“For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Rev. 19:10

At the midpoint of the final seven years (Daniel’s 70th week), the Anti-Messiah will desecrate the temple in Jerusalem. This is the Abomination of Desolation, beginning the final 3.5 years called the Great Tribulation.  At the end of the Great Tribulation, we reach the day of which nearly every biblical prophet spoke, the Day of the Lord. One of the main causes of confusion in the book of Revelation is that it builds up to the Day of the Lord several times, and just before it tells you the good part, it interrupts the story with an aside or it jumps back in time to show another perspective on the events leading up to that day. In this article, we will work through several of these narrative jumps to highlight the clear chronological sequence of events, especially at the end of the Great Tribulation.

The Feast Days in the Great Tribulation

The Day of the Lord and return of Messiah is strongly correlated with the fall feast days: Yom Teruah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. Six months before these holy days, we have the spring feasts of Pesach (Passover) and Unleavened Bread. The Abomination of Desolation is likely to happen on Pesach, one of the holiest days of the year, 3.5 years before the return of the Lord. For more background on this idea, check out our video Prophetic Fulfillment of the Biblical Feasts.

From the time of the Abomination of Desolation, Jerusalem and the court of the Temple will be “given to the Gentiles, and they will trample over the holy city for forty-two months” (Rev. 11:2). The two prophets are witnessing in Jerusalem during this time. At the end of the Great Tribulation, they are killed, and after 3.5 days, they are resurrected and called up to Heaven. The flow of chronology from chapter 11 to chapter 14 suggests that this is not a special, stand-alone event, but rather the beginning of the global rapture/resurrection at the return of Messiah.

The End of the Great Tribulation

Chapter 11 ends with the 7th trumpet (11:15-19), which initiates a scene in Heaven. The angels and saints declare that the time has come for final judgement and the beginning of Messiah’s rule, which connects us back to these previous passages:

Sixth Seal:
“Then I watched as he broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake, the sun turned black as sackcloth worn in mourning, and the moon became blood-red. The stars fell from heaven to earth just as a fig tree drops its figs when shaken by a strong wind. The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place. Then the earth’s kings, the rulers, the generals, the rich and the mighty — indeed, everyone, slave and free — hid himself in caves and among the rocks in the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us, and hide us from the face of the One sitting on the throne and from the fury of the Lamb! For the Great Day of their fury has come, and who can stand?’” Rev. 6:12-17

Seventh Trumpet:
“There will be no more delay; on the contrary, in the days of the sound from the seventh angel when he sounds his shofar, the hidden plan of God will be brought to completion, the Good News as he proclaimed it to his servants the prophets.” Rev. 10:6b-7

“The seventh angel sounded his shofar; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying,
‘The kingdom of the world
has become the Kingdom
of our Lord and his Messiah,
and he will rule forever and ever!’” Rev. 11:15

Chapter 11 ends with the Temple in Heaven opening to reveal the Ark of the Covenant (v.19). Chapters 12 and 13 are an aside to explain the origin of the beast (Anti-Messiah), and then chapter 14 resumes the scene in Heaven where we left it in chapter 11. When 14:1 says, “there was the Lamb standing on Mount Zion; and with him were 144,000”, I see this as the heavenly Jerusalem (compare to Hebrews 12:22) from which Jesus and his saints are about to return. The 144,000 are the Messianic Jews mentioned in Revelation 7 and the “full number” of the martyrs mentioned in Revelation 6:11.

The Rapture/Resurrection

Chapter 14 proceeds with angels proclaiming three messages over the earth: the Gospel, the announcement of Mystery Babylon’s fall, and a warning not to worship the Anti-Messiah. These are the final chance for anyone to respond to God’s mercy, because Messiah is on His way to judge the earth and set up His kingdom.

Then the rapture/resurrection takes place:

“Then I looked, and there before me was a white cloud. Sitting on the cloud was someone like a Son of Man with a gold crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. Another angel came out of the Temple and shouted to the one sitting on the cloud, ‘Start using your sickle to reap, because the time to reap has come — the earth’s harvest is ripe!’ The one sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.” Rev. 14:14-16

The end of chapter 14 (v.17-20) summarizes the bowl judgments as the treading of the winepress of God’s wrath, which chapters 15 and 16 describe in detail.

Setting aside chapters 12 and 13, Revelation 11:11 through 14:16 is all describing a continuous series of events on the same day. The end of chapter 14 (summarizing the bowl judgments) appears to happen over the course of several days, possibly between Yom Teruah and Yom Kippur.

Armageddon and the Bowl Judgments

The events of the bowl judgments in chapters 15 and 16 coincide with the return of Jesus, the final battle (aka Armageddon), and His march to Jerusalem. Put another way, the bowl judgments are the means by which Jesus fights the final battle. Chapters 17 and 18 are another aside about Mystery Babylon, and then chapter 19 is a vision of Jesus that compliments chapters 14-16. He goes forth from the Temple in Heaven on a white horse accompanied by the armies of Heaven and He treads the winepress of God’s wrath (bowl judgments, final battle).

There is a great deal of curiosity about “the battle of Armageddon”, so we made an entire video about it.

Revelation moves through this time period swiftly and focuses on the cataclysmic plagues that accompany the Day of the Lord. Many other parts of the Bible provide details about what happens in the days immediately following the bowl judgments and the return of Messiah:

• The marriage supper of the Lamb
• Jesus judges the nations (think tribunal as opposed to the plagues of judgement)
• The resurrected saints join Jesus in ruling the earth (Rev. 20:4)
• There is a years-long process of cleanup and reconstruction (Ez. 39)
• All nations submit to Messiah’s authority and celebrate Sukkot in Jerusalem annually (Zech. 14:16)
• The Earth is restored to an Eden-like state

In Revelation 20, Satan is bound and Jesus begins His millennial reign. After 1,000 years, Satan is allowed one final rebellion, and then cast into the lake of fire forever. At this point, Jesus holds the Great White Throne Judgement, where all the living and the dead are judged — except those whose names are written in the Book of Life (Rev. 20:15).

The Book of Life

How do you get your name written in the Book of Life and escape the Great White Throne Judgement? This is perhaps the least mysterious part of Revelation: “Blessed and holy is anyone who has a part in the first resurrection; over him the second death has no power” (Rev. 20:6a). If you believe in Jesus now, before His return, you will be part of the first resurrection and you never have to fear judgement again. The Book of Life will also contain the names of those who survive the Great Tribulation and then turn to the Lord, and those who are born during the Millennium and serve Messiah faithfully, but they still must pass through that final judgment. We who live in the present age have the greatest and simplest opportunity for eternal security, because now is the time we can receive Him by faith. In the Day of the Lord, every eye will see Him and faith, at least in the manner and to the degree that we now depend on it, will no longer be possible. Don’t let that opportunity pass you by!

All Scripture taken from Complete Jewish Bible (CJB). Photo credit: Mission Media, Lightstock.com.

Famine was in the land of Samaria. It got so bad that the citizens started eating their children. It’s hard to even fathom such a desperate situation! One citizen cried out to the king for help but he replied, “If the Lord does not help you, where can I find help for you?” And again he said, “Surely this calamity is from the Lord.”

The historical account from II Kings 6:24-33 is very humbling to read. It appears to have started when the enemy besieged Samaria, cutting off the food supply, which lead to inflation, famine, and starving citizens. But in reality, the root cause had been going on for generations.

Abandoning the Lord

For decades, since the reign of King Solomon, the people of Israel had been slowly replacing worship of the One True God with pagan worship and sacrificing to false gods. They sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the Lord, even to the point of killing His prophets and performing child sacrifices. Finally, the Lord had declared disaster on the people. Viewing things from a human perspective, we might consider this a harsh punishment. However, God had warned the nation of Israel that He is a jealous God and would not tolerate false religions or other gods. He was now returning their evil on their own heads.

Around one hundred years before the famine hit Samaria, King Solomon dedicated the (first) Temple in Jerusalem unto Jehovah. We read the account in I Kings 8 and verses 31-40 are especially prophetic of the events to come for Israel:

“When anyone sins against his neighbor…then hear in heaven, and act, and judge Your servants, condemning the wicked, bringing his way on his head, and justifying the righteous by giving him according to his righteousness. When Your people Israel are defeated before an enemy because they have sinned against You, and when they turn back to You and confess Your name, and pray and make supplication to You in this temple, then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of Your people Israel…”

The next few verses list the consequences for sinning against the Lord, which include drought, famine, pestilence, enemy attack, plague, sickness, etc.

Applying this passage to modern-day events, one can understand why many Christians asked if the recent plague of Covid-19 was from the Lord. Of course, based on this passage, it could also apply for food shortages, inflation, terrorist attacks, natural disasters, political unrest, etc. Most definitely, God sends judgment when His people of covenant turn their hearts from Him.

God’s Consequences

In the very next chapter, we read the Lord’s reply to Solomon’s prayer. He confirms the consequences that follow when a nation that has been established by God forsakes the Lord.

“And the Lord said to him: ‘I have heard your prayer and your supplication that you have made before Me; I have consecrated this house which you have built to put My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually. Now if you walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and in uprightness…then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever…’” (I Kings 9:3-4)

“But if you or your sons at all turn from following Me, and do not keep My commandments and My statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land which I have given them; and this house which I have consecrated for My name I will cast out of My sight. Israel will be a proverb and a byword among all peoples. And as for this house, which is exalted, everyone who passes by it will be astonished and will hiss, and say, ‘Why has the Lord done thus to this land and to this house?’ Then they will answer, ‘Because they forsook the Lord their God, who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, and worshiped them and served them; therefore the Lord has brought all this calamity on them.’ ” (I Kings 9:6-9)

The Lord clearly laid out the requirements for blessing and the consequences of forsaking. It was up to the people to remain faithful and keep their hearts pure before the Lord.

The Power of Prayer

Another time when God’s hand was turned against His people, due to the sin of Solomon’s father towards the end of his reign, David cried out to the Lord for mercy.

“And David’s heart condemned him after he had numbered the people. So David said to the Lord, ‘I have sinned greatly in what I have done; but now, I pray, O Lord, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done very foolishly.'”

The story goes on to say, “So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. And David built there an altar to the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord heeded the prayers for the land, and the plague was withdrawn from Israel.” (II Samuel 24)

Through prayer and repentance the plague was stopped. America would be wise to follow the example of King David’s humble repentance. Our nation must turn back to God and repent of our abandoning His ways. We were founded as “one nation under God” and our forefathers entered a covenant relationship with the Lord. Across this land we have forsaken the Lord, from the church pews to the government buildings. God is our only hope for salvation, both eternal and from the consequences of sin. Both require heartfelt repentance and a turning away from sin.

In the words of the prophet Elijah, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him…” (I Kings 18:21)

All Scripture passages taken from the New King James Version of the Bible.

How do you fix a broken nation?

Add another government program? More economic stimulus? Elect a different president?

Humanistic thinking could easily lead you to any of these conclusions. America has certainly tried time and time again. But have you noticed that it never works? No man-made solution has ever been able to solve the root problem.

Oddly enough, there is a solution that will get to the heart of every issue. It is not a secret, nor is it complicated or expensive. It has been in front of us our entire lives, but in recent generations it has not been applied on a national level.

In fact, the one solution that can fix this broken nation is the solution that Americans (as a whole) appear to be most unwilling to try.

The reason man-made solutions have not worked is because they apply social, economic, and political solutions to a spiritual problem. To solve a spiritual problem, you need a spiritual solution.

The Pledge

In 1954, President Eisenhower felt that an important ingredient was missing from the United States pledge of allegiance. At his prompting, Congress added the words “under God”, giving us the final version of the pledge that we use today.

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

At the time, few Americans would have disagreed with the idea that we are a nation under God. And yet, there were major cultural changes that were advancing under the surface and eroding the truth of the newly updated pledge.

Fast forward three or four generations and the turmoil is no longer under the surface, to say the least. It may be more accurate to say one nation in rebellion against God.

The Solution

The ancient nation of Israel experienced a similar rebellion against God. At the height of Israel’s glory, the dedication of the First Temple in Jerusalem, God already knew about the fall that would come and He gave King Solomon the solution:

Thus Solomon finished the house of the Lord and the king’s house; and Solomon successfully accomplished all that came into his heart to make in the house of the Lord and in his own house. Then the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him: “I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice. When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.  2 Chronicles 7:11-14 (NKJV)

The solution that will bring God’s healing on our land is for God’s people to humble themselves, pray and seek God, and turn from their wicked ways.

Just as judgment begins with the household of God (I Peter 4:17), so does healing. And it starts with humility. In the age of Covid, there’s been a lot of talk about immunity but if there’s one thing to which America has immunity, it is humility.

Going Astray

Like the ancient nation of Israel, America started out by dedicating itself to God. Our forefathers made a covenant with God Almighty that we would follow His commands and stand apart from other nations. Now, our nation looks much like Israel in the time of Ezekiel, when God declared He would judge the nation according to their ways and bring all their abominations upon them.

In Ezekiel, Israel is described as:

• trusting in their silver and gold
• acquiring dishonest gain
• God’s blessings turned into a source of pride rather than gratitude
• the people began to idolize their abominations and detestable things
• the land was full of bloody crimes
• the city was full of violence

And still greater abominations are described as:

• the elders were corrupt and apostate
• false prophets were giving false visions
• the priest profaned the holy items of the Temple
• the very house of God was filled with the worship of idols
• God’s name was being profaned among the nations because of Israel’s sins
• and most heartbreaking of all, the people were sacrificing their children to idols

God describes the sons of Israel as rebellious, disobedient, stubborn, and obstinate. And a people who provoked the Lord repeatedly. All of these indictments apply equally to current-day America.

Humbly Depending on Him

Even amongst a wicked and perverse generation, God’s people can shine as beacons of truth in the darkness.

First and foremost, we must make no provision for sin in our lives. In order to glorify God, the Bible tells us that the righteous must wholeheartedly obey His commands with reverence. Isaiah 66:2 says, “But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.”

God’s children are also called to “groan and sigh over all the abominations which are being committed in [their] midst” (Ezekiel 9:4). And how can we not do this, if we have any moral fiber in our beings? We should be like Daniel, crying out on behalf of his nation, confessing their rebellion against God, and seeking restoration for God’s name sake (Daniel 9).

Finally, we must stand as watchmen who warn our fellow man to repent and turn back to God. We must lovingly speak truth amongst cultural lies, without being frightened by any fear and leaving the consequences in God’s hands. Doing so may not win us any popularity contests with the world, but we should be far more concerned with God’s opinion of us.

The Lord told Ezekiel, “According to their conduct I will deal with them, and by their judgments I will judge them. And they will know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 7:27b)

The choice is clear: we either walk in rebellion against God or humbly depend on Him. There is no middle ground.

Reckoning for Sin

In Daniel’s time, King Nebuchadnezzar was the ruler of the world’s top super power—Babylon. Not surprisingly, he had an issue with pride and failed to recognize the one true God as ruler of all. God, in His mercy, decided to teach Nebuchadnezzar a lesson and humble him by taking away his mental faculties and causing him to live like an animal. God told him this would continue “until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes” (Daniel 4:25). It took seven long years, but Nebuchadnezzar did finally repent and acknowledge God’s sovereignty over the nations.

Today, America is the world’s top super power and struggles with the same rebellious pride against God. Would it not be highly inconsistent if the Lord turned a blind eye to our abominations? There are countless examples in Scripture of God bringing judgment on a nation, and we’ve already seen the same patterns beginning to take place in our time. God’s judgment is not merely vindictive; a loving Father uses discipline and correction for our own good, to protect us.

For a nation like America which has claimed the Lord as our God from our founding, there is another dynamic, which is that the Lord will not allow His name to be profaned indefinitely. Unless America turns back to God, we can expect a reckoning. He will judge us according to our conduct, as He told the children of Israel.

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, each according to his conduct,” declares the Lord God. “Repent and turn away from all your transgressions, so that iniquity may not become a stumbling block to you. Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord God. “Therefore, repent and live.” Ezekiel 18:30-32 (NASB)

God is calling to America. Repentance is still an option, but not indefinitely. Humility can turn away wrath, but we are fast approaching the point of no return.

If America does not repent, the watchman’s cry of warning will soon become a cry of mourning.

“As for you, son of man, groan with a breaking heart and bitter grief; you shall groan in their sight. And when they say to you, ‘Why are you groaning?’ you shall say, ‘Because of the news, for it is coming; and every heart will melt, all hands will go limp, every spirit will be disheartened, and all knees will drip with water. Behold, it is coming and it will happen,’ declares the Lord God.” Ezekiel 21:6-7 (NASB)

When it comes to studying the End Times, the Word of God should be the first place to look for information, not the last. So grab your Bible because today we’re going to find out what the Bible says about a very specific end times revival: the national salvation of Israel.

This end times revival will be initiated when the Jewish people cry out, “Baruch ha-ba b’shem Adonai.” (Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.)

You might recognize this phrase from the triumphal entry of Jesus the Messiah on Palm Sunday. (Or in Hebrew, He is called Yeshua Ha’Mashiach.) We find the account in the Gospel book of Matthew…

The crowds going before Him and those following kept shouting, saying, “Hoshia-na to Ben-David (the Son of David)! Baruch ha-ba b’shem Adonai! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hoshia-na in the highest!”  Matthew 21:9 (TLV)

In Messiah’s first coming, the Jewish people did not recognize the time of their visitation. They recognized the humanity of Yeshua, but not His divinity. They expected Him to be their geopolitical savior, but He came for a much greater purpose—eternal salvation. But there is still hope for the Jewish people to be reconciled to the Messiah! Students of end times prophecy know they return to Yeshua in the last days.

The book of Hosea tells us…

Afterward the sons of Israel will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king; and they will come trembling to the Lord and to His goodness in the last days.  Hosea 3:5 (NASB)

In Romans 11, the Apostle Paul shares about this mystery…

For I do not want you, brothers and sisters, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and so all Israel will be saved…  Romans 11:25-26a

Paul wants to make sure that gentile Christians never make the mistake of thinking that God is done with Israel. However, keep in mind that, although the nation will be saved in the end, we should still be sharing the Gospel with Jewish individuals here and now.

The book of Hebrews tells us more about this end times revival of the Jewish people…

For this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put My laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Hebrews 8:10 (NASB)

Adonai will inaugurate a new covenant with the houses of Israel and Judah. The Jewish people will see Yeshua as their Messiah, who came in the first century to save His people from their sins. And they will long for His return!

Fulfilling Prophecy

But in His first coming, Yeshua told the inhabitants of Jerusalem that He would not return until they welcome Him and acknowledge that He comes in the name (and therefore the authority) of Adonai.

I say to you, you will not see Me until the time comes when you say,
“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”  Luke 13:35 (NASB)

There’s the same phrase we heard in the triumphal entry:
“Baruch ha-ba b’shem Adonai.”

This will fulfill the end times prophecy that we find in Psalm 118…

I will give thanks to You, for You have answered me,
And You have become my salvation.
A stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.
This came about from the LORD;
It is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let’s rejoice and be glad in it.
Please, O LORD, do save us;
Please, O LORD, do send prosperity!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD;
We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.  Psalm 118:21-26

 A day is coming when the Jewish people will find eternal salvation in Yeshua Ha’Mashiach. From Scripture, we see that this will happen in the last days and it will usher in the second coming of the Messiah!

And on that day I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. And I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and of pleading, so that they will look at Me whom they pierced; and they will mourn for Him, like one mourning for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn.  Zechariah 12:9-10 (NASB)

With repentant hearts, the Jewish people will return to Yeshua, and He will turn their mourning into gladness and their weeping into dancing.

May we say together with the Apostle Paul that our heart’s desire and prayer is for Israel’s salvation.

My heart’s desire and my prayer to God for Israel is for their salvation.  Romans 10:1

When it comes to studying the End Times, the Word of God should be the first place to look for information, not the last. So grab your Bible because today we’re going to find out what the Bible says about…the Battle of Armageddon.

Scripture Passages

Here are 10 key Scripture passages about Armageddon (and the Day of the Lord):

Ezekiel 38 and 39
Rev. 16:12-21
Rev. 19:11-21
Rev. 14:14-20
Joel 2:1-11
Joel 3:2, 12-17
Isaiah 13:3-13
Isaiah 63:1-6
Zechariah 12:1-3, 9-10
Zechariah 14:1-9

This is our attempt to take a step back, look at the big picture, and share some signposts that can help us identify where we are on the biblical, prophetic roadmap. God has given His children knowledge of these signposts ahead of time so we will know how to best use our time and prepare for what comes next. That is what living strategically is all about.

Scripture from this Episode

A list of birth pangs – Matthew 24, Luke 21, and Mark 13

“Gog of Magog” war – Ezekiel 38-39

War between the powers in the Middle East – Daniel 8:1-14, 21

“And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week [a week of years, meaning seven years], but in the middle of the week [after 3.5 years] he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.” Daniel 9:27, NASB (Brackets added.)

“Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. […] For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will.” Matthew 24:15-16, 21, NASB

“Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.” 2 Thess. 2:1-4, NASB

“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place…” Revelation 1:1, NASB

Seal Judgments – Revelation chapters 5-7
Trumpet Judgments – Revelation chapters 8-9
Bowl Judgments – Revelation chapters 15-16

Rapture – Revelation 14:14-16
Wrath of God – Revelation 14:17-20
Battle of Armageddon – Revelation 16:13-21

Suggested Resources

Biblical End Times Signposts article
www.livingstrategically.com/2018/end-times-signposts/

Understanding Prophetic Urgency article
www.livingstrategically.com/2020/understanding-prophetic-urgency/

Podcast Episode 10: Living in the End Times
www.livingstrategically.com/2019/podcast-ep-10-living-in-the-end-times/

Get our free e-Book and learn how to live more strategically!
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Isaiah’s prophesies can be found in the Old Testament books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and obviously Isaiah, and they are repeated throughout the New Testament. Jesus Christ even read from the book of Isaiah when attending the synagogue in Nazareth, fulfilling the passage that very day (see Luke 4:16-30).

Isaiah’s words were studied way back then and should continue to be explored by today’s Bible students. For in them, we find strategic insights for daily living, as well as keys to future events of the End Times.

Seven Strategic Insights from Isaiah

1. Adonai alone will be exalted.
   The book of Isaiah tells us that the people of Judah repeatedly provoked Adonai with their worship of idols, something they learned from neighboring pagan countries. Even in today’s age, humans can serve idols—like money, security, fame, and man-made religion. However, Christ-followers are only allowed to serve the One True God.
   • “Remember the former things of old: For I am God—there is no other. I am God, and there is none like Me—declaring the end from the beginning, from ancient time, what is yet to come, saying, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will accomplish all that I please.’ ” Isaiah 46:9-10
   • “The pride of man will be humbled, the arrogance of men abased, for Adonai alone will be exalted in that day. The idols will completely pass away.” Isaiah 2:17-18
   • “But Adonai-Tzva’ot will be exalted through justice, and the Holy God consecrated through righteousness.” Isaiah 5:16
   • “Thus says Adonai, Israel’s King and his Redeemer, Adonai-Tzva’ot: ‘I am the first, and the last, and there is no God beside Me.’ ” Isaiah 44:6
     

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2. Fear God, not man.
   There are many passages in Isaiah that speak of End Times events that can cause fear in the hearts of readers. But those who have placed their faith in the Messiah—Yeshua ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ), have nothing to fear. Our Savior has already conquered the enemy of this world, by His shed blood on the cross! When we encounter times of trials, both now and in the days to come, Christians will find perfect peace by fearing God alone and letting Him fight for us.
   • “You must not fear or tremble at what they fear. Adonai-Tzva’ot, Him will you sanctify, and let Him be your fear, trembling at Him.” Isaiah 8:12b-13
   • “Then you will know that I am Adonai—those hoping in Me will not be ashamed.” Isaiah 49:23b
   • “You keep in perfect peace one whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
   • “No weapon formed against you will prosper and you will condemn every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of Adonai’s servants—their vindication is from Me.” Isaiah 54:17
     

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3. Return, be healed, and be saved.
   Isaiah proclaimed many things to the Jewish people about their coming Messiah—Yeshua ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ). Isaiah 53 is probably one of the most well-known messianic chapters in the entire book of Isaiah. Again and again, Adonai calls for His children to return to Him, turn from their sins, and be healed by the blood of Yeshua/Jesus. Only then will we be wiped clean and wrapped in righteousness.
   • “Rather let them rely on My strength. Let them make peace with Me—make peace with Me.” Isaiah 27:5
     
   • “Wash and make yourselves clean. Put away the evil of your deeds from before My eyes. Cease to do evil. Learn to do good, seek justice, relieve the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Come now, let us reason together, says Adonai. Though your sins be like scarlet, they will be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they will become like wool. If you are willing and obey, you will eat the good of the land. But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured with the sword. For the mouth of Adonai has spoken.” Isaiah 1:16-20
   • “Have we not sinned against Him? In His ways they were unwilling to walk and His Torah they did not obey.” Isaiah 42:24b
   • “So Adonai will strike Egypt—striking yet healing—so they will return to Adonai, and He will respond to them and heal them.” Isaiah 19:22
   • “Rather you burdened Me with your sins, wearied Me with your iniquities. I, I am the One who blots out your transgressions for My own sake, and will not remember your sins.” Isaiah 43:24b-25
   • “The Ruach of Adonai Elohim is on me, because Adonai has anointed me to proclaim Good News to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound, to proclaim the year of Adonai’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of Adonai, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1-3
   • “But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities. The chastisement for our shalom was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
     

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4. Seek understanding, knowledge, and wisdom.
   By the power of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), God gives wisdom, insight, knowledge, and understanding. These are necessary tools to discern God’s hand at work. We don’t want to rely on our flesh or human senses to follow where God is leading.
   • “They do not notice Adonai’s activity nor see the works of His hands. ‘Therefore My people are in captivity for lack of knowledge…’ ” Isaiah 5:12b-13a
   • “The Ruach of Adonai will rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and insight, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Adonai. His delight will be in the fear of Adonai. He will not judge by what His eyes see, nor decide by what His ears hear.” Isaiah 11:2-3
   • “…so they may see and know, consider and understand together, that the hand of Adonai has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it.” Isaiah 41:20
     

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5. Watch for Adonai’s activity.
   Especially as the days get darker, as the End Times approaches, God’s people must follow hard after God and stay in His will. As we study His Word, we can stay in tune with how He is at work.
   • “They do not notice Adonai’s activity nor see the works of His hands. ‘Therefore My people are in captivity for lack of knowledge…’ ” Isaiah 5:12b-13a
   • “Do not remember former things, nor consider things of the past. Here I am, doing a new thing; now it is springing up—do you not know about it? I will surely make a way in the desert, rivers in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19
   • “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways. It is a declaration of Adonai. For as the heavens are higher than earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without having watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to sow and bread to eat, so My word will be that goes out from My mouth. It will not return to Me in vain, but will accomplish what I intend, and will succeed in what I sent it for.” Isaiah 55:8-11
     

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6. Wait for Adonai and renew your strength.
   The prophet Isaiah provides God’s children with so much encouragement for tough times. Isaiah reminds us that only God will satisfy our souls and only through Adonai can we truly renew our strength.
   • “Have you not known? Have you not heard? Adonai is the eternal God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not grow tired or weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives strength to the weary, and to one without vigor He adds might. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but they who wait for Adonai will renew their strength. They will soar up with wings as eagles. They will run, and not grow weary. They will walk, and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31
   • “Then Adonai will guide you continually, satisfy your soul in drought and strengthen your bones. You will be like a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11
   • “Say to those with anxious heart, ‘Be strong, have no fear!’ Behold, your God! Vengeance is coming! God’s recompense—it is coming! Then He will save you.” Isaiah 35:4
   • “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Surely I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
     
   • “Even to your old age I will be the same, until you are gray I will carry you. I have done it; I will bear you; I will carry you; I will deliver you.” Isaiah 46:4
     

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7. All prophecy will come to pass.
   Isaiah contains numerous prophetic passages, both for ancient times and events yet to come. Adonai strategically declares the prophetic to His children so we will be His witnesses and know the works of His hands. Only the Lord can declare the end from the beginning!
   • “I foretold the former things long ago. They went forth from My mouth, and I caused them to be heard. Suddenly I acted, so they came about.” Isaiah 48:3
   • “Do not dread or be afraid. Have I not told you and declared it long ago? So you are My witnesses! Is there any God beside Me? Is there any other Rock? I know of none.” Isaiah 44:8
   • “Remember the former things of old: For I am God—there is no other. I am God, and there is none like Me—declaring the end from the beginning, from ancient time, what is yet to come, saying, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will accomplish all that I please.’ ” Isaiah 46:9-10
     

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The Example to Follow

“But on this one will I look, one humble and of a contrite spirit, who trembles at My word.” Isaiah 66:2, TLV

Isaiah was a man of obedience to God Almighty, faithfully declaring the word of the Lord to his generation. When trials came his way, Isaiah would cry out to the Lord (2 Chron. 32:20). He lived his life fully devoted to Adonai, and God used Isaiah to proclaim some of the most well-known passages in the Bible about the Savior of the World.

God can use us, too, for His divine purposes. But we must be careful to live as godly men and women, following Isaiah’s example. Today, let’s all apply these strategic insights from the book of Isaiah to our lives and see how God uses it.

All Scripture taken from the Tree of Life Version (TLV), copyright 2015 by the Messianic Jewish Family Bible Society. (Emphasis added to the verses by Living Strategically.)

Reed and Elizabeth Hewitt were blessed to meet Jonathan Cahn in April 2019 at The Jerusalem Center (one of the largest Messianic Worship centers in the world) located in Wayne, New Jersey.

We began our current podcast series telling listeners about the impact that Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn had on us in 2013, which led us to start Living Strategically. It seems fitting to end our podcast series by reviewing Jonathan Cahn’s new book, The Oracle: The Jubilean Mysteries Unveiled, which was released in September 2019.

We’ve read all of the books from best-selling author Jonathan Cahn, since he first released The Harbinger. (The Oracle and The Book of Mysteries are now our two favorites.) Through Rabbi Cahn’s new book, you’ll learn about the prophetic history of Israel, from it being reborn as a nation in 1948 to present day events, and see the fingerprints of God through Jubilean mysteries.

Outline of the Episode

1:10 – Are we living in the End Times?
3:08 – Signs of the Times
5:42 – Cultural Christians
7:34 – Israel’s Prophetic History in The Oracle
9:14 – God’s Recurring Patterns from the Bible
10:14 – Israel’s Return to the Holy Land
11:36 – Prophecies Fulfilled, Following God’s Plan
12:53 – Jubilee of 1867 and the Ottoman Empire
13:23 – Jubilee of 1917 and the British Empire
15:05 – America’s Support of Israel in 1948
16:19 – Jubilee of 1967 and the Six-Day War
17:13 – Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel
18:09 – Jubilee of 2017 and President Trump’s Declaration
19:04 – Messianic Movement
20:13 – Worldly Pagan Roots
20:56 – Wrap Up

Scripture from this Episode

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.” Hosea 4:6, NASB

“But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, NASB

“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.” 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6, NASB

“If your outcasts are at the ends of the earth, from there the Lord your God will gather you, and from there He will bring you back. The Lord your God will bring you into the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and He will prosper you and multiply you more than your fathers.” Deuteronomy 30:4-5, NASB

Suggested Resources

End Times Signposts article by Reed Hewitt

Sermons by Jonathan Cahn through Hope of the World Ministries

The Oracle: The Jubilean Mysteries Unveiled by Jonathan Cahn

There are hundreds of names, titles, and descriptions given to God in the Bible, and in this article, we will look into ten key names that describe His innate qualities, His relationship to His people, and even hints of the Trinity.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.”
Proverbs 18:10

YHWH | Yahweh | Yehovah = Lord (all caps), I AM יְהֹוָה

Yahweh is the divine name that God uses to describe Himself in the Bible, and it is the most frequently used name for God in the Old Testament. Because it is so sacred, the Jewish people do not write or speak the name YHWH. Similarly in English translations, the name Lord is written in all caps to show reverence.

Yahweh described Himself to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM”, meaning He absolutely is. He has no beginning and no end. He is the Alpha and Omega. He is eternal and unchangeable. He is constant.

Throughout the Old Testament, the name Yahweh is used when a covenant is made between God and man. (See Genesis 12:1-7 and Exodus 6:7.)

Scripture using Yahweh:

• • “Declare and set forth your case; indeed, let them consult together. Who has announced this from of old? Who has long since declared it? Is it not I, the Lord [Yahweh]? And there is no other God besides Me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none except Me. Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:21-22
  • “Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the Lord [Yahweh], our God. They have bowed down and fallen, but we have risen and stood upright. Save, O Lord [Yahweh]; may the King answer us in the day we call.” Psalm 20:7-9
  • “O Lord [Yahweh], You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O Lord [Yahweh], You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me.” Psalm 139:1-5

Adonai = Master, Lord God אֲדֹנָי

Adonai is a plural noun from the word “adon” which means lord or master and can also be used in reference to humans. When used as a name for God, we capitalize Lord. Its literal translation is “My Lords”, in reference to the Trinity.

Jesus told the people of Jerusalem that they would not see Him again until they declared that He is the true Messiah and their Adonai. We read in Luke 13:35 (TLV), “…for I tell you, you will never see Me until you say, ‘Baruch ha-ba b’shem Adonai [Master, Lord God]. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!'”

As the Creator of the universe, the Lord God is master and ruler over all people. We are His creation and His possession.

Scripture using Adonai:

• • “For the Lord your God  is the God of gods and the Lord of lords [Adonai], the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.” Deuteronomy 10:17
  • “O Lord, our Lord [Adonai], how majestic is Your name in all the earth, who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!” Psalm 8:1
  • “Give thanks to the Lord of lords [Adonai], for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” Psalm 136:3

El = God | Deity אֵל

El is a root word in Hebrew. It is used for deity and conveys the ideas of might, strength, and power. Let’s look at ways it is used in combination with other Hebrew words to create the names listed below.

Elohim = Father God, Mighty Creator אֱלֹהִים

Through this name God reveals His might, power, and sovereignty. Elohim is also used to describe God as creator of the universe, as seen in the very first verse of the Bible. All things are possible for Elohim!

Like Adonai, the word Elohim is plural, but it is used with singular verbs. Many scholars see this as an allusion to the Trinity. This name encompasses the three-in-one nature of God.

Scripture using Elohim:

• • “In the beginning God [Elohim] created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
  • “Arise, O God [Elohim], judge the earth! For You possess all the nations.” Psalm 82:2, TLV
  • “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God [Elohim], the Lord is one!” Deuteronomy 6:4

El Shaddai = God Almighty אֵל שַׁדַּי

El Shaddai is used nine times in the Old Testament, describing our all-sufficient and all satisfying God. He is the One who sustains us and meets all our needs.

Scripture using El Shaddai:

• • “I am God Almighty [El Shaddai]; walk before Me, and be blameless. I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.” Genesis 17:1b-2
  • “So Isaac called Jacob and blessed him and charged him, and said to him…’May God Almighty [El Shaddai] bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, that you may become a company of peoples.’ ” Genesis 28:1-3
  • “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty [El Shaddai].” Psalm 91:1

El Elyon = God Most High אֵל עֶלְיוֹן

El Elyon is the sovereign ruler over all the universe. He is the most exalted God and the splendor of His majesty overshadows all of creation.

Scripture using El Elyon:

• • “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High [El Elyon]. He blessed him and said, ‘Blessed be Abram of God Most High [El Elyon], possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High [El Elyon], Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.’ He gave him a tenth of all.” Genesis 14:18-20
  • “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High [El Elyon] will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1
  • “But at the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High [El Elyon] and praised and honored Him who lives forever; for His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation.” Daniel 4:34
  • “I will cry to God Most High [El Elyon], to God who accomplishes all things for me.” Psalm 57:2

Jehovah Jireh | Yahweh Yireh = God Provides, The Lord Will Provide יְהֹוָה רָאָה

This special name only occurs one time in Scripture, when Abraham is offering up his son Isaac and God provides a ram instead. Many centuries later, God Himself did what He spared Abraham from doing. Jehovah Jireh provided for our deepest spiritual need by offering His one and only Son as a sin offering for us so that we can have eternal life.

Scripture using Jehovah Jireh:

• • “Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son. Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide [Jehovah Jireh], as it is said to this day, ‘In the mount of the Lord it will be provided.'” Genesis 22:13-14

Jehovah Rapha | Yahweh Rapha = The Lord That Heals and Restores יְהֹוָה רָפָא

The Bible tells us that Jehovah Rapha can heal our physical sickness, give us emotional healing, and restore those who have not been faithful. We also read that Jesus (or Yeshua) gave us complete healing through His shed blood on the cross at Calvary.

Scripture using Jehovah Rapha:

• • “If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the Lord, am your healer [Jehovah Rapha].” Exodus 15:26
  • “‘For I [Jehovah Rapha] will restore health to you and will heal you of your wounds.’ It is a declaration of Adonai. ‘For they called you an outcast: “Zion—no one cares about her.” ‘ ” Jeremiah 30:17, TLV
  • “He forgives all your iniquity. He [Jehovah Rapha] heals all your diseases.” Psalm 103:3

Jehovah Shalom = The Lord is Peace יְהֹוָה שָׁלוֹם

Jehovah Shalom technically only has one occurrence in the Bible (see Judges 6:23-24 below), though there are many more verses that teach us that Jesus is our source for true peace.

Only Jesus Christ can make us complete and whole, and this kind of shalom is not dependent on our outward circumstances. It says in Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

And only through Jesus Christ are we made right with God. We read in Romans 5:1, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…”

Scripture using Jehovah Shalom:

• • “The Lord said to him, “Peace to you, do not fear; you shall not die.” Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and named it The Lord is Peace [Jehovah Shalom]. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.” Judges 6:23-24

Abba = Daddy, Dearest Father אַבָּא

The intimate name Abba comes from an Aramaic term for father. It occurs three times in the Bible, with all three verses listed below.

Scripture using Abba:

• • “And He was saying, ‘Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.'” Mark 14:36
  • “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!‘” Romans 8:15
  • “Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!‘” Galatians 4:6

Yeshua | Jesus = Salvation, Safety יֵשׁוּעַ

In English we know the Son of God by the name Jesus, but His name in Hebrew is Yeshua which means safety and salvation. Since Jesus was raised Jewish in the land of Israel, it seems appropriate to call Him by His Hebraic name…Yeshua. Either way, we are assured in the Scriptures that anyone who calls on His name will be saved!

Scripture using Yeshua:

• • “This Yeshua [Jesus] is ‘the stone—rejected by you, the builders—that has become the chief cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved!” Acts 4:11-12, TLV
  • “…so that at the name of Jesus [Yeshua] every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ [Yeshua the Messiah] is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10-11, NASB
  • For if you confess with your mouth that Yeshua [Jesus] is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart it is believed for righteousness, and with the mouth it is confessed for salvation.” Romans 10:9-10, TLV

Our Response

“Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast
in the name of the Lord, our God.” Psalm 20:7

Isn’t it incredible that the God we serve uses names to reveal His character to us? He is a relational God and wants to grow deeper in relationship with His children. Studying His names is a great way to improve your prayer life and worship. Now you can cry out to your Creator using specific names for the situations that you face. And you can praise Him for distinct attributes and character qualities.

And, isn’t it fun to learn His names in Hebrew? Along with Aramaic and Greek, Hebrew is one of the original languages of the Bible from which our English translations are derived. How fitting to speak the names of God in their original language.

What follows is our attempt to take a step back, look at the big picture, and share some signposts that can help us identify where we are on the biblical, prophetic roadmap. God has given His children knowledge of these signposts ahead of time so we will know how to best use our time and prepare for what comes next. That is what living strategically is all about.

When did the end times start?

The “end times” started in the first century AD. The apostles considered themselves to be living in the end times, which biblically means the period of the new covenant leading up to the second coming of Jesus. But there are many signs which will show we are nearing the end of the end times, the events of the book of Revelation that describe the final years leading to the return of Jesus Christ.

In Matthew 24, Luke 21, and Mark 13, Jesus gave a list of “the beginning of birth pangs” that would be precursors to His return, including persecution of the saints, false messiahs, wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes. But Jesus is careful to explain that although these things must happen, they do not mean that the end is near. However, there will eventually be one giant, unmistakeable sign that ushers in a “great tribulation,” followed immediately by His return. (More on that in a moment.)

The takeaway from these prophetic passages is that there are signs to watch for. We are not completely in the dark, and while no one knows the day or the hour of Christ’s return, we should be able to see it coming.

The Next Signposts

War

Yes, war has been a regular feature in most of human history, and it is one of the things that Jesus said does not mean that the end has come. However, it is still worthwhile to pay attention to military actions in the Middle East because there are some unfulfilled Old Testament prophecies about wars. When these things come to pass, the world is one step closer to the resolution of the age.

• Some believe the “Gog of Magog” war, described in Ezekiel 38-39, will come before the events of Revelation.  Others believe this war describes the battle of Armageddon, which happens at the triumphant return of Christ near the end of Revelation. Either way, the scenario is that Israel will be attacked by its neighbors and other major powers, but will be miraculously delivered by the hand of God. If this war happens sooner rather than later, it will be hard to miss—but if it happens later rather than sooner, we shouldn’t let the absence of it affect our perception of other signs.
• Before the end, we will see war between the powers in the Middle East as described in Daniel 8:1-14. This war describes Iran (the ram) conquering new territory, but being overcome by “the goat”.  We believe this stands for Turkey, based on the connection to the territory of Javan (or Yavan) in verse 21. (Many translations render Yavan as Greece.) Four kingdoms emerge (verse 8), leading to the rise of the Antichrist (the “little horn”).
• The power structure of the world, and especially of the Middle East is likely to change, with a trend toward consolidation of power. Currently, there are three major regional powers in the Middle East vying for supremacy: Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. End times prophecy depicts the nations of the Middle East acting with a level of unity that at the time of this writing they do not currently display.

The Abomination of Desolation

This is the big one, the sign that cannot be missed, the lynchpin of end-times prophecy that both Jesus and Paul give as a fool-proof reference point.

Daniel 9:27 lays the foundation: “And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week [a week of years, meaning seven years], but in the middle of the week [after 3.5 years] he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.” (Brackets added.)

Jesus adds some detail in Matthew 24: “Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. […] For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will.”

And Paul makes it crystal clear in II Thessalonians 2: “Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.”

To summarize: there will be a powerful leader who initiates a seven-year “covenant” that involves Israel, but three and a half years into the covenant, he will set himself up as God in the temple. Other passages in Daniel and Revelation make it clear that the very end, the return of Christ, will happen three and a half years after the abomination of desolation.

When we see something that looks like the seven year covenant, we should be on very high alert.  When we see the abomination of desolation, we’ll know exactly, beyond any shadow of a doubt, where we are on the calendar of end-times prophecy.

It’s worth pointing out that the abomination of desolation requires the existence of the temple and the re-institution of the Torah’s sacrificial system in Jerusalem. If that seems far fetched to you, consider that 100 years ago, most people thought end-times prophesies about the nation of Israel could not possibly be literal because there was no nation of Israel. If God can bring back an entire nation to validate His Word, He can bring back one building!

The Events of Revelation

The entire tribulation that surrounds and follows the abomination of desolation is described in great detail in the book of Revelation. One key in studying this book is to look for Jesus in what you read. The first verse says, “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place…” (Revelation 1:1).  Our faith in Jesus will get us through any trial, and we must remember that all the trials the earth will go through in the end times are part of the plan of God.  He will sustain us! Don’t let your hearts be troubled!

We know there will be war, terror, and severe weather during the tribulation.  There will be an increase in the shakings that God sends on the earth, first with the “seal judgments” (see Revelation 5-7) and then the “trumpet judgments” (see Revelation 8-9).  These shakings are meant to bring people to repentance but the majority will not turn to the Lord as their Savior. Satan will keep his strong hold on many.

It is our belief that the rapture is described in Revelation 14:14-16. The wrath of God greatly increases at this point, figuratively pictured in Revelation 14:17-20. His wrath takes the form of the “bowl judgments” in chapters 15-16 and culminates in the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:13-21).

Conclusion

As one begins studying prophecy of the end times, fear is a common reaction. But fear is a weapon of the enemy. Scripture never tells us to be afraid of the world or the powers of darkness. “Be sober, be vigilant,” absolutely, but never lose sight of the One who wins in the end.

Now you know the main signposts to keep in mind as we stay alert for the approach of the end of the end. Many prophecy teachers proclaim that the return of Christ could happen any moment, but it’s not as simple as that. God has a specific timeline for the events of the end times, and in His grace He has revealed enough of it to us that we shouldn’t be lost or confused when we see it unfolding.

Maybe you’ve heard of Passover or Yom Kippur, but did you know that there are seven total feasts prescribed in the Bible? These holy days contain precise prophetic details about the first and second coming of Jesus Christ.

Spend some time digging deeper into the Jewish roots of our Christian faith with this quick overview of the Biblical feasts and their past and future fulfillment.

License

“Prophetic Fulfillment of the Biblical Feasts” by Living Strategically is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

This means you can download and share this work as much as you like at no charge.  However, you must not alter this work or sell it.  You also must attribute this work to Living Strategically, which you can do simply by allowing the logo to show at the end of the video.