God's Word is 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 as well as during eternity as He rules on the earth (Revelation 5:10).
Material pursuits and sensual pleasures abound in our culture, and they 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).
When we first moved here, I wondered if the cacophony of frequent train runs through our little village 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 roar rushing through our town.
Even when the train is miles away, 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, we hear and often feel its 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 presence in our life gives us even more encouragement and hope than the simple sound of an oncoming or outgoing train.
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 Your Word, which was foretold and written 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). You are amazing, God.
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. His love never, ever fails us.
- Ephesians 3:18-19; Romans 8:35-39
See below if you are interested in fulfillment of other prophetic passages.
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 a 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
