Luke 21:29-31 says:
He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
All who study or are generally aware of Bible prophecy know that the "fig tree" is representative of Israel. She and her capital Jerusalem are one of the true focal points to watch as current end-time prophecies unfold before our very eyes.
I've written quite extensively in the past on this incredible nation and her people. (For more in-depth information, see Israel/Jerusalem under the Teaching Tab.) -- Going forward, I think we need to continually watch the daily events surrounding her. In this writing, I want to touch on the current state of the ongoing peace process.
To start, we know that America, Israel's one, true ally since she became a nation in 1948, has been steadily pulling away from this relationship since the Obama administration came to power. (See blog entry "Israel's Impending Isolation" - dated 03/20/09.) Although many are surprised by this, I am not because of the scripture in Zechariah 12:2-3 which states,
"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.
Also, Zechariah 14:2 says,
I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it... (Emphasis mine.)
These verses clearly state that Israel will stand alone in these final days of "The times of the Gentiles".
The sad part about America's desertion of Israel is that she, along with all the other nations who go against Israel, will be dealt with in a severe way by Almighty God. (See Zechariah 12:3)
Moving now to the state of the current peace process, we saw President Hosni Mubarak, of Egypt visit President Obama this week in Washington D.C. - We all remember the "famous" speech by Obama in Cairo in early June of this year - how he praised all Muslim nations and insulted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu by not even meeting with him -- and how he declared there will be peace and security only when Israel's land is divided and the Palestinians are given a state as part of that divided land, with part of Jerusalem as its capital.
The meeting this week is part of the process of America seeking a deal that will set the final borders of a Palestinian state. Also, Obama assured Mubarak that America was applying "extreme pressure" on Israel to freeze all construction in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
I'm sure this is all good and well-intentioned, but what about Israel? How does she feel about all this? -- To start with, Netenyahu and a large majority of the government and the populace, do not want, and therefore will not willingly split their capital city. -- Just a thought, but I wonder how Obama and the rest of America would feel if Israel asked us to split Washington D.C. with half going to Canada, and to not start any new construction in the surrounding areas? -- I won't even qualify this with an answer.
As for the Palestinian state, Israel has agreed if the Palestinians will recognize Israel as a sovereign Jewish state, and if they will agree to being a demilitarized nation. -- On just these two issues alone, all of the Arab nations, and especially the Palestinians, Hamas and Hezbollah, said they will never agree to this. -- And by the way, Israel said they will never agree to splitting their capital city, Jerusalem.
Cutting to the chase, it is pointless to reach out to groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, let alone the Palestinians. These organizations have one agenda and that is the extinction of Israel. With this in mind, the two-state solution for peace is doomed to failure. Every concession will lead to the need of further peace talks. -- The Arab's goal is to capture and destroy ALL of Israel.
But the main reason Washington's hopes for peace will fail is that the bible says it will never work. Eventually, Jerusalem will become the main stumbling block of the "peace process" and the struggle over this city will eventually lead to a series of global conflicts.
Speaking of Jerusalem, anyone with a secular mindset should think it strange that so much attention is being paid to this city. Jack Kelley rightly pointed out in a recent article that, "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 high tech center. it has no natural resources. While it's too hilly for an airport, it doesn't command any strategic high ground."
Despite its lacking all the qualities that mankind would desire, Jerusalem remains the center of world attention. -- Coincidence? -- Those of us who know the Bible know better! The prophets told us this is how it would be in the final days.
To sum up, I believe America is in real danger because of its policies and political shift away from Israel. In short, we are messing with God's city, HIs beloved Jerusalem, and He will pour out His wrath on this nation. -- I think one of the reasons we are in such tough shape economically is because of our current attitude toward Jerusalem and Israel. -- And I truly believe there is much more to come to this once-great land.
Concerning Jerusalem, there is no easy answer. The Palestinians laid claim to all Jerusalem neighborhoods that were occupied by Jordan between the years 1948-1967. This simply means they want the entire old city. -- Israel will never agree to any such thing because God has already declared the Jews as the rightful owners of the Holy City.
In the end, the Anti Christ may have a temporary compromise, but there will be total war for control of Jerusalem.
As we march ever closer to this moment, it lets us know how close we are to the Tribulation hour.
1 Peter 4:7 says, "The end of all things is near, therefore be clear-minded and self controlled so that you can pray."
Until next time,
Red