by Michael G. Mickey

(12-6-05)

Israel National News is reporting that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon "told a Moroccan newspaper that if security and quiet are attained, he is definitely ready to recognize a Palestinian state and to “go a long way” in negotiations."

Security and quiet. An interesting choice of words for Sharon to use, in light of Bible prophecy, for we're told in 1st Thessalonians 5:3: For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Is Ariel Sharon's "security and quiet" synonymous with 1st Thessalonians 5:3's "peace and safety" in this instance? I certainly believe so, especially when we look at what Ariel Sharon says "security and quiet" will result in, which is recognition of a Palestinian state and Israel going a "long way" in negotiations!

Bible prophecy tells us, in Daniel 9:26-27, a prince (or leader) of Roman descent - the prophesied Antichrist - is going to rise to prominence on the world's diplomatic stage by somehow confirming a seven-year peace covenant between Israel and her enemies. It is at that time that Israel - and likely the entire world - will break into cheering, exuberant that peace and safety has finally come to the Middle East. The cheering will be momentary at best, however, for sudden destruction will simultaneously come upon the world in the form of the seven-year Tribulation Period.

Many people suggest that we're nowhere near the return of Jesus Christ, in spite of the fact governments from around the globe are absolutely obsessed with resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, most of them erroneously thinking that peace between the nation of Israel and a newly-established state of "Palestine" would result in a reduction of radical Islamic terrorist attacks on the free world - a mistake on their part to be sure. I've said it before and I'll say it again. There will be no lasting peace in the Middle East until the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ Himself, physically returns to the earth at Armageddon and establishes it! Period.

As for the peace covenant of Antichrist, however, conditions seem to be ripe for the advent of the Antichrist to occur, assuming the appointed time known only by God the Father is drawing near. Why do I say that? More and more, Ariel Sharon seems willing to surrender Israel's God-given covenant lands to its enemies in the hope of obtaining peace. He has all but said so himself.

All that's needed is a little security and quiet, peace and safety if you will.