The Late Great Planet Earth
/The Bible declares emphatically that Jesus will return to Earth to rule and reign physically from Jerusalem.
Hundreds of years before his birth over 300 prophecies predicted with extraordinary detail Jesus’ first coming. These included where and when Jesus would be born, his birth lineage, the scope of his ministry and the brutal death he would die.
However, this pales in comparison to the prophecies which predict the Second Coming of Jesus. There are over twice as many biblical prophecies regarding the Second Coming.
One of my favorites is Zechariah 14:4. “On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west…” This is crystal clear. When Jesus returns, he will physically stand on the Mount of Olives to begin his reign on earth.
Jesus came the first time as a Humble Servant. When he comes the second time he will come as a Ruling King.
Zechariah continues his prophecy: “The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.” (Zechariah 14:9)
The recent events in Israel inspired Pam and me to re-read a book written 53 years ago. The book indelibly marked our generation of Jesus-followers. It’s called The Late Great Planet Earth by Hal Lindsey. It’s still in print. We highly recommend it.
In general terms, the Bible is clear that Israel plays a pivotal role in the events leading up to the Second Coming of Christ. The restoration of Israel as a nation is the fulfillment of many biblical prophecies, including Ezekiel 36:24. “For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you back into your own land.”
The area we now call Israel was promised by God to Abraham some 3,800 years ago. The Jewish people inhabited the land, on and off, from that time until AD 70 when God used the Romans to thrust them out due to their persistent sin.
But God promised that one day he would bring them back home. That promise was fulfilled on May 14, 1948 when modern-day Israel was founded. The land that God gave the Jews through his promise to Abraham was, once again, their home.
These facts are important to keep in mind given the current situation in Israel. The Bible predicts that many nations rise up against Israel during the last days. Pam and I have stood overlooking the Valley of Megiddo, otherwise known as the Valley of Armageddon. This is where the Bible says a final climatic battle will take place. (Revelation 16:12-16)
The Bible also foretells clearly that armies will attack Israel from the north from the land of Magog (which Bible scholars identify as Russia) and from Persia (modern day Iran). Read Ezekiel 38 for more detail.
With that said, I cannot say with certainty when Jesus will return. But the fact that he WILL return is biblically irrefutable.
The fact that the events surrounding his Second Coming take place in Israel is also biblically irrefutable.
The fact that a final climatic battle will take place when many nations will unite to try to destroy Israel is also clear from Scripture.
Jesus warned us that world events would become horrific immediately prior to his return. “For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.” (Matthew 24:21)
Jesus also urges: “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” (Mark 13:33)
Don’t let the media be your only source for news about what’s happening in Israel. Dig into your Bible. God wants us to be alert. Jesus is coming back. You can count on it. Are you ready?
