Because Something’s Coming

• So, after the crazy events on 6/12 where Israel bombed Iran, I felt like I had to quickly update the blog I wrote just four days ago. Everything’s getting wild out there, and it’s hard to keep up with how fast things are changing.

In 1948, the prophecy clock started ticking.

Post World War II and the Holocaust, Israel, which had been scattered from its homeland since the late 580s BC and suffered greatly during the Roman dispersion in 70 AD, became an established nation. The Jewish people began returning to the land that God had promised them thousands of years earlier. Until that time, the signs of Christ’s return for His Bride and the Restrainer’s departure from this dimension had not been fulfilled, as described in the impactful book of Ezekiel (37:1-14).

I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”

So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.

Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’ – Ezekiel 37:1-14, (NIV)

Unfulfilled prophecies which point to the return of Christ could only happen after Israel regathered in her original homeland. A significant number of last-days prophecies are events in and around the nation of Israel.

Now that Jewish people have returned to their land, housing around 30,000 Jewish/Christian Believers, we can expect the remaining prophecies to unfold. They are happening quickly, motivating me to improve spiritually.

Why Be Ready

In their New Testament books, both the apostles Matthew and Mark cite Jesus telling His disciples what to watch for concerning His return. I love the whole of Matthew 24 and how Jesus speaks about the future of the church and Israel. If you haven’t lately, I encourage you to read through these amazing signs revealed straight from Christ’s lips.

But all too often, I hear people say, “no one knows the time of Christ’s return,” as if that’s the reason we are to ignore the miraculous, world-changing, heart-throbbing event of the rapture and following Thousand Year Reign.

The truth is, if our hope is in Christ, then we should be not just waiting, but anticipating His return for us.

And when Christ spoke of no one knowing the time or hour of His coming—not angels, not even Himself—He encouraged us to be alert and watchful.

So, as the world embraces evil at new levels, we are to stay hopeful because these signs mean our redemption draws near. The culmination of God’s plans will come and we will finally be where we were intended to be—At Christ’s side. When he comes, He comes with gentleness, justice, restoration, and redemption. These are attributes to be excited about.

Joy Comes Despite the Headlines

News headlines seem ripped right out of the pages of the Bible as the Middle East explodes and nation after nation demands a two-state solution for the people of Israel and Palestine. Take a look at what the prophets Isaiah, Zechariah, and Joel recorded.

On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves. – Zechariah 12:3

I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land … – Joel 3:2

Your gates will always stand open, they will never be shut, day or night,
so that people may bring you the wealth of the nations—their kings led in triumphal procession. For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly ruined. – Isaiah 60:11-12

Now take a look at current headlines:

US warns against attending UN conference on Israel-Palestinian two-state solution

UN chief urges world leaders to keep two-State solution ‘alive’

U.K., Canada and Others Impose Sanctions on Far-Right Israeli Ministers

Nine countries are launching legal action against Israel over Gaza war

UN General Assembly demands Israel end ‘unlawful presence’ in Occupied Palestinian Territory

Spanish UN resolution calls for ‘all measures necessary’ against Israel

The world is finally turning against the war on Gaza

Bnai Brith Portugal Warns: Jewish Human Rights Are Being Denied Globally

Russia To Build Eight Nuclear Power Plants In Iran Amid Standoff With US

Trump Warns Iran as Prophetic Dates Stir Fears of New Middle East Flashpoint

I could post headline after headline that line up with not only the nations’ lack of affection for Israel, but of wars and rumors of conflict; weird weather patterns, earthquakes (who, sadly, even notices anymore), and the love of many humans growing cold. Seen the riots in LA? Rage has reached a new level. It’s sad; it’s happening; and it’s, um, prophesied.

So What’s New

I know, we’ve seen much of this before and the prophecy watchers came out of their closets only to return when no rapture took millions of people from planet earth. But I’m finding that today, even those who have yawned at Rapture ready talk in the past are starting to say, “Hey, wait a minute … that’s in the Bible.” Just google the word rapture and you’ll find hundreds of articles, YouTube videos, and also podcasts that approach the subject although not all are biblically sound.

What does this mean for you and me today? Bunker building? Avoiding LA? Shutting out your friends on the right or left depending?

While I can support avoiding LA right now, the bad news isn’t supposed to affect Believers in a fully negative way. The Word tells us that when we recognize the signs of Christ’s return, we are to look up which means, be watchful towards Jesus (Luke 21:28). The current signs of the times mean something of spiritual greatness could be at our doorstep and the crazy thing is—you don’t have a doorstep during these times on accident. You are here now for a reason. Acts 17:26 tells us that every person’s time and geographical location is by God’s purposeful design. He’s chosen you to be where you are and when you are for His glory. Surprise and Amen! You are living in a rare season of humanity.

Each of us alive today has been given the distinct opportunity to be light in a dark, dark era.  Because the Lord calls us to be in the world and not affected by the world’s materialism, madness, and anxiety, we need be radically distinctive. You and I are purposefully instructed to be different; to reflect Christ. So, while the people of the world grow discouraged and fearful, we are to grow more hopeful. To talk of hope is to talk of the future. We have an outstanding future ahead of us when Jesus comes for the Bride, takes us into the wedding chamber for seven years, then returns with us to set up the kingdom he promised. Christ will rule and reign from Jerusalem—another prophecy fulfilled (Zecheriah 14:9; Matthew 5:5). I love the clear picture God’s scribe Jeremiah paints for us:

At that time Jerusalem shall be called the throne of the Lord, and all nations shall gather to it, to the presence of the Lord in Jerusalem, and they shall no more stubbornly follow their own evil heart. – Jeremiah 3:17 (NIV)

Whether current day events signify the finality of one chapter and the onset of the next, one truth remains unshaken—we are called to be ready, not through fear, but through faith. Being prepared doesn’t mean hoarding resources or living in paranoia. It means being spiritually fit, aligning our hearts and lives with what truly matters.

Ready Up

Spiritual readiness is about living intentionally, leaning into the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and seeking wisdom and peace that surpasses understanding. It is about letting go of distractions and regrets that tether us to the temporary. It is about anchoring ourselves in eternal truths. We’re called to watch with discernment, but also with compassion, knowing that our lives can be lights in the darkness for others and our words can be like honey for those seeking a better way.

Readiness is also erasing regrets—have we asked for forgiveness; have we forgiven; have we loved as big as possible?

The truth is, the signs may come and go; we may be in season or out of season, but the command to be ready is constant. Readiness is living as a true Christ follower, proving your trust in Him and His eternal plans.

While life on earth as a Christian brings abundant blessings, again, we are not to be tethered to this world. Scripture warns us to keep our eyes on heaven (Colossians 3:1).

Readiness is understanding the temporal is a step to the eternal. We’re not where we’re supposed to be yet. We may be on step eight or nine of ten in prophetic world events, but we’ve not reached the ultimate life destination of “on earth as it is in heaven,” yet. Through the nearly seven thousand years of man’s existence, we’ve been working our way back to an Eden-esque life, walking in the garden with Christ, our Savior.

Immediate Update

Given that I composed this blog just days ago, I find it imperative to include the most recent developments in the Middle East regarding Israel’s bombing of Iran. Does this event signify the fulfillment of prophecy? Is this prophecy on the verge of realization?

Iran (Persia) is mentioned in a prophecy the prophet Ezekiel penned about a war called Gog and Magog, which may occur during the first half of the tribulation. Some scholars believe this future battle is the crisis which launches the great tribulation. Either way, we’re told what nations come against Israel and the outcome of this war.

In Ezekiel 38:5, Persia is an ally of Magog/Russia-the main perpetrator of the invasion. Other nations listed in the coalition are Sudan, Turkey, and Libya. According to Ezekiel, a vast army comprised of these nations will come against Israel, who at that time will be “a peaceful and unsuspecting people” (verse 11). Clearly, Israel is not at peace at this moment so what’s happening now cannot be the battle Ezekiel speaks of. But what is underway between Iran and Isreal could be a harbinger of things to come.

Either way, the cries for peace and safety heighten. Take a look at 1 Thessalonians where Paul addresses being watchful in spiritual readiness:

Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

Here is another good biblical explanation of what’s ahead. Matthew quotes Jesus explaining signs of the end times:

And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. – Matthew 24:4-8

The outcome of the Ezekiel war is recognized, indicating a significant turning point that may either usher in the seven-year tribulation or, as some theorists suggest, occur at its midpoint. Israel’s anticipated victory is explicitly detailed in Ezekiel 39:4-5.

On the mountains of Israel you will fall, you and all your troops and the nations with you. I will give you as food to all kinds of carrion birds and to the wild animals.

Conclusion

As I go about my daily life with Christ and His peace within me, it’s easy to forget that Satan and his armies are at work all around me. It’s simple enough to turn off the TV to avoid the footage of riots, or massive fires, or political smut. But if I’m to be a light, I must go into the darkness. And if I am to bring hope to the hopeless, I must go were discouragement reigns.

I often wonder if, should the rapture happen today, will I have regrets? Will I think of that neighbor I didn’t call? Or the note I didn’t send? Will I cry that I didn’t share the gospel one more time with the friend I knew was lost. Did I do my part in the Great Commission call? Will I forgive that offense that still nags at my heart? I want to make it my goal to be regretless when, in a moment of complete surprise, I find myself flying through the air next to the one who died for me.

Prayers for all of us as we walk and sometimes stumble through the haze of this present world. May we be light-drenched warriors on the horizons of hope.

If I perish, I perish,

Laurie

PS – keep watch for my upcoming Bible Brief, Underestimated coming in the fall of 2025.

PSS – I encourage you to read all of Ezekiel 37 as the Lord continues to instruct Ezekiel to write about the return of Israel to her land and a promised king who will come from the line of David to rule over a united Israel. Christ on the throne in the thousand year reign will be the fulfillment of this prophecy.