You and I have been carefully watching the pushing and shoving between Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon. Every day it’s the same old story with different disturbing details. As friends of Israel, how should we think and feel about this attack and counterattack story? Are you sad, mad, dismayed, or discouraged? I trust that you are not indifferent. The events there affect the overall well-being of our world. The peace, prosperity, and politics are agitated daily.
That turmoil is nothing new. It started with the prenatal conflict of Jacob (Israel) and Esau (Edom). Old Testament history relates multiple conflicts Israel had with the surrounding nations. She has sought and fought to survive in a hate-filled world.
Jesus (the prophet of his time after John the Baptist’s death) foretold that conflict and epic disaster would darken Israel’s history. He predicted wars, rumors of war, cosmic chaos, and natural disasters that would characterize the time from His ascension until His second advent. Scary? You bet! And there’s more yet to come upon the earth-dwellers after His church is taken out. When the Son of Man comes with power and great glory, many will suffer total heart failure. Unto the nation Israel, He holds out hope that upon belief during that great ordeal, many will be saved. “Hold up your heads, redemption is coming.” (Luke 21:27,28)
Then He issues some warnings that can profit everyone: Be on guard, don’t be down, stay alert, keep on praying and trusting (21:36). These wise words should strengthen you and me—those who are not appointed unto wrath but to the obtaining of salvation (1Thes. 4:13-18). Let’s be alert as we walk through a sin-darkened world. Don’t hang your head—look up! The Day of Christ’s coronation is at hand. Be prayerful, busy, and anticipate standing before the Son of Man.