prophecy

Syria 

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Isaiah 17:1
“The burden against Damascus.
‘Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city,
And it will be a ruinous heap.’”

Many prophecies had both near and far fulfillment. In other words, the prophet was speaking of events that would transpire in or around his lifetime, as well as foreshadowing future events. It seems clear, Isaiah is doing that here. Since Jehovah is the one true and living God, and not merely the God of Israel, every nation and people will stand before Him to give account for their actions. In addition to explaining the consequences of Israel’s actions, Isaiah goes on to speak to Damascus, Syria, of the judgment that awaits it.

History records the fall of Damascus to the Assyrian forces. This event took place in the mid 700′s B.C. Not only was the city defeated, but the inhabitants were taken as prisoners of war to Assyria. It is apparent, at least part of Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled at that time. However, if we look more closely, we see he predicts Damascus ceasing to be a city. This portion of the prophecy has undoubtedly not been fulfilled yet, and is speaking of a future event.

The events transpiring on the world stage today are quite interesting. Syria is in the midst of a horrible civil conflict and is facing the threat of outside attack. Many experts suggest any outside retaliation will turn the events in Syria into a global conflict.

I am not implying these events are a fulfillment of Isaiah’s words. Nevertheless, we would be foolish to ignore a wake up call to the reality of the soon return of Christ. This might be a good time to consider the words of Paul,

Romans 13:11
“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.”

Pastor Jim

 

You Snooze You Lose

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Mark 13:2
“Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

IMG_1454The stones that formed the Temple were massive. Their sheer size represented permanence. For the disciples, it would be difficult to imagine them ever being destroyed. When Jesus declared that a time was coming when the Temple would be leveled, the minds of the disciples jumped to the future. They asked;

“What will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?”

Mark 13 is an abridged version of the Olivet Discourse recorded also in Matthew 24-25. The subject is the signs that point to the return of Christ. Jesus states;

“Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.”

People are fascinated with what the Bible teaches about the future. Many Christians have become students of prophecy, many books have been written on the subject, Hollywood has produced movie after movie depicting their interpretations of eschatology. Sometimes, in the midst of all this, we can miss the repeated exhortation of Jesus.

“Take heed… Take heed, watch and pray… Watch… What I say to you I say to all: watch!”

While it is important to be aware of the events that point to the return of Christ, it is more important to be focussing on your relationship with Jesus. Are you ready? If He were to return today, what will He find you doing? Are you living your life for His glory and Kingdom? Are you watching or have you fallen asleep? When He returns, we will not be tested on our knowledge of prophecy but rewarded for our faithfulness.

Perhaps this is a good time to take inventory of your walk with the Lord. Maybe you need to do a little “house cleaning.”

Pastor Jim

 

Problems And Solutions

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Zechariah 2:10
“ Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord.

IMG_1244.JPGThings looked bleak for Israel. After their defeat in battle, Jerusalem was destroyed and the Jewish people were taken as prisoners to Babylon. An entire generation arose who had never set foot in the promised land, and who ignored the voice of God, when called upon to return and rebuild. For those who did return, morale was low, as the daunting task of rebuilding a nation amidst constant opposition bore down upon them. Zachariah records the words he spoke to the people, to encourage them to continue on in the work of the Lord. One of his greatest promises is recorded here,

Zechariah 2:10
“Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord.”

Heaven’s solution for what ailed mankind was a visit from God himself. Years later, this promise would be fulfilled, when, in a stable outside Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus. This tiny Child, whose first bed was a cleaned feeding trough, would grow to become the Savior of humanity, and change the course of human history. No man can match the influence this tiny Child has had upon the world; and his work is not yet completed. He desires to continue to impact the world, one life at a time. No matter how dark things may seem in your life, you can break out in song knowing that Jesus Christ desires to dwell within you and change your world.

Pastor Jim