Greetings in the wonderful and powerful name of Jesus. We are nearly halfway through the year. Each day brings us closer and closer to Jesus’ appearing, and the world is moving in that direction too. Nations are lining up for battles mentioned in the books of Ezekiel and Revelation. Many in the Church can feel the draw of heaven as we look forward to our blessed hope. Yet, so many still do not realize how much God loves them. Evil men and seducers’ influences grow greater and greater. You can either find great comfort and hope in the Word of God or be troubled by the things which are seen.
In the Middle East, Iran is so close to revealing and possibly using their nuclear weapons. This could cause great fear to seize many people. The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) director general has stated that Iran has enough uranium to produce “several” nuclear bombs, even though Iran has been able to conceal and make excuses to satisfy the IAEA’s inquiries about safeguards to keep them from achieving nuclear weapons capabilities.
Iran is mentioned directly in Ezekiel 38:5 as Persia, known by that name until 1935. In that chapter of Ezekiel, they are known as part of a great company that is aligned with Russia (Magog). Iran and Russia have been associated for a very long time, but maybe never as close as they are now. Iran and Russia have been working together as allies in the Syrian war and the war in Ukraine. Most recently, Iran has been supplying Russia with drones to bomb Ukraine.
The military alignment of these nations helps fulfill the prophecy Ezekiel gave some 2,600 years ago. Prophecies such as these that dot every “i” and cross every “t” are proof that the Bible is true and why we can believe the Scriptures. Ezekiel’s prophecy further reveals that these two nations and others currently allied with Russia seek to destroy Israel. Israel faces this pressure daily from her Arab neighbors, with Russia playing a silent role. The prophecy also reveals God using His wrath to protect Israel when the attack finally comes, marking the beginning of the seven-year Tribulation Period. We are that close!
This impending reality should not cause fear in a believer’s heart because before God uses His wrath, He always removes the righteous. Such is an established biblical precedence that began with Noah and the ark. Another is Abraham’s nephew, Lot, at Sodom and Gomorrah. God removed the righteous in both instances before His wrath destroyed the wicked. Now we wait for Jesus’ appearing to remove the Body of Christ. This event is called the “Rapture,” which comes from the Greek word harpazo, translated in Latin to raptus, then to modern English as “rapture.” This is our blessed hope as believers; the appearing of Jesus for the catching away.
Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
—Titus 2:13
This anticipated event is described in detail in First Thessalonians 4:13-18 and should bring us great comfort. The phenomenon includes the bodily resurrection of the righteous dead to heaven, then the snatching away of the righteous living (who are looking for His appearing) to heaven. Note that something is required in addition to being righteous; one must be doing something—looking! If you are looking, you have the expectation of finding. Your looking in expectation should be an act of faith in what you will find. Another word would be “seek,“ as in: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33). The word “seek” means to “desire.”
We should be expectantly looking for and desiring to have the attributes of the Kingdom and right standing with the King. Kingdom attributes would be the qualities and desires of the King. Jesus is our King, and He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Jesus also said, “I will build my Church” (Matt. 16:18). So King Jesus looks at the souls of man with the greatest importance. We are the very reason He gave His life, suffered in hell, and paid the price for everyone’s sin who would call on Him. This is why “he who wins souls is wise.” (Prov. 11:30).
If you’re looking at the Kingdom, you will see all the good, and nothing will trouble you. All things will be added to you. This world and the things in it will pass away. However, you’ll continue forever in the paradise of God. Be encouraged, receive Jesus, and continue your assignment to talk about Him and tell others of His goodness.
Michelle and I are praying for you and believe that as you look, you will find the blessings of our God overtaking you and giving you peace, health, and prosperity.
Until next time remember . . . Jesus is coming soon! Be ready!
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