I want to begin by saying that I do not relish having to write what I am about to write – but feel that we need to be warned and aware of what is possibly lurking around the corner for our nation.  Please read all of this post – because there is a message of hope and encouragement at the end of it. 

In my mind’s eye I am watching a horrific scene – one that terrifies me the more I watch it.  The scene is of a small child who is dancing along with mincing steps along an unguarded precipice that if stepped over will mean certain death for the child.  The child, for his part, is totally unaware of what is going on around him.  He is completely ignorant of what just a few steps can bring about for him and for his safety.  But he is oblivious to any warning because he has chosen to turn a deaf ear to anything that is unpleasant to hear.  Therefore he continues to dance, not grasping the seriousness of his situation – or the growing danger of stepping off the precipice the next time he draws near to it in his dance of joyous ignorance and bliss.

This is a picture of the United States in March of 2012.  We are that child who is dancing on the precipice of disaster – and yet for the most part are ignorant and oblivious of how much danger we are in at the moment.  Let me address this in a number of ways.

Scenario #1 – Israel, Iran, and Nuclear Hide and Go Seek.

For quite a while our leaders (at least in the White House) have pretty much ignored this growing threat.  Iran IS moving toward a weaponized nuclear program – and it is clear from their own press statements that they intend to use these warheads on Israel soon after getting them.

We’ve danced around actually dealing with this situation to the point where Israel is going to have to act.  I fully expect that some kind of response from Israel will happen before the coming election in November.  When that happens – another blind dance of our leaders will be exposed.  We currently have enough natural resources (and yes, I am referring to evil fossil fuels) to become energy independent.  If we were to act NOW – we could stave off much of what is coming our way – but our leaders continue to stick their heads in the ground.  The fact is that WHEN Israel has to defend themselves, the strait of Hormuz will be closed – war will ensue on oil tankers in the Middle Eastern waterways – and gas and oil exportation will be slowed to a bare minimum.  When this happens – we will wish we could have 4-5 dollar gas prices again.  Instead we will have probably 9-12 dollar gas prices for at least several months.  This will send our economy into an immediate tail-spin of “great depression era” statistical proportions.  We will watch inflation hit our economy to the tune of 15-20 percent almost overnight.  Unfortunately, we may even have situations like the Weimar Republic  had in pre-WWII Germany – where you had to pay for a cup of coffee before they made it – because the price would go up by the time they brought it to you later. 

Unfortunately, I also see riots coming if this happens – as gas lines will return to our society.  There will also be an explosion of gas thefts and robbery at stations nationwide.  We may see gas stations become something akin to Fort Knox with the security that will be required to keep them – and their customers safe.

Scenario #2 – Terrorist Attack and Subsequent Cancelation of the November Elections

I can imagine at this point that many of you think I should be put away – or at least relegated to the trash heap of conspiracy theory mongers.  This particular scenario would involve an attack that is “allowed” by some in our government – whose authority and power is threatened by upcoming elections.  I write this with more than a little fear and trembling – because saying such things can get me in a tremendous amount of trouble.  Yet this is what I see in my heart – and tremble over when I know that history will not be made – but repeated if this happens.

Such an attack – especially if it comes in the Fall of this year (2012) will be used to cancel our elections for the near future.  We will be told that we need to establish order before an election can proceed.  If you are thinking an attack of 9/11 proportions – think again.  The Islamic radicals who are planning such things always seek something MORE spectacular than their last attack.  This one will come close to shutting the nation down because of its intensity – and possible multiple locations. 

You might want to be ready for such a thing especially if the election looks like it is radically turning toward those who respect and honor our constitution.  If our current president is looking like he is going to lose power – I fear that this may even be more likely.  Remember that the Reichstag fire  was used as a ploy to shut down government opposition in Hitler’s day – and was quite effective as an impetus for the current government of that day to strike its enemies as they scapegoated them as responsible for the fire in the first place.

As we see the political discourse turning more vitriolic, we need to see that lines are being drawn – enemies are being named – and hatred is being fueled at multiple levels.  What is truly frightening is how the News Networks are becoming more and more clear of who and what they want out of the upcoming elections.  It is also somewhat disconcerting that conservatives and conservative news organizations are also being targeted for destruction – now by attacking their advertisers – and possibly in the future by attacking their very locations with violence and protest. 

If this happens, the possibility of fair and free elections will be out the window.  By the time order and the opportunity of a free election come around again – much of the opposition will have been removed from the equation.  Our elections will pretty much look like those of any other puppet government in the world.

Scenario #3 – Riots Based on Race, Religion,  and Socio-Economic Lines

This scenario has its genesis in the current political climate in our country.  There are things being said and being reported (or said by commentators) that are pouring gas on the fire of already strained relationships between various polarized groups in America.  The rich are being pitted against the poor.  People of Color and different Nationality are being pitted against each other.  Certain religious views are being openly denigrated and lied about on network news shows – as well as in print.  There are very specific lines that are being drawn on the basis of race, religion, sexual preference, socio-economic views and politics.  These things are being exacerbated more and more by the rhetoric being used  in the lead-up to this election. 

As this reaches a fever pitch – we may watch as election day turns into a day of rioting and rage at polling places.  In the previous election – people were openly intimidated in Philadelphia by those who did not want them to vote against their chosen candidate.  This time – with a greater possibility of their person being defeated – we are going to watch these intimidation tactics turn violent. 

Occupy Wall Street and the shenanigans of some of our Unions have already broken new ground in the erection of political, religious, and socio-economic walls that are seriously dividing us in this nation.  We are dancing around the precipice of serious rioting in the streets – and even more serious violence against those who dare vote against our current administration.  This will not be pretty – but it will be violent – and will be used to intimidate people into compliance with politically correct views of our day.

When this happens – I also fear a backlash from those who are more conservative – if out of nothing more than years of pent-up frustration.  The danger is that such reactions to existing violence will most likely be used to “outlaw” certain views as well as certain groups.  The South and the mid-states of our union will be particularly hit by such reactionary anger to the prevailing tyranny.  This will ultimately be to harden the lines that have tried to be drawn for many years.  Again – races, religions, and classes will be turned upon each other – as they are painted as more extreme and reactionary to others.  I fear that literally thousands will die in these clashes.

OK, Let’s Breathe – and Listen for a Moment for Some Hope

Yes . . . I know . . . either I am crazy – too reactionary – or just plain scary in what I’ve just written.  But I want you to know that there is hope.  What I have written, by the way, is really not too terribly different than what Old Testament prophets wrote to Israel and Judah.  Please understand, though, that I do not for one minute claim to be a prophet in any way shape or form.  If you must know – I write these things for a couple of reasons.  First, because I am a historian.  What we are seeing is nothing terribly new – it is simply a repeat of Biblical history – and the history of the past hundred or more years.  Second, I am a Bible nerd.  What we are seeing is not the fault of Democrats or Republicans - of Obama-care or Liberal politics.  What we are experiencing is not the fault of atheists or pornographers or abortionists.  Dear precious saints - these are symptoms only - they are judgments released upon us for what has happened in the church - long before the world manifested these things.  What we are seeing is the inevitable consequences of a nation that once served God – turning from Him to serve other gods.  When this happens – God removes His hand of blessing and begins to oppose that nation – in hope that the nation (or the church within such a nation) will repent and return to Him. Third, I am a pastor – who loves my congregation, my city, and my nation – and wants to see it return to God in nation-shaking revival – so – that these things DON’T happen in our future.  I know that God is angry with our nation for how we have turned away from Him – from His Word – from His gospel – and from His warnings.  I also know that our God is also MERCIFUL – and if we repent, return, pray, humble ourselves, and cry out for Him to restore our land – He has been faithful to do this – not just in Biblical times – but in something called the first and second great awakening – and the prayer revival of the mid 1850’s! 

Is there hope for us?  YES!  Please read such things I have written prior to this point as a warning from a loving – yet holy God who desires for us to repent of our pride, our immoralities, and our sinful rebellion against His Word – and return to a life of fearing and honoring and obeying Him. 

What can we do therefore to avert such things as these?  Well, first off – I cannot guarantee that these things can be averted completely.  You must remember that we’ve murdered over 40 million innocent babies through abortion.  You must remember that we’ve chosen sexual immorality first with the sexual revolution against God in the 60’s with rampant heterosexual immorality – and then in the 80’s to the present with homosexual immorality as well as a host of other perversions that involve pornography, child sexual abuse, and every kind of perversion imaginable as we’ve thrown God’s Word to the side – not only in the world – but far too often even in the church.

Our hope is in falling to our knees – in repentance and restoration to God – and then in heart-felt intercession for God to move first in revival in the church – and then second, in spiritual awakening of the lost to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ for salvation from their sin and the wrath of God that rightfully falls upon unrepentant sinners in the day of judgment.   My concern, if there is a primary one, is that too few see the desperation of our days – and are unwilling to give themselves to extra-ordinary prayer.  This is NOT the time for a few words of perfunctory prayer – it is the time for us to don the proverbial sack-cloth and ashes – and cry out to God with weeping between the porch and the altar of God!    If we will not turn to Him this way – I see little or no hope for our situation.  I will vote in primaries and even in the general election if allowed – but these are not the answer for our current situation.  Even if conservatives win in a landslide – that will NOT be the remedy.  We MUST return to God, crying out for mercy – confessing our sins and the sins of our fathers – calling for God to rescue us – and committing to live afresh under His sovereign Lordship.  That is the ONLY ANSWER for where we are and what is coming.  May He have mercy upon us – may He sovereignly pour out His Spirit upon us – and may we be granted the most wonderful gift called “broken-hearted repentance” as we call upon the ONLY ONE  WHO CAN DELIVER US IN THIS HOUR – OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST!

Just yesterday we looked at Iran and their most recent terrorist plot.  We wondered out loud, “What was Iran thinking,” and looked at some of the ramifications of their actions – even looking into the longer term future at what could happen as a result.  Today, we are going to look at this again, yet from the angle of Iran’s worldview.  This is important for us to do because unless we grasp the worldview that Iran is working from, we will tend to misjudge not just their previous actions – but we will also be caught off guard again and again as to their future ones.  Unfortunately for us in the United States the current leadership, as well as the vast majority of thinkers from both sides of the aisle in Washington, are unwilling to wake up to just what this worldview is.  Their unwillingness to do this has led, and will continue to lead us in directions that will leave us totally unprepared for what is coming in the days and months ahead.

What was Iran thinking when they attempted to assassinate the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States?  To those in Iran’s leadership, they were following a logical course of action spurred on by their worldview.  Some might want to restate this as their “religious” worldview but this does not recognize that they do not dichotomize their lives into the religious and the secular like we do in the West.  Their worldview is Muslim from every possible vantage point.  What is driving them is the logical conclusions of Islam and the teachings of the Koran as interpreted by their religious leaders.  This is what drives them religiously, politically, legally, and socially.  This is exactly what led them to every action they’ve taken from their political repression of opposition movements to their pursuit of nuclear weapons to their incendiary statements about wiping Israel off the map. 

Iran’s spiritual leadership as well as their current political leadership believe in the classic version of Islamic eschatology (end-times doctrine).  That doctrine centers around two basic things.  The first is the return of the 12th Imam who is called the “Mahdi.”  He is an apocalyptic figure who, according to their teachings, will come up out of a well in Iran – and will lead the Islamic world to reinstate the Caliphate.  The Caliphate is the term used for a one-world government/religious system based on Islam and worldwide Shar’ia law.  The Mahdi will be the supreme leader of this movement – Islam will be its religious basis – and Koranic Shar’ia law will be its political vehicle for ruling the world.  Our governmental leaders desperately need to grasp this worldview and how it motivates the actions and attitudes of the current Iranian leadership. 

The Mahdi will come in the midst of worldwide chaos and disruption.  Some might state that this is not a whole lot different than the view of the Bible.  The Bible does state that in the last days there will be wars and rumors of wars.  The major difference in worldview between these two though is that for the Biblical Christian – we are merely watching these things happen.  For the “Twelfth-er” Muslim, they sek to do all they can to encourage these disruptions and problems.  They want war, political problems, and worldwide chaos.  This is what will help bring the Mahdi back – it will aid in his return to set up the worldwide Islamic Caliphate.

Here is where we come to what the Iranians were thinking when they did what they did recently.  They were thinking that by causing disruption and even war – they will bring back the Mahdi.  This is why we need to wake up and realize what we are facing.  Too often our press and our political leaders tell us that Islam is a peaceful religion – that we can peacefully coexist with them in love and harmony.  But the fact is, that at least with Iran’s brand of Islam (and I would argue all sects eventually), they do not want peaceful coexistence and harmony.  They want Islamic domination and worldwide Shar’ia law.  They want the world to be ruled by the Mahdi – and for all nations to be under the Islamic Caliphate. 

What we are doing now in seeking a diplomatic solution is futile.  It is a repeat of the negotiations that England and France sought to have with Hitler.  There is no negotiating with those who seek worldwide domination and rule.  Chamberlain would have been better off to have met with Hitler’s Germany and let them know that if they continued to aggressively seek European domination – they would face stiff opposition and eventually war.  Hitler did not listen to appeasement.  He saw it as weakness – and sought to exploit it to his advantage.  The Iranians see our penchant for “sanctions” and our constant appeal to the U.N. for their wonderful intervention (please read this as sarcasm – actually more like rampant sarcasm) as weakness.  They exploit our useless efforts to rein them in – and see it as a gift of more time to plant additional operatives whose goal is the destruction of the “great Satan.”  One would think that the reality of that name alone would wake us up.  But our response is to retract in Freudian political horror – and blame ourselves for their actions, attitudes, and worldview.

What should we do?  How should we act in this situation?  Politically, we need to elect those to office who are not beholden to the view that Islam is a peaceful, cooperative worldview with our own.  Some would blame president Obama for the current state of affairs, but to do so would be to ignore at least 6 years of appeasement under the Bush administration.  We have a “State Department” problem.  Those who are responsible for our foreign policy think that we can win over the Islamic world by gradually abandoning our evil western ways – oh, and also by also gradually abandoning our support for our faithful ally Israel.  They are fools for thinking this.  This is not a PR problem – it is a worldview problem.  Therefore, IF we are to reverse the trends that currently make us weak and vulnerable to future attacks, we are going to have to accurately define and deal with Islamic designs for the world.  That will involve a much more aggressive stance toward Iran – and any other Islamic state that threatens our nation – and our way of life.  This is the political solution to our problem.  Now, having stated this, I have the unpleasant task of informing you that most likely this will not happen until the next couple of attacks have taken place.  The other unfortunate truth is that most likely the next major attack will make the Twin Towers attack look like child’s play.  In light of this I remind myself that the kingdom of God is not of this world.  Therefore as a patriot, I hate this development – but as a Christian, I realize that my faith is not based on what governmental system rules the country in which I live. 

There is a far greater responsibility that I have in light of all these things.  That responsibility is as a Christian.  My responsibility is to live for the glory of God by continuing to do the will of God.  That means that regardless of the threat to my country, I am to love my enemies and pray for them.  I am not to fear or hate Muslims, but love them and seek for every opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them.  Therefore as the world continues to move toward the confrontation of the Islamic worldview and the view of the Western world – I am to preach Jesus no matter what the cost.  In the end, my concern is not ultimately what the Iranians are thinking as they act politically.  My concern is to affect their thinking and worldview by preaching that there is salvation in no other name except Jesus Christ.  My ultimate task does not change with the winds of political fortune.  The authority from which my task has been commanded will never be overthrown by the schemes and political actions of mankind.  God was seated upon His throne before mankind ever existed – and He will continue to be seated on his throne long after the last political schemes of mankind have ended.  Remember this and know that whatever Iran was thinking, it will not ultimately affect God’s will and purpose from being accomplished.  All things will be summed up in Jesus Christ.  Every knee WILL bow and every tongue WILL confess that JESUS IS LORD TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER!  May these two facts give you hope and confidence to live for Jesus in the midst of our chaotic world. 

What is the world is going on with Iran?  Over the past week we've learned that the Iranian KUDS forces (which is the equivalent of our special forces) were involved in a plot to assassinate the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States.  Allegedly, the plot involved working with Mexican drug cartels in an effort to hire professional assassins to carry out the plot.  As more and more details of this plot become known, it is clear that the Iranian government was involved in this effort. 

This is a radical move on the part of the Iranian government - even a game-changing event.  It has led to several things that are happening presently in our own government reaction to this attempt on the Saudi Arabian Ambassador.  The first is that the Obama administration is seeking what they call, "crippling" sanctions against the Iranian government.  The problem with this action is that it will require countries like China and Russia to comply as well.  Since we do not do any business with Iran, our ability to directly affect their economy is fairly limited.  The second action, which is not receiving hardly any attention involves Israel and the sale of 55 advanced bunker-busting bombs to their military.  This was something that was allowed by the Obama Administration.  To give a little insight on this action, the Bush Administration was asked to do the same thing - and did not do it.  It was viewed as too controversial a decision, and one that would come back to haunt them if Israel used these weapons to destroy Iran's nuclear program.

What does all this mean for our world.  It actually means a great deal.  One of the things Israel absolutely had to have to deal with Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons was bunker-busting bombs.  Now that they have them - an attack on Iran's nuclear infrastructure is far more possible.  This would cause a huge disruption of the delivery of oil throughout the world.  Those who understand the ramifications of this say it might cause the cost of oil to surge to 6-8 dollars a gallon - or more.  This would send an already fragile world economy over the edge into full scale collapse.  Such a collapse would put our world into financial chaos.  It would be a perfect scenario for a world leader to rise to help solve such an issue - not to mention to lead the world toward a one-world currency or system that would be easily be transformed to a cashless economy.

There is also the problem of military reprisals for Israel taking out Iran's nuclear weapons program.  If such an attack were to take place, there is a good possibility that the world would be set on fire.  Russia, Syria, and Turkey all have mutual defense pacts with Iran.  If Israel were to attack Iran - what would these countries do?  It could easily cause the region to erupt with protests - and eventually a military action against Israel from nations throughout the region.  That would fit the view of the Gog-Magog conflict of Ezekiel 37-38 being an event which happens before the rapture of the church and the beginning of the 7 year tribulation period of the book of Revelation. 

The situation with Iran is fluid at the moment.  Much of what I've written today has yet to happen.  We do not know what sanctions will be put on Iran.  We do not know how effective they will be.  We do not know how Iran is going to react to such things.  We do not know how the rest of the Middle East will react to Iran's actions.  But the one thing we do know is that Israel now has the ability to penetrate the bunkers which hide much of Iran's nuclear facilities.  The question will be what Israel will do with them?  The other thing we also know is that these events have done nothing to lessen the political pressures that are rising in the Middle East.  We will need to stay tuned to learn what will happen.  But in the mean time we also need to stay on our knees and continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, because these events have made that peace that much more difficult.

Recently, we’ve seen a rise of movements in Egypt, Libya, and several other countries in the Middle East where moderate Muslim governments are being overthrown by public protests.  It is interesting to me that whereas our government supported the overthrow of these moderate Muslim leaders – they have said little or nothing about protesters who are seeking to deal with oppression from radical Muslim leaders like Ahmadinajad in Iran or Assad in Syria.  This is because this is not about freedom.  It is about a movement to destabilize the governments of the world – and hopefully bring about revolutions that will put even more radical leaders into power. 

In Egypt and Libya, countries where their revolutionaries are worthy of full support, we are watching as far more radical governments are coming into power.  Even though these two countries were governed by little more than thugs – they were at least the devil we knew.  What is rising up in both of these countries now is the Muslim Brotherhood – a group dedicated to the destruction of Israel.  They also desire Shar’ia law to be put into place – and – desire a worldwide Muslim Caliphate – where a radical Muslim cleric will rise to power.  This will not result in freedom in these countries.  It will result in an even more oppressive regime who will use radical Muslim religious views to bring their people under control.  We will not see women have greater freedom, but rather greater repression and violence used against them if they will not submit to the Shar’ia law that is put into place as the law of the land.  Yet we are seeing all this called, “The Arab Spring” by those in our government who are foolish enough to be taken in by poor understanding (we hope) of what is going on in the Middle East.

Let us now turn to the streets of New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.  Since mid-September there has been a movement to protest against Wall Street and the financial institutions of our country.  Due to pitiful news coverage which looks more like promotion of these events – we do not fully grasp the intent of those who are doing this.  The purpose behind all this is not to have peaceful protests – but to hopefully begin what they want to be a radical revolution in our nation.  Whether we accept it or not – this is part of their stated goals – at least if we believe the words that they are saying at these rallys.  They are hoping that these protests grow in size – as well as grow in disturbance to our financial system.  The leaders of these protests subscribe to writings that encourage them to first cause problems and violence – for the purpose of enabling those in power presently to quell them and seize power in an absolutist fashion.  Their hope is that in the end – just like in Cairo – they will see a rise of protest so great that it will overthrow our current FORM of government.  They are hoping in the end to watch President Obama have to respond by seizing power – and preventing the elections next Fall. 

I know that I am writing some very radical things – but I want to relate this to Biblical prophecy – as this blog seeks to do with everything written here.  As a patriot and a red-blooded American – I hate what is happening to my nation.  In many ways we are reaping what we have sown – having pursued a national course of promiscuity, ungodliness, and anti-life policies (by this I mean abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia toward the elderly and infirmed prior to and at birth).  God is allowing what we see today to bring discipline on His church – and hopefully to get us on our knees praying for revival and spiritual awakening in our land.  But there is also another reason this “may” be happening.

My eschatology (theological view of end times) sees a time where God is going to pour out astounding judgments on this world system.  This is called the “Great Tribulation” and according to passages from Daniel and Revelation will last 7 years.  During that period a ruler will rise up who will bring peace to the Middle East between Israel and her Muslim neighbors.  This ruler will also be able to bring about a one-world governmental, financial, and religious system as well.  He will rule over a 10 nation confederation centered in Europe.  He will also eventually bring about a cashless society where a mark will be given whereby people can buy and sell things economically (which lately looks like it may involve a computer chip implanted in either the hand or the forehead).  Lastly, he will also eventually require the world to worship him as god.  Having read this you may think, “How does all this fit with our current situation?” 

The things I mentioned above have come from a study of the book of Revelation.  But in order for them to happen – the world will have to move from states that embrace their own sovereignty – to a world that cries out for a world leader.  The United States has been a very real problem for this development for years.  We are a freedom loving people – or at least used to be.  We are a people that used to know these things – and would oppose anything that looked like a one-world governmental system.  But now, we are watching our own government turn into a socialist experiment.  We are watching our freedoms disappear left and right (far more by the left – but often the right is too complicit – at least at the congressional and party level).  It seems little can be done to stem the tide.  Please realize that I am going to fight these things personally – because I believe freedom is worth fighting for (although not through violent means).  BUT – as God moves all things toward His ultimate purpose and plan – we are going to watch a growing cancer throughout the world.  This cancer is going to take two forms.

The first cancer we will see growing is that of Radical Islam.  This cancer will grow because it is the most fertile ground for those who hate Israel and want to see her wiped off the face of the earth.  The so-called Arab Spring is more like a moderate winter.  The more we watch the “supported” movements rise – the more we will see radicals who hate Israel come to power.  In the end – the Biblical narrative where Israel stands alone against enemies who surround her – will come to pass through this first cancer – Radical Islam. 

The second cancer we will see grow is that of Western Socialism/Collectivism.  Europe is falling apart financially faster than the United States.  The people of Europe are ready to cede power to anyone who can deliver them from their fast-coming destruction.  Sounds like fertile ground for a one-world ruler doesn’t it?  The United States is unfortunately following in Europe’s footsteps with increasing speed.  If there were to be radical protests and violence that required our current president to rise up and declare marshal law – it would play right into the kind of socialist/collectivist worldview he has put forth for the past 2-3 years.  The United States could then easily join a “United States of the World” group and surrender our sovereignty to one who would rise up and be joyfully embraced as the “new” savior of our world!  What I fear though is that the devastation of the United States will be far worse that some think.  Prophecy does not even recognize a super-power like state in the West.  My prediction is that when such events happen – the result will be a severely weakened state that will fall quickly to second or even third world status. 

The rise of this “new” savior of our world – is synonymous with what the Bible describes as the rise of the Antichrist.  He will rule over all of Europe – and will be heralded as a world-saver!  He will also eventually set up a cashless financial system – and require all to worship him and the image he sets up for all to worship. 

What are we to do in such a situation?  Actually, I would ask that you consider listening to a message entitled, “Prophetic Inevitability and Personal Responsibility.”  This message will help you grasp what to do in light of prophecy that WILL be fulfilled – while not just standing around and allowing evil to prevail in the meantime.  God calls us to seek His face – His kingdom and His righteousness no matter what the political situation under which we live.  He calls us to love others – even those who hate us – and to share the gospel so that they might be saved.  God calls us to pray – to stand in the gap and oppose evil by calling out to Him – and for Him to move upon His people.  Too often what Americans want – is a never-ending American state no matter how vile our morals become.  We would like to maintain our comfort and our current lifestyle – even if we are not humbling ourselves, praying, seeking His face, and turning from our wicked ways.  This is happening SO THAT WE WILL REPENT AND RETURN TO GOD!  This is happening SO THAT WE WILL HUMBLE OURSELVES AND PRAY!  This is happening SO THAT WE WILL REALIZE THAT THIS WORLD IS NOT OUR HOME!  This is happening SO THAT WE WILL JOYEOUSLY AWAIT AND EVEN CRY OUT FOR OUR LORD’S RETURN! 

I do not desire – nor want to hasten the demise of my beloved country.  BUT – if push comes to shove Biblically – this is NOT my country.  I am looking for a city whose architect and builder is God Himself.  Therefore as I continue to love this country and seek its peace – I will also live in the reality that apart from a widespread revival and spiritual awakening in our land we are headed for very rough and difficult times.  And one of the benefits of seeing things this way has been a renewed call to prayer – and a renewed passion in looking to the heavens and crying out, “Maranatha!”  Come Lord Jesus!

What do the events in 1 Kings 12 and a scheduled event for September 17th possibly have in common?

Let me begin with what is scheduled for this coming September 17th in several cities in the United States.  On this date there is an event called "The US Day o Rage."  The organizers of this event are stating that it is a non-violent protest against the financial institutions of our nation - most notably Wall Street.  They claim that they are "fighting a war for the soul of our nation, its people."  But there are some very disturbing things about this day and this movement and its luminaries.

First is the name of the event.  They chose to name their event after an event which took place in Chicago in 1969.  The original "Days of Rage" were provoked by a group known as the Weather Underground as they rioted and demonstrated against the "system" for four days.  These protests were anything but peaceful.  It is also disconcerting to know some of the things being said in conjunction with this event.  The purpose for this event is to occupy Wall Street and other areas throughout the entire island of Manhattan.  One of their luminaries is Wade Rathke, ACORN founder, who wrote just months ago of an "anti-banking jihad" that needs to be waged against our financial institutions.  Stephen Lerner, a SEIU operative recently promised to "bring down the stock market" through a campaign of disruption.  Most disturbing is the things that are being said to these protestors about the NYPD.  The US Day of Rage website makes it clear that the NYPD will be viewed as the enemy.  The site says, ". . . the NYPD has become a counter-intel paramilitary force" which they say prevents people from exercising their right of peaceable assembly in New York City.  Considering the recent violent protests that have rocked England, one would not fault leaders in New York for being nervous and for taking proper precautionary measures.  The problem is tthat this protest is scheduled also to hig Portland, Oregon, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Austin, Texas.  

Going back to how I started this article, how are these events and the history of 1 Kings 12 possibly related?  Those of you who read these articles regularly know that I believe that God is trying to get our attention due to our rebellion against Him.  As a nation we have left the godly heritage handed down to us by our forefathers.  We have chosen to leave the Lord - and His way in this country.  In many ways we mirror the nation of Israel as it was in 1 Kings 12.  They had left the Lord - preferring their wealth and ungodly lifestyles.  Therefore the Lord made it clear that there would be a problem in their country.  God would not just allow, but would actually engineer a rebellion that would split the country.  God promised that He would only allow Solomon's son to have Judah due to His promises to David.  The rest of the nation would be given to another leader - and unfortunately would never have another godly leader again.  As one can read in this chapter - God said that this revolt "was from the Lord."  

Personally, I am horrified that we may once again have a 1960's style revolt by groups within our nation.  What is even more disturbing to me are the views of those who will participate in these protests.  They support socialist and communist ideologies that will in no way help our country return to the Lord and to a responsible way of living under His Lordship.  If history is any reminder to us - these protests will turn violent and will most likely give rise to more like them.  It also reminds me that there is not going to be a purely political answer to our problems in the United States.  Without a return to moral sanity - without a return to a biblically based morality and godliness - our nation faces very dark, violent, and disturbing days ahead.  Now is the time to pray and repent - to return to the Lord with all our heart and soul and mind and strength.  We need a revival on the scale of their organized protests.  The only difference is where their protests want to destroy - ours are on behalf of our Savior Who desires to give life - and life abundantly.

The north-African region has been a hotbed of controversy for the past year.  We’ve watched as first Egypt, and now Libya have gone through popular uprisings of the people to overthrow their current dictators in favor of . . . well that is yet to be decided hasn’t it.  Our president boasts that these events of the “Arab Spring” as he calls it, will result in greater freedom and peace for the entire region.  Yet as time moves on – it seems that his predictions – as well as his actions are going to bring anything but peace in this region. 

Egypt was supposed to become a wonderful democracy after the political overthrow of Hosni Mubarak, their former dictator.  Please understand that I am not a Mubarak fan – he was a brutal dictator.  But as we’ve learned over the years often in matters of foreign affairs, the devil we know is often better than the devil we do not know.  Such seems to be the case with Egypt.  What seems to be rising out of the ashes of the Mubarak regime is a fragile alliance between the military and the Muslim Brotherhood.  This second group has proven to be a radical Islamic group who desire Islamic law to rule Egypt.  They also are a group who does not favor peace with Israel.  All this took a new turn as a series of events recently have caused Israeli Egyptian relations to reach their lowest point in almost 30 years. 

The Sinai Peninsula has been the site of a series of attacks by Gaza-based militants which resulted in the deaths of eight Israelis.  When Israel retaliated against these terrorists, three Egyptians with their defense forces were killed.  This resulted in demonstrations in the streets in Egypt – and even an unprecedented call for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador there.  One demonstrator climbed up and ripped down the Israeli flag from their embassy in Egypt.  Currently negotiators and envoys from several nations are seeking to defuse the situation.  There has also been a rare Israeli government apology for the deaths of the Egyptians. 

What this situation is revealing is that the former government of Hosni Mubarak, which desired more peaceful relations with Israel, is being replaced with a far more anti-Israeli government that reflects the position of the Muslim Brotherhood.  Times are changing in the Islamic world.  This is also true in Libya as well.  The Obama administration has entered into military actions with that state in the hope that their dictator, Khadaffi, may be overthrown.  But once again, what is in the wake of this overthrow is a government that will be far more agreeable to the demands of the Muslim street.  As with the situation in Egypt, the Muslim street’s views are better represented by the Muslim Brotherhood than by more moderate Muslims (if there are any when it comes to Israel). 

What does all this mean to us who believe that the Last Days of the Bible are going to come to pass just as God has promised?  It means that there are ominous developments that point to a group of nations eerily similar to that of Ezekiel 38:1-6 are arising in this region – all of which are becoming more and more anti-Israel in their political views.  Egypt is listed in this group, along with Libya as well.  Added to this group is the ancient location of Ethiopia.  The geography of this place better fits the nation of Northern Sudan which is another radical Islamic state.  When you add Turkey to this group – things start getting a little wild, since Turkey has elected a far more radical Islamic government, which has become far less friendly with Israel over the past 2-3 years.  The other nations mentioned in Ezekiel 38 include the “- stan” nations of the Russian Steppe region – Khazakstan, Tagikistan, etc.  These are joined with Iran, whose hatred for Israel is unmatched by any other nation on earth presently.  The final piece of this puzzle is Russia, which now has strengthened its ties with these nations who will one day come together to attack Israel from the north. 

Our president thinks that what has happened in Egypt and Libya is a good thing.  He hopes for new governments in these two states (and Syria is not too far behind them either) where their former dictator is replaced with pro-western democracies that will bring a new era of peace to the Middle East.  That is not happening currently, but instead these nations are being more and more radicalized.  This means that we are facing a serious crisis in the region.  One that will most likely lead to a war that will engulf the entire region.  This is not a “good thing” – but rather a “God thing.”  God is setting up this region along previously prophesied lines – for an event He has told us WILL come prior to the start of the 7 year Great Tribulation period.  As we watch these nations further radicalized in their views toward Israel, we can know that whether things are as imminent as we think or not – the alignment of nations is very similar to that of the Biblical narrative.  Is this just the luck of the draw – or the unseen hand of God getting things ready for the return of Christ?  It should be no shock to those of you who know me that I strongly believe it is the latter of these two things.  Stay ready saints – and keep yourself in the love of God and the preparation of your heart for His imminent return.  But then again – this should not be done because of the nightly news – but because of the command of Scripture.