We live in such very interesting times, for the things that are happening today often relate to something found in the Bible, the Word of God. We know that God has His plan for the earth and that nothing can hinder the full accomplishment of everything that has been purposed in the eternal counsels of God. All shall be fulfilled.
In Psalm 132 we read, "The Lord hath chosen Zion; He hath desired it for His habitation." Then He says, "This is My rest forever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it." This place is the center of the earth in God's purposes. The four directions—north, east, south and west—relate to Jerusalem. Zion is one of its hills.
Immediately north of Israel is Lebanon with a population of about three and a half million, and also Syria with nearly fourteen million inhabitants. Both are warlike nations, with Syria having much control over Lebanon. Just lately much pressure has been put upon Syria to come to peace with Israel. There may be more pressure put upon Syria to reject even outward peace with Israel. Certainly Turkey, with a population of nearly sixty million, of which ninety-eight percent are Moslem, has little love for Israel.
Every action in this part of the world is of special interest to Christians today. Whether it is war or terrorism or the signing of peace agreements, we know that in the end all will progress toward what Daniel has written: "The end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined" (ch. 9:26).
Those who look for the glory that is to come to the Lord Jesus Christ know that there are certain events to take place before He will have His rightful place on the earth. We know from Daniel 11:4040And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. (Daniel 11:40) and other scriptures that at the end there is to be a great nation to the south of Israel and one to the north. After years of weakness, Egypt has been gaining strength and so seems ready to fulfill her place in prophecy. The king of the south will be from Egypt.
These events now shaping up the nations for the judgments that precede the millennial kingdom are strong indications of the nearness of the Lord's coming.
The Apostle Peter, when writing about coming things, left us this exhortation: "What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?" (2 Peter 3:1111Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, (2 Peter 3:11)). It is important for us, then, to learn by what is taking place among the nations, particularly around Jerusalem, and to live as those who belong to Christ. It may be that because of this we suffer reproach and tribulation, but if it is for the name of Christ, the answer is in 1 Peter 4:1414If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (1 Peter 4:14), "Happy are ye." Then he adds, "The Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you.”
What a joy it is to realize that, as Luke 21:2828And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. (Luke 21:28) says, "When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." Ed.