I've heard it preached that the Jews have returned to their land for judgment - and I might even have repeated that. But I think the Jews have been returned to the land - not for their judgment - but to gather them in one place where God can protect them -- iron dome, if you will -- while He judges Israel's enemies, which is quickly becoming the entire planet.
Reading the first chapter of the prophet Obadiah this morning, I was struck with some of the symbolism. It speaks of the sons of Esau who delighted in Israel's captivity and took over their possessions during the diaspora. The prophet seems to switch gears from the Arabs to the nations, including one described in this manner:
"Though you ascend as high as the eagle,
And though you set your nest among the stars,
From there I will bring you down,” says the LORD."
- Obad. 1:4
The symbols of the eagle and the stars point a direct finger at America. As dangerous as a place as it seems the state of Israel is, it just may be the safest place on the planet. I read a thread this week quoting a Hamas spokesperson saying that they cannot make a direct hit with their rockets because 'their God' keeps redirecting their missiles.
As we pray for the peace of Jerusalem today, ask God to lift the veil that is over their collective eyes so that they will see clearly that Jesus IS their Messiah.
We can observe the closing of 'the times of the Gentiles' and the church age as many are departing from the faith. God's grace is returning to the natural branch as some of the unfruitful grafted-in branches are being lopped off.
As for the remnant faithful ones who continue to abide in the Vine -- be ready at all times -- praying that you may be found worthy to escape.
Stay awake!
“For the day of the LORD upon all the nations is near;
As you have done, it shall be done to you;
Your reprisal shall return upon your own head.
For as you drank on My holy mountain,
So shall all the nations drink continually;
Yes, they shall drink, and swallow,
And they shall be as though they had never been.
But on Mount Zion there shall be deliverance,
And there shall be holiness;
The house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.
The house of Jacob shall be a fire,
And the house of Joseph a flame;
But the house of Esau shall be stubble;
They shall kindle them and devour them,
And no survivor shall remain of the house of Esau,”
For the LORD has spoken."
--Obadiah 1:15-18
"And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, 'Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.' Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either." - Rom. 11:17-21
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