Wake Up Church: The End is Nigh!

"9-1-1"

Terrible Tuesday! The day was Tuesday, September 11, 2001 or 9-11 (9-1-1). Like any other day, people got up and went about their day as with any other. Life was normal. Unfortunately, this was no "normal" day. By day’s end, people all over the world were mesmerized, grieved, shocked, and horrified. With the hijacking of four American airliners, the collapse of New York City’s 100-plus story twin tower World Trade Centers, the additional damage to the military’s central command center known as the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and the resultant loss of countless lives, the United States, even the world, had become engulfed in the shock and fear of being a victim of a sinister and monstrous enemy. Terrorism! The evil force of terrorism had risen to the forefront of everyone’s concerns. And Osama bin Laden, the wealthy financier being holed up within the borders of the Middle East’s Taliban-ruled country of Afghanistan, had become the prime suspect. And this was not the first time...

Is this the beginning of the end?

The year is 2001. Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat continues to forge ahead, aiming to make Palestine a legitimate nation. The peace process that had been fueling this goal since 1993 had changed its shape. An escalating force had become the new operandus modi for achieving this destiny. The victim? Not the United States. Rather, in this case Israel. The monstrous force? Again, terrorism. Suicide bombings had plagued the nation of Israel and the streets of Jerusalem with constant fear. And the source of this fear was once again coming from within the territory known as the Middle East.

Does this have anything to do with the end?

Imagine this response, if you will. The United States declares a war against terrorism. It seeks to unravel the mysterious web spun by its prime target, Osama bin Laden. It directs itself into the borders of Afghanistan. It definitely wreaks some havoc, but struggles in unearthing the evasive and hidden bin Laden. Although generally experiencing global support in its response, the United States is not without dissidents. Most notably, Afghanistan and some of its neighbors. The common denominator – they are of Arab descent, fundamentally Islamic, and from the Middle East. As the U.S. acts, they react. The outcome? A sudden counter-reaction. Although the U.S. may have support (possibly United Nations support, or even some southern Arab countries such as Egypt and/or Saudi Arabia), its enemy nevertheless responds back. First directly against the U.S.. Yet as they respond against the U.S., they coincidentally turn on their Arab neighbors to the south. Aggressively and surprisingly, they successfully continue on only to make a sudden and what appears to be an irrational turn to their west. Their aim – Israel. Specifically, Jerusalem! By this time it is the spring, around the time of the Jewish Passover season. Iraq, led by its terrifying dictator and leader, Saddam Hussein, unleashes its 300,000 plus volunteer army, called the Al-Quds – or Jerusalem – Army, with one aim - to free Jerusalem from Israeli control.

Amazingly, it works!

Somehow, behind it all and yet ironically, at the forefront, is one man. Yasser Arafat. This time, it is not the nation of Israel that relents, but rather the Palestinians. Or for that matter, the Arabs united. Israel falls to knees. Rapidly, the Jewish state begins to fear for their lives and they choose their safest recourse - to flee! Jerusalem becomes a hotbed of contention. And the Jews flee to the wilderness and/or mountains that surround it. And so this goes on for some time. A pre-determined period of time for that matter. Three and one-half years!

Fortunately, this does not last forever. Near the end of that three and one-half years, a breakthrough takes place. Israel, depleted and defeated, cries out for help. But this cry is unlike any other. Specifically because of whom they cry out to. For the very first time, as a nation, Israel pleads to Yeshua for help. That’s right! Yeshua – or Jesus. In desperation, they acknowledge that it was Yeshua who was their long awaited Messiah. And they now realize this and therefore plead for His help.

And help He does!

Yeshua, with His very own army, comes to the rescue, to battle on their behalf. Where? To the Valley of Meggido. Why? To avenge His people – the Jews. The result – Arab chastisement, meaning that they too experience God’s wrath, now resulting in their destruction.

Ultimately, Yeshua comes to establish His Kingdom – a Kingdom of peace and righteousness here on earth!

Could this scenario really take place? Yes it could. Will it happen? Possibly! Is it Scriptural? Well, there is a Scriptural basis for this possible outcome and it is found in the book of Daniel (see Daniel 11:40-45). Although the details may end up being different, the basic idea for an outcome such as this could be the intent of what Daniel suggests.

Incidentally, it is my aim that your attention not only be gained, but that the Church Body of the Lord Jesus Christ WAKE UP and not remain in darkness regarding His Word on the subject of the end-times and His return.