The Last Days

Anita Clark

“For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save Thy people, the remnant of Israel.” Jeremiah 31:7

It is prophesied that Israel would return to her land in the end times and once more be honored by the Lord. Jeremiah 31 is such a blessed chapter concerning the future blessing of Israel, but as for now she is in trouble.

CONFLICT IN ISRAEL CONTINUES - There still is no peaceful solution for the Palestinians/Israeli problem. Violence is a daily reminder that peace is not easily obtainable. Talks and more talks by leaders are not producing any results. We are told in Psalms to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. (Psalms 122:6)

The situation is setting the scene for the nations to take control. Some leader in the very near future will step forward with the answer that will produce peace. Already, Israel is constantly courting the favor of the USA and the European Community. The Bible implies that the covenant that Israel will make with the nations in the end time will probably be a guarantee for their safety. Times are ripe for this to happen. The rapture of the overcomers of the church will take place first.

INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND TO ADMIT ISRAEL - Israel, who has a pro-globalization policy, is seeking admission to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). At the recent Prague meeting of the International Monetary Fund, Israel obtained a promise that it will be the next country admitted to the OECD. There are presently 29 members from the world’s richest economies (Jerusalem Post).

According to Amotz Asa-EL, writer for The Jerusalem Post, “The OECD, along with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, is regarded as a major symbol of globalization.” Biblical prophesy predicts that there will one world government. More and more the news is full of unification of nations to promote more cooperation to get rid of famine, hunger, and disease.

GLOBAL BURDEN OF DISEASE - Experts from the European Commission and the World Bank have stated that by 2010, sixty million fewer people will be alive in the 23 countries with the most severe AIDS epidemics. As the end time comes nearer, we will see disease spread even more rapidly. Delegates from various parts of Africa met in September 1999 for the 11th conference on AIDS and STDS in Africa. The situation in Africa is extremely serious, according to Zambian minister of health, Professor Nkandu Luo. In Africa AIDS is most often transmitted through transfusions. Only God is able to arrest this problem and stop the disease from spreading.

Tuberculosis is on the rise, after almost becoming extinct in the USA. In 1997 nearly 1/3 of the world population -1.86 billion people were infected with TB. This report was made by 86 health experts from 40 different nations. Their study projected that there would be 8.4 million new cases of TB this year in the countries where TB is most prevalent. Those include countries of Southeast Asia and Africa.

New Nile Fever, spread by infected mosquitos is taking lives in many countries. This is a tropical virus and it is not known how it spread to the USA. Infected birds were found dead in the Eastern USA, and last summer dozens were sickened although only few died from this virus. It can cause meningitis and encephalitis, and only has killed about one in one thousand. The Bible states that in the tribulation there will be even greater “pestilence” than ever before. It is apparent that we are living in the last days of the Age of Grace. Tribulation will come very shortly.

PRESIDENCY IN THE USA STILL PENDING - The US has been through an ordeal in the election of the next president. Last issue we emphasized that God is in control and will chose who He pleases to be the next leader of our nation. He has allowed this confusion for some reason. We may not understand why, but perhaps He is proving men’s hearts, not only the candidates, but we Christians and all citizens of the USA also. Psalms 2:4, states “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord will have them in derision.” The word “derision” means “supreme contempt.” He is no doubt doing this at this very time.

The Scripture says, “For unto to us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting (age lasting) Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end.” Isa. 9:6,7. Jesus Christ came to earth almost 2,000 years ago. He was rejected of men and crucified for the sins of the whole world. We are looking for Him to return again at any time. How wonderful that will be! Words cannot express that joy that will fill our hearts! No earthly ruler can even come close to being as great as our Lord Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord!