Even
when the train is miles away from our little village in Illinois, the penetrating
hum of Monobloc wheels on high carbon steel tracks calls out into the night.
The shrill grows louder and more intense as the mighty mass of metal flies
across the rails and gains ground.
Eventually,
a whistle warns oncoming vehicle traffic of its approach to the intersection
that leads into our village, before the imposing engine pulls the cars through
a wooded area within two city blocks of our home.
When
we first moved here, I wondered if the cacophony would grate on my nerves, or
wake us from our silent slumber, but this never occurred. Instead, I feel a
strange comfort, even in the nighttime, in the predictable rumble.
The
train's frequent visits assure me that life proceeds normally and that
everything is running according to schedule. Products are traveling to their
destination to provide for the needs of people all over the world. At least for
today, commerce prevails, and we will not suffer any loss from the lack of it.
God's
Word is also quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword as it divides
our soul from our spirit and reveals to us the thoughts of our mind and the
intents of our heart (Hebrews 4:12). As an insecure new Believer, I wondered if
this convicting quality of the scripture would devastate me.
I
soon learned, however, that God's discipline only brings us comfort. The words
on the Biblical pages give us life, as well as hope in this uncertain world in
which we live. We look forward to serving God both now and also during His rule
on the earth (Revelation 5:10).
Material
pursuits and sensual pleasures abound in our culture, and grow more hedonistic
with each news cycle. Yet, this fact only proves the veracity of prophetic
passages in God's Word (Matthew 24:12). It also comforts us with the knowledge
that Jesus' return to set up His Kingdom on the earth is coming closer with
each passing day (Matthew 24:27, 25:13).
Prayer:
Father
God, Your Word predicts that in the last days of the age of the Gentiles,
Israel would become a nation again, the Roman Empire would be revised as it has
in the European Union, and the World Council of Churches would usher in the one
world religion. You decided that in 1948, these three milestones of prophecy
would be fulfilled all at one time, and we rejoice that they open the door for
Christ's return (Daniel 2:33, 41-43; Revelation 17:1-18; Amos 9:14-15; Ezekiel
24:13, 37:10-14, 21-22; Deuteronomy 30:3-5).
We
only grow more excited each day as we see the headline news confirming what
Your Word foretold thousands of years ago. More and more Biblical prophecy is
fulfilled with the passing years. The birth pains (Matthew 24:8) that we
experience in our lifetime are not worthy to be compared to the glory of what
You have in store for Your Saints - Your Church, Your Family, Christ's Body and
Bride (Romans 8:18-25).
Thought
for the Day:
We
are so privileged to share in the anticipation that God brings to everyone who
humbles him/herself and surrenders their life to Him; His multi-dimensional
love surrounds us and floods our hearts with peace and joy that defy all the odds
of happiness on this earth.
-
Ephesians 3:18-19
More
Fulfilled Prophecies: 1948 & Beyond (Dr. Ken Johnson)
·
Israel
will be reestablished as a nation. Isaiah 11:11
·
British
ships will be the first to bring the Jewish people home. Isaiah 60:9
·
Israel
will come back as one nation, not two. Hosea 1:11; Ezekiel 37:18,19,22
·
Israel
will be reestablished by a leader named David. Hosea 3:5
·
The
revived state will be named Israel. Ezekiel 37:11
·
The
Star of David will be on the Israeli flag. Isaiah 11:10
·
The
nation will be reestablished in the ancient land of Canaan. Jeramiah
30:2,3; Ezekiel
37:12
·
Israel
will no longer speak of being freed from Egypt. Jeramiah 16:14,15
·
Israel
will not be restored as a monarchy. Micah 5:5
·
Israel
will be established on the date predicted. Daniel 4; Ezekiel 4:4-6
·
The
Hebrew language will be revived in Israel. Jeramiah 31:23
·
Jerusalem
will be divided. Zechariah
14:1-3
·
Daniel
will occupy the West Bank. Zephaniah 2:8; Zechariah
12:1-7
·
Israel
will be initially restored without Jerusalem. Zechariah
12:1-7
·
Israel
will have a fierce military (fire-pot). Zechariah
12:1-7; Isaiah
41
·
Israel
will be reestablished by the fourth craftsman. Zechariah
1:18-21
·
The
Jewish people will come back in unbelief. Ezekiel
37:7-8,11
·
First
Shepherd will arise. Micah
5:5-8
·
Cities
will be restored and Israel will have non-Jewish farmers. Isaiah 61:4,5; Zephaniah 2
·
Jerusalem
will grow beyond its old walls. Zechariah 2:4,5
·
Land
of Israel will be divided by its rivers and by Muslims. Isaiah
18:1-7
·
Tourists
will fly in and support Israel. Isaiah
60:8-10; Isaiah 61
·
There
will be constant planting and reaping (crops). Amos
9:13-15
·
Forests
will reappear in Israel (cedar, etc). Isaiah
41:18-20
·
Desolate
land and cities will be restored. Ezekiel
36:33-36
·
Five
cities will stay desolate. Matthew
11:20-24
·
Muslims
will not reckon Israel among nations. Numbers 23:9
·
Israel
will inherit remnant of Edom/Palestinians. Amos 9:12
·
Satellite-Television
Communication Systems invented. Revelation 17:8
·
Turkey
makes a military pact with Russia. Ezekiel
38:3-8
