Rabbi’s Reflections – Sunday, October 27, 2019
Shavuah Tov *|FNAME|*,
Shavuah Tov is the greeting at the end of Shabbat (called “Motza’ay Shabbat” in Hebrew (going forth of the Shabbat). It simply means “have a good week.” So, Shavuah Tov everyone.
Thank you Dr. Raymond Finney for yet another excellent RR. We all so appreciate your wisdom and revelation. And, because you write for Sunday, I enjoy Shabbat (a day of rest) when I take a break from daily writing to rest and refresh. Please know you are a great blessing to us all.
Yeshua Prophesied We WILL Have Wars – But, When?
(SERIES COMPLETED – Part 3)
TRIBULATION WARS: The Tribulation is a seven-year period occurring just before Yeshua returns to earth a second time. Yeshua called this time the worst time that has ever been or ever will be (Matthew 24:21).
The Unholy Trinity
– Satan, Antichrist, False Prophet–
will attempt to replace the Holy Trinity
– Yehovah, Yeshua, Ruach HaKodesh –
(Father, Son and Holy Spirit).
There are twenty-one (three sets of seven) Tribulation judgments. In chronological order, there are seven Seal Judgments (Revelation 6:2 – 7:2); seven Trumpet Judgments (Revelation 8:7 – 10:11); and seven Bowl, or Vial Judgments (Revelation 16:2 – 16:17). The Tribulation is Daniel’s seventieth shavua, poorly translated “week” or “seven” (Daniel 9:27).
The Apostle John describes in the Revelation the first four Seal Judgments as horsemen on colored horses. Collectively, they are called the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.” [“Apocalypse” = another name for the Revelation, because the last book of the Bible is titled in Greek, Apokalypsis.] These riders and the horrors they cause are:
** First Seal Judgment– Rider on the White Horse (Revelation 6:1-2) = the Antichrist (in the October 20 RR, we suggested a plausible explanation when this evil man may be revealed, that is, immediately after the Battle of Gog and Magog, Ezekiel, chapters 38 and 39);
** Second Seal Judgment– Rider on the Red Horse (Revelation 6:3-4) = war (the “great sword” given to him surely represents nuclear weapons);
** Third Seal Judgment– Rider on the Black Horse (Revelation 6:5-6) = famine; and
** Fourth Seal Judgment– Rider on the Pale Horse (Revelation 6:7-8) = Death from all causes, including infections from the beasts of the earth. [“Pale,” from Greek chloros = sickly green, yellow-green.] Note that famine, disease, and poverty are consequences of war.
These judgments will result in hundreds of millions or, more likely, billions of deaths.
Rabbi’s note: But for the people of God… we who have died to self… we walk by faith… we go through every trial in victory… we no longer fear death… as we read earlier this week: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Messiah, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. End RN.
Pertinent to this RR series, consider the Rider on the Red Horse. He represents Tribulation wars. He (war) takes peace from the world, causing many persons to suffer and die.
The Book of Revelation describes intense warring between the Antichrist and his enemies. These end-time wars are spread over years. Yeshua warns of protracted wars (Matthew 24:6, 8): “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….. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” In this RR, I will only discuss some of these wars (due to space limitation).
Notice a sad comment in this war narrative (Revelation 9:20-21): Even though the world is plunged into war and untold millions die, the rest of the world does not repent and turn to God. John writes that there is no repentance of such sins as idolatry, murder, sorcery (drug abuse), sexual immorality, and theft.
THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON: The last half of the Tribulation is the very worst time in world history. Satan, realizing he has only a short time left, unleashes great wrath (Revelation 12:12). Evil spirits spew hatred in the world. Massive armed forces congregate in the Plain of Esdraelon, or Valley of Jezreel (prophesied as the Valley of Jehosaphat in Joel 3:2).
Although Jerusalem is the center of conflict (Zechariah 12:2-11, 14:2), war extends throughout Israel (Revelation 14:20). Although spilling throughout the world, mighty, warring armed forces meet on the battlefield from FIVE different directions (relative to Israel):
>> (1) From the south: The Lord calls His armies from the south (Isaiah, chapters 34 and 63).
>> (2) From the west: The Antichrist commands armies from most Western (European and Mediterranean) nations, including Israel (Daniel 9:27, 11:45).
>> (3) From the north: Although Russia (Magog) is greatly weakened in the Battle of Gog and Magog, she joins with remnants of the northern and southern confederation (primarily Islamic states) to rebel against the Antichrist, but the Antichrist quells the rebellion (Daniel 11:40; Zechariah 12:4). The Antichrist concentrates his troops in Libya, Ethiopia, and Israel (Daniel 11:41-42, 45; Revelation 13:7).
>> (4) From the east: The greatest ever-assembled armed forces comes from the Far East– China and neighboring countries (Revelation 9:13-16; 16:12; also, Daniel 11:44). Numbering 200-million men, no army has ever been this large. The massive army’s invasion of the Holy Land constitutes the Sixth Trumpet Judgment.
The only regioin that can now raise a 200-million man army is over-populated China and neighboring countries (from the Far East, as John prophesied). At the time the Apostle John writes the Revelation, the entire world’s population is only approximately 200-million persons. An amazed John takes care that we should believe him. After writing this enormous number, he adds, “I heard the number of them.”
The Euphrates River has been a historical barrier to troop movement. In the last century, Turkey built a series of dams (the Ataturk System), which can now shut off or dramatically reduce the flow of water in the Euphrates River. The massive army of the “Kings of the East” can more readily cross the Euphrates, as John prophesies.
China has been building the Trans-Himalayan Highway from the Far East directed toward the Middle East. I have difficulty finding the number of completed miles. However, every finished mile across this rugged, mountainous terrain benefits an advancing army.
>> (5) From above (Heaven): Finally, another army appears on this battleground– the Army of the Lord. The Apostle John witnesses this future event (see Revelation 19:11-16):
… Yeshua leads the Army of the Lord. He rides a white horse (Revelation 19:11). Notes: (a) A white stallion is an ancient mount for a conquering general. (b) In His first coming, humble Yeshua rides a donkey, an animal lowlier than a horse (Matthew 21:1-7). (c) The Antichrist is depicted as a rider on a white horse, as he tries to mimic/ replace Yeshua (Revelation 6:1-2).
… Called “Faithful and True,” a righteous Yeshua comes to judge mankind and to wage war (Revelation 19:11).
… Yeshua’s eyes are like a flame of fire (Revelation 19:12). At the Bema Judgment, Paul tells us that bad works will be judged unworthy and will be burnt to ashes (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). Could Yeshua’s “flaming eyes” be the way in which unworthy works are consumed by fire?
… Yeshua’s robe is dipped in blood, indicative of His warrior status (Revelation 9:13).
… Yeshua leads heavenly armies– angels and resurrected/ raptured saints. The saints are clothed in their bridal gowns (linen, pure and clean), and they, too, ride on white horses (Revelation 19:14). If you have chosen to enter Heaven, you will be a soldier in the Lord’s army.
… Yeshua’s word cuts as a sharp sword, striking the nations. He rules them with a rod of iron. He treads upon the nations with the fierceness and wrath of El Shaddai– God Almighty (Revelation 19:15). No longer does God permit His name to be mocked nor His creation, man, to sin against Him.
… Forevermore, Yeshua is to be known by the name written on His robe and thigh: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 9:16). The words of the Apostle Peter are now to be forever known (Acts 4:12): “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Of all the mighty armies meeting at Armageddon, only one army prevails (Revelation 19:19): And I [John] saw the beast [the Antichrist], the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him [Yeshua] who sat on the horse and against His army. The Antichrist and False Prophet are captured, are thrown alive– without even a judgment (trial) – into the “lake of fire burning with brimstone,” or Hell (Revelation 19:20). Enemy armies are killed by the word of Yeshua, and their carcasses are eaten by the birds (Revelation 19:21).
From Revelation 20:1-3, we read that the third member of the Unholy Trinity– Satan– is captured, bound in chains, and thrown into the Bottomless Pit. [“bottomless pit” translates the Greek abyssos, causing some authors to call this Pit the Abyss.] Satan remains imprisoned during the thousand years of Yeshua’s Millennial Kingdom (Millennial Reign). During this time, there is no temptation by Satan and sin is a stranger to man’s mind.
Then, Satan is released “for a little while” (Revelation 20:3). Satan finds many innocent persons to tempt, and he convinces a number of them to rebel against God (Revelation 20:7-9). The last rebellion is called “Gog and Magog” (not to be confused with Ekekiel’s Battle of Gog and Magog). These rebels are killed and cast into Hell. Satan is captured and also cast into Hell (Revelation 20:10), where he never again will fight God or torment mankind.
Why would God allow this final Gog-Magog rebellion (my opinion)? In the Revelation, Yeshua tells John several times to write that only overcomers can enter Heaven. Every person must be tempted by Satan, and that person must overcome sin by the blood of the Lamb (Yeshua). Since the final Gog-Magog rebels are born into a world never tempted by Satan, they have never proven whether they can overcome Satan’s temptations. This Gog-Magog rebellion is their test. Whether they pass or fail the test determines their eternal fate.
WHAT… YESHUA AS WARRIOR? Some Believers cannot understand how Yeshua, the Prince of Shalom, could be a Warrior-King and participate in acts of war. To understand this requires an understanding of the two comings (advents) of Yeshua. Read the Suffering Servant chapter of Isaiah (Isaiah, chapter 53) to understand HaMashiach’s two roles:
** Yeshua’s First Coming occurs approximately two millennia ago. Nearly everyone is familiar with the nativity story (Bethlehem, manger, magi, shepherds, etc.). This gentle, kind Yeshua preaches love and shalom.
** Yeshua’s Second Coming is prophesied for our future. This Yeshua is the strong Ruler and Warrior King described in preceding paragraphs.
Many Believers are caught in a time warp. They love the gentle Jesus, who plays with lambs and little children. This Yeshua is easy to like. These Believers cannot progress to the future, stern Yeshua. This Yeshua is consistent with Scriptures, certainly, and is consistent with the ways of God. A loving God gives every chance for a person to repent and return to Him (consider Yeshua’s Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32). If a person dies without repentance (overcoming sin), then comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27 and other verses).
Jews have had the same problem with this concept and the previously cited Isaiah, chapter 53. In Judaism, the First Coming of HaMashiach, whom we call Yeshua, is not recognized. Such coming is a belief of Christians/ Believers, who teach that Yeshua came before and will come a second time.
In Judaism, HaMashiach is thought to come at a future time (and His name will be something other than Yeshua). Rabbis get through Isaiah, chapter 53, if they must consider it at all, by interpreting this writing as a prophecy of two individual Mashiachs. One HaMashiach is the Suffering Servant, HaMashiach ben Yosef (the Messiah, Son of Joseph). The other HaMashiach is the Warrior King, HaMashiach ben David (the Messiah, Son of David).
We believe HaMashiach is Yeshua, who came/ will come as one Person on two occasions. Such interpretation satisfies Isaiah, chapter 53, as well as the remainder of the Bible’s text.
SHOULD WE FEAR WAR? I repeat Matthew 24:6 (my capitalization), in which Yeshua says: “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. SEE THAT YOU ARE NOT TROUBLED; FOR ALL THESE THINGS MUST PASS, but the end is not yet.” God has known about these wars since the foundation of the world. In His Master Plan, these wars must come. Why? Let God be God. We Believers must accept these wars as another mystery, similar to certain mysteries that troubled the Apostle Paul. Trust that God is always in control. We should stop offering suggestions how He can do better. If He needs our help, He knows how to reach us.
When these wars come, they should, ironically, be welcomed by Believers. These wars confirm that our faith is correct, that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, and that Yeshua is Divine. If you read that Yeshua and God’s servants have thus far prophesied with unfailing accuracy the world’s present situation and laid out a plausible plan for the future, but are not impressed, what will impress you? Only God can know the future with such precision.
Why would Yeshua tell us not to be troubled about thoughts of these wars? Even if you should die, you still win:
** You immediately are taken to Paradise to meet Yeshua face to face (2 Corinthians 5:8): We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Then, we appreciate the Apostle Paul’s assurance (Philippians 1:21): For to me, to live is [HaMashiach], and to die is gain.
** You receive the Crown of Life because you died as a martyr in the belief in and service of God (Revelation 2:10): [Yeshua said] “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer…. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Should we worry that war is inevitable? Of course, no one want the deaths, injuries, and deprivations associated with war. Strangely, however, future wars are reassuring. Why? Yeshua and other Bible prophets told us about these wars many centuries ago, and their prophecies are being precisely fulfilled. If we seek proof that our Bible– our faith– is true, fulfilled prophecies provide that proof.
In following Yeshua’s advice not to be troubled by future wars, take an example from the British nearly eight decades ago. Nazi Germany’s Luftwaffe conducted a vicious air war– the Battle of Britain– against Great Britain in the early stage of World War II (especially the summer of 1940). Great Britain received insufficient help from other countries. France and other European countries were defeated or unable to help. The United States initially remained isolated on the other side of the “pond” and provided no fighting forces, but did ship supplies through ocean lanes roamed by deadly Nazi U-boats.
Great quantities of bombs were dropped against the British people. The British courageously held on, ever confident of ultimate victory. Today’s “snowflake” generation in America would surrender the first day, hide in mommy’s basement, and seek counseling. We can never express enough gratitude to the brave British people who held things together, until America and other allies entered the war. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill summed up the bravery of the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain (in an August 20, 1940 speech): “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”
To improve morale of the British people under severe attack, the government printed posters in 1939, bearing a widely circulated slogan, “Keep Calm and Carry On.” This 1939 advice is pertinent to us today. We Believers would do well to hang similar posters in every church and synagogue, advising all of us to:
** Keep Calm: Numerous Scriptures advise us to put our faith in God’s hands, to let Yeshua shoulder our burdens, and to help our neighbors in times of need. See twenty-five Bible verses about staying calm: https://biblereasons.com/being-calm/ . Have you ever watched a skilled surgeon at work? No matter what crisis may happen during an operation, a master surgeon remains outwardly calm. You know he/ she must be churning inside with fear and doubts, but the rest of the operating room staff is unaware of the surgeon’s feelings.
** Carry On: Until we die or until we hear the trump of God and the archangel’s shout, we have work to do. After Yeshua was crucified and ascended to Heaven, Yeshua’s apostles worked diligently to spread the Gospel to the world around them. A Believer should never retire from working for God’s Kingdom.
There certainly is work to be done (only if quietly praying at home or supporting ministries). Pray that Yeshua will some day smile at you and paraphrase Churchill’s praise of the RAF: “Because of you, My child, much is owed to you by many.”
Ray Boltz has written a powerful popular song, “Thank You for Giving to the Lord.” Hear Boltz perform this song at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um5HavPkh-k . Whatever you do for the Lord (especially if times become dire), I am confident He thanks you! Shalom and Maranatha.
Father: As Believers in the Prince of Shalom, we all long for shalom. Yeshua has warned us that the peoples of the world will revolt in sin and rebellion, as the end of the Age of Grace nears. We pray that we will be ready– that we will work to make our family and neighbors ready– to meet and overcome any suffering that may come. We look forward to that glorious day when we may follow our Savior, the King of kings and Lord of lords, as He leads us into battle against Satan and his followers. We know that some day we will enjoy eternal shalom in Heaven. That glorious promise is sufficient for the time being. Thank you! Amen.