One of the funniest skits ever is Abbott & Costello’s “Who’s on First?” It’s a study in words as each of them tries to figure out what the other is saying. As you watch the video, what makes it so hilarious is how confused they get over something so simple.
I think the subject of end time prophecy is often viewed this way. At times it all seems so confusing. At least it has been to me. I guess the reason I started blogging is to share what parts of prophecy I’ve been learning recently and see what you think. I do hope you’ll leave a comment about what you may be learning or even if you disagree with my thoughts.
While the subject of the Abbott & Costello skit is “who;” the subject of my title is asking instead, Who’s “on” first in terms of what might be next on God’s calendar. I was going to cover three possible scenarios here but there was too much information. Part 2 next time.
For a long time, I had my end time theology all tied up with a neat little bow. First on the agenda was the any-moment return of the Lord…the Harpazo or Rapture…which would start the Tribulation. Somewhere in there was the Gog/Magog war of Ezk. 38-39.
I didn’t really have to worry about anything bad happening since we’d be “outta here” soon. I tended to interpret Biblical signs by what was happening in America instead of the Middle East.
Wrong!
I believe in God’s economy, all prophecy has to do with His chosen land and peoples…Israel. As I continued to study, I realized that I couldn’t be at all dogmatic about the timing of these events! Maybe you have a fuzzy view on future events as well?
It’s becoming increasingly clear that God is revealing more of His plan as we get nearer the end of the age. Trusted Bible teachers and personal study have begun to uncover nuggets from God’s Word that have for me, shed whole new light on timing and events.
What if one of these scenarios is due to happen in the near future, before the Rapture or beginning of the Tribulation?
Isa.17:1, 13 Here is a message about Damascus: “Look, Damascus is no longer a city,” it is a heap of ruins! In the evening there is sudden terror; by morning they vanish.
Damascus is the oldest inhabited city in the world. It has never been destroyed. These verses indicate that one day that city will basically disappear. Overnight!
Have you been following the news? Have you seen how very close Damascus is to Hezbollah territory; the terrorist group threatening war with Israel right now? Have you seen how close Damascus is to the encroaching ISIS forces in Iraq? Are you aware that Israel has been attacking parts of Damascus already?
The third possible scenario is the Psalm 83 war. The details and possibilities of this war are staggering and we’ll look at that next time.
Zech. 12:3 On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it.
This is a very sobering verse when we consider that America is certainly part of “all the nations of the earth.” Is it possible that at some point, the US will abandon it’s closest ally in the Middle East?
I believe it has already begun.
Most of all, our main “preparation” for anything that is in the future is spiritual. Make some extra time to memorize Bible verses that speak to you. Spend time in the Word each day so the Lord can speak to you and give you clear direction.
And don’t forget to put on your spiritual armor each day. Whether we are aware of it or not, we face spiritual battles every day.
Eph. 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
Regardless of what happens next, there are compelling hints that we are living in the end of days. Believers through the ages have longed to live in these days. We are!
Let’s live as if Jesus will return in the next day. He might!
Kathy, thank you, again, for this insightful blog. I wholeheartedly agree that we are living in the last hour of human history and that the evil behind the world curtain has the stage set— simply waiting for the departure of the Bride of Christ. The New Age people already have websites and instructions for “their people” after what they refer to as “THE EVENT.” They don’t say what they mean by “the Event.” I think it is interesting that it is capitalized; I believe the demons are referring to the Rapture which they will mischaracterize after it happens. The lie may be that intolerant, troublemaking people were removed who would have otherwise stood in the way of world peace and unity.
I agree with you about the U.S. bringing herself under God’s judgment by forsaking Israel, and, of course, no one is sure when the Psa. 83 or Ezek. 38 wars will take place on God’s calendar; most preachers that I’ve heard stated that, although we cannot be sure, they think these may take place during the trib. But, who can be sure?
You might like JD Farag YouTube, Mideast Prophecy Update. This pastor in Hawaii is a former Muslim whose Christian parents fled the middle east when he was 8, if I remember his testimony correctly. Every Sun. after church, he has a mid-east prophecy update where he informs of current events in light of Scripture. If you Google “JD Farag YouTube” you will see several of the updates; I think you can go back as far as you’d like. I know he gives a semi-Lordship-salvation at the end, but I believe he, like John MacArthur and many others, is equipped well as a Bible teacher, and I highly value their contributions to the Church. And—– he understands well how his people think.
I agree. The Church was non ordained for judgment, but for His eternal purposes in the heavenlies ,where Christ sits , and the ministry to which Paul was called. We are to be “received up in glory” (1 Tim 3:16) and “called on high” (Phil. 3:14), not a subject of the Tribulation. Isn’t it interesting that the angel said to Lot: “I cannot do anything until thou be come thither.”
Carol, I love Pastor Farag! I look forward to his Prophecy Updates on YouTube every Monday. He’s a quiet and gentle spirit who really knows his stuff.
Kathy, that’s great! I also look forward to his Prophecy Updates —and like you, I usually have to wait until Mondays. You describe him well! I love the news information he provides and especially his longing for Christ’s return. You probably already know, but there’s a good website: Lion and Lamb Ministry; I think the pastor does a good job with the purpose of the Church and why it could never belong in the tribulation.
The video I listened to from Lion & Lamb was “Mystery….”(referring to the Church). I haven’t listened to the other videos on this website, so I don’t know if I would recommend them.
I know it is currently in vogue for many to put the battle of Gog & Magog before the Rapture. But, if Gog is destroyed I see no reason for Israel to seek a seven year peace treaty. I do believe the destruction of Damascus could be preparatory. Again, I like your heart.