If you are interested....

Two announcements:

1. I will be speaking at Sunrise Church in Chapel Hill, NC this Sunday at 10:00 am.
[website here]. The topic is evolving as led by the Holy Spirit (is it already Thursday? Yikes!)

The church, Sunrise Baptist is located on the NE corner of I-40 and the "New Hope Church Rd" exit (263).

2. The same church listed above will be involved in Joel Rosenberg's "National Town Hall Meeting" webcast which will discuss the threat of Radical Islam, the future of Israel and the role of the Church in the Middle East. This event takes place on Friday evening, September 11, 2009. A 30-minute excerpt from the new 90-minute "Inside the Revolution" documentary film will be shown - then followed by a question/answer session involving Joel Rosenberg. Then we will discuss the topic and take questions at Sunrise Church where this will be shown. I will be there to take questions and discuss the topic following Joel Rosenberg's film. This should be very interesting. More details will follow as the event approaches.

Maranatha!

In the news...

The last two weeks have been relatively quiet from a prophecy point of view; always a nice time to take a deep breath and await the next series of "birth pains" which we know will come, as certianly as a woman in labor knows that a new round of labor pains will be coming during a lull. Still, there are a few news items of relevance:


"Iran wants Bushehr operational in 2009". In this article we see that Iran is on the brink of taking their nuclear plant "on-line" before the end of the year.

"Iran is ready to build an N-bomb - it is just waiting for the Ayatollah's order". We see the following quote from this article:

"Iran has perfected the technology to create and detonate a nuclear warhead and is merely awaiting the word from its Supreme Leader , Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to produce its first bomb, Western intelligence sources have told The Times."

Then we see the usual, daily calls for the complete destruction of Israel, from those "peace-loving" terrorists in the region:

"Al-Qaeda's Zawahri says wipe Israel from the map"

Additionally, there are two excellent commentaries in the "Nearing Midnight" section of the Rapture Ready boards:
[read here]

Maranatha!

Swine Flu Update

The hysteria around the Swine Flu continues to perplex this writer. Having been in medicine for approximately 30 years, I can honestly say that I have never witnessed anything like this before, and it is easy to see why the conspiracy theories continue to gain fuel.

The mystery is simple. Compared to most flu outbreaks (annually), this flu is very mild, both in terms of morbidity and mortality. The number of deaths from this flu is actually very low as compared to the "typical" flu. The only atypical aspect of this flu is the season (summer months) of the outbreak and potentially its bizarre genetic make-up (another source of "conspiracy theories"). Otherwise, its very unremarkable.

So why the hysteria? The hysteria is seen in many ways. Calls for mandatory vaccines. Military intervention. Constant news updates. All for a routine flu? Huh? It doesn't make sense.

First, some background. I am not personally opposed to childhood vaccines, and I believe the link to things such as autism is very weak. The point being - I am not a crusader against vaccines in general. However, in the case of seasonal vaccines (annual vaccines against seasonal flu virus outbreaks) - I propose that there is minimal safety testing (how can there be in such a short period of time? Answer: there simply isn't enough time to establish either short-term safety or long-term safety testing). In addition, by the time you get the seasonal vaccine, odds are very high that the virus would have mutated, rendering the vaccine ineffective.

In the case of a perceived "crisis" such as the one in 1976, when a vaccine is "fast-tracked" even more so than the "typical" seasonal flu vaccines, then there can be huge problems with safety aspects and long term adverse effects. Simply google "1976 vaccine" and you can see the disaster that ensued after that vaccine was fast-tracked.

Once again, we appear to not have learned lessons from history.

Now to the news articles regarding the Swine Flu vaccine:


"Europe Fast-Tracking Swine Flu Vaccine". In this article we see the following quotes:

"In a drive to inoculate people against swine flu before winter, many European governments say they will fast-track the testing of a new flu vaccine, arousing concern among some experts about safety issues and proper vaccine doses."

"But European officials won't know if the new vaccine causes any rare side effects until millions of people get the shots."

"But to ensure swine flu vaccine is available as soon as possible, the European Medicines Agency is allowing companies to SKIP TESTING in large numbers of people BEFORE THE VACCINE IS APPROVED" (emphasis mine).

"Mass swine flu vaccination campaigns will also take place in the shadow of the 1976 swine flu disaster, when hundreds of people in the U.S. developed Guillain-Barre syndrome, a paralyzing disorder, after being vaccinated." (note: Guillian-Barre was just one of the many side-effects from that vaccine).

Adding to the hysteria, we see this article from CNN:

"Military planning for possible H1N1 outbreak". Quotes from this article include:

"The U.S. military wants to establish regional teams of military personnel to assist civilian authorities in the event of a significant outbreak of the H1N1 virus this fall, according to defense Department officials...The plan calls for military task forces to work in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). There is no final decision on how the military effort would be manned, but one source said it would likely include PERSONNAL FROM ALL BRANCHES OF THE MILITARY." (emphasis mine).

More information on the vaccine here:

"Vaccine May Be More Dangerous Than Swine Flu". Quotes:

"Worldwide, there have only been 311 deaths out of 70,893 cases of swine flu. In the United States, 27,717 cases have resulted in 127 deaths. Every death is a tragedy, BUT SUCH A LOW DEATH RATE SHOULD NOT BE THE BASIS OF A DRACONIAN GOVERNMENT POLICY." (emphasis mine). "It is helpful to recall that the Centers for Disease Control with the collusion of the media, constantly tell us that 36,000 people die from the flu each year...In this case we are talking about 300 plus deaths for the entire world."

Concerning one of the main ingredients in this vaccine, squalene, we see the following:

"Because squalene, the main ingredient in MF-59, can induce hyperimmune responses and induce autoimmunity, a real danger exists for prolonged activation of the brain's immune cells, the microglia. This type of prolonged activation has been strongly associated with such diseases as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinsons' disease, ALS and possibly vaccine-related encephalitis....and this brain inflammation can persist for long periods."

"Squalene in vaccines has been strongly linked to the Gulf War Syndrome. On August 1991, Anthony Principi, Secretary of veterans Affairs admitted that soldiers vaccinated with the anthrax vaccine from 1990 to 1991 had an increased risk of 200 percent in developing the deadly disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Low Gehrig's disease."

Military intervention? FEMA involvement? Fast-tracked vaccine? Mandatory vaccinations?

All for a mild, unremarkable flu? Whats up? I have no idea. As a good friend of mine used to say "the audio doesn't match the video" (thanks for the quote, DMC if you are reading this...). We have a flu that is remarkably mild in terms of significant sickness or deaths. Yet, the EU and the US is treating it like it threatens the world's population. Why?

I have no idea. But as stated, in 30 years, I have never seen anything remotely like this. Conspiracy theories are abundant; normally I would dismiss these conspiracies, but this time, since no rational basis exists, one has to at least give a passing glance to the conspiracy theories.

Last but not least, just in case you are interested, this link provides a state-by-state exemption criteria if someone decides to "decline" the vaccine, whether mandatory or not. It may prove useful in the coming months:

Listing Here of Exemption Criteria for Each State

This story will come to a head over the fall and into the winter months, and it is worth watching closely (as if we'll have a choice anyway).

Either way, this scenario seems prophetic. Either we have a massive, deadly flu circulating world-wide, in which case we see the "pestilence" sign that Jesus warned about. Or, the government will continue its massive growth, and reveal its ability to impose mandates on all citizens - all based on a non-existant threat: similar to what the world will see during the Tribulation when the Mark of the Beast is imposed.

These certianly are "interesting times" that we are living in. Its a world that I never would have envisioned, even a few years ago. But here we are. Birth pains continue. Stay tuned.

Preparations for War?

It looks like we are seeing preparations being made for war (again) in the Middle-East. First, we see the primary alliance of "Gog-MaGog", namely Iran and Russia, engaged in war preparations.

The Jerusalem Post is reporting "Russia, Iran to hold naval maneuver", which will be held in the Caspian Sea. A revealing quote comes from this article:

"In April Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov explained that Iran is "our neighbor, it's a country which can play a very important role in solving a number of acute international issues, such as the situation in Afganistan, Iraq and different aspects of Mideast peace settlement." All I can say is, "Has Mr. Lavrov been reading the book of Ezekiel?"

Also, for the first time in approximately two years, after the last battle on Israel's northern border, where the terrorist group Hizbullah operates and controls the countryside, we see troop movement and tanks relocating close to the border with Lebanon:

"Tension, Tank Movements and Jet Sorties on Northern Border"

"Report: Lebanese, IDF forces deploy along border"

This build-up, along the northern border is exactly what preceeded the battles two summers ago. I also recall when the fighting started on the border, fighting between Hizbullah and the IDF, fighting had been taking place for almost two weeks before the mainstream-media picked up on the story. Fortunately, biblical prophecy watchers were on the story as soon as it began; I expect the same this summer (assuming fighting does indeed take place).

This is worth watching simply because the Middle-East is a powder-keg, just waiting to be ignited. Sooner or later the fighting will evolve in the epic battle, as led by a biblical figure called "Gog", which we believe is the leader of Russia. Watching this build-up and the alliances consolidating is fascinating. Now we see joint exercises planned, between Russia and Iran....As revealed by God's prophet Ezekiel.

It seems that fighting always breaks out in the summer months. We shall see.

Kolom Opini: "Quo Vadis Putusan MA?"

QUO VADIS PUTUSAN MA?
Oleh: Pan Mohamad Faiz*

Sumber: Opini Seputar Indonesia, 30 Juli 2009

Atmosfer politik Indonesia akhir-akhir ini memanas. Dua gugatan terhadap Keputusan KPU tentang Penetapan Hasil Rekapitulasi Pilpres telah dilayangkan oleh pasangan calon presiden dan calon wakil presiden ke Mahkamah Konstitusi (MK).

Mereka menengarai hasil penghitungan KPU tidak sah karena terlalu banyak pelanggaran dan kesalahan selama proses pemilihan presiden, baik secara prosedural maupun substansial. Sementara itu, minggu sebelumnya dunia perpolitikan kita lebih dahulu dikejutkan oleh keluarnya putusan Mahkamah Agung (MA) Nomor 15 P/HUM/2009 bertanggal 18 Juni 2009.

MA memutuskan tidak sah dan tidak berlaku untuk umum Pasal 22 huruf c dan Pasal 23 ayat (1) dan (3) Peraturan KPU No 15/2009 terkait cara penghitungan tahap kedua untuk kursi DPR. Memang dalam putusan tersebut MA tidak mengutak-atik perolehan kursi partai politik yang berhak duduk di Senayan, namun secara tidak langsung dipastikan akan memengaruhi perolehan kursi dari banyak partai politik papan menengah.

Implikasinya,menurut CETRO, 66 kursi di DPR RI diperkirakan akan beralih partai! (Seputar Indonesia, 28/7). Karena putusan MA tersebut sangat berdampak pada konfigurasi politik nasional untuk lima tahun ke depan, tak ayal sensitivitas politiknya pun sangat tinggi. Akibatnya, ingar-bingar dan kemelut antara pihak yang diuntungkan dan dirugikan atas putusan tersebut kontan menghiasi berbagai media cetak dan elektronik.

Sayangnya, respons yang keluar dalam menanggapi putusan tersebut justru lebih banyak berhulu pada respons politik, bukan berangkat melalui respons hukum. Sejatinya,suatu produk hukum dan pengadilan harus pula ditanggapi dengan kajian yuridis, bukan justru dihadapkan sekadar dengan analisis dan bumbu politis.

KPU pun kian menjadi sorotan tajam dan berada pada posisi yang dilematis serta terjepit dalam kondisi ini. Di satu sisi KPU wajib menjalankan putusan tersebut, di sisi lain apabila melaksanakan putusan tersebut dapat mengakibatkan guncangnya sendi-sendi sistem politik dan pemilu yang bermuara pada keterpilihan kursi yang telah ditetapkan sebelumnya.

Titik Lemah Putusan

Putusan MA memang sudah dibacakan, namun ruang untuk mengkritiknya dalam koridor hukum tetaplah terbuka lebar. Tetap dengan menghormatinya, paling sedikit terdapat empat titik kelemahan krusial dalam putusan tersebut.

Pertama, permohonan sejenis untuk pengujian materi Pasal 23 ayat (1) Peraturan KPU No. 15/2009 sebenarnya pernah diajukan dan diputus pada 2 Juni 2009 dengan amar putusan menolak permohonan untuk pemohon Hasto Kristyanto dan tidak dapat diterima untuk pemohon A Eddy Susetyo (vide Putusan Nomor 12 P/HUM/2009).

Atas substansi permohonan yang sama dengan komposisi majelis yang sama pula, seyogianya permohonan yang diajukan oleh Zainal Ma’arif (vide Putusan Nomor 15 P/HUM/2009) tidak dapat diuji kembali (nebis in idem) atau setidak-tidaknya menyatakan amar putusan yang serupa, sebab apabila kita perbandingkan dalil dan materi permohonan, sebenarnya tidak ada perbedaan yang mendasar dari keduanya.

Kedua, menafsirkan Pasal 205 ayat (4) UU No 10/2008 dengan cara “Partai politik yang sudah memperoleh kursi pada tahap I karena mencapai BPP harus diikutkan kembali pada penghitungan perolehan kursi pada tahap II tanpa menggunakan sisa suara yang dimilikinya,tetapi secara utuh diperhitungkan semua suaranya,”(vide halaman 8) adalah tafsir yang terlalu dipaksakan.

Dengan cara penghitungan demikian, maka akan terjadi “double counting” dalam penentuan kursi, yaitu dihitung dua kali di tahap pertama dan juga di tahap kedua, hal mana bertentangan dengan prinsip "one person one vote". Tafsir ini pun tidak lagi kompatibel dengan sistem proporsional yang telah diterapkan sejak lama di Indonesia.

Bila pun ada kelemahan karena dianggap tidak adil dalam mengonversi jumlah suara partai dengan jumlah suara kursi, maka hal ini memang sedari awal telah diakui secara sadar namun disepakati untuk tetap diberlakukan, mengingat tidak ada satu sistem pemilu pun yang hadir tanpa celah dan kelemahan masing-masing (Florian Bieber, 2007).

Ketiga, amar putusan a quo juga tidak konsisten dan sinkron antara satu dan yang lain. Angka kedua amar putusan justru memutuskan bahwa Pasal 22 huruf c dan Pasal 23 ayat (1) dan (3) Peraturan KPU No No 15/2009 “Pembentukannya bertentangan dengan ketentuan yang berlaku dan lebih tinggi yaitu UU No 10/2008,” (vide halaman 16). Dengan kata lain, diputus dalam ranah uji formil, padahal permohonan berbicara pada ranah pengujian materiil yang tentu keduanya memiliki konskuensi putusan berbeda.

Seandainya pun “pembentukannya” yang dianggap bertentangan, maka rujukan seharusnya adalah UU No 10/2004 tentang Pembentukan Peraturan Perundang-undangan, bukan UU No. 10/2008 mengenai Pemilu Legislatif.

Keempat, amar yang memerintahkan KPU untuk merevisi dan menunda pelaksanaan Keputusan KPU No 259/Kpts/KPU/2009 merupakan perintah yang kebablasan (overheated). Memutus permohonan tersebut tidak bisa serta-merta disandingkan dengan putusan yang dikeluarkan oleh MK terkait penerapan Pasal 205, sebab objek dan kewenangan yang sedang dijalankan berada pada ranahnya masing-masing yang berbeda. Lagipula, apabila kita telaah secara cermat, Keputusan KPU Nomor 259/Kpts/KPU/2009 yang diadili oleh MA tanggal 18 Juni 2009 telah dinyatakan batal demi hukum oleh MK sejak 11 Juni 2009, sedangkan putusan MA tersebut diputus kemudian pada 18 Juni 2009.

Tentu masih banyak lagi aspek yang bisa diperdebatkan atas perkara yang diputus oleh MA tersebut. Misalnya berwenang atau tidaknya MA menguji peraturan KPU yang status dan kedudukannya memperoleh tempat khusus dalam peraturan perundang-undangan, atau terhadap keberlakuan surut-tidaknya suatu putusan judicial review.

Upaya Hukum

Tentu kita berharap, apabila terdapat ketidakpuasan atas putusan MA tersebut, para pihak juga dewasa menyikapinya dengan jalur hukum yang tersedia. Putusan MA sejatinya dihormati dengan pelaksanaan. Namun sepanjang masih tersedia upaya hukum dan apabila diperlukan, maka kreativitas yudisial (judicial creativity) berdasar hukum perlu ditempuh baik oleh KPU maupun para pihak yang merasa dirugikan dalam membuka jalur yang buntu.

Begitu pula dengan para hakim, dengan pertimbangan di atas seharusnya tidak perlu ragu melakukan aktivitas yudisial (judicial activism) seandainya bermaksud untuk meluruskan kembali putusan tersebut berdasarkan keadilan dan hati nuraninya (Kermit Roosevelt 2008). Upaya hukum peninjauan kembali ke Mahkamah Agung atau menguji konstitusionalitas dan penafsiran Pasal 205 ayat (4) UU 10/2009 ke Mahkamah Konstitusi, mungkin saja menjadi alternatif jalur solusi hukum yang dapat diambil.

Hanya saja yang perlu dipahami adalah ketika jalur hukum yang tersedia telah habis (exhausted), maka para pihak, suka tidak suka, mau tidak mau,harus tunduk dan patuh serta menghormati pada apapun putusannya nanti. Akhirnya KPU pun tidak perlu lagi merasa cemas atas putusan tersebut, sepanjang respons dan tindakan yang muncul adalah respons hukum, bukan sebaliknya, respons politik yang sering kali hanya berbicara untuk kepentingan sesaat. (*)

* Alumnus Pascasarjana Perbandingan Hukum Konstitusi (M.C.L.) pada Faculty of Law, University of Delhi. Pemerhati Hukum dan Konstitusi pada The Center of Law Information (The CeLI).

Link: http://www.seputar-indonesia.com/edisicetak/content/view/258646/

Who owns Jerusalem?

Below is a commentary by author Jack Kelly (website and article here), in which he explains the history and significance of Jerusalem - through God's eyes.

It is amazing to me, that this relatively small city would receive so much attention by the world's leaders, as peace-plans in the Middle-East continue in a seemingly never ending process. The fact that this scenario was predicted over 2,500 years ago is striking. Imagine predicting (today) what city in the world will be a "burdensome stone" for the world in the year 4500. Hard to imagine. But thats exactly what God's prophets predicted and, like all prophecy, it is happening just as written.

The following is a very timely and informative summary of Jerusalem - as seen by man and as seen by God:


Leave Jerusalem Alone

This Week’s Feature Article by Jack Kelley

250 Israeli Rabbis Sign Letter to Obama: “Hands off Jerusalem”
In a reference to the upcoming “nine days” which culminate in Tisha B’Av, the rabbis tell US Pres. Obama that “during these days, in which the Jewish people mourn the destruction of Jerusalem and mark the disgraceful memory of its destroyers, we are certain that you, Mr. Barack Obama, do not want to enter that disreputable list of those who raise their hand to strike Jerusalem and those who live in it.”

The rabbinical letter ends with a clear request: “If you, Mr. Obama, wish to leave any chance at all for peace and quiet in the Middle East, take your hands off the Holy City of Jerusalem right now!”


Two hundred and fifty rabbis have signed the appeal, and efforts are being made to collect the signatures of every rabbi in Israel before the letter is sent to Washington. (Source: A7News)

Tisha B’Av is a particularly sad day for Jews. Both the first and Second Temples were destroyed on that day, and down through history a number of other religious and national catastrophes have occurred on the 9th of Av as well. The nine days mentioned above refer to the first nine days of Av, a time of national mourning for these events that culminates on the 9th, Tisha B’Av. This year Tisha B’Av falls on July 30 so the nine days of mourning began on July 22.

The chain of events that resulted in this letter began in 1948 when Jordan attacked the newly created state of Israel and captured the Eastern part of Jerusalem including the Temple Mount. All of the city had been given to Israel by the UN. 19 years later Israel got it back in the 6 Day War and annexed it, reuniting the city. Since then several hundred thousand Jews have made Eastern Jerusalem and its suburbs their home. But the international community has never accepted the legality of the annexation. It calls the neighborhoods they live in “settlements” and the so-called Road Map agreement forbids additional settlement construction until Jerusalem’s final status has been negotiated. Will it remain undivided as Israel’s capitol, or will it be divided again with the Eastern part becoming the capitol of a future Palestinian state?

Israelis are united in their view that all of Jerusalem is legally theirs and it must never be divided again. That’s why PM Netanyahu has flatly rejected the world’s demand that he deny permission for an empty building in East Jerusalem already under Jewish ownership to be converted into apartments. This construction project, financed by Miami Beach philanthropist Irving Moskowitz, is located mere yards from Israel’s national police headquarters and other government ministries, and only a few blocks from the country’s prestigious Hebrew University.

Here’s How It All Began
The Jewish claim to Jerusalem is over 3,000 years old. While the Jews were still in the wilderness, God told them he was going to name a place for them to worship Him after they entered the Promised Land. (Deut. 12:5) But it wasn’t until David was King, several hundred years later, that God chose Jerusalem to be that place.

“Since the day I brought my people out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city in any tribe of Israel to have a temple built for my Name to be there, nor have I chosen anyone to be the leader over my people Israel. But now I have chosen Jerusalem for my Name to be there, and I have chosen David to rule my people Israel.” (2 chronicles 6:5-6)

Once God had selected a location, Satan wanted it as well. He had already duped Adam and Eve into forfeiting their dominion over earth to him. But unless he has possession of Jerusalem, he doesn’t really have possession of Earth. Three times the Lord Himself called Satan the prince of this world (John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11). And Paul said he’s the god of this age (2 Cor. 4:4). Satan needs Jerusalem to perfect his claim to planet Earth. This is why the final battle for control of Earth will be fought over Jerusalem.

Jerusalem has no natural harbor. It isn’t situated astride any major trade route. Nor is it a gateway city. It’s not a banking or industrial or commercial or medical or hi-tech center. It has no natural resources. While it’s too hilly for an airport it doesn’t command any strategic high ground. It has nothing at all to commend it except for the fact the God chose it for Himself. And to Satan that makes it the most desirable piece of real estate on the planet.

Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians as part of God’s judgment against them for their idolatry, but even as He was sending them away He promised He’d bring them back.

This is what the LORD says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:10-11)

He fulfilled this promise in what came to be known as the first regathering of Israel. But even before the first one, God had Isaiah promise there would also be a second regathering, because once more Israel would be scattered and again Jerusalem would be destroyed. The second destruction began in 69-70 AD when Jerusalem was burned to the ground and by 135AD the nation had ceased to exist altogether.

This time there was no predetermined date known to man when Israel would rise again and as the centuries passed most Gentiles assumed that God had abandoned His people and transferred His blessings to the Church, even though the prophets had said otherwise. But at the end of the 19th Century the hearts of Jews around the world were stirred and the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy began to look like a real possibility after all.

In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the remnant that is left of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the sea. He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth. (Isaiah 11:11-12)

Even though the Zionist movement began on the eve of the 20th Century, and the Balfor Declaration laid the ground work for a Jewish homeland in 1917, this second regathering officially began in 1948 and continues to this day. Immediately Satan called his troops to battle and before the ink was dry on the UN declaration that made Israel a nation again, they were at war. By the time it was over, half the Holy City had been captured. 19 years later in June of 1967 Israel reunited Jerusalem in the Six Day War.

Who’s Behind This?
As you can see, the fight for Jerusalem isn’t really between Arab and Israeli, or even between Molsem and Jew. Satan has simply stirred Israel’s enemies up for his own purposes, and as the Jews inch closer and closer to renewing their covenant with God and making Jerusalem the one place on Earth to worship Him again, Satan will make Israel’s enemies become more and more determined to stop them. He won’t give up until he has the whole world united against Jerusalem. But as we’ll see, it’s a losing strategy.

“I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. 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 12:2-3)

Zechariah saw Israel’s victory over its neighbors happening in 2 stages. First, the nations surrounding Jerusalem will rise up against it, but they’ll be sent reeling. This will be accomplished in two fierce battles, one foretold in Psalm 83 and the other in Ezekiel 38-39. God will deliver a supernatural victory in Ezekiel’s battle to open Israel’s eyes and draw them back to Him and the land He gave them.

Then they will know that I am the LORD their God, for though I sent them into exile among the nations, I will gather them to their own land, not leaving any behind. (Ezekiel 39:28)

Then at the very end of the age, the anti-Christ will mobilize all the nations of Earth and gather them against Jerusalem for one final push. It too will end in failure.

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse and his army. But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. The rest of them were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh. (Rev. 19:11-16,19-21)

But In The Mean Time
The world is already pushing against Israel in a way never seen before. The US has demanded that this building in East Jerusalem not be renovated. The EU has condemned all “settlement” construction. Javier Solana wants the UN to set a date for unilaterally imposing the two state solution, dividing Jerusalem again. All the world powers have united against Israel in this matter. And this is just the beginning. But here’s the Lord’s response.

Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings. Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing. (Isaiah 40:15-17)

The LORD foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations. (Psalm 33:10-11)

This is what the LORD says: I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain. (Zechariah 8:3)

No other city has been so clearly and so decisively claimed by God as His own, so this isn’t about religion and it isn’t about politics. It’s about whether we’re on God’s side or on Satan’s. Those who set about to divide the only city on Earth God has claimed for Himself are taking a stand against Him personally (Psalm 2:2). and aligning themselves with Satan. And it’s not like there’s the slightest chance of succeeding. These men with their great armies who think they can push God and His people around haven’t got a clue as to how outmatched they are.

The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, “I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.” (Psalm 2:4-6)

From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth - He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. (Psalm 33:13-16)

Nor is there any chance that God will change His mind or forget His promise to His people,

This is what the LORD says, He who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the LORD Almighty is his name: “Only if these decrees vanish from my sight,” declares the LORD, “will the descendants of Israel ever cease to be a nation before me.” (Jeremiah 31:35-36)

or give up and go away.

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow. (Isaiah 62:1-2)

“And the name of the city from that time on will be: The LORD is There .” (Jehovah Shammah) (Ezekiel 48:35)

From all this it seems pretty clear that Jerusalem belongs to God forever, and there’s no chance that anyone trying to say otherwise will prevail. Indications this week are that the US may moderate its position where Israel is concerned, and may adopt the Bush Administration position that trying to forbid construction that only accommodates natural growth is not practical.

Some are saying that Mr. Obama is beginning to realize that his appeal to the Moslem world hasn’t changed anything, so he’s decided “to avoid a situation where he gets nothing from Arab leaders and yet is at odds with the Jews.” Time will tell, but if true, this is good news for America. After all, aren’t we in enough trouble with God already? 07-25-09

"Its just so hard to believe"

Its been a slow news week, which is always a good time for reflection. Having said that, however, one brief news article is of potential interest:

Under the category of Zechariah's prophecy that the entire world would be lined up against Israel, we see the following article "Worldwide Coalition, Media Putting Israel in Corner"

Back to the main point of reflection. I often hear folks say that the prophecies contained in the book of Revelation are so dramatic and so "epic" its simply hard to believe that they will occur. After all, the world hasn't witnessed God's hand in such dramatic ways since the Old Testament descriptions, and its hard for many people to believe that the entire earth can actually experience these kinds of events, as dictated directly by God. But the book gives us some interesting insight and direction, which specifically seems to address this natural skepticism.

The first three verses of the book of Revelation contain scriptures that are unique to this book:

"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw - that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ." (1-2)

"Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it because the time is near." (3).

This last verse is interesting on several levels. First of all, this "blessing" is not offered in any other book in the bible. "Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy".

Secondly, we see "...blessed are those who....take to heart what is written in it because the time is near.". You may recall that the last chapter of Daniel reveals how the angels informed Daniel that the prophetic scrolls would be "opened" at the end of the age. Now, we see that when men take the book of Revelation "to heart" then the time is near. Its been the second half of "this generation" that man began to read the book and understand it in a literal manner. Prior to this generation, throughout the last 2,000 years, the book of Revelation was viewed as a symbolic writing, not intended for specific, literal interpretation. Finally, as part of God's divine plan, man is reading, understanding, and applying the book of Revelation in a literal way, and in essense "taking it to heart". Another sign that we are in the last days.

But what I find as more interesting, are three key scriptures found in this book. I believe we receive these three scriptures because of the epic nature of Revelation, and to serve as a guide in reading and understanding the book:

In Revelation 19, we see a scene taking place in heaven, just at the point of the Second Coming, a huge "multitude" of saints celebrating God's greatness by praising and recognizing that the Tribulation is over and Jesus is returning to earth to reign, we see the following words by one of God's angels:

"And he added, "These are the true words of God" (Rev. 19:9).

No ambiguity there. No reference to symbolism. No reference to dreams or visions. As seen above in the beginning words of the book, John was testifying to what he was shown, and he was shown the future exactly as it happened.

Reading further:

Revelation 21:5 "He who was seated on the throne said. 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down for these words are trustworthy and true."

In this scripture, God Himself informs John (and subsequently, us) that these very words are trustworthy and true. Note the LACK of direction that these writings could be symbolic or allegoric in nature. No. Rather God makes it very clear that one can trust these VERY WORDS exactly as stated.

Thats two specific references to taking the words literally. But that wasn't enough. We see this yet a third time:

"The angel said to me, 'These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets sent his angel to show the servants the things that must soon take place.'" (Rev. 22:8)

It doesn't get any more clear than that does it? For someone who believes that the book of Revelation is a vague, symbolic book, to be interpreted by the individual, would necessarily need to explain these three key scriptures. If the book was intended to be understood as some kind of mystical symbolism, then why would God have directed us by stating that each WORD of the book is both trustworthy and TRUE?

Then, if that weren't enough, we see yet another blessing to those who read and understand the "words" of this book:

"Behold, I am coming soon!
Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book." (Rev. 22:7)

Hard to believe?

Not really. God said so. He said the words are trustworthy and true. He also said that we will be blessed by reading and keeping these words, as stated.

Thats enough for me.