Prophesy for Today; Issue 4 - The Return of Israel

Fig Tree in Israel

As we consider what the world will look like at the 2nd coming of Jesus, we need to remember what Peter wrote: "but as He who called you is holy. you must also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.', and if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear." - 1 Peter 1:15-17. That being said, we also need to say that no one know exactly when the Lord will come back but, we are given signs to look for. One of these signs is the return of Israel.


Jesus taught, "Now learn this parable from the fig tree. When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see these things, know it is near - at the doors." - Matthew 24:32. Israel is often referred to as a fig tree: God said, "When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your fathers, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree." - Hosea 9:10. I believe Jesus was referring to the nation of Israel being re-established.


Israel was re-established as a nation in 1948, against all odds. Many Bible scholars were teaching that the Church had supplanted Israel in God's promises and that Israel would never again exist. They are still teaching that false doctrine today, which is known as Replacement Theology. However, God has proven them wrong. God said He would use Israel as an "ensign to the nations".

"And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth." - Isaiah 11:12.

The re-gathering of Israel is a sign to the nations. They went into captivity as two peoples - Judah and Ephraim, but they will return as one nation - Israel. After they return they will "fly upon the shoulders of the philistines ..." (Isa. 11:14), which speaks of the series of wars they have had since 1948. Each time the Arab nations attacked them, they won more land, coming closer to the borders promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.


It is interesting that the modern word for 'philistine' is Palestine. Jeremiah even describes how they will return - without faith. Zionism is by in large an agnostic movement - without faith.

"Return, faithless people,' declares the Lord, 'for I am your husband. I will choose one of you from every town and two from every clan and bring you to Zion." - Jeremiah 3:14.

There are signs of revival in Israel.  They have re-established the Sanhedrin. They are training Priests to minister in the Temple and are producing their ceremonial robes and ministry utensils. There now some 60 Messianic congregations throughout the land. They are preparing to re-build the Temple. The fig leaves are getting tender, and the devil knows it! God will use him and the nations that follow him to purify both Israel and the Church.


The fact of Israel is God waving a flag to get the attention of the nations (Gentiles), and the message is - You don't long, get right with God and 'kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little!' - Psalm 2:12.