Events in the Middle East continue to hot up!

We are living in incredibly significant times with many key end time indicators becoming more obvious by the day. By far the most important of these is the increasing escalation in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Israel – this is where the most notable action will take place immediately prior to Jesus’ return.

As US President Donald Trump continues to surprise (and bewilder) many since his shock election victory, his decision this week to withdraw the US from the Iran nuclear deal is undoubtedly one of his boldest moves yet. Describing the deal as ‘defective at its core’, Trump has withdrawn from the deal and imposed harsh sanctions on the Iranian regime, even making veiled threats of military action if they attempt to pursue nuclear weapons. Iran has responded by attacking Israel’s Golan Heights region with rockets fired from Syrian positions, to which the Israelis have responded by destroying almost all of Iran’s infrastructure in Syria. The situation changes by the day.

We suggest there are a number of significant angles on the current events from the perspective of Bible prophecy:

1. Israel is increasingly coming under the spotlight as hostilities between Iran and the US play out nearby. The Iranian regime makes no secret of its desire to ‘destroy Israel’ which some suggest is the reason it is so aggressively pursuing nuclear armament. Iran (along with a confederation of other nations) is a key player in the end time battle described in Ezekiel 38/39 so any development that increases hostilities with Israel should be carefully observed, particularly as Russia appears to be playing an increasingly prominent role.
2. The planned move of the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is scheduled for 14th May 2018. This date is hugely symbolic as it is also the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the modern state of Israel which occurred on 14th May 1948. This is clearly not a coincidence and will be met with unrestrained rage from the Palestinians and surrounding countries which means this will be a very turbulent and tense time for all concerned.
3. As a personality, Trump continues to divide opinion within the US and further afield. Some believe he could be a born-again Christian and is an instrument being used by God, although this is very speculative. We would urge caution in making too much of his bold support of Israel (although we welcome it). Trump is a tough and shrewd businessman and it would come as no surprise to us if he demanded tough concessions on the part of the Israeli’s when convenient – we hope we are wrong, but it could be a mistake to believe he is a loyal friend of Israel who will not at some point want something in return. There is already suspicion he will attempt to further divide the land of Jerusalem at some point as JD Farag described in his recent Prophecy Update.
4. As a side note, it is worth keeping en eye on French President Macron. He had enjoyed an incredibly rapid ascent to power in France and is emerging as a key player in European politics who will be very influential in worldwide developments. The fact that his first name is Emmanuel (meaning ‘God with us’) is unlikely to be a coincidence and those interested in Bible prophecy should also watch with interest!

For the reasons above (and many more) the picture on the prophetic landscape is changing so quickly, it’s impossible to keep up. For those who interested in the Middle East, you may enjoy this video where Prophecy commentator Bill Koenig outlines the main players.
Above all, keep looking up!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. [Psalm 122:6 NIV]

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