The End Times and the War in Israel

9 Cheshvan 5784 B”H

Most people who know the Bible agree that we are living in the end times. With Israel at war, what does living in the end times mean for us now?

The Word of God is a perfectly designed “guide to the end times”

In this world of uncertainty and turmoil, I am grateful that we have the unchanging Word of God.

The Bible is the perfect blueprint for how to construct our personal lives in relationship to God and it informs us about what will happen in the end times. If we follow God’s instructions properly we will build our lives upon the Rock with our Messiah as the Chief Cornerstone and the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. The Apostle Paul expressed this more eloquently than I ever could in his letter to the church in Ephesus:

“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,  in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22

God’s Word is also a perfectly designed “guide to the End times.”

The “perilous times” in which we live: a sign of the end times

If you are feeling overwhelmed lately, you are not alone.

It is one thing after another. Innumerable school shootings, a worldwide pandemic, widespread drug and substance abuse, global human trafficking, nations rising against nation (like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine),

and now the horrific war in Israel.

We are certainly living in eventful times. Paul called these “perilous times” when he taught Timothy about the end times to come:

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” 2 Timothy 3:1-5, emphasis added

“But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:13-15, emphasis added

Did you ever notice that it is in that very same chapter in 2 Timothy, we find the famous verse that declares the absolute infallibility and perfection of the original autographs of the Word of God:

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17, emphasis added

When we are faced with the worst that the world has to offer, it is exactly at that time when we need to know we can rely on God’s Perfect Word. When we see the evil all around us, we can stand firm knowing that God has the Final Word. Our Aleph-Tav (our Alpha-Omega), the One who is the Beginning and the End has declared that He will help us to be “thoroughly equipped.”

It is safe to say we are indeed living in the last days and need to be thoroughly equipped in faith. In Scripture, particularly in Matthew, Jesus (Yeshua) talked quite a bit about the “end of the age.” Even in the Great Commission He assures us that He will be with us always – even to “the end of the age”(Matthew 28:19-20). With all that is going on, we certainly need to rely on Him being with us through it all!

Any serious Christian will acknowledge that no one knows the day or hour of our Savior’s return (Matthew 24:36), but we live in the end times tension knowing that we must be ready for the blessed hope – the rapture of the church. He will come for us at the end of the age and His return is truly imminent!

The current events we are living and witnessing are indeed end times signs of the soon coming of the end of the age. Be righteously vigilant!

“Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ…” Titus 2:13

The end times prophesied by Daniel

If you are interested in eschatology (the study of the end times), you should definitely study the book of Daniel. As you do, you will see that there is no doubt we are living in the last days.

“At that time Michael shall stand up,
The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people;
And there shall be a time of trouble,
Such as never was since there was a nation,
Even to that time.
And at that time your people shall be delivered,
Every one who is found written in the book.

And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,
Some to everlasting life,
Some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Those who are wise shall shine
Like the brightness of the firmament,
And those who turn many to righteousness
Like the stars forever and ever.

“But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end;

many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” Daniel 12:1-4, emphases added

Daniel’s description of many running to and fro may well refer to the increase in easy and global air travel. Certainly we are aware that knowledge has greatly increased, even just within the past 100 years. Think of all the scientific and technological breakthroughs that have occurred. From medicine to iPads, the world has changed drastically and time seems accelerated.

Though there will be times of great change and trouble, the Bible tells us everyone who is found in the Book of Life will be delivered, those who are wise shall shine bright, and those who have reached people for the Gospel will shine like the stars forever! What awesome hope we have!

Did you know that modern Israel was born in just one day?

The very establishment and existence of the nation of Israel fulfills an end times word spoken through the Prophet Ezekiel:

“Then say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD God: “Surely I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, wherever they have gone, and will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land.” Ezekiel 37:21

When Israel became a nation in 1948, it was truly a miracle. In our lifetimes, we have witnessed the growth and prosperity of the beautiful nation of Israel. So many families have made aliyah (immigration to Israel) and it is easy to see how God has blessed the nation of Israel.

The modern country of Israel came to be in one single day.

I find this U.S. National Archives and Records Administration press release absolutely remarkable. This is what the historical record states:

“At midnight on May 14, 1948, the Provisional Government of Israel proclaimed a new State of Israel. On that same date, the United States, in the person of President Truman, recognized the provisional Jewish government as de facto authority of the Jewish state (de jure recognition was extended on January 31, 1949).” 

Isaiah had prophesied about this very event:

“Who has heard such a thing?
Who has seen such things?
Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day?
Or shall a nation be born at once?
For as soon as Zion was in labor,
She gave birth to her children.” Isaiah 66:8, emphases added

Yes, indeed who has heard such a thing?

A nation just born all at once?

The relationship between Israel and the United States is so special because our nation was truly a part of that miraculous birthing of a nation.

Iran’s irrational hatred

The irrational hatred toward Israel exhibited by countries like Iran seems to grow with each passing day.

Israel has been an example of stability, resilience, and democracy in the Middle East region.

Israel’s patience in not yet beginning the ground campaign in Gaza has been merciful and demonstrates commendable restraint.

IDF soldiers continually demonstrate kindness to Palestinian children and civilians.

Israel’s culture and military leadership operate in sharp contrast to many of the surrounding nations who seeth with anger, oppress their citizens, and encourage terrorism of civilians.

Sadly, it appears things are going to get worse for Israel before they get better.

Iran’s unrelenting threats against Israel and ongoing support of Hezbollah and Hamas demonstrate that the Iranian government is indeed poised to fulfill its role as instigator of war against Israel. Those who study the Bible closely are not surprised by this because Ezekiel 38 mentions Persia (modern day Iran) as a key player in the ultimate war of Gog and Magog that will lead to the end of the age.

“Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. 

 I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords. Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops—many people are with you.” Ezekiel 38:1-6, emphases added.

Simchat Torah War: The day Hamas attacked Israel

The attack against Israel took place on the last day of the Biblical Feast of Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles) which is known as Simchat Torah (the Joy of the Torah). A day meant for celebration turned into the deadliest day for Israel since the Holocaust.

“‘Thus says the LORD God: “On that day it shall come to pass that thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will make an evil plan:  You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will go to a peaceful people, who dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates’— to take plunder and to take booty, to stretch out your hand against the waste places that are again inhabited, and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and goods, who dwell in the midst of the land.” Ezekiel 38:10-12, emphases added

Notice the ways this prophecy of Ezekiel, prophesied 2,500 years ago just came to pass on October 7, 2023.

The Islamic militants from Gaza came up with an evil and brutal plan and attacked the peaceful Jewish villages in Southern Israel.

The Antichrist will promise peace to Israel

Israel has already suffered so much loss of life. Entire families have been ruthlessly murdered by Hamas and so many soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces have been killed protecting their families and country.

At some point in a now perhaps not-so-distant future, Israel will be looking to make a peace agreement. Daniel’s prophecy about the Antimessiah indicates that the Antichrist will confirm a covenant with Israel, but he will betray them:

“Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
Even until the consummation, which is determined,
Is poured out on the desolate.” Daniel 9:27

Many are debating whether or not the antimessiah has already been born and is alive today. Time will tell, but in any event, we must use discernment and approach all things with fervent prayer so that we are never deceived by a counterfeit Christ.

End times prophetic fulfillment in progress: the Gospel will be proclaimed to the ends of the earth

With so many Bible translation efforts and global access to internet and smartphones increasing daily, the Gospel has truly made it to the ends of the earth. Yes, there are still unreached people groups, but at some point those people will encounter the Gospel message and our commission to go forth into all the world will be completed.

The LORD will return, and soon.

Be ready! Share the saving message of the Good News of Jesus Christ (Yeshua haMashiach) with everyone you meet before it is too late and make sure you set your sight on your Coming King.

Maranatha!

We are living in unprecedented times. How are you being led to pray in these times? Please leave your comments below. I enjoy hearing from you!