May 14th

One Trumpet, One Throne, and Two Amazing Witnesses

In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven. Revelation 11:13

Everyone is wondering about it. Are we in the end days? Are we nearing the end? The answer is yes, and I'll give you one of the biggest measuring sticks we can use to know: Israel. Now, I'll be the first person to tell you that the Bible gives us a ton of measures to useprophecies-by which we can know that we are in the end times. The Bible is our ultimate lens through which to look at current events, and if we do, then we'll have confidence because we see everything that's happening as what it is-fulfillment of God's eternal plan.

But Israel, I'm telling you, Israel is a special measurement. We can look at what Israel is doing and how the various nations relate to them as a gauge to tell us that the end times are upon us.

Why Israel? Why are they singled out? Simply put, it's because God chose them.

But isn't that a bit dated? I mean, Israel rejected God. You're right, Israel rejected God, but God hasn't rejected Israel.

In fact, Paul tells us in Romans that God has hardened Israel's heart for a time until the fullness of the number of Gentiles comes in. Jesus tells us the same thing in Matthew 24:14, saying, And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

In other words, the only thing holding up Israel's salvation is ours. When the nations have heard, that's the end. Then God lifts the Gentile believers out of the way and, here, in our verse today, we see the moment that salvation will come to Israel.

You see, in the Great Tribulation, many disasters will be poured out that result in nothing more than people shaking their stubborn fists at God. This earthquake, however, is different. This one brings a new reaction-a giving of glory to God by all.

Let me say that again-ALL! It means the totality of Israel will finally get it, the blinders will be lifted, and all of Israel will glorify God.

Israel is the measure for the end times. Why? Because God chose them. He brought salvation to the gentiles through them, and in the end, He's going to bring salvation back home to them.

Prayer Lord God,

Thank You for being faithful! I take so much encouragement from Your faithfulness to Israel. Please help me to be just as faithful to You in these end times!

Amen