(This article is taken from this year's Prophecy Update 2011 Message)
For the past couple of decades we have watched as administration after administration has tried to negotiate a peace settlement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.  This process has been agonizing to watch because no matter what is done – peace has not been the result.  But let’s take a little closer look at what this may be building toward in the future.

No matter who is at the table – the Palestinian contingent seems to never feel like enough is being offered to make a lasting peace.  Of course that may be because their charter has within it the call to destroy the state of Israel.  Kinda hard to make peace when your founding document militates against it. 

The major thing Israel desires if they allow statehood for their avowed neighboring enemy is that it is a secure peace.  What they mean by that is that if a Palestinian state is formed – it needs to be a state that rejects terrorism and that guarantees the safety of their neighbors, the Jews, across their border.  This too may be difficult to discuss and agree to seeing that missiles, both military and human (suicide bombers) seem to keep coming over the border to the detriment (read destruction and death) of their Israeli neighbors.  It is almost as if this call for peace and statehood – is really not the end game for the Palestinian Authority.  Maybe that is where we should start in all this?

The Palestinian Authority may not be winning their statehood outright at the negotiating table, but they are winning it in the court of public opinion.  The worldwide press, with only a very few exceptions, has signed on with the Palestinian Authority.  Their story is gaining ground daily in the world court of opinion.  This is not due to any “right-ness” of their cause – but more due to the one-sided presentation of this conflict – and the terms that are being used to describe it.  Terms like “occupation” and “oppression” do not help the cause of Israel even as missiles are lobbed daily onto their sovereign soil.  The death of one Palestinian protester is trumpeted, while the deaths of dozens of Israel’s citizens in a bus or restaurant bombing are shrugged off – or worse justified by Israel’s detractors. 

The end game here may be coming this spring – as the Palestinian Authority has hinted openly at the probability of declaring themselves a state unilaterally.  They will do this without any kind of agreement from Israel.  With other states saying that they will support such a move and recognize this Palestinian state, this idea is gaining traction by the day.  States such as Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Cuba, Chile, Columbia, China, and North Korea have said that they will recognize this state if this happens.  The EU is discussing responding favorably as well.  And although the Congress has voted unanimously to advise our president NOT to do this – there is talk at the White House of recognizing this state as well. 

What we have here is frustrating to those of us who love Israel – and who believe that their security will be threatened by such a move.  If this does happen the state that will be declared will not have boundaries that are agreed to by Israel.  The Palestinian state will most likely claim the West bank (can you say Judah) as their territory, and East Jerusalem as their capitol city (can you say “there is a war coming soon”).  These are things Israel most likely will vehemently reject.  So what is happening here? 

I believe that we are continuing to move to the point where all nations (the United States unfortunately among them) will reject Israel.  If a unilateral Palestinian state is declared – it will have widespread world support.  If a war ensues where Israel is forced to protect itself from a state that claims territory from it that they have not agreed to giving that state, the world will turn against Israel for it.  That war will be a slaughter for the Palestinians – unless they unite with other terrorist factions like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran (possibly Syria too – who would like to reclaim the Golan Heights in all this mess) come to their aid. 

Whatever happens – you can bet that it will help to solidify worldwide condemnation on Israel before it is over.  So, we are looking at a situation where the prophetic stage will further be set for all nations to be turning on Israel.  The sad biblical fact is though, that such a situation WILL turn out badly for the nations that touch Israel.  God has promised to protect Israel, not because they are godly, but simply because they are His chosen people.  This will not end well for those nations – but then again – when has that ever stopped them before?

     Today is the day that I begin to study for the prophecy update.  It usually takes about a month to prepare for the teaching on the first Sunday of the new year.  This year should prove to be very interesting.  I find myself not only drawn to thoughts of how prophecy may be coming together with the events of this past year - but also with a question that many have asked over the years.  That question is where the United States of America fits into the scenarios of the Bible concerning the return of Christ.  

     Some have endeavored to "find" scripture passages that would support the United States being a player in the end times scenario - but in all honesty - I do not concur.  The passages people pull out of Scripture are just that - passages usually pulled out of context.  The fact is that over 18 years of studying and preparing for these prophecy updates - I've yet to see one clear reference to the United States anywhere in the prophetic scenario.  What I do see is a focus on Israel, on a revived Roman empire which most likely will involve a European superstate, and on what seems to be references that fit China being a player in the very last day's scenario.  These nation-states are not too difficult to discern from the texts we have - but as for any kind of reference to America - that would involve some pretty serious theological and textual gymnastics.

     I say all this to point out that this year, I want to spend a little time dealing with that very question as to whether the United States is anywhere in the prophetic record.  We will also investigate what that may possibly mean to us - and what is happening to our nation under the three most recent administrations that have governed the U.S. - with an emphasis on what has happened over the past 2 years. 

     Once again, I truly look forward to this time of intense study - and the opporutnity that this precious fellowship affords to me to be able to present this material every year.  I realize that to some this is the annual "scare the living daylights out of the saints" message.  But please know that my heart is never just to freak people out - but rather prepare our hearts for the eventual return of our Lord.  He is coming - and part of the reality of that fact is knowing that your hope should not be in this world and the things of this world.  Until then, may God bless you . . . and Maranatha!

pJ