Final post

Hi everyone, This is my last entry on this blogsite. My website; www.logostelos.info has all my writings on it and I am posting any new ones there. Please look there and I would appreciate any comments or questions. IHS Bruce McKerras

Signposts of the Coming Apocalypse

This blog will not be updated again. Please look at my website; www.logostelos.info for all my books on Bible prophecy and my new writings. Thanks, Bruce Mckerras Signposts of the coming Apocalypse The Bible does not prophesy the end of the world or of total destruction, but of a whole series of carefully timed events that lead up to the great and glorious Return of Jesus. The final countdown of the end times will take years and before the first prophesied event happens, we are told of a few preliminary things that will set the stage for the political, economic and religious climate that is necessary to trigger the Lord’s action. These preparatory steps seem to be falling into place in rapid succession. It is humanly impossible to resolve the political situation in the Middle East, many countries have failing economies and religion is once again the motivation for war. Many people today react negatively to anyone who warns about the coming reset of civilization, even though it is obvious that things cannot continue as they are for much longer. They say it is foolish to worry about what may happen, or even talk about the trends and signs that point toward the end time scenario as portrayed in Scripture. In Matthew 16:1-4, Jesus sternly rebuked the religious leaders of His day for their failure to discern the signs of His first coming. He was fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies and performing miracles, yet they were blind to it all. Likewise today, many religious leaders are doing the same, blinded to prophecy and to the signs that point to an imminent commencement of God’s program of preparation for the Second coming of Jesus. God is preparing the world stage for His drama of the ages. When the curtain parts, when the heavens are torn asunder, Isaiah 64:1-2, then those who have failed to understand or even to consider the more than 100 prophesies that clearly tell about the forthcoming fire judgement/punishment, they will be shocked and terrified. Do not hope for a rapture from this first event. The prophesies that tell of a ‘meeting in the air’ refer to the visible Return of Jesus for His Millennial reign, which is to come much later. A judgement by fire will happen next and it will be a testing time for all mankind. 1 Peter 4:12 Twenty twelve is a year that has a lot of people worried, what with the Mayan calendar ending and the proliferation of disasters such as crop failures, earthquakes and fierce storms. But the greatest threat facing the world is a nuclear armed Iran attacking Israel. If this happens, it would most likely trigger a worldwide conflagration – WW3. Bible prophecy, our sure guide with proven fulfilled predictions, tells us that this war will not happen. Ezekiel 7:14 God’s wrath destroyed the civilization of Noah’s time with a great flood; this time He will use fire to destroy His enemies. The Lord promises to save a remnant of Jews in Jerusalem, Isaiah 31:5 and around the world, all those people who take heed of the warnings to shelter and who call upon His Name for protection, will be kept safe. Isaiah 26:20-21 Do not doubt; events will unfold as the prophets have so graphically prophesied, so long ago. First this terrible judgement by fire, a massive CME will be sent out from the Lord’s storehouse, the sun. Then the world’s survivors will establish a One World Government, but the great promises of God to the Patriarchs and to His righteous people will then be fulfilled, as they gather and settle into the Holy Land. Zechariah 10:8-10

The Lod ays 'Here I am'.

Ezekiel 7:2-9 The Lord God says to the Land of Israel; The end is coming, it will affect all the earth. First, I shall unleash My anger upon you. I shall call you to account for all your sins and abominations that are in your midst. I will not pity nor spare you. Disasters are coming, one after the other, doom is upon you, dweller in the Land - the Day is near – a Day of panic and you will know that it is I, the Lord who has struck you. Isa 63:1-6, Isa 66:15-16, Psalm 50:3, Malachi 4:1, Hebrews 10:27, Joel 2:1-5. Ezekiel 14:21-23 There is no hope for Jerusalem when I inflict My four punishments upon her, yet some survivors will be left in her- both men and women. Look at them as they come out, they will be a consolation for the disaster I have brought to her. When you look upon their conduct and actions, you will realise that I acted with just cause. Isa 22:1-14 Zeph 3:11-13 Ezekiel 16:59-63 The Lord says; I shall treat you as you deserve, because you violated an oath and broke our covenant. But I shall remember you as in the days of your youth and will establish an everlasting covenant with you. Once I have pardoned you, [Judah] you will be so ashamed and humiliated when you remember all your past conduct that you will never again open your mouth. Zechariah 12:5 My comments: This prophecy is about the end of the world as we know it. The Day of the Lord’s vengeance and wrath, will change our way of life. Those ‘dwellers in the Land’, that is in Greater Israel, face severe punishments for their sins and abominations. THEN, the rest of all the 12 tribes of Israelites will join the remnant in all the Land of Greater Israel, to prepare for the Return of Jesus. Ezekiel 20:34-38, Ezekiel 36:8-12, Isaiah 11:11-12. Isaiah 65:1-2 I was ready to respond, but no one asked – I said; Here I am, to a nation who would not call out to Me. All day long, I hold out My hands, appealing to those rebellious people, but they went their own, evil way and pursued their own devices. Isaiah 65:3-7 They were a people who provoked Me by sacrificing to idols and eating unclean things. Such people are an anathema to Me. Your record lies before Me, I shall fully repay your iniquities, both yours and your forefathers. Isaiah 65:8-9 The Lord says; as there is juice in a bunch of grapes, so I shall act for the sake of My servants. I shall leave a remnant, giving descendants to Jacob and heirs to Judah. My chosen ones will possess the Land. Those who serve Me will live there. Sheep and cattle will graze there, they will belong to My people – those who seek Me. Isaiah 41:19-21 Micah 4:6 Ezekiel 39:25-29 Isaiah 65:11-12 But you who forsake the Lord, I shall destine you for the sword, because when I called, you did not answer, you chose what displeased Me. Isaiah 65:13-16 The Lord says; My servants will eat, drink and rejoice, while you are put to shame. You will cry in anguish, but My righteous people, I will call by another name. All their troubles are forgotten, out of sight. Ref: REB. Some verses abridged. My comments; Isaiah 65:8-16 The Lord’s righteous people will live in New Israel. Isaiah 65:17-25 describes the joys and blessings of the Millennium reign of Jesus, to come later. Ancient Israel disobeyed the Lord and failed to follow His commands. Now, modern Israel [the Jews] fail to acknowledge how God has supported them. Also, the modern House of Israel [the western nations] are mostly atheistic or apostate. The Lord is going to judge both Judah and Israel, leaving only a remnant. V9 ‘My chosen people, those who seek Me, will possess the Promised Land. [before the Return of Jesus] V 13 “My servants will live in peace and security, while your enemies are shamed”. B

ON THAT DAY

2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 It is just; that the Lord should balance the account by sending judgement to those who afflict you, to give those who love and serve Him relief, when Jesus comes to punish the ungodly, with His mighty host in blazing fire. They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, but on that great Day His glory will be revealed to all true believers. Isaiah 30:26, Psalm 18:7-15 [This passage of Scripture is not describing the Glorious Return of Jesus for His Millennial reign. It is an event before then –‘ when He comes in blazing fire and reveals His glory among His own’. It does not fit how He destroys the armies that are attacking Jerusalem at His Return, then how the whole world will see Him] 2 Peter 3:10 The Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly. The heavens will disappear with a roar and flaming fire will bring all the earth to judgement. Malachi 4:1 Hebrews 10:26-27 For if we deliberately persist in sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there remains only the terrifying expectation of a fierce fire which will consume God’s enemies. Zephaniah 1:14-18 Psalm 110:5-6 The Lord at Your right hand – He crushes kings on the Day of His wrath. In majesty He judges the nations, causing destruction throughout the world. Ps.97:2 Revelation 14:14-20 On a white cloud, I saw a figure like a man, wearing a gold crown and holding a sharp sickle. Put in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come to harvest the earth. Then the angel that has authority over fire, called to Him - ‘Swing Your sickle now, for the earth’s grapes are ripe and ready for harvest. So the grapes were gathered and thrown into the great winepress of the Lord’s wrath. The blood flowed from it for 200 miles. Isaiah 63:1-6, Zephaniah 1:17 Jeremiah 51:5-6 Israel and Judah are not left widowed by their God, by the Lord. But their Land is full of guilt, condemned by the Holy One of Israel. Flee out of Babylon, [Babylon: a metaphor for any godless nation] each person for himself or you will perish for her sins. For now comes the Lord’s Day of vengeance and wrath, He is paying her full recompense. Revelation 18:4-8 Isaiah 17:4-10 On that Day, Jacobs strength will fade away, as when a reaper gathers the grain or as an olive tree is stripped at harvest and left with just a few berries. On that Day all will look to their Maker, all idols and the works of their hands are as rubbish. On that Day, cities will be deserted and abandoned, because you have forgotten the Lord, your strength and protector. Jeremiah 9:12-13, Isaiah 6:11-12 Isaiah 17:12-14 Listen! It is the thunder of vast forces, like the roaring of mighty waters. Nations flee, driven before the storm like thistledown. At evening, all is terror, by morning all is gone. Such is the fate of those who conspire to attack us. Psalm 83, Isaiah 66:15-16 Ref: REB, NIV. Some verses abridged. My comments; These Bible verses describe the next prophesied event – how Y’hovah sends His right hand man, Jesus, to ‘ harvest the world of His enemies, those who conspire to attack His people’ This is also the Sixth seal judgement, mentioned and described in over 100 Bible prophecies. This worldwide judgement of fire accurately fits how the earth would be affected by a massive coronal mass ejection. But as Isaiah and many other prophets say, His righteous people will be protected.

Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory of the Coming of the Lord

Ezekiel 43:1-9 I went to the East gate and there I saw the glory of the Lord coming with the sound of a mighty torrent. The earth shone with His glory, it came in and filled the Temple, the place of His throne where He will dwell among the Israelites forever. Neither they or their rulers will defy the Lord again by their idolatry and sins. Ezekiel 43:10-11 Ezekiel, tell them about the Temple and let them be ashamed for their sins. If they repent and are remorseful for what they have done, then describe to them the new Temple, to be built on the Holy mountain. Make detailed plans for them to follow and carry out, with all the instructions for its operation. Ezekiel 46:1-3The East gate is to be kept closed during the six days of the working week, to be opened only on Sabbaths and at the new moon. When the ruler, [The prince in the NIV & KJV] comes in, he is to stand by the East gatepost, while the priests sacrifice his offerings. He is to bow down in worship and then to leave. The people must also bow in worship at that gate. Malachi 1:5 My comments: Ezekiel, the prophet, lived during the period between the exile of the Northern tribes and the Jewish captivity. His prophecies about the Land and the Temple have not yet happened, as when the Jewish remnant returned under Nehemiah, that Temple didn’t receive the Shekinah Glory. All of Ezekiel chapters 40 – 48, await fulfilment and note that this must be before the Return of Jesus, as the ‘ruler’ of all the Israelites makes sacrifices and worships the Lord at the New Temple. Jeremiah 30:21, Zechariah 14:21 He is tramping out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored Isaiah 63:1-6 Revelation 14:18-20 From the altar came the angel who has authority over fire and he called out to the angel with the sharp sickle: “Gather the harvest, the grape clusters are ripe.” They were gathered and thrown into the great winepress of God’s wrath. Blood flowed from the press for 200 miles. Amos 5:17, Jer. 6:9 He has loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword Ezekiel 30:1-8 Prophesy! The Lord says: Cry out, for the terrible Day is near, the Day of the Lord’s vengeance and wrath, His Day of Reckoning upon the nations. A sword will come upon Egypt and there will be disaster in all of the Arab lands. Those who support Egypt will fall and all who live along the Nile will die. When I set Egypt on fire, the land will become totally desolate and ruined. They will all know that I am the Lord, on that Day. Ref: REB. Some verses abridged. My comments: The Lord’s Day of reckoning – a Day of fire, His terrible Day of vengeance and wrath, will be an unexpected and shocking event, that will cause destruction throughout the Middle East. It will be the fulfilment of Psalm 83 and Micah 4:11-12. Other prophesies make it clear that the whole world will be affected and that it will take the form of a coronal mass ejection sunstrike. A really big CME will have all the effects described, but it quickly passes, leaving the Holy Land ready for His righteous people to gather and settle there. The rest of the world’s nations will form a One world Government. His Truth is marching on!

Examples for our instruction

1 Corinthians 10:11 What happened to your ancestors are examples and were recorded as warnings for us, on whom the end of the ages has come. Zechariah 2:1-5 I looked and saw a man measuring Jerusalem. It will be a city without walls because of the great number of people and livestock within it. The Lord says; I, Myself will be a wall of fire around it and a Glorious Presence within it. [Although it has usually been assumed that these verses apply to the Millennium period, a careful study of the context and matching passages, especially Ezekiel chapters 40 to 48 and Ezekiel 38:8 & 11, shows that all this will happen before the Return of Jesus.] Zechariah 2:6-9 Come away, flee from the land of the North, flee from your dispersion around the world. The Lord says: Escape from Babylon, you people of Zion. My mission is to speak out against those nations that have plundered you, that ‘have touched the apple of His eye’. He will surely raise His hand against them and their former slaves will plunder them. As soon as the time period decreed for the exile of Israel [2730 years] and Judah [1960 years] is completed, the Lord will call them out of Babylon. [1st Exodus: Egypt, 2nd Exodus: “Babylon” is a metaphor for all the godless nations.] He will punish those who caused trouble to His people and they will take goods and treasure back to the Land with them. Exodus 12:35-36 Zechariah 2:10-12 Shout and be glad, people of Zion, for the Lord is coming and He will dwell among you. Many nations will give their allegiance to Him on that Day and you will know that I have brought His message to you. He will claim the portion of Judah in the Holy Land and will again make Jerusalem His city. ‘The Lord is coming, He will dwell among you’. This will happen first with the Shekinah glory in the new Temple, Ezekiel 43:4, then later, at the Return of Jesus. ‘Many nations’, not the whole world, as it will be after the Return. Revelation 15:4 ‘Jerusalem, His city’, This will be completely fulfilled at the end of the Millennium. Revelation 21:1-4 Zechariah 2:13 Let all mortals be silent, because the Lord has roused Himself and come down from His holy dwelling place. Isaiah 28:21 [This refers to the next prophesied event – the Lord’s Day of vengeance and wrath, a worldwide judgement of fire against His enemies.] Zechariah 3:9-10 In a single Day, I will wipe away the guilt of this Land. On that Day, you will call everyone your neighbour, under the vine and under the fig tree. Israel – the vine, Judah – the fig tree, rejoined at last. Ezekiel 37:15-23, Isaiah 5:7 This time, the Lord will help His people by destroying their enemies in a single Day. From this and other prophecies, we know that this will be a coronal mass ejection, a sunstrike. Jeremiah 25:30-31 The Lord roars from on high, from His dwelling place, against all the inhabitants of the Land. The noise reaches the ends of the earth as He brings judgement against all the nations and the wicked peoples will be killed. Reference: REB, NIV, KJV. Some verses abridged.

A Day of Panic will Burst upon you

Ezekiel 7:2-13 The Lord says: The end is coming to the Land of Israel and devastation upon all four corners of the earth. The end of the age is upon you, I shall unleash My anger and call all to account for their conduct. I will repay you for all your detestable practices and will neither pity nor spare you. Disasters are coming, doom comes to you; dwellers in the Land, the Day is near, very soon a Day of panic will burst upon you. Ezekiel 7:14-16 The trumpet has sounded and all are ready, but no one goes to war for the wrath of the Lord has fallen upon them. Outside is the sword, in the cities will be plague and famine. If any escape to the hills, there I shall kill them, for their sins. Ezekiel 7:17-19 Every hand will hang limp and people will wet their pants with fright. They will put on sackcloth, shuddering with terror and covered with the shame of their iniquities. Their idols and treasure will not save them on the Day of the Lord’s fury, all their gold, silver and possessions will be as useless rubbish. Ezekiel 6:7-10 As the dead fall about you, you will know that I, the Lord, have done this. But among the nations there will be some who will survive My punishment. My people, those in exile, scattered around the world, will remember Me and they will hate themselves for their evil deeds. They will know that the Lord did not threaten in vain, when the prophets said that this terrible calamity will come upon the earth. Ezekiel 6:11-14 The Lord says: Show regret for your abominable ways, you people of Israel, for many will die from the judgement I bring, thus I will spend My anger. You will know that I am the Lord when all the slain fall around their altars of idolatry. I shall stretch out My hand to make the Land a desolate and deserted waste. Ref: REB. Some verse abridged. My comments: ‘The Lord will unleash His anger’ - 1 Samuel 2:10, Isaiah 34:2 This is not a man caused event. God will not allow nuclear pollution in the Holy Land. ‘the prophets said about this calamity’. - More than 100 prophesies vividly describe the Lord’s Day of vengeance and wrath. Isaiah 30:26-28, Isaiah 66:15-16 ‘the end is coming to the Land, to make Israel a desolate and deserted waste’. - This will be the result of a massive coronal mass ejection that will depopulate and cleanse all the area of Greater Israel. This will enable the second exodus of the Israelites to take place, after the Land is regenerated. Isaiah 32:15-20, 2 Peter 3:12-13 ‘devastation on all the earth’ – everyone will be affected. Habakkuk 3:12, Isaiah 63:3 ‘call all to account’, Isaiah 10:3, 1 Corinthians 3:13 ‘the trumpet sounds’ – Isaiah 18:3, Joel 2:1, Zechariah 9:14 ‘all is ready’ – Isaiah 22:6, Psalm 7:12-16, Psalm 37:14 ‘but no one goes to war’ – There will be no WW3 nuke war. Deut. 32:34-35, Jer. 49:37 ‘people will be terrified, a Day of panic’ – Jeremiah 6:24-25, Luke 21:25-26 This is not and cannot be the Return of Jesus in His glory, because: ‘you will know that I, the Lord, have done this’ – He is not seen at this time. Psalm 18:11 ‘Outside is the sword, many will die’ – By the fires and earthquakes of this CME. Jeremiah 25:33 ‘in the cities will be plague and famine’ – Isaiah 13:12. Psalm 109:24 ‘some will survive’ – Those who trusted the Lord and called upon His Name. Also heeded the warnings and kept under shelter. Isaiah 26:20-21, Isaiah 29:4, Isaiah 37:32 ‘My people will remember Me’ – All who love the Lord and keep His commandments. Isaiah 50:10, Zechariah 10:9, Colossians 1:11-12

Only a Remnant will return

Isaiah 28:1-8 Alas for the proud people of Ephraim, they are now rich and attractive, but have lost their way through strong drink and lack of understanding. The Lord has a mighty punishment in store, a sweeping storm of hail that will beat down on the earth with violence, trampling down those fading flowers. On that Day, the Lord will be an adornment for the remnant of His people, a spirit of justice for those who stand firm in their faith. Isaiah 10:20-23 On the Day the Lord destroys His enemies, the remnant of Israel: the survivors of Jacob, will renounce all their idol worship and rely only on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel. A remnant will return to the God of their strength, the people of Israel, now as many as the sands of the sea, will be judged by the Lord. He will bring about His decreed destruction upon the whole earth. Joel 2:30-32 There will be great signs in the sky – fire and smoke, the sun will be darkened and the moon will shine red, before the terrible Day of the Lord comes. Then everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved. In Jerusalem there will be a remnant, survivors whom the Lord has set apart. Isaiah 37:31-32 The survivors left in Judah will strike fresh root below ground and bear fruit above. For a remnant of Judah will come out of Jerusalem. Jeremiah 23:3 I Myself will gather the remnant of My sheep from all the lands to which they have been dispersed. I shall bring them back to their own homes and they will be fruitful and increase. Jeremiah 50:20 In those days, at the time of Redemption, a search will be made for the iniquity of the Israelites, but none will be found, for those whom I leave as a remnant, I shall pardon. Isaiah 11:16 There will be a highway for His redeemed people, the remnant saved from Assyria, as there was when the Israelites came up from Egypt. Zechariah 8:11 For I do not feel the same now toward the remnant of these people, as I did in former days, They will now live in a productive Land, in peace and safety. Ref: REB. Some verses abridged. My comments: ‘people of Ephraim’- Ephraim: the leader of the ten Northern tribes of Israel. They can now be identified with the UK and the USA, now ‘rich and attractive’ but have ‘lost their way’. That is: They have gone away from the Laws of the Lord. ‘a mighty punishment, that will beat down upon the earth with violence’. This is prophesied over 100 times in the Bible as the Day of the Lord’s vengeance and wrath, a punishment that the Lord Himself instigates and clearly described as a coronal mass ejection: a sunstrike. Isaiah 30:26 ‘in Jerusalem a remnant of Judah will survive’- The Lord will protect a group of Messianic Jews. Isaiah 31:5 They will hide underground. Isaiah 29:4 ‘ a remnant of Israel will return’ – The righteous Israelites, whether they are true descendants of Abraham or those grafted in and all who ‘call on the Name of the Lord’, will be ‘gathered and brought to the Holy Land’. ‘They will live in a productive Land’ – The fulfilment of the great promises to His people. Joel 5:18-20, Amos 9:13-15, Psalm 126:1-6

From the Rising of the sun till its Setting

Psalm 50:1-3 The Lord has spoken and summoned the world. From the rising of the sun till its setting, He shines out from Zion, perfect in beauty. The Lord is coming and will not keep silent. Consuming fire runs ahead and round Him a great storm rages. [This is the fire judgement and punishment of the nations, a CME strikes the earth – every part as it rotates to face the sun. It is the Day of the Lord’s vengeance, the next prophesied event.] Psalm 50:4-6 The heavens and the earth are summoned to the judgement of His people. Gather to Me, My loyal servants, those, who by sacrifice have made a Covenant with Me. The heavens will proclaim His justice, for the Lord Himself is the Judge. [His loyal servants, righteous Israel, gathered into the Land] Psalm 50:7-8 Listen, My people and I shall speak: I shall bear witness against you. Israel – I am your God. Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you. [They are judged and rebuked for their sins.] Psalm 50:9-13 I need take no animal of yours, for all living creatures are Mine. I know every bird on the hills and all the life of the fields is in My care. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, the world and everything that is in it is Mine – I do not need to eat flesh or blood. [Animal sacrifices are not required] Psalm 50:14-15 Offer to the Lord your sacrifice of thanksgiving and fulfil your vows to Him. Then, if you call on Me in times of trouble, I will come to your rescue and you will honour Me. [God tells us what is required of us: be thankful, keep His Laws and trust Him for our salvation] Micah 6:8, Zechariah 8:16-17. Psalm 50:16-20 The Lord’s word to a wicked person is this: What right have you to recite My statues and embrace My Covenant? For you hate correction and you decry My Word. You make thieves and adulterers your friends and you speak lies. You always talk against your brother, imputing faults to your own kin. [These people who have God’s Laws, but do not obey them, are His enemies. Verse 20 refers to people who are Israelite, but don’t know it. Those that are against the Jews – anti Semites] Psalm 50:21-22 You do these things because you think that I am like yourself. But I shall rebuke you and accuse you to your face. You who forget the Lord, think on this, lest I tear you to pieces, with no one to save you. [Bad mistake to think that God approves of your wrong actions, or inactions, as the case may be. He is the Maker, we are His creation, if we turn out faulty and useless to Him, then what can we expect?] Psalm 50:23 Those who offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, who honour Me and follow My ways, I shall show My salvation. [Faithful believers, who follow God’s Laws and give Him thanks for His provision, they will receive His salvation and deliverance on the Day of vengeance and wrath.] Ref: REB verses abridged.

The Destiny of the Israelites

Isaiah 49:1-2 Listen to Me, you coasts and islands, pay heed, you peoples far distant. The Lord called and named me before I was born. He made me His spokesman. My reward is to be with God. Isaiah 49:3-6The Lord said: Israel, you are My servants, through whom I shall win glory. My [Isaiah’s] task is to bring back Jacob to the Lord, that Israel would be gathered again to God. Is it too simple a task for you, to restore the 12 tribes of Jacob and bring back the survivors of Israel? They will be a light to the nations, so that My salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. Isaiah 49:7-8 The Redeemer and Holy One of Israel says: You were once despised and in subjection, but the Lord has chosen you and kings will honour you. In the time of My favour, I will answer you and will help you on the Day of Deliverance. I have formed you and destined you to be a light for the peoples, restoring the Land and living once more in its desolate places. Isaiah 49:9-11 I say to the captives: go free – to those in darkness: come out. Everywhere there will be pasture, water in plenty. It will not be too hot, for the One who loves them will guide them along highways and level paths. Isaiah 49:12-13 They are coming – some from far away, the North, West and the lands of the South. Shout for joy, you heavens, earth rejoice, burst into song you mountains. For the Lord has comforted His people and has compassion on them in their distress. Reference: REB, NIV, KJV. Verses abridged. My comments; ‘His spokesman’, Ecclestiasticus 48:24-25 Isaiah reveals what is to be, the secret of things to come. His task is to ‘restore the 12 tribes of Jacob and bring back the survivors; His servants, through whom He will win glory’. The survivors are those who have come through the soon to happen, fire judgement of the nations. Isaiah 13:9-13 Almost all of the Book of Isaiah, relates to the restoration of the Israelites to the Promised Land. The Lord’s people are destined to be a ‘light to the nations’ and spread the gospel around the world. The Lord will answer their prayers for help on the Day of deliverance. Isa 30:26, Isa 63:4, Zechariah 9:14-17. “pay heed you peoples far distant” the Israelites, all of His righteous people, still scattered around the world. Some of Judah have returned to part of the Land. They will ‘come from far distant places, from all directions’, and settle in the new country of Beulah. Isaiah 62:1-5 ‘It will not be too hot’ and they will be guided and their needs provided for. Isa 11:11-12 They will ‘restore the Land and buildings’, and live there in safety and prosperity., Hosea 2:14-23, Ezekiel 36:8-12 ‘so that My salvation may reach the ends of the earth’. This will be achieved by the 144,000 - 12,000 selected from each tribe, who will go out in pairs to preach the Gospel of the coming Kingdom of Y’hovah. ‘Israel, you are My servants, through whom I shall win glory.’ Revelation 14:1-7, Isaiah 66:19 No mention is made of the Millennium reign of Jesus, therefore this restoration of Israel is before that event. This is in order for His people, righteous Israel to fulfil their destiny, to fulfil the promises made to the Patriarchs, and to prepare for the Return of Jesus. It is them who say “Blessed is He who comes in the Name of Y’hovah”.

Make This Proclamation

Amos 3:1-8 Listen you Israelites to these words that the Lord addresses to you, all of the twelve tribes that He brought up from Egypt; You alone I have cared for among all the nations of the world, that is why I must punish you for your sins. Do two travel together without agreeing? Or if disaster comes, is it not the work of the Lord? Indeed the Lord does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants, the prophets. Amos 3:9-11 Make this proclamation: Assemble on the hills of Samaria, look at the tumult seething amongst the people! Those who don’t know how to do right and who live by oppressing others. Therefore the Lord says: The destroyer will surround your land, your strength will fail and your towns will be despoiled. Amos 3:12-15 Listen to this testimony against the descendants of Jacob. As a shepherd may rescue fragments of a sheep from a lion, so will only a remnant of Israel be rescued. On the Day that I deal with Israel, for their sins, I will also destroy the pagan shrines and their ostentatious buildings. Amos 4:12 Israel, this is what I shall do to you – so, Israel: Prepare to meet your God. Amos 5:4-9 These are the Words of the Lord to the people of Israel: Seek the Lord, if you want to live, or He will sweep through Joseph’s descendants like a fire with no one to quench it. He who made the stars, has power over all things, He will make a destruction flash forth against the mighty that wipes out their military power. Amos 5:10-15 You that despise the truth, you that extort tribute, though you have fine buildings and beautiful farms, you will not enjoy them. For I know of your crimes and monstrous sins – but at this time, keep silent, because now are evil times. You must hate evil and love good and it may be that the Lord will show favour to the survivors of Joseph. [Joseph- Ephraim and Manasseh, now Britain and USA] Amos 5:16-17 Therefore the Lord says: In the towns and in all the world, there will be mourning and sorrow, for I will pass through your midst. [This refers to the Day of the Lord’s vengeance and wrath, the next prophesied, worldwide event. Amos 5:20 – The Day of the Lord is indeed a Day of deep darkness and terror.] Amos 9:8b-15 Yet, I shall not totally destroy Israel’s posterity. I shall shake Israel among the nations, none will be lost, but the ungodly among My people will die. Those who say disaster cannot come to us, we are strong and safe. The fallen House of David will be restored as it was long ago. The time is coming when the Land will be prosperous, My people will live on their own Land, eating and drinking the abundant produce. They will never again leave the Land that I, the Lord, have given to them. [Look forward to the great redemption and restoration promises of the Lord] Reference: REB, NIV, KJV. Some verses abridged.

Rise now and judge the earth!

Psalm 94:1-7 God of vengeance – show Yourself! Rise now and judge the earth, repay the arrogant as they deserve. Lord, how long will the wicked exult and tread down Your chosen Land? They murder and carry out terror attacks, saying: The Lord does not see, their God pays no heed. Psalm 94:8-11 Take heed yourselves, you most stupid of people; you fools, do you think that the Maker of all things cannot see or hear? Will He, who controls the destiny of nations, not correct them? The Instructor of mankind has all knowledge, He knows that the thoughts of everyone are but puffs of wind. Psalm 94:12-15 Happy is the one whom the Lord instructs, those who receive His Law. They will be rescued from trouble, while the godless fall into a pit of their own making. The Lord will not abandon His people or forsake His chosen Land, for justice and righteousness will again come together and all who love the Lord will experience it. Psalm 94:16-19 Who is on the Lord’s side against the godless? Who will stand up for Him against evildoers? I nearly made the mistake of not trusting the Lord, but He helped me in my time of trouble , He held me up and His comfort brought me joy. Psalm 94:20-23 If justice is perverted and mischief is contrived under the cover of the law, that condemns the innocent – then you must not agree with it. The Lord will repay the wicked for their injustice, He will destroy them for their misdeeds. The Lord is my Rock, in whom I trust, He will give me refuge. Reference: Revised English Bible. Some verses abridged, This is how it is now: The wicked exult and tread down the Lord’s chosen Land, they murder and carry out terror attacks. Psalm 10:1-6, Psalm 83:2-3 The prayer of the righteous people: Rise now and judge the earth; God of vengeance, repay the wicked for their injustice, destroy them for their misdeeds. Jer. 9:25-26 The Lord’s reply: The Lord will not abandon His people or forsake His chosen Land. He, who controls the destiny of the nations will judge those who disobey Him. The godless will fall into a pit of their own making. Psalm 7:12-15, Obadiah 15, Habakkuk 3:14 Our response: The Lord is my Rock, in whom I trust, He will give me refuge. Isa. 30:15, John 14:1 His promise: The Lord keeps us safe in the time of trouble. All those who love Him will experience justice and righteousness in the Land. Bruce McKerras June 2012

Godless peoples live in the Holy Land

Psalm 79:1-4 The heathen have invaded Your domain, Lord – they have defiled Your Holy Place and ruined Your Land. Your servants have been killed and evicted from Jerusalem. Now we suffer the taunts of our neighbours and the threats of those around us. Psalm 79:5-7 Lord: You are roused to a fury, Your indignation blazes like a fire. Pour out Your wrath onto the nations that do not acknowledge You, those peoples that deny Your existence, for they have taken over the heritage of Jacob. Psalm 79:8-10 Do not remember against Your people the guilt of past generations, rather let Your compassion come swiftly to meet us, for now we are brought so low. Help us, God our saviour for the honour of Your Name. For Your Name’s sake rescue us and wipe out our sins. Why should the nations ask: Where is their God? May we see Your vengeance for their treatment of Your servants. Psalm 79:11-13 Let the supplications of Your exiled people reach Your presence and in Your great might save those who are dead in the spirit. Ezekiel 37:13-14 Turn back sevenfold onto their own heads the contempt the godless nations pour upon You. Then: we, Your people – the flock which You shepherd will give You thanks forever and praise You to all generations. Ref: REB. Some verses abridged My comments; ‘The heathen have invaded Your domain’- Almost all the current inhabitants of the Holy Land; that is: Greater Israel, are atheistic, apostate or false religion worshippers. Isaiah 20:30-32, Psalm 52:1-5 ‘neighbours have taken over the heritage of Jacob’- Jacob; the twelve tribes of Israel. Jeremiah 12:14, Ezekiel 21:13-14 ‘Your indignation blazes like fire’ - The many prophesied punishment by fire that the Lord will bring upon the world, but especially devastating the Middle East. Ezekiel 30:2-5, Amos 1:3-15 ‘onto their own heads’- The weapons prepared by the nations who attack the State of Israel, will ‘recoil upon themselves’. Psalm 7:12-15, Obadiah 1:15, Joel 3:4 ‘Your people, the flock which You shepherd’, Righteous Israelites, protected, saved and back living in their heritage, the holy Land. Ezekiel 20:34-38, Isaiah 11:11 Psalm 79 is another example of How the Lord will act when the Islamic confederation commences their attack on the State of Israel. It will be the literal fulfilment of the many prophecies of a terrible CME fire punishment upon the nations, an event instigated by the Lord, but He is not seen at this time, so it can be thought of as a natural disaster by the secular peoples. It is the sudden and shocking Lord’s Day of vengeance and wrath, that will virtually depopulate all the area given to Abraham, nearly four centuries ago. This will allow the gathering and settling of the true Israelites – natural and grafted in, to live in the Holy land. The rest of the world will form a One World Government, as nations will cede their sovereignty because of this disaster. About 18 years later, the Lord Jesus will Return for His Millennium reign.

The Next Prophesied Event

Isaiah 61:1-2a The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to announce good news to the humble, to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and to proclaim a year of the Lords favour, Isaiah 61:2b-3...and a Day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, to give then garlands instead of ashes, oil of gladness, instead of mourners tears and a garment of splendour for the distressed. They will be called trees of righteousness, planted by the Lord for His adornment. Isaiah 61:4-7 Buildings long in ruin and desolate will be restored and rebuilt. Foreigners will serve you, caring for your flocks and vines, but you will be called priests of the Lord and the wealth of the nations will be yours. Because My people have received insults and shame in double measure, they will receive in their own Land, wealth in double measure. Isaiah 61:8-9 For I, the Lord love justice and hate injustice, I shall give My people a sure reward and make an everlasting Covenant with them. Their posterity will be renowned among the nations, they will be seen as a people blessed by the Lord. Isaiah 61:10-11 Let us rejoice in the Lord with all our hearts. From Him has come victory and deliverance. His people, robed in beauty are like a garden full of flowers. The Lord will make His victory and renown known to the nations. Reference: REB, NIV, KJV. Some verses abridged. My comments: Isaiah 61:1-2a, was quoted by Jesus at the commencement of His ministry;.... a year of the Lord’s favour’. This denotes a Jubilee year and we can expect His Return to also be a Jubilee year. 2030 is the 40th Jubilee year after 30AD. He stopped in mid sentence and then said: Today, in your hearing, this prophecy has come true. Therefore, the rest of this chapter is unfulfilled prophecy. So, we can expect the sequence of events to unfold as written, commencing with; ‘a Day of vengeance of our God’ - The next prophesied event. Not the Return of Jesus in His glory, but His punishment to the nations, triggered by an attack on Israel. This is prophesied and described comprehensively throughout the Bible as a terrible fire judgement that will affect the whole world. Isa. 63:1-6, Isa. 30:26 ‘comfort all who mourn’- All who love the Lord and follow in His Laws, those who mourn His death on the cross. Zechariah 12:9-10 ‘trees of righteousness, planted in their own Land’ - His people, gathered and settled in His holy Land, all of that area promised to the Patriarchs, the new country of Beulah. Ezekiel 20:34-36, Isaiah 26:15, Isaiah 62:1-5 ‘buildings rebuilt and the land restored’ - After the devastation caused by a CME sunstrike, The Lord will regenerate the Land, Ezekiel 36:8 but buildings must be rebuilt, including the new Temple. Isaiah 65:21, Zechariah 6:15 ‘foreigners will serve you’ - Isaiah 60:10...foreigners will rebuild your walls... ‘wealth of the nations will be yours’ - Zechariah 14:14 The same as what happened at the first Exodus. Exodus 11:2 ‘make a Covenant with them’ - Ezekiel 34:25, Isaiah 54:10 ‘from Him has come victory and deliverance’ - Psalm 91:14-16, Psalm 44:4-7 ‘known to the nations’ - Ezekiel 39:21, Isaiah 40:5

Poetry or Prophesy?

Psalm 46:1-3 The Lord is our refuge and stronghold, He will help us in trouble, so we are not afraid when the earth is shaking and the mountains move; when the waves of the sea roar and the earth is quaking before the Lords majesty. Psalm 46:4-6 There is a river whose flow brings joy to the city of God, the holy Place of the Most High. The Lord is within her, she will not be overthrown and at the break of Day, He will come to her aid. Nations are in an uproar, kingdoms fall when the Lord thunders; the earth burns. Psalm 46:8-9 Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolation He has brought on the earth. He makes wars to cease throughout the world, He breaks the bow, snaps the spear and burns the chariots in the fire. Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations and revered throughout the world. My comments: When I attended Methodist Sunday School, one of the Bible passages that I learned was Psalm 46. Its poetic stanzas rolled off the tongue, but we weren’t told of anything other than to interpret it allegorically – as an example of God’s power and saving grace. Now, as I read and study all the prophetic scriptures, its end time message is quite apparent. It is the story of how the Lord will judge and punish the nations and ‘the desolation He will bring to the earth’. Then, all weapons of war and military forces will be neutralized or destroyed and the Lord promises ‘to be a refuge’ to His people, when at the ‘break of day, the sea roars, the earth quakes and melts’. It is His great Day of vengeance and wrath, a massive CME sunstrike that will bring about all the effects described. We are warned to be prepared for that terrible Day, but our only true protection is our faith and trust in the Lord. Psalm 46:7 & 11 The Lord Almighty is with us, the God of Jacob is our Rock. Psalm 50:3-5 The Lord is coming and will not remain silent. A consuming fire runs ahead of Him and all around a great storm rages. He calls to the heavens above and the earth below, that He may judge His people. Gather to Me, My loyal servants, those who have made a Covenant with Me by sacrifice. Please refer to Ezekiel 20:34-36. Ref: REB, NIV. Some verses abridged. This is not and cannot be the Return of Jesus in His glory, it is the Lord’s judgement and punishment of the nations, in all the world. It will be triggered by an attack on the State of Israel by an Islamic confederation. Psalm 83 The Lord’s people will be judged, too, but those who are His ‘loyal servants’, will be protected.

The History and Future of the Israelites

Isaiah 41:1 Keep silent before Me you coasts and islands; let the peoples renew their strength. Let them draw near, let them speak up. Together we go to the place of judgement. Five steps are mentioned here by the prophet; keep silent - When ancient Israel migrated from their captivity in Assyria, they remained hidden until they regained their strength. Then, let them come near – awaken to the true gospel, evangelism from John Wycliffe to Billy Graham, etc. Let them speak – proclaim the good news around the world, the great missionary endeavour of the last 200 years. Still to come is ‘Together we go to the place of judgement’ Isaiah 41:8-9 God will soon call His people back to the Land, where His people will be passed under the rod of judgement. Ezekiel 20:34-38 Then the administration of His commandments and Laws will be restored. Ezekiel 36:27 Jeremiah 3:8 Israel and Judah were divorced from God and sent into captivity for their sins. God took Ezekiel in a vision to a valley full of dry bones; Ezekiel 37:11 These bones are the whole house of Israel [the 12 tribes] They say: our hope is gone, we are cut off. [from God] Ezekiel 37:9-10 The Lord God says: let the winds [Gods spirit] come and breath into the slain [spiritually dead] that they might live. They came to life and stood up; a mighty company! [of true believers in God] Ezekiel 37:12-13 I will bring you up from your graves [our present condition] and restore you to the Land of Israel. Isaiah 51:1-2 Listen to Me, all you who know the Law [the common Judeo-Christian Law of our countries] You who seek the Lord [Christian peoples] consider your origin, where you came from- Abraham and Sarah are your parents. I blessed them and now you are their offspring. Through Isaiah, God gives a message to Israel, identifying them as a people who have lost the knowledge of their origin and forgotten their ancestors. The great national awakening of all Israel is symbolically represented as life from the dead, for through the Resurrection of Jesus, God demonstrates His power and by the Atonement is enabled to do this; Ezekiel 37:14 I shall put My spirit into you and you will live. [a true Godly life] Thus you will know that I, the Lord has acted and spoken. God is looking forward to the day when He can fulfil the great promises to His people. In over forty prophesies, we are told the story of how righteous Israel is gathered, redeemed and settled into the Promised Land. And in Ezekiel 37:26-28 I shall make an everlasting covenant with Israel. My sanctuary will be in their midst, I will be their God and they will be My people. The Glory of Y’hovah will be present in the new Temple, as in ancient times. Eze. 43:4 The return of Jesus for His Millennial reign will come later.

Prepare the Way for My People

Isaiah 57:1-2 The righteous perish and no one is concerned, those loyal to their faith are persecuted; they achieve peace at last on their deathbed. Isaiah 57:3-11 Come near, you children of sin; spawn of a lie. You practice idolatry, desert your Maker and make bargains with men. You don’t think that your plight is desperate, because now, you have renewed vigour, you do not worry about your future. As the Lord kept silent and looked away, so you don’t fear Him, don’t remember Him or give Him a thought. Isaiah 57:12-15 Now I shall expose your conduct, that what you think is right. Your idols will not help you; when disaster comes, your strength will vanish. But he who puts his trust in Me will possess the Land and inherit My holy Place. Then Y’hovah will say: Prepare the way for My people, let them come to the Place of My dwelling. I will revive the spirit of the humble and the courage of the disheartened. Isaiah 57:16-19 I shall not always be accusing, I shall not keep My wrath forever, or else the spirit of mankind would fail because of Me. For a short time, I was angry with My people, I withdrew My favour from Israel because of their sins. Despite their conduct, I will heal them and give them relief and comfort. Those who mourn for Israel will then praise Me, as I heal and save them. There will be peace for all, both far and near. Reference: REB, NIV, KJV. Some verses abridged. My comments: ‘the righteous perish’ - the persecution of Christians now and throughout the ages. Matthew 23:35, Revelation 6:9-11 ‘you practice idolatry - The apostate and atheistic peoples of today have no idea that their judgement is coming. Ezekiel 20:39, Romans 2:9-11 ‘renewed strength’- The descendants of Jacob today, in the Western nations, have become numerous, rich and powerful, so they no longer ‘give the Lord a thought’. ‘when disaster comes, your strength will vanish’ - the Lords Day of vengeance and wrath. Isaiah 17:4-6 The military powers of the world will be destroyed or neutralized by this judgement against Y’hovah’s enemies, which will ‘prepare the way’, for the return to the Land of My people. Jeremiah 31:21, Isaiah 43:5-7, Ezekiel 20:34 The punishment and exile of Israel and Judah is for a decreed time; ‘a short time’, to the Lord. Now, as that term of exile nears completion, we look forward to ‘relief and comfort’ and ‘peace for all’, in the new country of Beulah. Isaiah 62:1-5, Ezekiel 37:26 Isaiah 57:20-21 But the godless are like a storm tossed sea, the waters full of mud and rubbish. There is no peace for the wicked, says the Lord. Ezekiel 18:20

God's Plan for His Creation

The reality is that the Bible is the only reliable guide that we have, discount it and you are in the mire of guesswork and conjecture. The Bible gives us the right way to live and does have a lot of prophecy, some accurately fulfilled, some still future. The prophet Daniel 12:9-10, says that some will be kept secret and sealed till the end time, but those who seek the truth and study the Word will understand. Isaiah prophesied about 75 generations ago; Isaiah 24:1 Be warned, the Lord is about to lay waste to the earth, to devastate it and scatter its inhabitants. By now, perhaps 1 billion people will have read this prophesy and it never happened to them. Why should we think it could happen to this generation? As 2012 moves along, there are several possibilities that could bring about a worldwide disaster: a nuke war, a comet strike, earthquakes, volcanoes, a CME, etc. Everyone can see that there will soon have to be some kind of severe shakeup to sort out the world’s problems. Governments are enacting laws and building shelters, etc in preparation. With Bible prophesy, I have found that it is necessary to clear the mind of humanistic ideas and look at it from what God’s purpose might be. 1/ God created everything 2/ He does have a plan for His creation 3/ That plan seems to be the formation of a group of beings like Himself, who freely choose to love and serve Him. 4/ Those who refuse to acknowledge Him, may face destruction. God’s plan involved choosing one righteous man [Abraham] and using his descendants to be a nation that would be ‘a light to the nations’, showing everyone the right way to live. Unfortunately, the Israelites did not do this and they divided into two nations, who both went into exile from the Holy Land. The return of Judah has started, still to be completed, but Israel is at present still scattered among the nations. When their decreed exile punishment is completed at the end of this year, as we are told in Ezekiel 4:4-5 and Leviticus 26:18, then all the twelve tribes will be able to return to their heritage. The Lord’s Holy Land, Deut. 11:12 must be cleared and cleansed; at the first Exodus the people were tasked to do that, Deut. 6:19 but they failed to complete the job and the remaining inhabitants induced the Israelites into idolatry. This time, the Lord Himself will punish His enemies and clear all the area promised to the Patriarchs. 2 Chronicles 7:14, Ezekiel 20:47-48 and the more than 100 prophesies that describe the forthcoming Lord’s Day of vengeance and wrath, a worldwide punishment by fire, fulfilling Isaiah 24:1-23 Then, at last the Lord’s righteous people will live in the Land, being all that He originally planned for them, but the rest of the world – slowly recovering from this terrible fire judgement, will form a One World government.

Woe and disaster to all who revolt and rebel.

Isaiah 5:7 The vineyard of the Lord is Israel and Judah is the plant that He cherished. Instead of justice, He found oppression and instead of righteousness, there was distress. [Israel and Judah, still separate, must be tested and judged before their final reunion and restoration. Isaiah 27:2-5] Isaiah 5:8-23 Woe and disaster will come to all those who amass property, they will be brought to ruin. Jeremiah 25:34-38 Woe and disaster to all who drink and eat to excess, without any thought for their Maker. They will be brought down and humbled. Woe and disaster to those godless people who scoff and say: Let the Lord bring it on, so that we may see His work. Woe and disaster to those who call evil good and good evil. Woe and disaster to those who are wise in their own estimation. Woe and disaster to those who take bribes and deny justice to those in the right. For Y’hovah is exalted by His judgement and by His righteousness, He reveals His holiness. Jeremiah 5:9-11 Isaiah 5:24-25 As fire consumes the stubble and flames burn up the chaff, they will all disappear like fine dust. For they have spurned their Maker and rejected the Word of the Holy One of Israel. His anger is roused against His people and as He strikes them down, the mountains tremble. Their corpses lay like refuse in the streets, yet His anger has not abated. Jeremiah 4:11-19, Jeremiah 9:21-22 Matthew 3:12, 2 Peter 3:17, Revelation 6:12-17 Isaiah 5:26-30 The Lord will call on a distant army, they will come with great speed. They are fully prepared and ready to carry out His decree. With a great roaring noise, they will seize their prey, over all the land there will be darkness and distress, as the light is darkened by the gathering clouds. Amos 5:18-20 My comments; A real army would not cause darkness over the land, or make a ‘roaring noise like the thunder of the ocean’. Therefore this “army’ is an allegory, paralleled by Joel 2:1-11 and what it describes is a coronal mass ejection that burns up His enemies, ‘like stubble and chaff’. They disappear like ‘fine dust’, obviously something very dramatic must happen to cause these effects over a wide area. Isaiah 10:24-27 Jeremiah 5:26-31 For among My people, there are scoundrels, who lay traps and prey upon others. They grow rich and fat, by turning a blind eye to wickedness. Shall I fail to punish them for this? There is an appalling outrage in the Land, prophets prophesy lies and the Rabbi’s and priests rule by their own authority - that is how the people like it. What will you do at the time of the end? Ezekiel 20:38 I shall purge you of those who revolt and rebel against Me. I shall take them out of the lands where they now live, but they will not set foot on the soil of Israel. Thus, you will know that I am the Lord. Ref: REB. some verses abridged.

Mine eyes have seen the glory

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord Ezekiel 43:1-9 I went to the East gate and there I saw the glory of Y’hovah coming with the sound of a mighty torrent. The earth shone with His glory, it came in and filled the Temple, the place of His throne where He will dwell among the Israelites forever. Neither they or their rulers will defy Y’hovah again by their idolatry and sins. Ezekiel 43:10-11 Ezekiel, tell them about the Temple and let them be ashamed for their sins. If they repent and are remorseful for what they have done, then describe to them the new Temple, to be built on the Holy mountain. Make detailed plans for them to follow and carry out, with all the instructions for its operation. Ezekiel 46:1-3The East gate is to be kept closed during the six days of the working week, to be opened only on Sabbaths and at the new moon. When the ruler [prince, in the NIV & KJV] comes in, he is to stand by the East gatepost, while the priests sacrifice his offerings. He is to bow down in worship and then to leave. The people must also bow in worship at that gate. Malachi 1:5 My comments: Ezekiel, the prophet, lived during the period between the exile of the Northern tribes and the Jewish captivity. His prophecies about the Land and the Temple have not yet happened, as when the Jewish remnant returned under Nehemiah, that Temple didn’t receive the Shekinah Glory. All of Ezekiel chapters 40 – 48, await fulfilment and note that this must be before the Return of Jesus, as the ‘ruler’ of all the Israelites makes sacrifices and worships the Lord at the New Temple. Jeremiah 30:21, Zechariah 14:21 He is tramping out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored Isaiah 63:1-6 Revelation 14:18-20 From the altar came the angel who has authority over fire and he called out to the angel with the sharp sickle: “Gather the harvest, the grape clusters are ripe.” They were gathered and thrown into the great winepress of God’s wrath. Blood flowed from the press for 200 miles. Amos 5:17, Jer. 6:9 He has loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword Ezekiel 30:1-8 Prophesy! Y’hovah says: Cry out, for the terrible Day is near, the Day of the Lord’s vengeance and wrath, His Day of Reckoning upon the nations. A sword will come upon Egypt and there will be disaster in all of the Arab lands. Those who support Egypt will fall and all who live along the Nile will die. When I set Egypt on fire, the land will become totally desolate and ruined. They will all know that I am the Lord, on that Day. Ref: REB. Some verses abridged. My comments: Y’hovah’s Day of reckoning – a Day of fire, His terrible Day of vengeance and wrath, will be an unexpected and shocking event, that will cause destruction throughout the Middle East. It will be the fulfilment of Psalm 83 and Micah 4:11-12. Other prophesies make it clear that the whole world will be affected and that it will take the form of a coronal mass ejection sunstrike. A really big CME will have all the effects described, but it quickly passes, leaving the Holy Land ready for His righteous people to gather and settle there. The rest of the world’s nations will form a One world Government. His Truth is marching on!

God of vengeance, rise and judge the earth!

Psalm 94:1-7 God of vengeance, Lord, rise and judge the earth! Repay the arrogant as they deserve! Lord, how long will the ungodly peoples continue? Evildoers are full of boasting and they oppress Your chosen peoples. They commit murder against the righteous, saying: their God does not see, He pays no heed. Nahum 1:2 Psalm 94:8-11 Take heed yourselves, most stupid of people, you fools, can you not understand that He who fashioned the ear can hear and the eye can see? Does He who instructs the nations not correct them? The Teacher of mankind has all knowledge and he knows the thoughts of everyone, He knows they how futile they are. Psalm 94:12-15 Happy are the ones whom You discipline, Lord, and instruct in Your Laws. You grant them relief from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the ungodly. The Lord will not abandon His people, or forsake His chosen nation, for justice will again be joined to righteousness and all who are upright in heart will follow it. Psalm 94:16-19 Who will rise up for Me against the ungodly and take a stand against the evildoers? If You, Lord, had not been my helper, I would have died, when I made mistakes, You helped and supported me. When anxious thoughts filled my heart, Your comfort brought me joy. Psalm 94:20-23 Can corrupt justice be allied with You? Those who conspire mischief under the cover of the law, try to condemn the innocent, but You, my God, are my Rock and refuge. The Lord will repay them for their sins and destroy then for their wickedness. The Lord, our God will judge them and take vengeance for their misdeeds. Psalm 97:1-9 The Lord reigns, righteousness and justice are His foundation. The heavens proclaim Him and all peoples can see His glory. Zion hears and all her cities are happy at Your judgements. Let the earth be glad, those in the coasts and islands rejoice! Cloud and thick darkness enfold Him, fire goes ahead of Him and consumes His enemies on every side. His lightning flash lights up the world, the earth sees and trembles. Mountains melt like wax at His approach, He is in control, may all who worship false idols be put to shame, for You, Y’hovah, are far above all other gods. Psalm 97:10-12 The Lord loves those who hate evil, He keeps His loyal servants safe and delivers them from the power of the wicked. A harvest of light comes upon the righteous and joy to the upright in heart. You that are righteous, rejoice in the Lord and praise His Holy Name. My comments: ‘The Lord will rise and judge the earth’, in His great and terrible Day of vengeance and wrath. Zephaniah 1:14-18 This will be a worldwide event, a fire judgement - quite different from the Battle at Armageddon, where a visible Jesus destroys the army of the Anti Christ. What is described above, is the Lord’s punishment on the enemy nations – ‘they fall into a pit of their own making’. Psalm 7:15-16 The Lord is not seen at this time, therefore it must be before His Return in glory. Psalm 18:7-15, Isaiah 63:1-6, Isa. 66:15-16 ‘The Holy Land is happy at His judgements’. All the godless peoples are gone, but ‘His loyal servants are kept safe, they will rejoice and praise Him’, as they go and live in Beulah. Isaiah 62:1-5 Reference: REB,NIV. Some verses abridged.

Malachi the Prophet

Malachi the Prophet An Oracle: The Word of God to Israel.
Malachi 1:2-5 I have shown you love, but you ask: How have You shown love to us? The Lord answers: Jacob, [Israel] I love, but Esau, [Edom] I hate. Edom is a people of wickedness, a people with whom the Lord is angry forever. I have reduced his ancestral lands to desert pastures. Your own eyes see it and you say: The Lord is sovereign over all.
Malachi 1:6-14 The Lord requires thank offerings given in honesty and truth. A curse on those who cheat Him, by holding back their best. Acts 5:1-10
Malachi 2:1-9 Now, you pastors, Rabbis and leaders; this decree is for you. Unless you listen to My Word and honour My Name, I shall lay a curse on you and banish you from My presence. People are instructed by their leaders, because they are the Lord’s messengers, But now you have turned away from right teachings and caused many to stumble with your instruction. So now, I will degrade you in the sight of the people, because you disregard My ways and make your own interpretation of My Law.
Malachi 2:10-12 Have we not only one Father and Creator? Why then do we violate the Covenant of our forefathers? Judah and Israel are faithless, they do abominable things and go after foreign gods. May the Lord banish from His Land those who do these things, even though they bring offerings to Him.
Malachi 2:13-16 You weep and moan at the Lord’s altar, but wonder why He refuses to listen to you. Here is why; it is because you have broken faith with the spouse of your youth, even though she/he is your partner by solemn covenant. God wants you to rear godly children, so keep faithful to your spouse.
Malachi 2:17 You have wearied the Lord with your talk. You ask: How have we wearied Him? By saying: All evildoers are good and asking: Where is the God of Justice?
Malachi 3:1-4 I am about to send a messenger, to clear the way before Me. Suddenly, the Lord, whom you seek will come to His Holy place. The messenger of the Covenant, in whom you delight, he shall come. But who can endure the Day of the Lord’s appearing? He is like a refiners fire, testing and purifying, he will refine His priests so that they will be fit to bring offerings to the Lord. Then those offerings will be pleasing to Him, as they were in years long past.
Malachi 3:5-7 I shall appear before you in judgement and will testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who cheat workers of their wage, who do wrong to the helpless, who push foreigners aside and all who do not fear Me. I, the Lord, do not change and you, My people, have not ceased to be the descendants of Jacob. Ever since the days of your forefathers, you have been wayward and have not kept My Laws. if you come back to Me, then I shall return to you.
Malachi 3:8-12 You ask: How can we return? Because you have defrauded Me over your tithes and offerings, there is a curse on your entire nation. Put Me to the test; if you bring the whole tithe into My treasury, so that it fills with true gifts of righteousness, then I will pour blessings on you as long as there is a need. I will stop pests and diseases from affecting your crops and livestock and yours will be a favoured Land, envied by other nations.
Malachi 3:13-15 You have spoken bad things about Me, you ask: What bad things? You have said: to serve God is futile. What do we gain from the Lord by observing His rules and behaving with humble submission? We think the rich and proud are happy and evildoers prosper, for they disobey God and come to no harm.

Malachi 3:16-18 Then, those who respected the Lord and kept His commandments, talked together and the Lord paid heed and listened. A record was written before Him of all those people. They will be Mine, says the Lord Y’hovah, My own possession on the appointed Day and I will spare them as a man spares the son who serves him. Once more, you will be able to tell the good person from the godless and the servant of God from those who do not serve Him.

Malachi 4:1-3 The Day comes – burning like a furnace, all the arrogant people and the evildoers will be as stubble, for that Day will come and burn them up, leaving them without stock or posterity. But for you, who respect My Name, the glory of righteousness will come to you and heal and save you. You will break loose like calves released from their pens. On the Day that I take action, all wicked peoples will be as ashes under your feet.
Malachi 4:4-6 Remember the Laws I gave to all Israel through My servant, Moses. Now, look, I shall send you the prophet Elijah before the great and terrible Day of the Lord’s vengeance and wrath comes. He will reconcile the families, [of Judah and Israel] so as to avoid My curse on the Land. Ref: REB. Some verses abridged

My comments:
God chose Jacob [Israel] to be His people – a nation to be ‘a light to other nations’, a people who would spread the good news of the coming Kingdom of the Lord. Jacob’s sons split into two Houses; the House of Judah, who have maintained their identity and the House of Israel, who are still dispersed among the nations. This is how God planned it to be, however from the historical record, archaeological finds, linguistic matches and heraldic signs, we have a fair idea of who and where they are.
The peoples descended from Esau/Edom, those who inhabit the ‘desert pastures’, have kept their hatred of Jacobs descendants and now, in our times, threaten Israel and the Western world with war and disaster. Psalm 83:1-8
Sadly, the leaders of His people have not kept to the right teachings and the people do ‘abominable things’. They lust after other gods and think that God no longer cares about them or His creation. But those people who do keep faithful to the one true God, will have their names written in the Book of life and will be spared on the ‘appointed Day’.

That Day ‘comes burning like a furnace’, this is the fire judgement, the next prophesied event, the Lord’s Day of wrath and vengeance. It is clearly told to us, in Isaiah 30:26 that it is a coronal mass ejection, a sunstrike that will ‘burn up all evildoers’. It will be the fulfilment of Psalm 83; the punishment on the Edomite alliance who commence an attack on Israel.
But it is also the Day of redemption and healing for His people, they will then ‘break loose’, and Elijah will reconcile all twelve tribes of Israel. They will then gather and enter the cleared and cleansed Holy Land, in order to fulfil their destiny.

Rely on God to shield you

Psalm 1:1-6 Happy is the one who does not follow the path sinners tread. His delight is in the Law of the Lord, he is like a tree that yields its fruit in due season and he prospers in all that he does. The wicked are not like this and when judgement comes, they will fall. The Lord watches over the righteous, but the godless are doomed.
Psalm 2:1-8 The nations are in turmoil, the peoples hatch their futile plots. The leaders conspire together against Y’hovah and His appointed King. Let us throw off their yoke, we will be free of God’s rule, they say. But the Lord laughs, He derides them, then rebukes them in His wrath and anger. He says: My King will reign in Zion, on My holy mountain.
Psalm 2:9-11 This is the decree of Y’hovah: You are My Son, I am Your Father, I will give You the earth as Your domain. You will judge the nations and rule them with an iron scepter. Be mindful then you rulers and take warning; that you pay due homage to the King of the World, lest he become angry and you will be struck down, for His wrath can flare up in a moment.
Happy are all who take refuge in Him!
Psalm 7:6-9 Arise, Lord in Your anger, rouse Yourself in wrath against my enemies. My God, You decreed that justice be done. Awake now and let the peoples assemble, rule over the nations from on high. You pass sentence on the nations, uphold our cause according to our righteousness. God of justice, who searches the mind and heart of everyone, bring an end to the violence of the wicked and support the righteous.
Psalm 7:10-11 I rely on God to shield me, He saves the upright of heart. The Lord is a just judge, constant in His righteous anger.
Psalm 7:12-16 The enemy prepares his weapons and makes ready. His deadly shafts are tipped with fire. They are those who are full of evil and lies, they conceive mischief, but they, themselves will fall into the pit they have dug. Their evil plans and violence will recoil upon their own heads.

Psalm 6:8-10 All my enemies will be ashamed and stricken with terror, they will be disgraced. Leave me alone, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my cry for mercy and He accepts my prayer. Ref: REB, NIV. Some verses abridged.
Comments:
The main thing that we see in these verses is what happens between those who are good and those who are evil. The Lord provides for and watches over those who follow Him, but the wicked will fall at the time of judgement. We know for sure that these verses are talking about the Messiah and not just any king. Hebrew for anointed is Messiah who will accomplish God’s purpose. God has appointed his Son who will rule and judge all the nations with a rod of iron. Peoples and nations are to worship the Lord with reverence. When the leaders of the nations conspire against Y’hovah to go against His chosen one, Y’hovah will rebuke them and the wicked rulers and all those who conspired to do evil, will be struck down by the wrath of the One who sits on the Throne and the Lamb. Rev 6:16-17 ‘The deadly shafts are tipped with fire’, the enemies explosive weapons will be destroyed by the coming judgement of fire caused by a CME sunstrike. This will come upon all the godless nations and entities; ‘while they are saying; ”All is peaceful and secure, then destruction will come upon them”. 2 Thess. 5:3
Many of us feel as if we are in a place where we do not belong. We are strangers in a strange land. The world today has become a reflection of it’s prince. People follow their own lusts and desires without giving a second's thought to who created them and how things are supposed to be. Justice is a rarity and pride abounds.
Very soon, God will punish the wicked, but those of us who long for the day that we will live under the just rule of King Jesus will have nothing to fear. He has promised that if we seek diligently, we will find Him. He will answer our prayers. Malachi 3:16-18

Be to me a Rock of refuge

Psalm 31:1-8 In You, Lord, I have found refuge, let me never be put to shame. Hear me and by Your saving power, come quickly to my rescue. You are my Rock, lead and guide me for the honour of Your Name, for I trust in You and will rejoice and be glad in Your unfailing love. You will not abandon me to the power of the enemy, but will give me unbounded liberty.
Psalm 29:1-8 Give to the Lord the glory due to His Name. The voice of God echoes over the waters, He thunders over the mighty waters, [peoples and nations] in power and majesty. The forests are shattered, the land jumps and shakes. His shout makes flames burst out and the land is made desolate.
[This describes the forthcoming judgement of the nations, of earthquakes and fire, the Lord’s Day of vengeance and wrath.]
Psalm 27:1-6 & 13-14 The Lord is my light and salvation, whom shall I fear? When my enemies close in on me to devour me, it is them who lose. What I ask of the Lord, is that I may live in the holy Land and see Him in His Temple. For He will protect me on His terrible Day, the Day that I will be raised up and my enemies laid low, so I shall praise and honour my Deliverer.
Well I know that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the Land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and brave, put your hope in Him.

Psalm 23:1-6 The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be in need for anything. He leads me to green pastures and by streams, that I may rest. He revives my spirit and for His Names sake, He guides me on the right paths. When the Day of darkness comes, I will fear no harm, for You are with me and comfort me. My enemies will see my salvation and the great blessings promised to Your righteous people, who will live in the holy Land for the years to come.

Psalm 29:11 The Lord will give strength to His people, He will bless them with peace.
Psalm 30:1-5 I shall exult You, Lord, for You have lifted me up and have not let my enemies get the better of me. I cried to You and You heard me, saved my life, as I was sinking into the abyss. Sing praises to the Lord, all you His loyal servants, and give thanks to his holy Name. In His anger there is distress, in His favour there is life. Tears may linger at nightfall, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Ref: REB. Some verses abridged.
[For the Lord’s ‘loyal servants’, there will be deliverance, in His favour they will rejoice, but there will be sorrow and distress for those who have rejected the salvation that was offered to them.]

Destruction is decreed upon the whole Land

Isaiah 3:1-7 The Lord is about to strip Judah of every prop and support. All of their leaders, generals, counsellors and prophesiers. I shall appoint inexperienced people to positions of authority. Oppression and arrogance will stalk the Land. Isaiah 22:3
[Watch for some kind of disaster to strike Israel’s leaders. Micah 5:1b]
Isaiah 3:8-9 Judah is brought low, for in word and deed, they defy the Lord. The look on their faces testifies against them. Like Sodom, they parade their sins. Woe betide them, they have earned the disaster that will strike them. Isa.22:4, Jer.17:1
[Tel Aviv: the ‘Gay capital of the world’.]
Isaiah 3:10-11 Happy are the righteous. All goes well with them. Isaiah 26:7 Woe to the wicked, disaster is upon them. Isaiah 26:10, Hebrews 10:26-31
Isaiah 3:12 My people, those who guide you are leading you astray. Jeremiah 23:1-2 The Lord stands up to judge His people. He opens the indictment against the elders and leaders; it is you who have ruined My vineyard. You have crushed My people and oppressed the poor. Jeremiah 50:6
Isaiah 3:16-26 You women of Zion; I will take away your finery, instead of coifed hair, you will be bald. Isaiah 32:9-11 Your men will fall by the sword, in battle. Judah’s defences are stripped bare, all support removed. Isaiah 22:8 On that Day, seven women will ask one man for help and support.

Isaiah 4:2 On that Day, the plant that the Lord has grown will become glorious in it’s beauty and the Land will be fruitful, the pride of the survivors in the Land.
[In other translations “plant’ is rendered ‘Branch’ and assumed to refer to Jesus, but the “plant’’, nurtured by the Lord is righteous Israel- the ‘vine’, Isaiah 5:7]
Isaiah 4:3-6 Those who remain in Jerusalem, whose survival was decreed, will be called holy. Isaiah 29:4, Zechariah 13:7-9 When the Lord washes away the filth of Jerusalem by a spirit of judgement burning like fire, He will create a cloud by day and a flame by night over Mt Zion, to be a covering for shade and shelter. [This will be the same as the Lord did for ancient Israel, not as a visible Presence.]
Isaiah 10:19 The Light of Israel will become a fire, their Holy One, a flame, that in a single day will burn up and consume His enemies. Zechariah 3:9, Isaiah 17:12-14
The forests and pastures will suddenly be destroyed, only a few trees will remain.
Isaiah 10:23 On that Day, the remnant of Israel, the survivors of Jacob [all 12 tribes] will set their allegiance solely on the Lord. A remnant will return, a remnant of Jacob, will return to God, their strength. Israel, though you are as the sands of the sea – only a remnant will return. Isaiah 14:1-2 The Lord will carry out the destruction decreed upon the whole Land. Ezekiel 7:5-9, Isaiah 34:5

My comments: ‘Judah is brought low ‘, only a holy remnant saved. Then righteous Israel will return. These Bible passages tell of events soon to happen, the coming Day of the Lord’s destruction in the Mid East. A ‘single Day’ of a fire judgement, a seemingly natural occurrence of a huge solar flare. His people- a remnant of Jacob [all 12 tribes] will go on a second Exodus to the Promised Land, before the Return of Jesus.
Reference, REB, NIV, KJV, some verses abridged

I have made known My purpose

Jeremiah 17:15-18 People say: Where is the fulfilment of God’s Word? Let it come, if it can! It isn’t just the prospect of the coming disaster that makes me follow Y’hovah. I do not wish for Your judgement, You know all my thoughts and desires. On that evil day, be my refuge, may my persecutors be confounded, may they, not I be terrified. Bring onto Your enemies Your Day of vengeance and destroy them utterly. Isa. 66:15
Psalm 2:1-4 He who sits enthroned in Heaven, laughs at the wicked who conspire against Him and His people. Angrily, He rebukes them with His wrath.
Acts 13:40-41 Beware lest you bring down upon yourselves the doom prophesied. Understand this and perish, you despisers of the truth, for I am doing a deed in your days, a deed that you will not believe when you are told of it.

Jeremiah 25:30-38 Y’hovah roars from on high, He thunders from His dwelling place, against His Land and those who dwell in it. This great noise reaches to the ends of the earth, for Y’hovah brings judgement to all the nations and indeed to all mankind. The godless and evil will be fuel for the fire. Ruin spreads around the world from this mighty tempest and those killed on that Day will lie scattered as dung upon the earth. Cry out, you leaders and shepherds of My people for this is your time to go to the slaughter, you cannot flee from the Lord’s fierce anger.
Jeremiah 4:23-28 I looked at the earth, it was in chaos, reeling to and fro, in darkness. Nobody could be seen and the land was a desolate wilderness, the towns ruined and deserted, because of the fierce anger of the Lord. The whole world will be affected but not completely destroyed. The earth will be in mourning for this. I have made known My purpose, I will not relent or change it.

Jeremiah 10:17-18 My people, gather up your goods and flee the country, for you are living under siege. Y’hovah says: This time, I shall throw out the whole population of the Land. I shall press them and squeeze them dry. Jeremiah 12:14
Isaiah 26:20-21 Go, My people enter your rooms and shut the door after you, withdraw for a little while, until the Lord’s wrath has passed. The Lord is coming from His dwelling place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their sins, it will hide its transgressions no more.
Jeremiah 29:11-14 I alone, know My purpose for you, it is wellbeing and not misfortune, for you and your descendants. If you call Me and pray to Me, I shall listen to you. When you seek Me, you shall find Me, if you search wholeheartedly, I will let you find Me, says Y’hovah. I shall restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places to which I have banished you, then, I will restore you to the place from where you went into exile. Ref: REB, NIV, KJV. Some verses abridged.
My comments: Y’hovah has ‘made known His purpose’, that is to bring disaster onto the godless and the enemies of His people. This coming terrible Day of judgement will ‘affect the whole world’ and millions will die from the effects of the huge CME sunstrike that he will use. The Middle East will be cleared and cleansed and His people, those who listened to His warnings and kept safe under shelter, will repopulate the Holy Land. As so clearly stated in Ezekiel 20:34-38, the righteous Israelites will gather and live again in all that Land promised to Abraham. They live in peace and prosperity, in the new country of Beulah, Isaiah 62:4, sending out 144,000 missionaries to proclaim the forthcoming Kingdom of Jesus.

Micah ben Moresheth

The book of the prophet Micah is not written in a chronological order, as Isaiah 28:10 says; Scripture is a little here, a little there – rather like putting together a jigsaw puzzle.
Below are all the verses of Micah, in a sequence based on history, the current situation and from other prophets. Chapter and verse numbers given after each quote. Some verses abridged.
THE FALL AND EXILE OF ISRAEL AND JUDAH
Listen all you peoples, give heed, so that the Lord may bear witness among you. 1:2
Woe to all Israel, they sin against Me, therefore I will give the Land to your enemies. 2:1-6
I, Micah declare to the Israelites their crimes, your leaders should know what is right, but they take no care for My people, the Lord will hide His face from them. 3:1-12
Hear what the Lord is saying; You were told what is right, just and good and I blessed you.
Now I shall inflict severe punishments and exile on you. 6:1-16, 7:1-6
Israel has been conquered and now disaster will come to Judah, all of the Land and the Temple will be reduced to ruin. 1:5-16,2:1-11,4:9-10 [the Assyrian and Babylonian conquests]
The Israelites will rule Assyria, the people of Israel will be like lions among sheep. 5:5-9
Although Israel and Judah have fallen, they will rise again, they must bear His anger until He pleads their case and establishes their rights. 7:8-9 From Bethlehem will come Israel’s King, He is from the ancient past. Israel will be abandoned until He is born to them. 5:2-3a
THE PRESENT DAY
Now, withdraw behind your walls, you people who live in a protected place, destruction is coming, the ruler of Israel will be injured. Do not trust any mortal, for your enemies may be anyone, but watch and trust in the Lord, He will save you. 5:1, 7:5-7
Many nations are now massed against Israel, they do not know the Lord’s purpose, for he has gathered them like sheaves on the threshing floor. My people will have supernatural strength and many nations will be crushed. 4:11-13
Even now, the Lord is leaving His dwelling place, He comes down and tramples the earth. In that Day, says the Lord, I shall destroy your cities, your military and all your idols. In My furious anger, I shall bring disaster on all the peoples who disobey Me. 1:3-4, 5:10-15
AFTER THE DAY OF THE LORD’S WRATH AND THE 2nd EXODUS OF THE ISRAELITES
Who is God like You? You forgive the sins of the remnant of Your people, for to be merciful is Your delight. You will be true to Israel and keep Your promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 7:18-20 Let the nations see it and be silenced as they come in fear and trembling from their strongholds. 7:10, 7:16-17 Show us miracles as in the days of Egypt. 7:15
That will be the Day to rebuild and extend your boundaries. A Day when Your people will return to the Land from every place on earth. The rest of the world will be become a waste because of its inhabitants. God, shepherd Your people with Your strong arm, the flock that is Your own. They live apart, in a fertile Land, in Bashan and Gilead as in times past. 7:11-14 I will surely gather you and bring together the remnant of Israel, like sheep into a sheepfold. The One who opens the way will go before them, they will break through the gate, with the Lord at their head. 2:12-13
In that Day, I shall gather those who are lost, assemble the dispersed and those I have afflicted. I shall restore the remnant and turn them into a mighty nation. My Presence will be on Mt Zion and the promises made to you and the Land will be fulfilled. All your Lands will be restored to you.4:6-8
Those of the people who survive will rejoin their brethren. Your leader will rise up and lead you with strength and in the Name of the Lord. You will enjoy security, in his power. 5:3b-4
THE MILLENNIUM REIGN OF JESUS
In days to come, the mountain of the Lord’s House will be established, higher than other hills. People will come to it, saying: let us go to the Place of Israel’s God, that we may learn the right way to live. The Lord will judge with righteousness and there will be no more war. We will all be loyal to the Lord. 4:1-5 THEN THERE WILL BE PEACE. 5:5

Wait for the Day

Zephaniah 3:8 Wait for Me, says the Lord, wait for the Day when I stand up and accuse mankind. For I shall pour out My wrath upon nations and kingdoms, in My burning anger: the whole earth will be devastated by fire.
Zephaniah 1:14-18 The great Day of the Lord’s vengeance and wrath is near and coming fast. That Day will be a Day of distress and torment, a Day of devastation amid thick darkness. A Day of thunder and destruction against military fortifications and cities. Y’hovah will bring terrible distress upon the people, they won’t know which way to turn as they are punished for their sins against Me. Their blood and guts will be spilled out like filth over the ground. Neither their treasure nor their idols will be able to save them on the sudden and shocking Day of the Lord’s fiery anger. All the Land will be burned and devastated. Ezekiel 20:46-48
Zephaniah 2:1-3 Prepare yourselves, you undesirable nation, be humble before you disappear like chaff, before the burning anger of Y’hovah comes upon you. Seek righteousness; seek humility, all you people in the Land who obey God’s Laws and it may be that you will find shelter on the Day of the Lord’s anger.
Zephaniah 2:4-7 Gaza will be deserted, Ashkelon left in ruins. At midday all the towns of the Mediterranean coast will be cleared of inhabitants, for the Word of God is against you – land of the Philistines. I shall lay you in ruins, no one will survive. The sea coast will become a sheep grazing area belonging to the survivors of Judah, for their God will turn to them and restore their fortunes. Isaiah 14-1, Ezekiel 36:1-37
Zephaniah 2:8-10 I have noted the insults of Moab and the Ammonites, how they have reviled My people and encroached on their frontiers. For this, I swear, they will become like Sodom and Gomorrah, a place of weeds and salt pans. Those of My people who survive will inherit their land. This is retribution for their pride, because they have insulted God’s people and taken over their Land.
Zephaniah 3:11-13 On that Day, Jerusalem, I shall rid you of your proud and arrogant citizens, but I will leave a remnant, a humble people who will trust in Me. The survivors in Israel will be righteous, under My protection. Isaiah 31:5
Zephaniah 3:19-20 When the time comes and I have dealt with your oppressors, then I shall rescue the lost and gather the dispersed and bring you all to your homeland. You will win respect and renown from the other nations when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes, It is I, Y’hovah, who speaks. Ref: REB. Some verses abridged.
My comments:
Wait for the Day; the whole earth burned and devastated. The only known way how this could happen, is by a massive coronal mass ejection, a fire judgement mentioned and described over 100 times in Bible prophecy. It will be the event that ‘comes like a thief’, unexpected and shocking.
You undesirable nation – the Israelite people, that is all 12 tribes. It may be that those who live righteously and humbly will ‘find shelter on the Day of the Lord’s anger.’ 2 Peter 2:9
Philistines and Moab and Ammon – Palestinians and Jordanians. Amos 1:6-8 & 13-14
leave a remnant in Jerusalem, under My protection – Isaiah 4:3, Zechariah 9:14-18
rescue the lost....bring you home – The second Exodus of the Israelites, prophesied over 40 times, to happen soon after this forthcoming, worldwide fire judgement. They will live in the promised Land, under God’s protection and when the Anti Christ comes to Jerusalem, they are taken to a place of safety until the Return of Jesus.

Judgement of Edom

Ezekiel 35:1-5 Look toward all the lands of the Edomites and pronounce judgement upon them. The Lord says: I shall stretch out My hand to strike your land, I will reduce it to a desolate waste and your towns will be ruined. Then you will know that I am the Lord, for you have kept up an ancient feud and shed the blood of the Israelites by warfare, during the time of their punishment.
Ezekiel 35:6-9 Therefore as I live, says the Lord: I shall make blood your destiny, since you do not hate killing and death, that will come upon you. Your land and cities will become desolate wastes forever and no one will travel there. I will cover the hills and valleys with the dead, your towns will not be inhabited.
Ezekiel 35:10-14 You say: the two nations and two countries [The ten tribes of Israel and the two tribes of Judah] will be our possession, even though the Lord has been there. Therefore your anger and jealousy will be repaid, for I will do to the whole of Edom what you have done in your hatred for My people. I shall be known among you - for the way I judge you, you will know that the Lord has punished you. [by the means of a CME sunstrike] I have heard all your blasphemous talk about the Land of Israel, saying: the Land is ours to occupy. You have boasted and spoken against Me without restraint. So now I will destroy you., while the whole world rejoices, As you rejoiced at the inheritance of the House of Israel, when it was desolated, so I will do to you, all your lands will be devastated. Reference: REB, NIV, KJV. Some verse abridged

My comments: Many people believe that the next prophesied event in our world will be the Gog/ Magog invasion. Others say it’s the tribulation – preceded by a rapture of the church. Some think the Return of Jesus will be next. That it will be none of these is told to us in the Book of the prophet Ezekiel, chapters 34, 36, 37, 38 & 39 they all speak about the Israelites being gathered out of the nations and settled back into the Holy Land of Israel. Those chapters are written in a fairly obvious sequence of events. Ezekiel 34:12-13 ‘I will rescue My people from where they were scattered in the Day of cloud and darkness, I will lead them out of the nations and bring them home to their own country’. Amos 5:18, Isaiah 13:9-10
Then comes Ezekiel 35, where it is explained how this gathering and resettlement can take place. The Edomites can be identified as those nations and entities - that hate My people and have kept up their ancient feud with the Israelites, - that currently occupy a large portion of the area promised to the Patriarchs and who now threaten the State of Israel with annihilation. Psalm 83:13-15, describes how the Lord Himself will deal to them, as they commence their attack on Israel. Isaiah 30:26, Psalm 7:12-16, Isaiah 8:9-10, Obadiah 1:15, Micah 4:11-12
Psalm 83:12 informs us that the goal of this alliance is total possession of all the Land of Israel. This is exactly as the Charters of Hamas and Fatah state; they are not interested in a two State solution, all the Jews must either leave or be killed.
In conclusion, this attack by the peoples surrounding Israel will result in their destruction, but the Bible prophecies also say that Judah too, will be judged at this time and ‘only a holy remnant will survive’. The Land is not polluted by radiation and as the CME quickly passes, the vegetation soon regenerates.[Psalm 68:9] Ezekiel 36:8 You, Land of Israel, grow your trees and bear fruit, for the homecoming of My people is near. This opens the way for all the twelve tribes of Israel to return to their heritage. Later will come the invasion by Gog/Magog – a different list of peoples and nations. They attack the Israelites ‘gathered from the nations and living in a land recently recovered from ruin’. Ezekiel 38:8 Their total destruction is ‘to show Myself Holy and make Myself known to many peoples’. Ezekiel 38:23 The rest of the prophecies will then unfold – the rise of the Anti Christ, the Tribulation and then, the culmination of the age: the Return of Jesus for His 1000 year reign.

What will YOU do at the time of the end?

Jeremiah 5:1-2 Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look and take note, search for anyone who acts justly or one who seeks the truth – that I might forgive that city. People may swear by the Lord, but in fact they perjure themselves.
[Is it possible to find anyone there today, acting in real truth and justice?]
Jeremiah 5:3 Y’hovah; You look for righteousness. You have punished Your people, but they took no heed and refused to learn. They hardened their hearts and would not repent of their sins.
[Israel and Judah, punished by their exiles, but they still don’t truly repent.]
Jeremiah 5:4-5 The Lord thought; these are only the common people, those that don’t know the Laws of their God. I will go to their leaders and teachers, they should know the right ways. But, they too, have gone away from the right path and no longer keep the Laws or trust Y’hovah.
[Our leaders are often not good Christian examples and many false doctrines abound.]
Jeremiah 5:6-9 So they will be struck down by disaster, for their rebellious deeds and apostasies are beyond counting. Why should I forgive them for this? Your children have forsaken Me, with idols and adulteries. Shall I fail to punish them for this? I will exact vengeance on these people.
Jeremiah 5:10-13 Prune the vine, lop off the branches, for they are not the Lord’s. Faithless are Israel and Judah, both faithless to Me, they both deny their God, saying: He does not see or care – no harm will come to us, we won’t see war or want. The prophets just spoke empty words, meaningless wind. Therefore, because they talk this way, I shall make My words a fire in your mouth and it will burn up these people like brushwood.
[Apostate, atheistic Judah, the Jewish people, and Israel, the Christian peoples, are still similar to their ancestors. The clear prophetic warnings were ignored then and are ignored now. The ‘burning’ did not happen then, still future.]
Jeremiah 5:14-19. I am bringing against you a distant nation, of mighty warriors, they will conquer you and destroy cities. But in those days, I shall not make an end of you. When you ask; Why has Y’hovah done this to us? You will say; it was because we forsook our God, so we must serve foreigners and live in another land
[At that time Assyria conquered Israel then Babylon; Judah. Now their decreed exile and punishment is nearing completion.]
Jeremiah 5:20-25 Proclaim this to the people of Israel and Judah – Listen you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes, but see nothing, ears and hear nothing. Do you not fear your Maker and tremble before Me? But My people have a defiant and rebellious heart. They have rebelled and gone their own way. They did not acknowledge how Y’hovah gives the rain and their prosperity. Their wrong doing has upset natures order and their sins have kept away her bounty.
Jeremiah 5:26-31 For among My people there are scoundrels, who lay traps and prey upon others, They grow rich and fat, by turning a blind eye to wickedness. Shall I fail to punish them for this? There is an appalling outrage in this Land. Prophets prophesy lies, the Rabbis and priests rule by their own authority – that is the way the people like it. What will ye do in the end thereof? Isa 51:1-30
Reference; REB, NIV, KJV. Some verses abridged.

The Elephant in the Room

People today are mostly in denial of what the future may hold for them. Worldwide natural disasters and manmade problems seem to be proliferating with no easing up or solutions in sight. It may just be possible for mankind to overcome its economic woes, resource shortages and rebuild earthquake damage, etc, but a prospective World War 3, starting in the Middle East, has the potential to practically wipe us out and pollute large areas of the earth.
A lot of people do not want to be concerned about the future, it’s hard enough just to get by without any extra worry and it is right that we must carry on doing what we have to for survival. Those whom God has called for a specific task must continue to do it and we all need to plan and provide for the future as though things will continue as usual. It is a mistake to sell up and withdraw to a hideout, as many failed doomsday proponents have shown.
However, ‘You, My friends are not in the dark’ about end times events. ‘It is ‘While they are saying: All is peaceful – sudden destruction will come upon them’. 1 Thess. 5:3-4 ‘My friends’- those who love the Lord and keep His commandments. Luke 21:34-36
‘they’- godless people, who don’t know that God Himself will act against them.
The Bible [and the Apocrypha] have a very large amount of unfulfilled prophecy, that is not there for no reason; God expects us to take note of what He has told us through His prophets. Because so many incorrect ideas and notions about what God has planned abound in the church and in the secular world, it is difficult for us to overcome them and just simply believe the literal words of the prophets. Excepting for the obvious allegories, which are used to describe events and scenes unknown in their time.
As this year of 2012, is the last year of the decreed exile of the House of Israel, [the Northern 10 tribes] soon the many promises of the redemption and restoration for all the 12 tribes can take place. With the current world situation as it is, then we must expect some dramatic events to occur to enable that to happen. The Lord had told us, through the ancient prophets, what this will be – in over 100 prophecies, of the great and terrible day of the Lord’s vengeance and wrath, a judgement of fire that destroys His enemies. We are clearly informed of the nature and extent of this event, it will be a gigantic fireball emitted from the sun – a coronal mass ejection of superheated particles that will envelope the earth and cause all the graphically prophesied disasters. But there will be plenty of survivors, just a matter of staying under shelter until the CME passes.
That 2012 is a significant year, is reinforced by many secular and false religion predictions. The Mayan calendar ending on the 21st Dec. 2012, is perhaps the best known. Demonic entities can perform certain signs and wonders and I guess they know what the Bible says, therefore they may have informed mankind for their own reasons. The so called prophecy gurus, like La Haye and Hagee don’t have the truth and while their motivation is money and adulation, God will not enlighten them. So, people are now without any real idea of how and when this huge threat will impact their existence.
The fulfilment of the Lord’s day of vengeance and wrath is ‘the Elephant in the Room’, the event that ‘comes like a thief’, but we who ‘are His friends’ can and should know of what the Lord has planned for His creation.