The Future Of Israel - Part Two

Last week's message started a series entitled "The Future Of Israel." We studied Psalm 83 showing current day Israel is surrounded by enemies. Psalm 83 does not prophesy about an exact future war but illustrates the continual threat of war.

This week we will shift our focus and look at portions of Ezekiel 36-39 that many prophetic scholars believe predict the next war Israel will experience called the Battle of Gog and Magog. Ezekiel 36:1,6,7 says, "And you, son of man prophesy to the mountains of Israel and say, 'O mountains of Israel, hear the word of The Lord!' . . . Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Israel, and say to the mountains, the hills, the rivers and the valleys, thus says The Lord God: 'Behold, I have spoken in My jealousy and My fury because you have borne the shame of the nations.' Therefore thus says The Lord God: 'I have lifted My hand in an oath that surely the nations that are around you shall bare their own shame.'"

These few verses of God's Word are multi-faceted since they explain the past, present and future aspects of life in Israel. Notice verse one shows God speaking to the "Mountains Of Israel." Looking at at a map of Israel we see the land along the Mediterranean Sea is flat but as we approach Jerusalem we are now in mountains continuing to the Jordan River. This mountain region is called Judea and Samaria which was the heart of Jesus' Ministry on earth.

Judea and Samaria have been conquered numerous times as explained in verses two and five. Currently, the mountains of Israel have towns housing Palestinians and towns housing Jews. The World Media calls this area The West Bank.

Now we turn to God's prophetic future for Judea and Samaria. Ezekiel 36:6 says Jehovah God is "Jealous and Furious" because nations have brought shame to this land that God gave to His covenant people in Genesis 15:18. He will correct this situation! Verse 7 says He Will Bring Shame To The Nations That Have Shamed Israel. Hallelujah!

Does God Keep His Word? Yes, He Does Absolutely! All we have to do is look at countries and empires that once controlled parts of Israel and notice today they either do not exist or are not currently empires. A few examples are the Ottoman Empire, the Babylonian Empire, Edom, Moab, Gaza, Tyre, Assyria and Ethiopia.

Jehovah God has brought shame on Israel's enemies and will do so again in the future! Stay Tuned!

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Every Day,

Frank