Tag: Rapture Hidden in the Tanakh

Israel Exists Today That All Things Shall be Fulfilled

On By TimIn Ezekiel 38, Israel, UncategorizedLeave a comment

After many days you shall be called. In the latter years you shall come into the land that is restored from the sword, whose inhabitants have been gathered out of many peoples, against the mountains of Israel which had been always a waste. But its people were brought out of the nations, and they, all of them, are dwelling safely. You shall ascend and come like a storm; you shall be like a cloud to cover the land, you and all your troops, and many peoples with you.

Ezekiel 38:8–9

You may have been tricked into believing that the modern nation of Israel has nothing to do with the Bible. You may think that it is not the same Israel that received the promises of God through the prophets. And those promises have transferred somehow to the church. (I hold very loosely onto the idea of a universal church, preferring the more precise body of Christ.) That text should upend that trickery. God has a purpose for the Israel that exists today.

After the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off and shall have nothing. And the troops of the prince who shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall come with a flood. And until the end of the war desolations are determined.

Daniel 9:26

I will tell you that Israel is here to fulfill all things. Right now, there is a pause after the seven and sixty-two weeks. Messiah was cut off, and God set aside His dealings with Israel. That is the war of desolations, as Jewish people are spread throughout the nations and suffer persecution upon persecution. The desolation ends with the rebuilding of Israel as a nation.

They shall build the old ruins;
they shall raise up the former desolations,
and they shall repair the waste cities,
the desolations of many generations.

Isaiah 61:4

While the Bible details some instances of persecution before Jesus, the desolation for Israelis increased dramatically after the death of Jesus. It is just as the timeline in this wiki shows. The world now nears the end of this war of desolations. This is easily discerned by the establishment of the modern nation of Israel as Jewish folk migrate there amidst a cultural resurgence of anti-Zionism.

For any skeptic to speak credibly on Modern Israel, it is necessary to read, understand, and know Daniel 9:21–27.

As with Daniel, all prophets spoke the promises of God to the nation of Israel. It behooves one to know these were to, for, and about Israel. There would be judgment by diaspora or scattering among the Gentile nations. Many of them wrote of wrath and judgments coming on the nation of Israel. This alone ought to be one of those massive differences to show that the church did not supersede Israel.

Those prophecies of judgment also included God’s promises as the end of the age nears. That is to regather all of the tribes of Israel into the Promised Land. This will be by Jesus establishing one fold under Davidic rule. He will remove the infidels in the Land Himself, fulfilling the land covenant. Nevertheless, He will rule from David’s throne.

As people alive today, we witness the hand of God move. For over 80 years, Jewish people have been drawn to Israel. Whole families continue to relocate to live in Israel. This gathering signals that the end of the war of desolations is near. Yes, the Israel that exists today consists of those being gathered into the land. Just as the prophets told, this will be in unbelief.

Gather together, yes, gather together,
O shameless nation,
before the decree takes effect,
before the day passes like chaff,
before the fierce anger of the Lord comes upon you,
before the day of the Lord’s anger comes upon you.
Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land,
who carry out His judgment.
Seek righteousness, seek humility.
Perhaps you will be hidden
on the day of the Lord’s anger.

Zephaniah 2:1–3

In this passage, Israelis are encouraged to gather together and believe before judgment comes. What is inferred is that those who are gathered are being gathered in disbelief. And this is before the day of the Lord’s anger. That last phrase is a nod to Jacob’s Trouble, what most call The Tribulation. Israel is gathered together before that. Do note the veiled hint referenced, “perhaps you will be hidden on the day of the Lord’s anger.” This is a hint to the rapture, of which I have written before.

It is established that Israel is regathered in unbelief. This was foretold before it happened. Then other texts signal that the end of the war of desolations is near. Here is one:

The oracle of the word of the Lord against Israel.
Thus says the Lord, the One who stretches out the heavens and establishes the earth and forms the spirit of man within him: I am going to make Jerusalem a cup of reeling before all the surrounding nations. And when there is a siege against Judah, it is also against Jerusalem. And it will be on that day that I will set Jerusalem as a weighty stone to all the peoples. All who carry it will surely gash themselves, and all the nations of the land will be gathered against it. On that day I will strike every horse with confusion and its rider with madness, but for the house of Judah I will keep My eyes open although I will strike with blindness every horse of the peoples. Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, “There is strength for us with those residing in Jerusalem by the Lord of Hosts, their God.”
On that day I will set Judah like a fiery pot among wood and as a flaming torch among cut grain. And they will devour to the right and left all the surrounding peoples, while Jerusalem will still reside in her place, the place of Jerusalem. The Lord will deliver the tents of Judah as before, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of those dwelling in Jerusalem will not eclipse Judah. On that day the Lord will defend those residing in Jerusalem; and even the one who stumbles among them will be as David on that day. And the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the Lord going out before them. On that day I will seek to destroy all the nations who come out against Jerusalem.
And I will pour out on the house of David and over those dwelling in Jerusalem a spirit of favor and supplication so that they look to Me, whom they have pierced through. And they will mourn over him as one mourns for an only child and weep bitterly over him as a firstborn. On that day the mourning in Jerusalem will be as great as that of Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. The land will mourn with each family by itself: the family of the house of David by themselves, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Nathan by themselves, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Levi by themselves, and their wives by themselves; the family of Shimei by themselves, and their wives also by themselves; and all the families that remain, each by itself and their wives by themselves.

Zechariah 12:1–14

As Israel is regathered, the existence of the nation clearly troubles the entire world. That reality exists today. All one has to do is watch a nightly news broadcast to see the inundating tidal wave of antisemitism that is sweeping the United States. Yes, that was prophesied to happen, and it is. God does indeed know the beginning from the end.

Sadly, some of you may be around to witness what else is going to happen; though anyone may change that reality anytime they want to do so before it occurs, just by believing in Jesus. Yes, there is going to be a siege of Jerusalem. Yes, Israel will do the impossible and turn back the invaders. It will also be clear that it was God who did the real work in that.

Something happens to the people as they witness God move to save them. Israel comes to their senses on that day. They will mourn the God they pierced. The questions to ask, “When did (or really, does) Israel pierce Jehovah?”

For the ones paying attention, the Tanakh plainly declares that Jesus is Jehovah.

It has not occurred yet, so it must be in the future. This is sometimes hard to hear; the future of the world is Israeli in nature.

God judges Israel. God helps Israel. God blesses Israel. Israel turns to God. Israel mourns their actions. Israel is restored to all of the land promised… From the river to the sea. It is not Palestine, it is Israel.

Yes, they do reject Jesus Christ. Which was also prophesied. There was a famine that began with the ministry of Jesus Christ some 2,000 years ago.

The time is coming, says the Lord God,
when I will send a famine on the land,
not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water,
but of hearing the words of the Lord.
They will wander from sea to sea,
and from north to east;
they will run back and forth to seek the word of the Lord,
but they will not find it.

Amos 8:11–12

This famine in Israel of hearing the word of the Lord is nearing an end. The world is racing toward the inevitable war with invaders coming down from space. That is their narrative. The Bible student knows the reality.

I saw heaven opened. And there was a white horse. He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written, that no one knows but He Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood. His name is called The Word of God. The armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Out of His mouth proceeds a sharp sword, with which He may strike the nations. “He shall rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury and wrath of God the Almighty.

Revelation 19:11–15

We live in interesting times indeed.

We Have Escaped

On By TimIn Psalm 124, RaptureLeave a comment

Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us for a prey to their teeth. We have escaped as a bird out of the snare of the hunters; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 124:6–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Could this be another hint of the Rapture?

Chuck Missler was fond of finding the somewhat veiled things in Scripture. I don’t recall exactly where he spoke of these things. But he said he suspected there would be seven. (I don’t think he found but four or five.)

This one is intriguing. First, it is included in a Song of Ascents by David. The Songs of Ascents are also known as the Songs of Pilgrims. Tradition has it these were sung on the three feast days (moedim, literally appointed times) that required assembly at Jerusalem. These three days are repeated every year. Pilgrims went up to Jerusalem singing these songs. They ascended the Temple Mount and finally ascended a staircase to meet with the Lord. The Songs of Ascents are a collection of 15 Psalms for going up.

Second, think of how a bird escapes a snare. They would fly up out of it. I wonder if the idea of a bird escaping a snare was intentional to paint that word picture. Other animals are hunted with snares.

Of course, the use of a bird escaping is intentional. God is intentional in His communication with us.

I was hoping to discover some kind of evidence in Hebrew. Perhaps there is something that requires more diligence. Perhaps that is for another post.

Regardless, it is something to take comfort in.

The Reward for the Believer

On By TimIn Last Days, Malachi 03, Prophecy, Rapture, Return of JesusLeave a comment

Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another. The Lord listened and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who esteem His name.

Malachi 3:16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the midst of the apocalyptic portions of the book of Malachi, we find a hidden hint of mystery. As the context speaks of the advent of the Messiah, and who can stand in that day… We know this is of what is called the end days.

There is a some-2,000-year gap in the midst of those end days. I like to think of it as a respite. It has stretched the culmination of them (times of the Gentiles) for millennia, maybe more. But I doubt that.

Our verse above transitions the focus from judgment to the disposition of the believer. Watch as to what is in store for them.

They shall be Mine, says the Lord of Hosts, on the day when I make up My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.

Malachi 3:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He calls those who believed His jewels. Another translation says His treasured possession. If you believe… That’s you. That is who you are. It’s not by anything you have done. It is his He Who considers you thusly.

But wait, there’s more! Just like the unbelievable commercials always promising more to entice. God promises more for the believer (that’s us) in those end days. Those will be spared.

One may ask, “Spared from what?”

To answer that, we must read a bit ahead.

Surely the day is coming, burning like an oven; all the proud, yes, all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming will burn them up, says the Lord of Hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.

Malachi 4:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is being spared from what other texts call the indignation, the day of wrath, or Jacob’s Trouble. It is the judgment poured out onto the world because of Israel. Believers are spared this as sons. Which takes us to what is hidden.

Then you will again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.

Malachi 3:18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the particular translation I use, it’s not really clear. Here’s another.

You will return and see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between the one who serves God and the one who does not serve him.

Malachi 3:18 — The Lexham English Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012)

What is meant by “You will return?”

The Hebrew word that underlies the English return implies physical movement. We will venture a bit ahead in the text yet again. This is to clarify understanding.

But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. You will go out and grow up like calves from the stall. And you will tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I do this, says the Lord of Hosts.

Malachi 4:2–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

“You will go out.” And “you will tread down the wicked.” “You will return.”

Isn’t this clear that believers would be physically removed from the indignation and judgment and would then be the ones returning amidst and after that judgment?

If so… Could this be a hint of rapture?

Read the text for yourselves. Don’t believe me. The context is there. As is the subtle language of escape and return.

Perhaps You Will be Hidden on the Day of the Lord’s Anger

On By TimIn Last Days, Rapture, Zephaniah 11 Comment

I will utterly consume all things on the face of the earth, says the Lord;

Zephaniah 1:2–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I will consume man and beast; I will consume the birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, and the stumbling blocks with the wicked. I will cut off man from the face of the land, says the Lord.

This is the introduction of God’s word to Judah delivered through the prophet Zephaniah. Throughout the book many prophecies are given, some as this that will be global and others that are localized.

What is described is usually called ‘The Great Day of the Lord.’ It is the end of the age when the things on the earth will be consumed. The apostle Peter wrote of this day (2 Peter 3:10.)

As written yesterday, Peter speaks of the general apathy that will precede such things. We also know that this is not just to be thought of as a 24-hour day. The text is truly apocalyptic in nature. It is the time when God judges all unbelievers.

The name Zephaniah means God has hidden. That intrigues, as maybe there is a surprise. I have written previously of Old Testament hints of what is called “The Rapture.” Consider what is being said here:

Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who carry out His judgment. Seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be hidden on the day of the Lord’s anger.

Zephaniah 2:3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Yet again, we encounter this mysterious idea of those who seek righteousness being hidden from the Lord’s anger. Paul, when he spoke of the rapture, called it a mystery. Though he was the one to reveal the full idea, the Old Testament gives some corroboration.

It is such an adventure to read the Bible and let the Spirit teach. Praise God for that!

The Righteous Man is Rescued

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Eternal Security, Isaiah 57, Last Days, RaptureLeave a comment

The righteous man perishes, and no man lays it to heart; and merciful men are taken away while no one understands, for the righteous man is taken away from the evil to come. He shall enter into peace; they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.

Isaiah 57:1–2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I love little surprises. There is one here.

The book of Isaiah is filled with apocalyptic descriptions of Jesus in both advents. That is to say, the events are not written as separate in the book. God’s program for Israel was for the kingdom to come after the death and resurrection of Jesus. Israelis as a nation rejected that.

Though Isaiah is not quite narrative, portions of it read that way. The first phrase about a righteous man perishing is a rebuke of pervasive evil. People do not care when a righteous man perishes. Nor would those consider changing their behavior to right.

Those that practice mercy are taken away. Of course, there is a change in the phrase. Maybe it is in assent to the idea that when someone dies it is God taking them out. Yet, this is where the surprise is.

The one that dies and the one taken away enter into rest. They walk in their own uprightness. These are the ones that have moved on to the next life where they live eternally.

There is that “evil to come.” As I read that, it was impressed upon me that this is specifically referencing what we would call The Tribulation.

And the surprise… Those “taken away” is a veiled reference to the rapture.

To impress the point further, it is done in such a way that the rapture will be easily explained away so as most will just go on with life as If deceived.