-- Nathan Newman =====
Jerusalem's Prophetic Role: Sign Of The End Times
Recognized as the spiritual and political capital of Israel, Jerusalem has long been viewed as the city of prophecy to Christians worldwide. And a number of Bible scholars say Israel provides a window into biblical prophecy.
"Somebody said that Israel is the minute-hand on God's clock," says Derek Prince, a leading author and biblical scholar, describing the prophetic of the Bible, all those that concern the close of the age assume the presence of Israel in this land as a sovereign nation. Until that happened, the age couldn't close. Now that has happened, it's as if the stage has been set for the final act of the drama."
Prince and other noted scholars point to the re-establishment of the nation of Israel on May 14, 1948, as being perhaps the most powerful prophetic event in the 20th century. On that date, David Ben-Gurion officially proclaimed the state of Israel. The following day the new nation survived an attack by Arab nations.
Believing Jews and Christians say the birth and subsequent survival of Israel is a fulfillment of Scripture from the prophet Isaiah who said, "Who has ever heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen such things? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought froth in a moment?" (Isaiah66:8).
The birth of Israel resounded a trumpet call to Jews throughout the world. Even before 1948, thousands of Jews came to be the backbone of the Kibbutz movement and the struggle for independence. Following the birth of Israel, scores of Jews left their own countries to resettle the land.
Today, Soviet Jews are emigrating to Israel. The world Jewish Congress estimates that in the next 10 years, a majority of all Jews will be living in the land of Israel.
"It is definitely a fulfillment of prophecy," explains Gary Cooperberg, executive director of Project Shofar. "It is part of a divine process. going on now for probably hundreds of years, but I think we're coming right now to the climax of it."
The historical phases of Israel reflect the ingathering of Jews from all over the world. Many believe those phases reflect the biblical prophecy which says, "The Lord shall set His hand for the second time to recover the remnants of His people. and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth." Cooperberg says many Israelis today share a sense of divine destiny. "Even if they don't understand it on a religious level.they do understand that there is something very special going on."
Today, much of biblical prophecy centers around the capital city itself. Bible scholars cite Luke 21:24 which says, "Jerusalem will be trampled under foot by the Gentiles until the time of the Gentiles be fulfilled."
>From the time of the Roman conquest to 1967's Six-Day War, Jews had not
ruled the city. For many students of Bible prophecy, this battle, which gave
Jews control of Jerusalem, was turning point in human history that marked a
transition from one era to another.
"Jesus committed himself to return to Jerusalem when there would be Jews waiting to welcome Him," says Prince. "The regathering of Jews in Jerusalem is an essential preliminary for the return of Jesus."
Many believe the birth of a nation, the restoration of a city and the return of its people are just the prelude to the greatest prophecy of all-the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Pat Robertson Responds
"The Six-Day War was the key moment in prophecy.I've been there for many, many years, and have talked to scholars of the cabala and others who have worked the numbers. We are getting very, very close to some key wrap-up in the history of mankind."
Standard To Live By
"For Zion's sake I will not keep silent. And for Jerusalem's sake I will not keep quiet, until her righteousness goes forth like brightness, and her salvation like a torch that is burning. And the nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory.you will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord and a royal diadem in the hand of your God"(Isaiah 62:1-3).