WordJourney

Last weekend I had the pleasure in attending a prophecy conference which happened to be held at my church. Dr. David Hocking, whose Christian radio ministry Hope For Today is heard on radio stations across the US, was the speaker.

Over the years since I first came to the Lord in 1977, I have heard many different teachers and preachers expound on Biblical prophecy with some leaving me confused, bored, or otherwise in disagreement. I’ve heard preaching from post-tribulation, mid-tribulation, and even non-tribulation perspectives, but only came to know and accept pre-tribulation theology within the past year or so.

To say I wasn’t convinced of this particular time-line was an understatement — I was downright hostile to it! Thankfully, God revealed to me His plan for the last days through reading about Enoch and I understood that the bride will be caught up before the final seven year tribulation period kicks in.

Dr. Hocking explained prophecy from a pre-tribulation perspective with an emphasis on the nation and land of Israel. Despite the various and often polarizing teachings I have heard down through the years, I’ve always believed that God wasn’t through with Israel and that the Jews returning from exile to the land that He gave them were still his chosen people. The “replacement theology” permeating many churches today saying that God gave up on Israel in 70 A.D. is just wrong.

Dr. Hocking’s address for the Sunday services was in line with what he shared on Friday evening and Saturday morning, giving us ten reasons why Christians should support Israel in the last days:

1. The most mentioned subject in the Bible next to His own name is the name of Israel, mentioned 2576 times!
2. God has chosen Israel out of all nations — see Deuteronomy 7:6, His chose people.
3. God has identified Himself with her — “The God of Israel.”
4. God has a special love for her — see Jeremiah 31:3.
5. Because God has given her land that He calls His own.
6. God will never forsake her.
7. God will destroy all who come up against her.
8. Because God will restore her to the promised land.
9. God will come and dwell in her midst.
10. God has brought salvation to the whole world through her Messiah — Isaiah 53.

True, Israel is currently blinded to who the Messiah is but that blindness will be removed at the unveiling of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. For Christians, we should continue to pray for Israel, especially as pressure mounts for Israel to surrender some of her land, especially Jerusalem. Unfortunately, the political climate around the world is openly hostile to Israel, but that can also be a good thing — Jesus is near and all of Israel must cry out to Him.

But you, O Israel, my servant,
Jacob, whom I have chosen,
you descendants of Abraham my friend,

I took you from the ends of the earth,
from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’;
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:8-10, NIV)

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!
Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
righteous and having salvation,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (NIV)

Easter (Resurrection Sunday) comes very early this year, falling on March 23rd, just one day shy of the earliest possible date it can arrive. For those wondering just how late Easter can show up, April 25th is that date.

Zechariah prophesied that a king would show up, bringing salvation with him, and that prophesy was fulfilled when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem on a donkey that Palm Sunday (estimated to be on April 6, 32 AD by a Sir Robert Anderson, former head of Scotland Yard, an English layman with a keen understanding of the Bible). Read Luke 19:28-42 for the fulfillment.

Tying what Zechariah said with Daniel’s prophecy in Daniel 9:25 it becomes evident that Jesus showed up exactly on schedule.

This week Christian’s will be marking the most important events on the church calendar, even more important than the birth of Jesus Christ.

This past Sunday was Palm Sunday, marking the coming of the king and in peace. Thursday marks the Last Supper, the time when Jesus ministered to his disciples for the final time before His death while revealing that one would betray Him.

Friday is Good Friday, where Jesus took the sins of the world upon His shoulders — dying a horrible death on the cross — being the perfect sin offering before Father God. Finally, Sunday is Resurrection Sunday, signifying that Jesus rose bodily from the dead, overcoming sin and death once and for all.

While the king arrived in Jerusalem on a donkey (signifying peace), the king will return again, but this occurrence has him riding on a horse (signifying war).

All of mankind is at war with God until people individually make peace with Him on His terms. God has provided a way to end this war, through the sacrifice of His perfect sin offering, Jesus Christ. This sacrifice has already been done, but to be saved from your sins you must accept His atoning work.

Are you at peace with God or are you at war with God? There isn’t any middle ground! Come to Jesus this Easter season and understand that your sins are what is separating you from having communion with God.

Jesus is the bridge between God and man, the only avenue to the Father who is calling you to Himself today by His Spirit.