FULFILLED PROPHECIES FROM THE BIBLE SINCE 1948

In this next series of blog posts I want to draw your attention to prophecies from the word of God that have been fulfilled basically since the time that Israel once again was recognized as a sovereign nation.  I will also address events that are on the prophetic horizon followed by the implications of the prophetic accuracy of scripture.

1948 – Israel reborn as a nation

The nation of Israel was non-existent for almost 2000 years before its amazing rebirth as foretold by the prophet Ezekiel.

Ezekiel 37:1–11 “The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones…and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest. Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD. So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone. And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them. Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live. So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army. Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel….”

Jerusalem to become a cup of trembling to all nations

The prophet Zechariah spoke of a time in which Jerusalem would be a cup of trembling and burdensome stone to all people on earth.

Zechariah 12:2-3 “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.  And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.”

Development of technology allowing events across the globe to be seen worldwide in real time

From his vision on the island of Patmos, John prophesied of two witnesses that would declare God’s truth from Jerusalem during the last seven-year period (more commonly known as the tribulation) before Jesus returns as King.  He also foretold that when they are killed by the Antichrist, the peoples of all nations will be able to see their dead bodies.

Revelation 11:3–9 “And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth….And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.”

Development of technology allowing for mark of beast

John also foretold from his vision that the Antichrist would cause every person on earth to receive a mark in the right hand or forehead in order to be able to conduct business of any type during the last half of the tribulation period.

Revelation 13:16–17 “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”

Development of technology that results in weapons that do not miss their mark

The prophet Jeremiah talks about a time in which weapons will exist that will hit their targets without fail—a description of today’s “smart” weaponry.

Jeremiah 50:9 “For, lo, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the north country: and they shall set themselves in array against her; from thence she shall be taken: their arrows shall be as of a mighty expert man; none shall return in vain.”

Development of technology allowing for destruction of the global population

Since the development of nuclear weapons and the ensuing arms race, the nuclear potential exists to destroy mankind.

I found the following information at www.icnnd.org, the website for The International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament:  “The destructive power of nuclear weapons is mind-numbing in more ways than one: far too much policy debate about the role of nuclear weapons is abstract and detached from the horrific reality of their lethal capability. The short point is that the combined stockpile of existing weapons is capable of destroying our world as we know it many times over.”

Matthew 24:21–22 “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved….”

(to be continued…)

I'm Thankful for "God's Grace"

Before God spoke a word

Creating heaven and earth

He had a plan in place

To bless us with His grace

He knew that we were sure

To yield to Satan's lure

So He had a plan in place

To bless us with His grace

Redemption was His plan

To send The Perfect Man

Who on the cross would make

A sacrifice of grace

That Man--His only Son

The holy, sinless One

Who suffered in our place

God's precious gift of grace

To heaven He has gone

Preparing there a home

For those who have in faith

Received His saving grace

And one day soon He'll call

His children one and all

To gather in one place

Around the throne of grace

No sorrow, tears or pain

Eternal joy will reign

The blessing of His grace

Because He had a plan in place

Salvation is Ours in the Secret Place – Psalm 91 (conclusion)

Psalm 91:13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

I think this is the psalmist’s expression of the invincibility of a person who is under the protection of Almighty God.  The lion is the king of beasts and references a mighty fearful enemy.  The adder references the asp, a poisonous snake whose bite causes death in a few hours.   The dragon references a sea monster.  Isn’t it interesting that all of these images are also used in reference to Satan in scripture.

·      Lion - 1Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour….”

·      Adder/serpent - Revelation 12:9 “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”

·      Dragon – Same verse as above.  It’s also interesting that the future Antichrist, the beast that comes from the sea, also falls into this description; and John specifies that he gets his power and authority from the dragon, Satan.

Revelation 13:1-2 “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

In other words, the psalmist tells us that the person of faith has nothing to fear from the attack of the spiritual forces of evil.  Why?  The answer follows.

Psalm 91:14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

The psalmist at this point becomes a prophet; he is speaking the words of the Lord.  The Hebrew for love states, “to cling, delight in, desire.”   To know God’s name is to understand the power behind that name.  In context with God’s love it made the reference to “familiar friend” in the Hebrew for known stand out as well.  God delights in honoring those who honor Him.  Jesus was very clear as to the greatest commandment.

Matthew 22:36-38 “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment.”  

He was equally clear that the Father responds in love to those that love Him.

John 14:23 “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”

The Lord comforted Jeremiah with this same truth.

Jeremiah 39:18 “For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD.”

           

Psalm 91:15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

The person who delights in the Lord and has placed his life in His hands by faith can be assured that God will answer when he calls. 

The next phrase is important—He will be with him in trouble.  In other words, we aren’t promised that we will never experience trouble, but that God will always be with us in our time of trouble.  Then He promises deliverance from that trouble—according to His wisdom and His timing.  He also promises to honor the believer, and that speaks of glory and riches beyond our imagination. 

God always hears the prayer of His child and He always answers.  Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes no, sometimes wait a while or not yet.  His presence, provision, deliverance and honor are sure.  His word never fails.

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

Isaiah 55:11 “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

Psalm 91:16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

I thought it was interesting that the Hebrew for long referenced “forever.”   That is the proper perspective.  We all know of people of faith who have died young.  The only way this verse makes sense is in reference to eternity.  Scripture is clear in stating that our lives here are but a vapor and that we cannot be sure of tomorrow.

James 4:14 “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”

Isaiah 40:6-8 “The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.  The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”

1Peter 1:24 “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away….”

This verse also fits right in with the truth stated by Jesus.

John 11:25-26 “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”

The Hebrew for salvation references “deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity:—deliverance, and health.”   Salvation includes both deliverance from and victory to.  Deliverance from everything evil and wicked and victory to prosperity, health and everything associated with the blessings of God. 

This is a most important point of focus for the child of God today as the times continue to grow spiritually darker.  We will enjoy eternal life in the presence of the LORD.  Our present life is but a tiny dot on the line that represents eternity.  Death is only a transition to a better life.

Come Lord Jesus!!

Safe in the Secret Place - Psalm 91 (cont.)

Psalm 91:5-6 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

In these verses the psalmist describes four things the believer has no need to fear.

1)    The terror by night – Terror is a general term for anything that causes extreme fear, causes us to feel dread, or agitates body and mind (according to Webster).  Night is a reference not only to darkness, but also to the presence of evil.

Job 24:13-15 They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.  The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief.  The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguiseth his face.

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

              This is fear of danger that you cannot see.

2)    The arrow that flieth by day – The Hebrew for arrow references a “piercer” or something that “wounds.”  This would seem to reference fear from danger of which you are aware, an attack that you see coming.

3)    The pestilence that walketh in darkness – The root for pestilence references something that subdues or destroys.  I couldn’t help but think of this verse from Peter when I saw that definition.

1Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

4)    The destruction that wasteth at noonday – Maybe the noonday is a reference to the time of day when we are getting fatigued, the times when we aren’t as vigilant and ready to face attack.  I decided to look for a little help on this phrase and Adam Clarke made an enlightening comment:  “The ancients thought that there were some demons who had the power to injure particularly at noonday.”

Psalm 91:7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

I think the “thousand” refers back to the arrows and figuratively to any danger or attack of the enemy.  The child of God should realize that the protecting hand of Almighty God can overpower the enemy no matter how big, how many or how powerful.

Psalm 91:8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

This seems to acknowledge a promise that we can be sure that the wicked will be judged; they will reap what they have sown.  It is also implies that the child of God who has placed His faith in Him will observe this judgment from a place of protection.

Psalm 91:9-10 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

The psalmist is basically conveying the truth that those who have turned to YHWH in faith, as he has, and are trusting YHWH with their lives have no reason to fear any evil or wickedness.  Paul restated this truth in his letter to the Romans.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Those who love God and those who have faith in God are the same.  Everything that God allows to touch the lives of those who trust Him is meant for good.  What we may at first determine to be evil is actually meant for good.  It’s a matter of trusting God with the outcome.  It’s a matter of accepting the truth stated by Isaiah.

Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Psalm 91:11-12 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

These verses immediately make me think of Satan’s use of them in tempting Jesus in the wilderness.

Matthew 4:5-7 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

It’s interesting to me that Satan made direct application of this scripture to the man Jesus, the perfect man of faith, the Son of God.  The amazing truth is that as a child of God, the same truth applies to me.  The angels are identified as ministering spirits to the children of faith.

Hebrews 1:13-14 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?  Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

They have been assigned to minister to ALL our ways, our journey through this life.  It doesn’t mean that we will never get hurt.  It does mean that (as stated above) God is in control and will only allow in our lives that which He intends to use for good.  When Satan used these verses, he (as the wicked often do) used the Word for his own purposes—not God’s.

(to be continued…)

Dwelling in the Secret Place - A look at Psalm 91

This psalm is a very special word from God to the believer today in light of the times in which we live.  Our nation, as well as the rest of the world, is descending further and further into spiritual darkness as the influence of the “god of this world,” Satan in his many deceptive forms, are on the rise.  In my opinion, this was to be expected according to scripture as the time draws near for the return of Jesus to establish His kingdom.  Every child of God should feel the urgency of getting out the truth of the gospel to as many as possible as soon as possible.  I believe the time is coming sooner rather than later when the ability to freely share that truth will be severely restricted and those who try to share that truth will face persecution.  It is during that time that the word of God will prove more precious to the child of God than ever before.

Psalm 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

The “secret place” is a reference to a place of covering or protection, a hiding place.  To dwell in the secret place of the most High is to dwell in the most secure place available.  I see that as being hidden in plain view under cover of the protective hand of God.  Webster defines dwell as “to linger…to continue…to abide as a permanent resident.”  This describes a person who has fully committed his life to God in submission and obedience.  The word linger gave me the idea of someone who likes where he is, he is comfortable there; there is nowhere else he would rather be. 

The second part of this verse is basically a restatement of the first, a characteristic of Hebrew poetry.  Abiding in the shelter of the Almighty is another way of saying that you are living under the protection of God Almighty.  The Hebrew for shadow references being shaded or defended from a root that states “through the idea of hovering over.”  It gives me the picture of a loving Father Who is very attentive to the smallest needs of his child.

Psalm 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Now the psalmist makes it personal—“He is my refuge and my fortress: my God.”  Refuge speaks of a place of shelter provided by someone you trust.  Fortress speaks of a defense or a strong place.  “My God” refers back to LORD (YHWH), the self-existent, eternal Supreme Being.  The psalmist is declaring a personal relationship with the LORD—a relationship based on trust or faith in the God who gives him security, confidence and hope.  This is a man whose mind is at rest or peace because he has faith in God’s protection of him.

Psalm 91:3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

The “snare of the fowler” speaks of an enemy who is out to trap you.  Who else could that be but Satan, the god of this world, and his army of evil spiritual forces and the wicked men and women who serve him.

In looking at the Hebrew for “noisome pestilence” it seems that the psalmist is referencing a sudden onset of plague or disease that affects many people or cattle.  It seems to allow for application in today’s world of an evil attack using chemical or biological weapons to bring about the destruction of many.  In fact, it could reference a sudden overwhelming destruction of any kind that is a result of evil forces whether spiritual or physical.

The psalmist is convinced that God will deliver His people from such evil.  I believe that is true.  I also believe that God’s deliverance can come in unexpected ways.  I thought it was interesting that the Hebrew for deliver included a variety of possibilities—to snatch away, escape, preserve, recover, rescue.  In my mind that allows for Him to take us home to escape being touched by the evil, to preserve us through the evil to recovery, or to rescue us physically from danger. 

Notice that the psalmist switched from first person to third person.  He is speaking on behalf of all those who trust in God the same way he does.

Psalm 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

In this verse the psalmist is comparing God’s protection of people of faith to a bird that is protecting its young by covering them with its wings.  God is compared to an eagle in scripture.  I believe the psalmist was thinking of the words of Moses in Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy 32:9-12 For the LORD’S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.  He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.  As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.

A shield is a reference to protection from a specific point of attack, while a buckler seems to reference a protective surrounding.  God’s truth, His Word, provides us with a defense from spiritual attack in particular.  The Lord Jesus exampled this truth when he faced the temptations of Satan in the wilderness.  God’s word also provides people of faith with a protective hedge if they will but live according to its truth.  When we step out of God’s revealed will for us as established by His word, we are inviting danger.

(to be continued…)