There is a great emphasis and stir going on throughout the nation about the end of the world. There is a bizarre fascination with apocalyptic themes and movies referencing the rapture and armageddon. The increase of the “end of days” concern has been steadily increasing since the 70’s - a statistic no other generation can share. I believe this is the Ancient of Days mercifully pressing upon this generation to seek the truth before it is too late.

In conjunction with the increase of the end of the world themes, there is a noticeable intensifying of anti-semitism. The two are not independent of each other.  Paul the apostle gives us a clear warning in 2 Thessalonians : “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way. For [the Day of the Lord] will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction" (2 Thessalonians 2:3). No matter what you may have heard, when Paul says there is an apostasy coming, he means there will be some who turn away from the faith. The greek word that translates into apostasy is “apostasia”. This word is used only one other time in the New Testament (Acts 21:21) as term of forsaking. This word is not a reference to the rapture - it is warning us of a forsaking of covenant with God (Prov 2:17).

Paul tells us the apostasy comes first. There is a stumbling block coming which has undoubtedly already been at work in those complacent and luke-warm. For those who do not understand the covenants God has made, they will be easily swept away in the deception claiming God has forsaken Israel and the promises concerning the throne of David. Consider the drama at the end of the age, and how everything seems to revolve around Israel once more. It is said of the anti-christ, “He acts violently against those at peace with him; he violates his covenant” (Psalm 55:20 ; also see Daniel 9:27). However, it is said by the God of Jacob, “I will never break my covenant with you” (Judges 2:1) and “I will not violate My covenant or change what My lips have said” (Psalm 89:34). If you come against those in covenant with God, you are coming against God. I agree with Paul’s words to the Galatians: “Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). What was true thousands of years ago is true now: those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed (Genesis 27:29; Numbers 24:9).
If you are unsure of what you think about God’s plans for Israel, I highly recommend attending IHOP-Atlanta’s Israel & the Kingdom seminar coming up on July 10. It is a strategic time for the Church to enter in love and appreciation for Israel, and, in the fear of the Lord, remind them of the covenant-keeping Lord who is returning to display His faithfulness once more.