Worthy Christian News Blog » Prophecy

I recently received an email which was wondering why I believed so strongly that a strike against Iran was inevitable?  There’s more than a few reasons, but I thought I would take the time to answer this Biblically.

There’s a unique passage of Scripture in Jeremiah that I believe really points to the current events of our day in relation to Israel and Iran.

Jeremiah 49:34-39  The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.  And upon Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and there shall be no nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come.   For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before them that seek their life: and I will bring evil upon them, even my fierce anger, saith the LORD; and I will send the sword after them, till I have consumed them: And I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from thence the king and the princes, saith the LORD. But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD.

The first question, you must ask — “Who is Elam?”  This is a brief description of Elam from Wikipedia.

Elam is the name of an ancient civilization located in what is now southwest Iran. Archaeological evidence associated with Elam has been dated to before 5000 BCE.  According to available written records, it is known to have existed beginning from around 3200 BC — making it among the world’s oldest historical civilizations — and to have endured up until 539 BC. Elam was centered in the far west and southwest of modern-day Iran, stretching from the lowlands of Khuzestan and Ilam Province (which takes its name from Elam), as far as Jiroft in Kerman province and Burned City in Zabol, as well as a small part of southern Iraq. — Source - Wikipedia

So Elam is the modern state of Iran!  So the next question you need to ask — when is the timing of this prophecy?  If you look at verse 39, you’ll see the phrase “shall come to pass in the latter days”.  The phrase “latter days” in Hebrew is “ahreet-yomim” which can be literally translated, “in the end of days”.

As we read this passage, the first act of God is to break the bow of Iran.  What’s interesting to me about this phrase, is the absence of arrows.  Could this be breaking the “threat” of weapons?  Of course this interpretation is totally up for debate and I’m by no means dogmatic about it!

The next aspect we see, is the scattering of the people of Elam.  Most people don’t realize that in 1979 when the Shah was overthrown and an Islamic constitution was instituted that nearly 4 million Iranians fled Iran and settled around the globe.

Then the prophecy states that the sword of the Lord will be sent, and then the establishment of the throne of God in Iran.

Right now, we’re seeing an explosion of the gospel in Iran! There’s nearly a million believers in Iran meeting in underground churches and when these events take place there’s more than enough believers in Iran to bring a full blown revival just as the prophecy states, “and I will set my throne in Elam!”  But right now, there’s an Islamic barrier to the gospel, but God says He will remove these barriers by “destroying from thence the king and the princes”.  It appears the fall of the Iranian government, the mullahs and the Ayatollah Khomeini are predicted!

While this prophecy may be connected to the Gog and Magog war of Ezekiel 38, I’m leaning to the connection of this prophecy with Psalm 83.  For the purpose of war in both passages is to bring forth revival!  For example, Psalm 83:16 says, “Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O LORD.”

I believe we’re closer to the fulfillment of these prophecies than most people realize, and by no means am I dogmatic about the timing of these prophecies — but I would have to completely ignore the news and the current events of our day not to see the possible connection!

Until next time…

We talked about Psalm 83 a few days ago, and this amazing archaeological find in an Irish bog. This is a continuation of that blog and another amazing revelation.

In verse 9-11 of Psalm 83, we are again reminded of Gideon’s great victory with his small 300-man army. The author of this passage reminds implores the Lord to do to those conspiring to harm Israel as He did to the following.

83:9-11 [Lord,]Do unto them as unto the Midianites; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison: Which perished at Endor: they became as dung for the earth. Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna: Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession. (KJV)

Who are these people? Specifically Zebah and Zalmunna, anyone know? Well as I I started to look into this matter, I began to discover what the Lord is referring to here. Let’s go to Judges 8:21.

Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise up yourself, and fall on us; for as the man, so is his strength.” So Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna…

Okay, so they’re dead guys now — but check this out. Read on.

…and took the crescent ornaments which were on their camel’s necks. (NASB)

What is the symbol of Islam, friends?

Yes, it is the crescent moon.

Coincidence? I think not.

Thousands of years ago, the Lord inspired Asaph to write this Psalm and include this small piece of information critical to our understanding. He then made sure to expose it precisely at the time a serious attack began on Israel by the Islamic forces around her. Wow.

God is good, is He not? He wants us to study and search His Word and keep up with the current signs He’s revealing to us!

Today, USA Today produced an unbelievable article dealing with the TRUE financial status of our United States. According to this article, our government recorded a loss last year of $1.3 trillion dollars! – Source. WOW. Do you realize how much that is? That is thirteen, with eleven zero’s after it! $1,300,000,000,000! Phew!

Economists have been warning that a collapse of the US economy would undoubtedly lead to the collapse of economies throughout the world. Many have even mentioned the need for a new global economy. Hmmmm. Haven’t I read something like that in Revelation?

Our world is on the horizon of total financial collapse and I’m excited. Excited?! You say? Yes! I believe this is a significant sign to us that prophecy is well under way and great things are soon coming!

When Jesus came two thousand years ago, the Bible tells us that He came in the “fullness of time”. (Galatians 4:4). That means that the earth and all that was within it needed to be prepared. One of the ways the Lord prepared the world for the coming of his Son was through the establishment of a global economy under the rule of the Roman Empire. This opened the door for the Gospel to be effectively spread through the means of a common language and common currency.

In our age, we see similar signs with the coming of the anti-Christ and Christ’s near return. It should not surprise us that satan would try to establish another global economy. Yet is apparent that that is precisely what is taking place.

Most Christians are taught that the anti-Christ will set up the world’s economic system – and yes, this may very well be true. Although, I personally believe that the world’s economic system may already be in place before he comes to power (but don’t take my word for it — this is simply an opinion. God knows I’ve been wrong before).

Here’s the bottom line. When I read stories like this one, about the coming financial doom of the economy, it does not distress me and neither should it you! As we see these things coming to pass, our eyes should be opened and we should lift our heads high, for we know our redemption draws near!

Last year, an amazing archaeological discovery was made in Ireland while someone was digging up a bog. The manuscript they found was dated between 1000-1200 years old and was open to a page on which was written Psalm 83. While this was an incredible discovery, even more amazing was the timing in which this discovery was made! This artifact, which speaks of a war between Israel and the Arab nations was found within days of the war that erupted last summer. “A war between Israel and the Arab nations?!” you ask? Hasn’t this been going on for centuries? Yes, but Psalm 83 speaks of a specific war with specific tribes involved — and these tribes have not aligned themselves in any previous war between Israel and the Arab nations. This war is still to come according to Scripture. Read on.

Source — Irish bog’s ‘Dead Sea Scrolls’ Called Major Discovery

Psalm 83 prophesies of an attempt to destroy the nation of Israel.

Psalms 83:3-4 They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

Interestingly, on May 23, 2007, Iranian President Ahmadinejad threatened Israel on Iranian State Television — “If this year you repeat the same mistake of the last year, the ocean of nations of the region will get angry and will cut the root of the Zionist regime from its stem, 60 years of invasion and assassination is enough. If you do not cease invasion and massacre, soon the hand of power of the nations of the region will rub you criminals with earth.” — Source - MSNBC

Once again, the Islamic nations conspire and threaten to destroy this tiny nation. Is it any wonder that the Iranian President has been calling for the destruction of the nation of Israel? Is it not amazing how this fits into God’s prophetic Word?

For weeks now, I’ve been feeling that a key factor in the timing of a unilateral strike against Iran by Israel was the Israeli election. This past week we’ve seen several headlines that suggest that Israel might very well be contemplating it.

Acting Prime Minister of Israel, Ehud Olmert said of a nuclear program in Iran, ‘”In any case, Israel will not accept a situation in which it is threatened.”

Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz stated, “We are giving priority at this stage to diplomatic action … but we cannot tolerate a nuclear option for Iran and we must prepare ourselves,” Mr Mofaz said. “We must develop the option of our defense with all that implies.”

The war drums are beating just a little louder these days in Israel!

If Israel does in fact decide to act, she will most likely be doing it alone. Why will no one step in and stand with her? Because of Iranian oil, of course! There is no doubt that the western world’s thirst for oil will prevent it from taking an active military role in this one.

Israel will probably be blamed for skyrocketing oil prices in the future. Hmmm… Zechariah 14:2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle – does this ring a bell?

Until next time,

George

Boy, the media just can’t get enough of the idea of these electronic chips, can they? Today, an article in ABC News headline read, “Computer Chips Get Under Skin of Enthusiasts!”

When my good friend Thomas Horn presented me with his article, “Digital Angel” a few years ago, I couldn’t believe what I was reading — and now it’s all the rage! This could very well be the prototype of the mark!

At first, the only recipients of the Digital Angel were to be those who needed constant medical monitoring, like Ol’ Grandpa Joe who suddenly has a heart attack alone in his living room. He would get the immediate medical attention he needs without saying a word because his vital signs are being monitored by the “angel”. “It might very well save his life!” enthusiasts proclaimed.

But in this ABC News article, you can set up the locks to your house, your passwords, your entire life history on a chip the size of a grain of rice and you can’t feel a thing!

Remember when there were no cell phones? And now, who can live without one?? The world seems to be an easy target for these kinds of gimmicks. I’m sure everyone will be running out to get a chip!

Imagine how they’ll be selling these in the future… “with no use for money, CRIME will be done away with — because everything will be electronic! With this simple chip, you’ll be the only one who can enter your house — the only one who can start your car — never have to worry about lost keys again! You’ll never have to go to a cash machine again — you just pay with a simple wave of your hand!”

There do seem to be a few worldly benefits, don’t there? Hmmm. But those of us who know better might think twice, I hope.

Until next time,

George

In the next few weeks, elections among the Palestinian people will be critical. With recent polls showing that Hamas could very well win the elections, what could this mean?

First, since Hamas is listed as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the State Department (source) it will lose all its funding from within the United States… and I mean ALL of it. According to US law, any organization designated as a FTO by the State Department cannot receive any funding, neither from the United States government or from any individual within the United States.

It is unlawful for a person in the United States or subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to knowingly provide “material support or resources” to a designated FTO. - Source

According to United Nations Resolution 1373, no government within the United Nations is allowed to support a known terrorist organization either.

Under terms of the text, the Council decided that all States should prevent and suppress the financing of terrorism, as well as criminalize the wilful provision or collection of funds for such acts. The funds, financial assets and economic resources of those who commit or attempt to commit terrorist acts or participate in or facilitate the commission of terrorist acts and of persons and entities acting on behalf of terrorists should also be frozen without delay.

The Council also decided that States should prohibit their nationals or persons or entities in their territories from making funds, financial assets, economic resources, financial or other related services available to persons who commit or attempt to commit, facilitate or participate in the commission of terrorist acts. States should also refrain from providing any form of support to entities or persons involved in terrorist acts; take the necessary steps to prevent the commission of terrorist acts; deny safe haven to those who finance, plan, support, commit terrorist acts and provide safe havens as well. - Source

What does all this mean? If the Palestinian people choose Hamas to lead them — they will cut off all financial aid from every direction. And who will they blame? Do think they’ll take any responsibilty for their own actions?  Of course not! And who takes the blame for every injustice in the world? The United States and Israel! But included in the mix this time will be the European Union and the United Nations.

It looks like we’re heading down a path which can only lead to one place — a face to face battle — the world vs. Islam.

In a future blog, I’ll discuss how I believe this could fit into prophecy.

Until next time,

George