrorism against the United States a certainty, not a matter of conjecture."
And...
"We destroyed the Iraqi state and catalyzed anarchy, sectarian violence, terrorism, and civil war in that country... Meanwhile, we embraced Israel’s enemies as our own; they responded by equating Americans with Israelis as their enemies. We abandoned the role of Middle East peacemaker to back Israel’s efforts to pacify its captive and increasingly ghettoized Arab populations. We wring our hands while sitting on them as the Jewish state continues to seize ever more Arab land for its colonists. This has convinced most Palestinians that Israel cannot be appeased and is persuading increasing numbers of them that a two-state solution is infeasible. It threatens Israelis with an unwelcome choice between a democratic society and a Jewish identity for their state. Now the United States has brought the Palestinian experience – of humiliation, dislocation, and death – to millions more in Afghanistan and Iraq. Israel and the United States each have our reasons for what we are doing, but no amount of public diplomacy can persuade the victims of our policies that their suffering is justified, or spin away their anger, or assuage their desire for reprisal and revenge.”
Israel is a real problem for the United States, isn't it? It's a burdensome stone of sorts in Mr. Freeman's opinion. Interesting to me is Mr. Freeman's statement above that we "embraced Israel's enemies as our own" as though the war on terror was initiated by us as an act of allegiance to Israel! I wonder where he was on September 11th, 2001. Regardless, great to know that Mr. Freeman is going to be having a voice in the Obama administration where our relationship with Israel is concerned, huh?
And then there is the following from Forbes.com, the headline of which alone is enough to make me sweat bullets for our nation - The Obama Administration Sacrifices Israel. Again the emphasis added below is mine.
The Obama administration's decision to join the planning of the U.N.'s Durban II "anti-racism" conference has just taken a new twist: cover-up. On Friday, State Department officials and a member of the American Durban II delegation claimed the United States had worked actively to oppose efforts to brand Israel as racist in the committee drafting a Durban II declaration. The trouble is that they didn't.
The Feb. 20 State Department press release says the U.S. delegation in Geneva "outline[d] our concerns with the current outcome document" and in particular "our strong reservations about the direction of the conference, as the draft document singles out Israel for criticism." One member of the delegation told The Washington Post: "The administration is pushing back against efforts to brand Israel as racist in this conference." In fact, tucked away in a Geneva hall with few observers, the U.S. had done just the opposite. The U.S. delegates had made no objection to a new proposal to nail Israel in an anti-racism manifesto that makes no other country-specific claims.
Imagine that! A liberal State Department telling Americans what the vast majority of us wants to hear concerning our relationship with Israel yet doing the opposite behind closed doors and covering it up, endangering us all in the process. Who would've guessed it, especially coming from the messiah of liberalism's cronies?
Conclusion
Zechariah 12:3: And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.
It appears, from the outside looking in, that the Obama administration's State Department has started the betrayal of Israel foretold in Bible prophecy. As we see in God's Word, both in Zechariah 12:3 and Genesis 12:3, the Lord isn't going to take kindly to it!
Mr. Obama campaigned on a platform of Hope and Change. If the stories above are any indication of his plans for our nation's foreign policy and future direction, there is no Hope whatsoever that America's current problems are going to be solved during this president's time in office. Rather, rough waters lie ahead. Nonetheless, keep your eyes on the skies, Christians! Jesus Christ is Lord and He is coming soon
As God was giving the land known of Israel to Abraham, He informed both Abraham and the entire world of His view:
"I will make you into a great nation. amd I will BLESS YOU...I will BLESS THOSE WHO BLESS YOU, and whoever CURSES YOU, I WILL CURSE" (Genesis 12:2-3).
A clear, unambiguous command. God wasn't kidding around. In fact, a detailed analysis has been done by author John P. McTernan in several books ("Israel, The Blessing or the Curse", "God's Final Warning to America", and more recently, "As America has done to Israel") correlating various national disasters with policy against Israel.
With the current administration now in power, we have been closely watching to see how Israel would be viewed and what exactly our new policy would be towards Israel. The early trends are quite ominous. Once again, my good friend, prophecy watcher and brother-in-Christ, Michael Mickey, has written a timely review of this situation (here) and below:
Obama Administration Betraying Israel
by Michael G. Mickey
(2-24-09)
If you thought things were bad and getting worse here in the United States of America before President Obama took office, I have some more discouraging news for you. The future isn't looking any better and this time? The discouraging news doesn't have a thing to do with poor lending practices by banks, bailouts needed or anything of that nature. Today's commentary is about a stern promise God made to Abraham long ago concerning the nation of Israel and our new president's willingness, based on reports, to overlook it.
Genesis 12:3: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
It doesn't get much plainer than that, does it? If you want your nation to be blessed, bless the nation that God has asked you to. If you prefer to be cursed by God, roll with Satan and those who bow to his desire to see Israel wiped from the face of the earth and take your lumps! That's it, simply put.
So, how is the Obama administration performing in relation to blessing Israel? It depends on who you ask - and who you believe. While the Obama administration is paying lip service to being concerned with the welfare of Israel, from the outset of President Obama's term in office he has been cuddling up to Israel's enemies. His first telephone call to a foreign head of state, for example? Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinians. His first television interview? On an Arabic television station, but there's more to consider.
Israel National News is reporting that Chas Freeman, "former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, considered a sharp critic of Israel, is to be named to a top intelligence post in the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama." The headline of that story? New U.S. Intel Chief: Support of Israel Not a U.S. Interest
Support of Israel not a U.S. interest? Clearly, assuming INN's story is accurate, the Obama administration doesn't understand God's promise of blessing and curse found in Genesis 12:3!
The INN report contains two excerpts of speeches made by Freeman, both of which make it clear to me that he has bought into the precise logic that I have stated in the past is going to lead the world into isolating Israel as foretold in Bible prophecy. The logic of which I speak is this in a nutshell:
Radical Islamic terrorists hate Israel. They pose a threat to the United States primarily because we support Israel in its stubborn refusal to cease to exist as a nation. Therefore, theoretically, if the United States would care less about Israel, terrorists would be less interested in targeting and attacking us.
Below are the aforementioned excerpts of Freeman's speeches (emphasis added mine).
"American identification with Israeli policy has also become total. Those in the region and beyond it who detest Israeli behavior, which is to say almost everyone, now naturally extend their loathing to Americans. This has had the effect of universalizing anti-Americanism, legitimizing radical Islamism, and gaining Iran a foothold among Sunni as well as Shiite Arabs. For its part, Israel no longer even pretends to seek peace with the Palestinians; it strives instead to pacify them. Palestinian retaliation against this policy is as likely to be directed against Israel’s American backers as against Israel itself. Under the circumstances, such retaliation – whatever form it takes – will have the support or at least the sympathy of most people in the region and many outside it. This makes the long-term escalation of terrorism against the United States a certainty, not a matter of conjecture."
And...
"We destroyed the Iraqi state and catalyzed anarchy, sectarian violence, terrorism, and civil war in that country... Meanwhile, we embraced Israel’s enemies as our own; they responded by equating Americans with Israelis as their enemies. We abandoned the role of Middle East peacemaker to back Israel’s efforts to pacify its captive and increasingly ghettoized Arab populations. We wring our hands while sitting on them as the Jewish state continues to seize ever more Arab land for its colonists. This has convinced most Palestinians that Israel cannot be appeased and is persuading increasing numbers of them that a two-state solution is infeasible. It threatens Israelis with an unwelcome choice between a democratic society and a Jewish identity for their state. Now the United States has brought the Palestinian experience – of humiliation, dislocation, and death – to millions more in Afghanistan and Iraq. Israel and the United States each have our reasons for what we are doing, but no amount of public diplomacy can persuade the victims of our policies that their suffering is justified, or spin away their anger, or assuage their desire for reprisal and revenge.”
Israel is a real problem for the United States, isn't it? It's a burdensome stone of sorts in Mr. Freeman's opinion. Interesting to me is Mr. Freeman's statement above that we "embraced Israel's enemies as our own" as though the war on terror was initiated by us as an act of allegiance to Israel! I wonder where he was on September 11th, 2001. Regardless, great to know that Mr. Freeman is going to be having a voice in the Obama administration where our relationship with Israel is concerned, huh?
And then there is the following from Forbes.com, the headline of which alone is enough to make me sweat bullets for our nation - The Obama Administration Sacrifices Israel. Again the emphasis added below is mine.
The Obama administration's decision to join the planning of the U.N.'s Durban II "anti-racism" conference has just taken a new twist: cover-up. On Friday, State Department officials and a member of the American Durban II delegation claimed the United States had worked actively to oppose efforts to brand Israel as racist in the committee drafting a Durban II declaration. The trouble is that they didn't.
The Feb. 20 State Department press release says the U.S. delegation in Geneva "outline[d] our concerns with the current outcome document" and in particular "our strong reservations about the direction of the conference, as the draft document singles out Israel for criticism." One member of the delegation told The Washington Post: "The administration is pushing back against efforts to brand Israel as racist in this conference." In fact, tucked away in a Geneva hall with few observers, the U.S. had done just the opposite. The U.S. delegates had made no objection to a new proposal to nail Israel in an anti-racism manifesto that makes no other country-specific claims.
Imagine that! A liberal State Department telling Americans what the vast majority of us wants to hear concerning our relationship with Israel yet doing the opposite behind closed doors and covering it up, endangering us all in the process. Who would've guessed it, especially coming from the messiah of liberalism's cronies?
Conclusion
Zechariah 12:3: And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.
It appears, from the outside looking in, that the Obama administration's State Department has started the betrayal of Israel foretold in Bible prophecy. As we see in God's Word, both in Zechariah 12:3 and Genesis 12:3, the Lord isn't going to take kindly to it!
Mr. Obama campaigned on a platform of Hope and Change. If the stories above are any indication of his plans for our nation's foreign policy and future direction, there is no Hope whatsoever that America's current problems are going to be solved during this president's time in office. Rather, rough waters lie ahead. Nonetheless, keep your eyes on the skies, Christians! Jesus Christ is Lord and He is coming soon
Sabtu, 21 Februari 2009
Connecting the dots
Occasionally, while watching prophetic events unfold in the world, the amount of information coming in is simply too overwhelming for the purpose of posting individual stories with individual links. It makes more sense to summarize recent events. Just over the course of the last 2-3 weeks we have witnessed the following:
- Israel now has a conservative bloc in power, led by Mr. Netanyahu. He has been formally asked to form a coalition, and this was the last step in his gaining power in Israel. The coalition has already been formed, so, at this point it is simply a formality. Mr. Netanyahu will be the next Prime Minister of Israel. Unlike previous administrations in recent years, Mr. Netanyahu will NOT give away more Israeli land in efforts to seek peace, as this method has only created more bloodshed in Israel. Mr. Netanyahu will NOT allow Iran to complete their nuclear plans, which means that he will most likely launch a military effort to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities. The consequences of such efforts is anyone's guess, but many of us are predicting that such an "invasion" of Iran will trigger major war, perhaps the well-known battle of "Gog-MaGog" (Ezeliel 38-39).
- The world-wide economic crisis has led to more and more international calls for a global currency, and many leaders in the EU, from both the financial sector and the government are calling for a world-wide "governance" for such a global financial system. This creates the perfect set-up for a world leader to assume control of world finance, exactly as the book of Revelation describes when the Anti-christ rises to power.
- The UN finally admits that Iran has enough enriched Uranium to begin assembly of nuclear weapons (welcome to the party, UN, the rest of the world has known this for quite some time).
- The EU announced their military escalation, and stronger ties to NATO. This is also worth watching, as many predict that NATO will ultimately become part of the EU's military structure. We know that the EU, as the "revived Roman Empire" predicted in Daniel 2 and 7, will continue their growth and assume great military strength.
- The implantable microchip is gaining in popularity, particularly in Mexico, as a result of the gang-related criminal activity which includes kidnappings of Mexican and foreign citizens on a daily basis. The insertable microchip, which many of us believe could evolve into the "Mark of the Beast", and a tool that the Anti-christ may use to gain control of the world's financial system, is becoming more and more common and more acceptable to the general public. Thousands have now been "chipped" in Mexico.
- Turkey has now formally becomed linked to Russia and Iran, something that had to fall into place before the "Gog-MaGog" invasion becomes a reality. The anti-Israeli rhetoric coming from Turkey, particularly concerning the recent Gaza conflict has escalated over the last few weeks - making their intentions towards Israel crystal clear. This is a recent development, as only a few years ago, Turkey had promised reforms in efforts to gain membership into the EU. Today, considering Turkey's alliances with Iran and Russia, membership into the EU has faded from sight. As previously mentioned, this is a big piece of the prophetic puzzle now coming into focus.
- Syria has now been exposed as having a huge chemical weapons complex, which includes a missile launching facility. Syria has made their intentions clear. They want control of the Golan Heights (an enormously important area from a military perspective), or else they have threatened war with Israel. Now that Mr. Netanyahu has gained power (along with a very conservative coalition), there is no way that the Golan Heights will be given to Syria. This scenario alone could trigger widespread war in the region. If Syria does use these chemical/gas weapons, we know that Israel will respond as if attacked by nuclear missiles. We also know from Isaiah 17 that Damascus will be destroyed.
- Just this week, missiles have been launched from Lebanon into Israel. Whether this will escalate or not is anyone's guess.
Overall, just in the last few weeks, we have witnessed world events occur exactly as one would predict based upon biblical prophecy. We seem to be headed into the tribulation period rapidly, as almost every significant world event appears to be paving the way for this last 7 year period - that period that must take place before the Second Advent of Jesus Christ.
If the world has changed THIS much, over the last few weeks, how much more will the world change following the Rapture of the Church? For the first time in 2,000 years, the world is ripe for a global leader to take over and seemingly "solve" these big problems. That is exactly what the Anti-christ will do. He will create a peace-plan in the Middle-East. He will appear to solve the world's economic problems by implementing the "Mark of the Beast". He will lead a great EU-based military. These will be his first actions - much much more will occur during the Tribulation.
We're witnessing world events now, that frankly I didn't believe we would see on this side of the Rapture. We're witnessing the build-up and the stage being perfectly set for the Tribulation - all based on biblical prophecy - and the speed with which these events are occuring is incredible.
God gave us these prophetic scriptures, not to scare us, but to give us comfort. In fact, not only is biblical prophecy intended for comfort during these days, the apostle Paul took this idea one step further:
"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ"
"Therefore ENCOURAGE one another and BUILD EACH OTHER UP..." (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11)
More importantly, Jesus reminded us that although we are in this world, but we are not OF this world:
As he faced Pilate only hours before His death, Jesus stated:
"My kingdom is not of this world..." (John 18:36)
"But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One." (Mark 14:62)
That is our fate. While the earth experiences the Tribulation, we will have a seat in Heaven, our "real" home. We will see our Lord and Savior sitting at the right hand of God - in all of His glory.
It won't be long now. Be prepared. Soon, we will hear the trumpet call - a loud command. And as the prophetic scriptures state:
"...after that, we who are still alive...will be caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
Comforting words indeed - just as they were intended to be.
- Israel now has a conservative bloc in power, led by Mr. Netanyahu. He has been formally asked to form a coalition, and this was the last step in his gaining power in Israel. The coalition has already been formed, so, at this point it is simply a formality. Mr. Netanyahu will be the next Prime Minister of Israel. Unlike previous administrations in recent years, Mr. Netanyahu will NOT give away more Israeli land in efforts to seek peace, as this method has only created more bloodshed in Israel. Mr. Netanyahu will NOT allow Iran to complete their nuclear plans, which means that he will most likely launch a military effort to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities. The consequences of such efforts is anyone's guess, but many of us are predicting that such an "invasion" of Iran will trigger major war, perhaps the well-known battle of "Gog-MaGog" (Ezeliel 38-39).
- The world-wide economic crisis has led to more and more international calls for a global currency, and many leaders in the EU, from both the financial sector and the government are calling for a world-wide "governance" for such a global financial system. This creates the perfect set-up for a world leader to assume control of world finance, exactly as the book of Revelation describes when the Anti-christ rises to power.
- The UN finally admits that Iran has enough enriched Uranium to begin assembly of nuclear weapons (welcome to the party, UN, the rest of the world has known this for quite some time).
- The EU announced their military escalation, and stronger ties to NATO. This is also worth watching, as many predict that NATO will ultimately become part of the EU's military structure. We know that the EU, as the "revived Roman Empire" predicted in Daniel 2 and 7, will continue their growth and assume great military strength.
- The implantable microchip is gaining in popularity, particularly in Mexico, as a result of the gang-related criminal activity which includes kidnappings of Mexican and foreign citizens on a daily basis. The insertable microchip, which many of us believe could evolve into the "Mark of the Beast", and a tool that the Anti-christ may use to gain control of the world's financial system, is becoming more and more common and more acceptable to the general public. Thousands have now been "chipped" in Mexico.
- Turkey has now formally becomed linked to Russia and Iran, something that had to fall into place before the "Gog-MaGog" invasion becomes a reality. The anti-Israeli rhetoric coming from Turkey, particularly concerning the recent Gaza conflict has escalated over the last few weeks - making their intentions towards Israel crystal clear. This is a recent development, as only a few years ago, Turkey had promised reforms in efforts to gain membership into the EU. Today, considering Turkey's alliances with Iran and Russia, membership into the EU has faded from sight. As previously mentioned, this is a big piece of the prophetic puzzle now coming into focus.
- Syria has now been exposed as having a huge chemical weapons complex, which includes a missile launching facility. Syria has made their intentions clear. They want control of the Golan Heights (an enormously important area from a military perspective), or else they have threatened war with Israel. Now that Mr. Netanyahu has gained power (along with a very conservative coalition), there is no way that the Golan Heights will be given to Syria. This scenario alone could trigger widespread war in the region. If Syria does use these chemical/gas weapons, we know that Israel will respond as if attacked by nuclear missiles. We also know from Isaiah 17 that Damascus will be destroyed.
- Just this week, missiles have been launched from Lebanon into Israel. Whether this will escalate or not is anyone's guess.
Overall, just in the last few weeks, we have witnessed world events occur exactly as one would predict based upon biblical prophecy. We seem to be headed into the tribulation period rapidly, as almost every significant world event appears to be paving the way for this last 7 year period - that period that must take place before the Second Advent of Jesus Christ.
If the world has changed THIS much, over the last few weeks, how much more will the world change following the Rapture of the Church? For the first time in 2,000 years, the world is ripe for a global leader to take over and seemingly "solve" these big problems. That is exactly what the Anti-christ will do. He will create a peace-plan in the Middle-East. He will appear to solve the world's economic problems by implementing the "Mark of the Beast". He will lead a great EU-based military. These will be his first actions - much much more will occur during the Tribulation.
We're witnessing world events now, that frankly I didn't believe we would see on this side of the Rapture. We're witnessing the build-up and the stage being perfectly set for the Tribulation - all based on biblical prophecy - and the speed with which these events are occuring is incredible.
God gave us these prophetic scriptures, not to scare us, but to give us comfort. In fact, not only is biblical prophecy intended for comfort during these days, the apostle Paul took this idea one step further:
"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ"
"Therefore ENCOURAGE one another and BUILD EACH OTHER UP..." (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11)
More importantly, Jesus reminded us that although we are in this world, but we are not OF this world:
As he faced Pilate only hours before His death, Jesus stated:
"My kingdom is not of this world..." (John 18:36)
"But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One." (Mark 14:62)
That is our fate. While the earth experiences the Tribulation, we will have a seat in Heaven, our "real" home. We will see our Lord and Savior sitting at the right hand of God - in all of His glory.
It won't be long now. Be prepared. Soon, we will hear the trumpet call - a loud command. And as the prophetic scriptures state:
"...after that, we who are still alive...will be caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
Comforting words indeed - just as they were intended to be.
Kamis, 19 Februari 2009
Perjuangan Capres Independen
PERJUANGAN CAPRES INDEPENDEN
Oleh: Pan Mohamad Faiz
Oleh: Pan Mohamad Faiz
Lika-liku jalan calon presiden independen (perseorangan) untuk ikut berkompetisi dalam Pemilu Presiden 2009 terhenti sudah. Pasalnya, Mahkamah Konstitusi (MK) baru saja memutuskan bahwa frasa “Pasangan Calon Presiden dan Wakil Presiden diusulkan dan didaftarkan oleh partai politik atau gabungan partai politik peserta pemilihan umum…” dalam UU No. 42 tahun 2008 (UU Pilpres) tidak inkonstitusional.Menariknya, putusan MK tersebut tidak diputus secara bulat. Tiga dari delapan Hakim Konstitusi memberikan pendapat berbeda (dissenting opinions) yang pada intinya menyatakan bahwa Pasal 6A ayat (2) UUD 1945 harus ditafsirkan pula membuka ruang bagi terbukanya calon presiden perseorangan di dalam UU Pilpres. Namun demikian, ketiga Hakim tersebut juga mempertimbangkan kepentingan nasional terkait dengan proses penyelenggaraan Pemilu 2009 yang semakin dekat, sehingga pendapat tersebut berhujung pada kondisi konstitusional bersyarat (conditionally constitutional). Artinya, mereka memandang bahwa kesempatan calon presiden perseorangan dalam Pilpres harus sudah mulai dibuka pada Pemilu tahun 2014 atau 2019.
Amandemen Kelima
Setidaknya terdapat dua alasan utama dari perspektif hukum dan politik yang menjadi mainstream ujian terjal belum terakomodasinya capres perseorangan hingga kini. Pertama, para ahli hukum berargumen bahwa kehadiran Pasal 6A ayat (2) UUD 1945 telah menetapkan secara nyata bahwa partai politiklah pemegang hak konstitusional untuk mengusung pasangan calon presiden dan wakil presiden. Kedua, para pengamat politik beralasan bahwa calon perseorangan pada sistem presidensiil amat rentan dengan munculnya ketidakstabilan politik dan ketatanegaraan, mengingat Presiden dalam mengelola negara harus pula memiliki dukungan kuat di Parlemen ketika menjalankan kebijakan-kebijakannya.
Akan tetapi, tidak semua ahli hukum dan ahli politik tersebut memilik satu mahzab yang sama. Sebagian pengamat politik beranggapan bahwa tidak ada kaitannya antara sistem presidensiil dengan capres independen. Sebab, sistem presidensiil Indonesia mempunyai karakter yang khas dan berbeda dengan negara-negara lain. Sehingga, tidaklah dapat dipersamakan antara pengalaman negara satu dengan negara lainnya, atau dalam bahasa A.B. Kusuma (2008), tidak ada lagi istilah “presidensiil murni” atau “presidensiil tidak murni”. Sementara itu, sebagian para ahli hukum melihat Konstitusi sebagai organ yang hidup (the living constitution) seyogyanya harus mampu memberikan ruang interpretasi terhadap perkembangan dan kebutuhan rakyatnya. Oleh karenanya, menurut mereka, capres independent harus dapat terakomodasi secara legal-formal.
Keseluruhan “perang pendapat” tersebut setidaknya dapat kita temukan selama pemeriksaan pengujian undang-undang (constitutional review) terkait permohonan capres independen oleh Fadjroel Rachman, dkk. yang berlangsung di hadapan MK. Dari panjangnya proses pembuktian tersebut terdapat satu hal yang perlu direspons cepat ketika hampir sebagian besar ahli hukum dan anggota DPR memandang bahwa sesungguhnya tidak ada permasalahan terhadap ada-tidaknya jalur capres independen selama kehadirannya sesuai dengan politik konstitusi. Oleh karenanya, DPR dan Pemerintah siap membuka lebar-lebar pintu capres independen apabila memang telah terjadi amandemen kelima terhadap Pasal 6A ayat (2) UUD 1945. Apabila kehendak tersebut terejawantahkan, maka sudah seyogyanya Pasal 8 ayat (3) UUD 1945 mengenai pemilihan Presiden dan Wakil Presiden oleh MPR karena keadaan tertentu juga harus diamandemen.
Suara Rakyat
Undang-Undang Dasar sebagai konsensus bersama (general consensus) sudah sejatinya turut memperhatikan suara dan aspirasi rakyat yang berkembang (vox populi, vox dei). Adanya hasil survey LSI yang menyimpulkan bahwa sebagian rakyat Indonesia menginginkan dibukanya capres independen sebagai jalur alternatif selain jalur parpol menjadi bukti awal yang dapat dijadikan argumen pendukung untuk diubahnya Pasal 6A ayat (2). Terlebih lagi, beberapa penelitian ilmiah dan rekomendasi resmi dari Komisi Konstitusi sudah jauh-jauh hari menyuarakan betapa pentingnya perubahan Pasal tersebut. Walaupun bukan menjadi pendirian Mahkamah saat ini, tafsiran sebagian dissenter dalam Putusan No. 56/PUU-VI/2008 (vide halaman 127 s.d. 140) dapat juga dijadikan sinar pencerahan terwujudnya perubahan UUD 1945.
Namun demikian, ganjalan terberat justru hadir ketika usulan perubahan tersebut jatuh di tangan MPR sebagai pemegang otoritas tunggal insitusional untuk mengubah undang-undang dasar [Pasal 3 ayat (1) UUD 1945]. Pertanyaannya kini adalah mungkinkah usulan perubahan tersebut dikabulkan? Kecemasan bermunculan dikarenakan bahwa sebagian besar anggota MPR adalah anggota Partai Politik, sehingga sulit membayangkan akan terjadinya skenario adanya parpol yang secara sukarela ingin mengebiri hak konstitusional dirinya sendiri.
Untuk mengeliminir keraguan tersebut, setidaknya pendekatan dan pencerahan mengenai perlunya perubahan konstitusi tersebut bukan hanya diarahkan kepada rakyat sebagai pemegang kedaulatan tertinggi (the owner of ultimate sovereignty), namun juga diarahkan kepada parpol yang memiliki platform visioner-progresif, para anggota DPD yang berbasis perseorangan, jaringan akademisi, serta media massa yang befungsi sebagai “the fourth estate of democracy” atau pilar keempat penyanggah demokrasi (B.V. Naik, 2004)
Oleh karenanya, marilah sama-sama kita maknai proses pewacanaan dan hasil perjuangan capres independen betapapun manis-pahitnya itu, baik sebelum maupun sesudah putusan Mahkamah, sebagai proses pendidikan dan peremajaan berdemokrasi. Selama hal-hal tersebut dilakukan secara konstitusional, maka tidak ada salahnya kita menerimanya sebagai bagian dari dinamika kehidupan berdemokrasi yang sehat, serta membuang jauh-jauh rasa kecurigaan ataupun rasa skeptis yang tak beralasan.
Setidaknya, perjalanan panjang ini dapat turut pula menyuntikan vaksinasi iklim politik-ketatanegaraan yang kokoh sekaligus sebagai cermin otokritik terhadap kelembagaan partai politik Indonesia yang dianggap masih kurang memperhatikan aspirasi rakyat. (*)
* Peneliti Hukum dan Konstitusi di Jakarta.
Isaiah 17 and Damascus
As previously discussed, we know from Isaiah 17 that the oldest inhabited city on the earth, Damascus, will be completely destroyed as we approach the end of this age. How or why this happens is a matter of speculation in prophecy circles, but we have seen tensions increasing between Israel and Syria for several years. The Golan Heights area has been disputed ever since the 1967 war when Israel gained control of this strategic piece of land. Damascus is known as a central "safe haven" for terrorists groups, and many of Hezbollah's leaders operate from Damascus.
Now, the Jerusalem Post is reporting here, that Syria is finalizing construction of a chemicals weapons facility in the northwest part of their country. This weapons plant, under construction since 2005, appears to be close to completed. Interestingly, this facility is adjacent to a missile base, where Syria houses long range missiles with launch capability.
Why is this significant? Israel has stated for years that they would view any chemical or "gas" tipped missiles, as a "weapon of mass destruction", exactly the same as a nuclear weapon. In other words, an Israeli response to such attacks would be the same as if attacked by nuclear weapons.
What leads to the destruction if Damascus is unknown, but we know that bible prophecy is 100% accurate, even to the smallest details. This epic event will happen as the scriptures state, and it will happen suddenly (over the course of one night).
Syria should take the Israeli warnings seriously, but instead, their preparations for war continue.
My suggestion for Syria: Don't use these chemical weapons against Israel. Bad idea. But I'm guessing Syria won't be listening to me.
Keep watching and keep looking up. Biblical prophecy is steadily marching along, exactly as predicted.
Now, the Jerusalem Post is reporting here, that Syria is finalizing construction of a chemicals weapons facility in the northwest part of their country. This weapons plant, under construction since 2005, appears to be close to completed. Interestingly, this facility is adjacent to a missile base, where Syria houses long range missiles with launch capability.
Why is this significant? Israel has stated for years that they would view any chemical or "gas" tipped missiles, as a "weapon of mass destruction", exactly the same as a nuclear weapon. In other words, an Israeli response to such attacks would be the same as if attacked by nuclear weapons.
What leads to the destruction if Damascus is unknown, but we know that bible prophecy is 100% accurate, even to the smallest details. This epic event will happen as the scriptures state, and it will happen suddenly (over the course of one night).
Syria should take the Israeli warnings seriously, but instead, their preparations for war continue.
My suggestion for Syria: Don't use these chemical weapons against Israel. Bad idea. But I'm guessing Syria won't be listening to me.
Keep watching and keep looking up. Biblical prophecy is steadily marching along, exactly as predicted.
Sabtu, 14 Februari 2009
Last pieces of the puzzle
Anyone who has put together a puzzle knows the feeling. When you get started, you have a vast array of pieces to put together, and its difficult to see the overall picture. But as you reach the last few pieces, you can see the picture far more clearly. The last few pieces are fairly easy to put together.
Its the same way with prophecy. End times prophecy is like an array of puzzle pieces - all of which fit together to form a complete picture. Over the past 25 years, its amazing how many pieces have come together - forming the complete picture. I believe we're seeing those last pieces coming together now.
As we face the global economic meltdown, perhaps even entering into a "global depression", several pieces of the puzzle have been put in place. We know from biblical prophecy that during the Tribulation, a global leader known biblically as the Anti-christ will rule the world's financial system. He will control this system, by forcing anyone who wants to "buy or sell", to take his "Mark" (aka "Mark of the Beast") on the right hand or forehead. This will accomplish three things: 1) It will indicate that the individual has completely committed himself/herself to loyalty to the Anti-christ, 2) It indicates that the individual has formally rejected any association with Jesus Christ, and the God of our bible, 3) It will enable the individual to be able to "buy and sell", or engage in financial trasnactions; otherwise he/she would be forced into hiding, and into a black market (which will presumably exist during the Tribulation).
I recall years ago, much speculation regarding what could lead to this financial scenario. In fact, as recently as 6 months ago, these discussions led to much speculation on how the world would shape up, and lead to such draconian measures. Now, however, the picture is much clearer. Discussion points which were laughable only 6 months ago, are now commonly discussed: A global currency, a global governance of this currency, a global financial system, etc. etc. These things could have occured during the beginning part of the Tribulation, but we are already seeing the world shape up perfectly for a global leader to arise and put the last pieces together.
At the same time, we see the epic battle of "Gog-MaGog" shaping up. Much has been discussed about the Iran-Russian alliance, which is the most certian of the Middle-East alliances described in Ezekiel 38. Russia is clearly identified in the scriptures found in Ezekiel 38:1-3, 38:15, and 39:2. "Persia" (Iran) which is specifically mentioned as one of the allied regions attacking Israel, is obviously Iran, as "Persia" only became "Iran" in the 1930's. Of the other countries or regions mentioned, the third most commonly identified country has historically been Turkey. Most prophecy scholars identify Turkey from the reference of "Beth Togarmah" given in Ezekiel 38. Therefore, we have been watching developments in Turkey with great interest. In a relatively "quiet" way over the past several years, Russia has been creating a variety of economic and military alliances with Turkey. Now. we see read here this alliance as formalized. Another piece of the prophetic puzzle put in place.
At the same time, we witness the Israeli election process, in which the "conservative" bloc has regained power for the first time in many years. This conservative bloc read here has made it clear that they will bomb Iran's nuclear facilities, and soon.
At that point, the "powder keg" known as the Middle-East, may be ignited, and set off an irreversible chain of events exactly as predicted in the Bible.
At the same time, we see tensions between Syria and Israel increasing. Syria has threatened Israel with "gas-tipped" missiles, and Israel has declared that they would view such actions as nothing less than a nuclear strike. In other words, Israel will respond to gas-tipped missles exactly as they would nuclear missiles (footnote: its easy to understand Israel's dismay at the prospect of "gas" following the gassing of so many Jews during WWII). Isaiah 17 has informed us that Damascus, Syria will be completely destroyed in these end times.
The puzzle is coming together rapidly. Alliances that were predicted several thousand years ago, by God's prophets are coming together exactly as stated. The ecomonic crisis is creating the perfect scenario for a world leader to ultimately assume complete control. The world is desperate for a solution to the economic crisis. Technology can now provide the perfect solution which will allow implementation of the "Mark of the Beast". America is diminishing on the world stage, as we face a severe recession, if not an outright depression. Israeli elections have now provided the perfect ruling party to ignite the powder-keg in the Middle-East.
In 25 years of following prophecy, I have never seen a 4-6 month period like this. Not even close. The way the world has changed, just over this period of time is astonishing for a prophecy watcher. Almost every "big" world-wide event lately has ties to prophetic fulfillment.
I believe we are in the very last days. The puzzle only has a few remaining pieces left. The biggest piece may be the Rapture of the Church. We're drawing closer and closer to this predicted event every day. How much more we will witness on the world stage, before Jesus comes to gather up His church, is unknown. It can't be long, because the Tribulation period appears imminent.
Keep watching, as directed by Jesus, and keep looking up. In the context of this message, Jesus gave us several lessons or reminders during this period of biblical prophecy:
* Jesus reminds us that He has informed us of these events: "So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time." (Mark 13:23)
* Jesus reminds us of the difficulties of living in this era: "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkedness, and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap." (Luke 21:34)
* Jesus reminds us of the meaning of witnessing these prophetic events: "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke 21:28)
Lastly, the following words from Jesus should serve as tremendous comfort during this age:
"Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near". (Luke 21:31).
Its the same way with prophecy. End times prophecy is like an array of puzzle pieces - all of which fit together to form a complete picture. Over the past 25 years, its amazing how many pieces have come together - forming the complete picture. I believe we're seeing those last pieces coming together now.
As we face the global economic meltdown, perhaps even entering into a "global depression", several pieces of the puzzle have been put in place. We know from biblical prophecy that during the Tribulation, a global leader known biblically as the Anti-christ will rule the world's financial system. He will control this system, by forcing anyone who wants to "buy or sell", to take his "Mark" (aka "Mark of the Beast") on the right hand or forehead. This will accomplish three things: 1) It will indicate that the individual has completely committed himself/herself to loyalty to the Anti-christ, 2) It indicates that the individual has formally rejected any association with Jesus Christ, and the God of our bible, 3) It will enable the individual to be able to "buy and sell", or engage in financial trasnactions; otherwise he/she would be forced into hiding, and into a black market (which will presumably exist during the Tribulation).
I recall years ago, much speculation regarding what could lead to this financial scenario. In fact, as recently as 6 months ago, these discussions led to much speculation on how the world would shape up, and lead to such draconian measures. Now, however, the picture is much clearer. Discussion points which were laughable only 6 months ago, are now commonly discussed: A global currency, a global governance of this currency, a global financial system, etc. etc. These things could have occured during the beginning part of the Tribulation, but we are already seeing the world shape up perfectly for a global leader to arise and put the last pieces together.
At the same time, we see the epic battle of "Gog-MaGog" shaping up. Much has been discussed about the Iran-Russian alliance, which is the most certian of the Middle-East alliances described in Ezekiel 38. Russia is clearly identified in the scriptures found in Ezekiel 38:1-3, 38:15, and 39:2. "Persia" (Iran) which is specifically mentioned as one of the allied regions attacking Israel, is obviously Iran, as "Persia" only became "Iran" in the 1930's. Of the other countries or regions mentioned, the third most commonly identified country has historically been Turkey. Most prophecy scholars identify Turkey from the reference of "Beth Togarmah" given in Ezekiel 38. Therefore, we have been watching developments in Turkey with great interest. In a relatively "quiet" way over the past several years, Russia has been creating a variety of economic and military alliances with Turkey. Now. we see read here this alliance as formalized. Another piece of the prophetic puzzle put in place.
At the same time, we witness the Israeli election process, in which the "conservative" bloc has regained power for the first time in many years. This conservative bloc read here has made it clear that they will bomb Iran's nuclear facilities, and soon.
At that point, the "powder keg" known as the Middle-East, may be ignited, and set off an irreversible chain of events exactly as predicted in the Bible.
At the same time, we see tensions between Syria and Israel increasing. Syria has threatened Israel with "gas-tipped" missiles, and Israel has declared that they would view such actions as nothing less than a nuclear strike. In other words, Israel will respond to gas-tipped missles exactly as they would nuclear missiles (footnote: its easy to understand Israel's dismay at the prospect of "gas" following the gassing of so many Jews during WWII). Isaiah 17 has informed us that Damascus, Syria will be completely destroyed in these end times.
The puzzle is coming together rapidly. Alliances that were predicted several thousand years ago, by God's prophets are coming together exactly as stated. The ecomonic crisis is creating the perfect scenario for a world leader to ultimately assume complete control. The world is desperate for a solution to the economic crisis. Technology can now provide the perfect solution which will allow implementation of the "Mark of the Beast". America is diminishing on the world stage, as we face a severe recession, if not an outright depression. Israeli elections have now provided the perfect ruling party to ignite the powder-keg in the Middle-East.
In 25 years of following prophecy, I have never seen a 4-6 month period like this. Not even close. The way the world has changed, just over this period of time is astonishing for a prophecy watcher. Almost every "big" world-wide event lately has ties to prophetic fulfillment.
I believe we are in the very last days. The puzzle only has a few remaining pieces left. The biggest piece may be the Rapture of the Church. We're drawing closer and closer to this predicted event every day. How much more we will witness on the world stage, before Jesus comes to gather up His church, is unknown. It can't be long, because the Tribulation period appears imminent.
Keep watching, as directed by Jesus, and keep looking up. In the context of this message, Jesus gave us several lessons or reminders during this period of biblical prophecy:
* Jesus reminds us that He has informed us of these events: "So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time." (Mark 13:23)
* Jesus reminds us of the difficulties of living in this era: "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkedness, and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap." (Luke 21:34)
* Jesus reminds us of the meaning of witnessing these prophetic events: "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke 21:28)
Lastly, the following words from Jesus should serve as tremendous comfort during this age:
"Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near". (Luke 21:31).
Kamis, 12 Februari 2009
Demokrasi Anarki: Suatu Puisi Jiwa
DEMOKRASI ANARKI 
Berteriak lantang berkedok aspirasi
Mengumbar janji dan program suci
Lihat! semua orang bernafsu meraih kursi
Di tengah euforia terbukanya pintu reformasi
Gawat Tuan! Nurani bangsa telah dicuri
Mereka saling tuding dan saling menggurui
Yang tidak setuju boleh gunakan emosi
Kerahkan massa, lalu letupkan provokasi
Inikah yang kau sebut demokrasi?
Ah bukan, ini sih namanya democrazy!
Pantas saja tiap demonstrasi berhujung anarki
Karena kita memang berada di alam mobokrasi
Berteriak lantang berkedok aspirasi
Mengumbar janji dan program suci
Lihat! semua orang bernafsu meraih kursi
Di tengah euforia terbukanya pintu reformasi
Gawat Tuan! Nurani bangsa telah dicuri
Mereka saling tuding dan saling menggurui
Yang tidak setuju boleh gunakan emosi
Kerahkan massa, lalu letupkan provokasi
Inikah yang kau sebut demokrasi?
Ah bukan, ini sih namanya democrazy!
Pantas saja tiap demonstrasi berhujung anarki
Karena kita memang berada di alam mobokrasi
---
Merdeka Barat, 12/02/09 - 18:00 WIB
Catatan: Turut Berduka atas jatuhnya korban dalam Demokrasi Anarki
di Gedung DPRD Sumut
Selasa, 10 Februari 2009
Israeli Elections
The Israeli elections took place today and the picture is just beginning to emerge. Their process is quite different from the election system that we're familiar with in the U.S. In Israel, the vote is technically for a party, rather than an individual. Additionally, following the election, a coalition must be formed, which does constitute a majority, and it is this coalition that actually forms the ruling body of Israeli politics.
In the current elections, based upon exit polling and early returns, it appears that the "right-wing" bloc (formed by several parties), led by Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu have the votes needed to form a ruling coalition. The combination of his party and the ultranationalist Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu party, appear to have enough votes in order to form a conservative coalition. According to commentaries coming in from Jerusalem (APnews) read here Avigdor Lieberman holds the key to this election. He and his party can determine the balance of power, by forming a coalition with the more liberal party (Kadima) or by forming a coalition with the conservative Likud party.
The general assumption is that a conservative coalition will be formed, primarily between the Likud Party and the Yisrael Beitenu Party, with Benjamin Netanyahu as the next Prime Minister of Israel - but the process still has days, perhaps weeks before being determined. It will take this period of time for the coalition to be formed.
Meanwhile, we'll be keeping a close eye on this fascinating process. As previously stated - the most significant aspect of this election will be how Israel deals with the Iranian nuclear situation, and the various terrorist groups who surround Israel. The two conservative parties who now appear to have a coalition, have made it clear that they will take a much more aggressive approach towards both Iran and their puppet terrorist organizations, Hamas and Hezbollah. A future attack on Iran may create the perfect set-up for the epic battle described in Ezekiel 38-39.
Update: Joel Rosenberg's Election Coverage HERE
In the current elections, based upon exit polling and early returns, it appears that the "right-wing" bloc (formed by several parties), led by Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu have the votes needed to form a ruling coalition. The combination of his party and the ultranationalist Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu party, appear to have enough votes in order to form a conservative coalition. According to commentaries coming in from Jerusalem (APnews) read here Avigdor Lieberman holds the key to this election. He and his party can determine the balance of power, by forming a coalition with the more liberal party (Kadima) or by forming a coalition with the conservative Likud party.
The general assumption is that a conservative coalition will be formed, primarily between the Likud Party and the Yisrael Beitenu Party, with Benjamin Netanyahu as the next Prime Minister of Israel - but the process still has days, perhaps weeks before being determined. It will take this period of time for the coalition to be formed.
Meanwhile, we'll be keeping a close eye on this fascinating process. As previously stated - the most significant aspect of this election will be how Israel deals with the Iranian nuclear situation, and the various terrorist groups who surround Israel. The two conservative parties who now appear to have a coalition, have made it clear that they will take a much more aggressive approach towards both Iran and their puppet terrorist organizations, Hamas and Hezbollah. A future attack on Iran may create the perfect set-up for the epic battle described in Ezekiel 38-39.
Update: Joel Rosenberg's Election Coverage HERE
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