by Michael G. Mickey
(10-10-07)

Zechariah 12:2-3: Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

A recent Associated Press story opens as follows (emphasis added mine):

Two senior Israeli politicians, including the prime minister's closest ally, talked openly Monday about dividing Jerusalem, signaling a possible shift in Israeli opinion about one of the Mideast's most contentious issues.

The dispute over Jerusalem has derailed negotiations in the past, and the latest comments come at a time when Israeli and Palestinian teams are trying to agree on principles guiding future peace talks.

The end is near. How much clearer can it be in light of this latest development, particularly if this should come to pass?

Having sought to obtain Jerusalem as their capital for as long as I can recall, it seems the Palestinians, with the aid and support of the international community, may have finally convinced Israel to surrender at least part of the city to them that they might make it the capital of a Palestinian state to be created on Israel's covenant lands. I cringe at the mere thought of it!

Historically, possession of the city of Jerusalem has been a key stumbling block to peace coming to the Middle East but now, with an international peace conference scheduled to be held in November the goal of which is to bring about a lasting peace in the Middle East, the Israeli government suddenly seems willing to do what it has never been willing to do before. If the information contained in the news report above as well as others I have read is accurate, Israel's resistance of the will of its enemies and the collective will of the international community is beginning to crumble.

So, what next?

The Palestinians and the international community have set for themselves a goal of breaking the burdensome stone of Zechariah 12:3 - Jerusalem - into pieces. If Israel is truly considering submitting to this goal, things are looking up for those of us who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Conversely, things are looking anything but good for the unbelieving world!

The prophet Daniel tells us, as recorded in Daniel 9:26-27, that a prince (or leader) of Roman descent is going to confirm (or make strong) a covenant of peace in the Middle East seven years in length in the prophetic future, potentially soon in light of recent developments. This he (the prophesied Antichrist) will do "with many." The confirmation of the covenant of peace prophesied by Daniel will mark the beginning of the prophesied seven-year Tribulation Period - a time of absolute horror upon the earth which will be preceded by the Rapture of the Church.

Ready to fly? If not, today is a good day for you to get ready! Jesus Christ is Lord and He's coming soon!