In the news....

I've been off-line due to modem problems, which are now (hopefully) resolved. Probably another sign of the times (computer problems) although I can't prove it biblically (kidding).

This week there were three news stories which align with prophecy watching:

One of the most accurate prophetic predictions comes from Zechariah:

"This is the word of the Lord concerning Israel...I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling...On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves." (Zechariah 12:1-4)

This has been a continuing prophetic fulfillment ever since 1967 when Israel recaptured the Holy City. For anyone who has closely observed all of the previous attempts at peace in the Middle-East, primarily between Israel and the surrounding Arab states, it is easy to see how the last "sticking point" in every negotiation in the region has been over the fate of Jerusalem.

Even this week, we see this idea confirmed. As seen in Israel National News (read here), The Center for American Progress, which has "served as a source for several of the Obama administration's policies", issued a report recommending that control of Jerusalem be taken away from Israel.

More significant, prophetically, is the following quote: "Operating with the premise that the Old City of Jerusalem is the central problem in the peace process, the report discusses various options for a third-party entity that would replace Israel as its administrator."...Interesting choice of words...I wish them luck with this scenario (not really) - as God has clearly determined that any such effort will "injure" any nations involved in taking Jerusalem from the Nation of Israel. More importantly, the verbiage used here reads almost identically to the prophet Zechariah's words, written approximately 2500 years ago.

Also in the news is an update on the EU's progress towards finalizing the Lisbon Treaty (expected in October, when Ireland formalizes their vote approving the Lisbon Treaty). Many of us are watching this situation closely, as the treaty specifies a "permanent" president. Several people have been actively lobbying for the job, but no one as obvious as Tony Blair. We see
in this article, from the Guardian, that Tony Blair is meeting some opposition in this endeavor. Several new names are beginning to emerge, so this evolving situation is definitely worth watching. The prophetic implications are obvious, as we know the antichrist will arise from the "revived roman empire".

Also in the news, we read where former U.S. Ambassador to the UN, John Bolton is stating that an Israeli attack on Iran is the "only option in preventing the Muslim country from obtaining a nuclear weapon" (read here). Additionally we see the following quote by Mr. Bolton:

"In an article headlines 'Time for an Israeli Strike?' Bolton answered his own question by stating, 'Israel's decision of whether to use military force against Tehran's nuclear weapons program is more urgent than ever...Those who oppose Iran acquiring nuclear weapons are left in the near term with only the option of targeted military force against its weapons facilities."

We seem on the very brink of several significant prophetic events. We watch the as the EU consolidates their power structure with a "permanent" president and a similar position of power within the foreign policy department. We watch as Jerusalem continues to present the main "immovable rock", seemingly blocking finalization of the peace process in the Middle-East. We also read where the window of opportunity for Israel to deter Iran's quest for nuclear arms closing rapidly.

The word "imminent" keeps coming up. There are so many prophetic developments that seem to be JUST on the brink of complete fulfillment. Its almost as if God is keeping the "lid" on things until His perfect timing occurs. Just as all previous prophecy was fulfilled specifically and literally, so will all remaining prophecy. And we prophecy watchers have front row seats, while the rest of the world sleeps.

As stated by the apostle Peter (2 Peter 1:19):

"And we have the word of the prophets made more certian, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as a light shining in a dark place."

A light shining in a dark place. Indeed.