From Sovereignty to Present
Since the fulfillment of Ezekiel 37 (the re-establishment of Israel as the Jewish homeland), God has certainly placed His protective Hand over them. As soon as the new State of Israel was proclaimed on May 14, 1948, her Arab neighbors were determined to wipe her off the map, sparking Israel’s 15-month War of Independence. Subsequent wars followed in 1956, 1967, 1973, and 1982. In 1991, Iraq was determined to drag Israel into the first Gulf War by hurling Scud missiles at her. Sounds a lot like some of the Old Testament stories of ancient Israel’s victories. Despite superiority in numbers, Israel’s enemies have failed to vanquish her when God was on her side. Not only have Israel’s Arab neighbors failed to destroy her, but Israel has gained more territory in the process.
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Jesus prophesied that “Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles [non-Jews] until the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled.” [Luke 21:24] The “times of the Gentiles” started with the Babylonian captivity in 606 B.C. and will continue until the Tribulation and return of Christ. [Luke 21:25-28]
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In the Parable of the Fig Tree, Jesus said, “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. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” [Luke 21:29-33] It is also interesting to note that the fig tree when used symbolically in Scripture, usually refers to the nation of Israel.
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So, are we that close? I believe so. By end of the Six Day War of 1967, Israel had occupied nearly twice as much territory as it had in 1948. Most significant was that Jerusalem, once divided between Israel and Jordan, was now completely occupied by the IDF (Israel Defense Force), placing it under Jewish control for the first time since 606 B.C. 1 In fact, the IDF occupied the Temple Mount where General Moshe Dayan planted the Israel flag atop the Dome of the Rock (al Aqsa Mosque).
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Outnumbered fifty to one, the IDF won the war. Nonetheless, in a move that still has some Israelis angry today, General Dayan withdrew the IDF from the Temple Mount. He felt it more prudent to allow the Muslims to keep their holy site; otherwise the Jews were sure to dismantle the mosque and rebuild the temple, and therefore igniting a holy war. 2
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Today I would submit to you that at the very least, the fig tree that is Israel is budding. The Jews don’t occupy the Temple Mount, but they do pray at its Western Wall.
**
To further illustrate God’s favor over Israel, it’s interesting to note that while the eastern and southern walls of the Temple Mount are threatening an imminent collapse, the Western Wall appears unaffected. Truly the Hand of God is at work here.
**
Since the fulfillment of Ezekiel 37 (the re-establishment of Israel as the Jewish homeland), God has certainly placed His protective Hand over them. As soon as the new State of Israel was proclaimed on May 14, 1948, her Arab neighbors were determined to wipe her off the map, sparking Israel’s 15-month War of Independence. Subsequent wars followed in 1956, 1967, 1973, and 1982. In 1991, Iraq was determined to drag Israel into the first Gulf War by hurling Scud missiles at her. Sounds a lot like some of the Old Testament stories of ancient Israel’s victories. Despite superiority in numbers, Israel’s enemies have failed to vanquish her when God was on her side. Not only have Israel’s Arab neighbors failed to destroy her, but Israel has gained more territory in the process.
**
Jesus prophesied that “Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles [non-Jews] until the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled.” [Luke 21:24] The “times of the Gentiles” started with the Babylonian captivity in 606 B.C. and will continue until the Tribulation and return of Christ. [Luke 21:25-28]
**
In the Parable of the Fig Tree, Jesus said, “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. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” [Luke 21:29-33] It is also interesting to note that the fig tree when used symbolically in Scripture, usually refers to the nation of Israel.
**
So, are we that close? I believe so. By end of the Six Day War of 1967, Israel had occupied nearly twice as much territory as it had in 1948. Most significant was that Jerusalem, once divided between Israel and Jordan, was now completely occupied by the IDF (Israel Defense Force), placing it under Jewish control for the first time since 606 B.C. 1 In fact, the IDF occupied the Temple Mount where General Moshe Dayan planted the Israel flag atop the Dome of the Rock (al Aqsa Mosque).
**
Outnumbered fifty to one, the IDF won the war. Nonetheless, in a move that still has some Israelis angry today, General Dayan withdrew the IDF from the Temple Mount. He felt it more prudent to allow the Muslims to keep their holy site; otherwise the Jews were sure to dismantle the mosque and rebuild the temple, and therefore igniting a holy war. 2
**
Today I would submit to you that at the very least, the fig tree that is Israel is budding. The Jews don’t occupy the Temple Mount, but they do pray at its Western Wall.
**
To further illustrate God’s favor over Israel, it’s interesting to note that while the eastern and southern walls of the Temple Mount are threatening an imminent collapse, the Western Wall appears unaffected. Truly the Hand of God is at work here.
**
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Notes:
1. LaHaye, Tim and Jenkins, Jerry B. Are We Living In the End Times? Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, 1999, p. 53.
2. Ibid., pp. 53-54
Notes:
1. LaHaye, Tim and Jenkins, Jerry B. Are We Living In the End Times? Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, 1999, p. 53.
2. Ibid., pp. 53-54
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