GOODNEWSLETTER
Number 380 July 13, 2011
PROPHECY For ISRAEL*
"Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she gave birth to a boy. Who hasheard of such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation bebrought forth all at once? As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons," Isaiah 66:7-8.
Israel is certainly in the news today. Yet, if we go back to 690 years before Christ, we read of Her recovery and the fact that the nation has, and will always be, in existence. God's plan for the nation was made to Abraham and, it's right on schedule. This prophecy for Israel should cause all of us to stop and think about God's plan for His people. Who are they? Where is their final abode? It's all right there in God's word. Isaiah shows us that God's word is sure; His plan is right on time and, Israel shall be saved.
God's plan in Isaiah 66 unfolds this way: 1) A seven year peace treaty is signed with the Beast of Revelation 13:1; 2) the beast breaks the treaty in the midst (Dan 9:27); 3) Israel flees to a place prepared by God and is fed for 3 1/2 years; and then, 4) the forces of the beast go after all who worship the true God. Please go over these points until your heart is settled on this prophecy; for, Israel is God's clock. When we read it correctly, we know where we are in His time-frame.
Concerning the prophecy of Isaiah, we see that the 'hands of time,' are quickly moving. But, another important fact is that Isaiah's words demand that Israel has to continue until the Second Coming of Christ. To continue means that Israel has never ceased to exist. Never shall, either.
Yes, the nation failed to realize Jesus as Savior at His first advent. Further, the nation has been dispersed for nearly 2000 years. However, in 1939, the United Nations recognized Israel as a nation. Indeed! God is still working with Israel; they are His people. The plan always runs right through the nation, keeping Israel as God's clock and keeping us right on time. We must remember that prophetic time is relative to God's nation, Israel.
During the time of Isaiah's prophecy, Israel is in such horrible pain and misery that She cries out to God. He answers by sending Jesus to rescue the nation. It is then that Israel accepts Jesus as Her Savior. "Blessed" becomes the word of Her heart, as She calls out for God, help and salvation. Just like a mother who sees her baby for the first time, Israel's heart opens up to God's provision, this time.
Fortunately, for the nation, God has been faithful to His promises; for, in history, Israel always sinned against God. But; while God punishes, He is always merciful and loving, ready to come and save His people in time of trouble. Even today, you may call on His Holy Name.
ISAIAH'S WORDS AND THE LAST DAYS EXPLAINED BY SCRIPTURE: Watching current events and reading God's Word, we understand that Isaiah's prophecy for Israel is about to happen. And, the time is not pretty for Israel. But, first, the treaty.
In Daniel 9:27, we read, "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease ...". In the midst means that, after 3 1/2 years of signing the seven year peace treaty with the beast of Revelation 13:1, in the middle of the week, the treaty is broken. The beast has 7 heads (of affiliation) and 10 horns (nations). Also, the beast receives power from the Dragon (Satan), and wants to destroy the nation of Israel (Rev. 12:3-6).
When peace is broken, Israel runs to the wilderness, according to Revelation 12:6. There, a place has been prepared of God "...that they should feed her (Israel) there a thousand two hundred and threescore days (Rev 12:6). That's 3 1/2 years; the same as 42 months (Rev 11:2) and, "times, times and a half time" that Revelation 12:14 records.
When Israel flees, things gets extremely close to the end of the earth, as we know it. We read of the dragon being cast out of heaven and going after Israel in Revelation 12:13. Then, the next verse says the dragon "persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child." But, God takes control and cares for His people, providing Israel with wings to "fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent" (Rev. 12:14).
Thus, we see that Isaiah's words come directly after the peace treaty is broken. That's 3 1/2 years after the seven year treaty is signed. But, with God supervising the time period, the nation of Israel finds salvation. "As soon as Zion travailed She brought forth her sons" (Isa. 66:8). The nation shall be saved. Hallelujah!!!
We get an idea of Israel's coming salvation earlier in Matthew 21:9. Multitudes cry "Hosanna to the Son of David" while Jesus entered Jerusalem. But, the leaders dispised the Son of God. However, in the end, Jesus comes to save the nation. This time, it's forever; as Israel finally understands the meaning of "Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord". The nation understands that Her Son was born.
Isaiah is telling us that Israel's salvation is both physical and, it's spiritual. It's the time of Her travail and pain. And, the nation delivers Her people. For Israel, God's plan operates as it was meant from the beginning - RIGHT ON TIME!
2000 years ago, Israel brought forth a Son. His name was Jesus. Ignorant of the Lord, Israel has undergone much sorrow. But, now in Isaiah 66, Israel cries out to Her God. She fulfills the words spoken by Jesus in Matthew 23:39, "...ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord." And, how we thank God for