The Rejoining of Israel

The Rejoining of Israel

The believers must have faith in the word of God regarding the end of the age; but not upon the events which have been occurring time and again Though, the events appear to be more significant they are no way concerned to the future of our life. Sometimes the Bible teachers magnify the prophetic sayings and explain them, that they are fulfilling the truth of the prophecies. We shall try to understand with our balance of mind the events that have been occurring during the end of the age. “Are, the readers might expect a detailed illustration from the Book, Are you ready for the end of times” written by J.C. Ryle some time ago, He was a servant of God, with a wonderful insight into the plan of God, for human history and also about the end of the age.

Here, he mentioned two salient points regarding the difficulties in unfulfilled prophecies. The first point is the second advent of Jesus Christ (before the Millennium. The second point is the rejoining of Jews, who were scattered into many countries and form Jewish nation and finally their restoration. We have to take it for granted that those two events must be fulfilled and then only salvation would be achieved for the entire humankind. As true believers we should not deny these two happenings, and if we do so, it is nothing but the denial of the divinity of Jesus Christ. The author Ryle clearly pointed out about the Jews, who rejoined their native land from different countries. At that time, there were only about 20,000 Jews in Palestine. According to the information given by Ryle, only a moderate number of Jews came to their homeland palestine at that time. But there was continuous persecution of Jews Russia and East Europe, which was called “to go up”. It is a general reference to going up to Jerusalem because Jerusalem is the Home of God.

In 1897 Theodor Herzl who was mentioned by many as the modern Father of Israel and hebecame the moving force behind, “The first Zionist congress”. Then under his leadership the first meeting took place in Basil, Switzerland. In that historic gathering Herzl pleaded for the formation of Jewish homeland. After the first world war, there was a dramatic change politically, in the Middle East, More area of Palestine and the surrounding areas came under the control of British and France and that continued for about 400 years (1517 – 1917) and the rule Ottomen of Turkezah empire. Then in 1917 the British government approved the “Balfour Declaration” which was named after the architect Lord Balfour. The outcome for the declaration was for the establishment of a homeland to the Jews in Palestine.

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Then in 1922 a League of Nations was formed and gave to the British a “mandate” and authorized it, to declare a Jewish nation in Palestine. The league of Nations was an International legal body that stamped for the formation of Jewish homeland. Then during the period of 1933 and 1945 about six million Jews were murdered in the death camps which were tactfully controlled by Adolph Hitler the dictator of Germany. It was really heinous act beyond comprehension. This brutal act gained sympathy for the Jews, which finally supported them for their homeland. Then in 1947 president Harry Truman found on his desk in the “White House” U.S.A. with the words “The Buck stops Here”. It demanded that Americas state Department and Ambassador to the United Nations” strongly supported the United Nations resolution regarding the partition of palestine for Jews and Arab state. And without the intervention of president Harry Truman at that time in this matter, there would not have been the existence of Israel Nation today.

The resolution of United Nations was passed on 13th May 1947. It is really strange exactly fifty years earlier, that is in 1897 Herzl wrote in his dairy that a Jewish nation would become a reality in “five or fifty years”. J.C.Ryle never imagined that the Jews had to fight wars to defend themselves during 1948, 1967, 1973 and 1982; apart from frequent terrorist attacks. Those attacks in the Israelites made to fight for their survival. In the recorded human history there were no people who happened to be driven away from their homeland for 1900 years, and finally returned home with some hope. For many centuries, and many generations they lived the life of depression and desolations. No other country in the world had such bitter experience expect Israel. The reason is God Himself proclaimed such decree as a punishment for their disobedience. The historians social scientists and also liberal theologians could not help but accept this kind of unprecedented historical event. As a matter of fact, they have no logical explanation people have to either honour the words of God of the Bible or only serach their heads in utter confusion. This kind of unfortunate event never happened in the history of any nation. J.C.Herzl saw the Jews have been returned to their homeland after constant struggle and spending their lives like Nomads in different countries for about 1900 years.

J.C.Ryle could not come to his own conclusion by honouring the human logic. He did not consult any fortune teller nor had any authentic information from the events of the world, which have not yet occurred. But he reached his conclusion only through on source. It was the word of God. Ryle had strong faith in God, and His words. His belief was that whatever was impossible to human beings would be quite possible to God Almighty. The return of the

SHOOTS OF JERUSALEM Jews to their native place is not a surprize to the believers today, but a greater advantage. And the Christians have also got the advantage of watching the events that are mentioned above, which are going to be successful. These wonderful events are like open window that allow light to enter into the house. Likewise they have allowed us to see actually the beginning of the “dry bones” coming together and Israelites regathered in their homeland. To say briefly this is what the prophets foretold (Ezekiel 37.1-14). As recorded the events have been occuring very rapidly, which threw more light on the word of God, concerning Israel, and their reunion in their native land in the last days. The nation of Iran, which has been working on Nuclear capability happened to announce, time and again, her intention to destroy the nation of Israel and wipe out it from the world map. And this event has it greatersignificance. Added to that, the indifferentattitude to Lurking toward, Israel is another Bibli-cal indication of coming event.

The book of Zechariah 12th chapter begins with those words. “The burden of the word of the Lord for Israel”. The literal meaning of the word “burden” is “heavy load” carried by a donkey (Exodus 23.5) or like a deep or heavy concern (Job 7.20). But in this connection prophet Zechariah used the word burn as a “divine message” or revelation from God. It is a message generally heavy laden with warnings of coming divine judgement. If we study this article carefully we will certainly find out to be very informative because the message of the Zechariah prophet will help us to see and understand the radical and disastrous path Israel nation and the world are put in. But this does not keep us in suspense. It speaks about a great victory in Christ. Zechariah’s 12 to 14thchapters do not convey a message against Israel as the major Bib-lical transaction suggest but only a message concerning Israel. This prophetic message also speaks about the activities of the neighbouring nations against Israel, during the last days they may also involve but never play a major role.

Judgment and Blessing: The message of prophet Zechariah removed the curtain and permitted us to see clearly the last chapter of glory before the establishment of Millennial kingdom by the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The prophet modietconspicuous, says that at the end of the age, those Jews who would survive the”Great Tribulation” the Lord taught that the period be shortened and it is less than 3½ years in duration. Then all the Jews who will have faith in Christ during the “Day of the Lord” enter the kingdom age. This is the period of time about which Apostle paul also spoke. He wrote that blindness in part has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the gentiles come in. All so all Israel, alive at that time shall be saved (Romans 11.25 - 26) We as

SHOOTS OF JERUSALEM readers and believers must appreciate this happy news.

Though the prophetic words appear to be good, they point out that before the Israelites are taken to Christ, two third of the population will perish during the “Great Tribulation” period as already mentioned and the time shall be shortened. The statistic was prepared by one of the prophets of Israel and so that information would cause anguish in the hearts of all believers. But later following the time of “Jacob’s Trouble” there shall be a foundation opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and uncleanness. Then regarding dark days period to Israel’s national redemption, God said through His prophet I will gather all nations against Jerusalem for the battle, and the city shall be taken the people shall not be cut off from the city”. (Zechariah 14.2)

God said further that for His people there would be unimaginable suffering before their repentance and salvation offer is really tragic and unfavorable news and about the nations that attack the prophet wrote the following lines, “And it stall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem (those whom God in His grace spared) shall even go up from year to year to worship the king the Lord, of hosts and to keep the feast of Tabernacles”. (Zechariah 14:16)

The surviving Israelites would enter the Millennial kingdom and worship their king, who sets on His throne in new Jerusalem. This is really encouraging news to the readers and believers. The prophet added to this that the gentile nations must also stop rebellion and surrender themselves to their creator whole heartedly. Otherwise they too will experi-ence unbelievable devastation from the Lord. In their connection the prophet quoted following lines. And this shall be the plague where with the Lord will smite all the people that sought against Jerusalem. And it shall come to pass, in that day a great tumult from Lord shall be among them and they shall say Lord, everyone on the hand of his neighbor and his land shall rise up against it land of his neighbor. (Zechariah 14.12-13)

The gentiles have to suffer a lot before they become eligible for salvation and their participation in the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ. This news is really shocking but one has to suffer in order to get salvation as Christ suffered for our salvation.For both Israel and heathen nations a time of incredible peace, joy and blessings are foretold. Yet before the blessing a terrible judgment will take place. There is a law that men cannot avoid it. God shall not be mocked at and men cannot turn up their noses at God, God has long suffering and He has perfect memory.

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For the men of Israel and heathen nations a day of reaping will come. There is a popular saying in the Bible. “What we so we reap”. If men sow flesh they will reap flesh only. And if men sow the spirit, they will reap spirit. Same is to case with the plants only. The world has sown the flesh and the end of the age will be the time for reaping. It will not be beautiful to look at but righteous.

It is a question of time: As a matter of fact, we are not left in doubt regarding the timing of the prophetic message of Zechariah. The expression occurs, not in that seventeen times in Zechariah and chapter 12.14 but it appears seven times and in short fourteen verses of 12th chapter. In that day will I make Jerusalem (12.3) In that day said the Lord (12.4) In that day will I make the governors. (12.6) In that day shall the Lord defend (12.8) at ———— at that day be as David (12.8) In that day ———— I will seek (12.9) In that day, shall there be a great morning (12.11)

The expressions “that day” or “in that day” in the above quoted passages are associated in the text with the Day of the Lord. So, the Day of the Lord, should not be confessed for a twenty four hour period of time. The importance lies in using the word “day” in expression. Actually, the day of the Lord is indefinite time period, which begins at the end of the age and it will lost perhaps a year or two, when God is going to involve directly in the efforts of men. It seems some commentators of the Bible tried to find the fulfillment of the prophecy of Zechariah in the centuries that followed its utterances. Some attempts have been made to associate the prophecy with the expeditions of Alexander the great along the west coast of palestine and down to Egypt in the third century B.C. we can also remember the destruction of Jerusalem temple in 70 A.D by Roman mercilessly. But in reality these examples will not resemble the wonderful events described by prophet Zechariah.

The commentators are of the opinion that God has washed away his hands with re-gard to Israelites, because they bluxily rejected Him. So, they last the sympathy of God and could not claim for His divine protection consequently. His redemption of the nation at the end of the age whatever is said in favour of Israelites, it is simply a foreign to their theology. Apart from

SHOOTS OF JERUSALEM that the commentators also vainly attempted to explain the obvious teaching of this prophecy as well as some other prophecies. It is crystal clear to any honest inquiry that events mentioned in the 12th chapter of Zechariah have never fulfilled according tothe history.

The fact is that no one confidently say that Israelites have repented of their sin and believed in their true Messiah Jesus Christ. Keeping these things in view God has declared what is going to happen “in that day” to His chosen people Israelites. So He said, “And I will pour upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem and shall be in bitterness; for him as one that is in bitterness for his first born”. (Zechariah 12.10)

In that great day, there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for their sin and uncleanness. So, it is quite clear that the events that are mentioned by Zechariah in 12th chapter will certainly occur at the end of the age particularly during the second half of Daniel’s. Seventeenth week or otherwise known as and which is commonly called the “Great Tribulation”.

Location of Jerusalem: According to the geographical location of Jerusalem and the events mentioned by prophet Zechariah in the message it appears some commentators twisted the meaning of it due to then half knowledge. As a prophet, Zechariah mentioned by name in his 12th chapter that the city of Jerusalem about eleven times in fourteen verses. Then six times the tribal region of Judah which is located South and East of Jerusalem, mentioned.There is five times reference to the house of David. For the purpose of information, Jerusalem, Judah and all places of Israel are clearly pointed out. If we look into the bible sincerely and believe in what all God said is true, and also faith in the message of God, then we must take it for granted that Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel located with the following boundaries. To her west there Mediterranean sea. To her North, South and East, there are Arab Muslim coun-tries.

But some past and present commentators, passed their own comments without proper knowledge on the message given by prophet Zechariah. They gave their opinion regarding the proper location of Jerusalem. Their twisting of the meaning of the message of God, caused the prophet of Israel, to have different opinion about God’s word and toward His character.

Battle where God takes part: The message of God given to the prophet Zechariah appears to be auto biographical. It does not seem to be about the conflict between Israel and Gentile Nations at the end of the age, But the

SHOOTS OF JERUSALEM conflict. After reading the above passage of prophetic words, some readers may be confused and confronted regarding the direct involvement of the Lord. The Lord openly de-clared that He will do whatever He wants as the king of the universe. Then what is going to do depends upon the impact of the issue. So, we have to understand His character. The pur-pose of His second coming with the sound of trumpets His consummation of this age, inpreparation for the “golden age” to come, all these things we have to understood by paying more attention to them.

In the chapter 12 of Zechariah, it is said in not less than seven times what Lord is going to do. If we think for a while it appears the prophet is taking dictation when God begins his message with two words, “I will” and what follows is a summary of what the Lord will do what must be the purpose of God to accomplish is always backed up with aim of omnipotence. God has spoken the following words to the prophet Zechariah.

1.I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all people round about.

(v.2)

2.I will make Jerusalem a burdensome sensation for all people. (v.3)

(v.4)

4.I will make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire coming the word.

(v.5)

5.I will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem (V.8)

6.I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem(v.9)

7.I will pour on the house of David, and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the

spirit of grace and supplications (v.10)

The Statements like “I will” given by the Lord Himself are not simply literary because or exaggeration or allegory or Hyperbole or science fiction. As a matter of fact such state-ments can my vital concrete and prophetic truth. As per the prophecy at the end of the age, many nations are going to join together and want to attack the Holy City Jerusalem and seize it. Actually such attacks were not new to Israelites, because they were forced to participate in a good member of battles. But this is a different attack. This is not one day battle. This is part of larger campaign linked with the second com-ing of the Messiah. Jesus Christ from the heaven to the earth with the music of trumpets. He is coming to take part in the battle of Armageddon to destroy all the gentile nations and establish His Millennial Kingdom in Jerusalem as its capital. Another prophet Ezekiel also mentioned about this battle on the holy land. He said the attack would take place in the later years (Ezekiel 38.8) in the

SHOOTS OF JERUSALEM later days (Ezekiel 38.16). Some scholars are under the impression that the gentile nations would attack Jerusalem within twenty five years and also earlier. They said the following nations will attack the holy city.

1.Magog can be associated withthe ancient Scythians. The magogites were

located between the black and Caspian seas. The ruggedcauses mountains

served as their southern border (Ezekiel 38.2). They comprised the region

of southern republics of the formersoviet union. Today the population is

more than sixty million.ThisMagog includes major part of Russia.

2.MESHECH: Closely aligned with Magog. It is located in Cappadocia in

northernTurkey.

3.TUBAL: Like Meshech was also closely aligned with Magog. Tubal is

located in southern Turkey in the region of eilicia.

kingdom was considered most powerful in its time. Today it is no more

as persian nation. It has changed into name to modern Iran in 1935.

5.CUSH : It was the name of the region of North Africa and south of

Egypt. At present it is part of Sudan and Ethiopia.

6.LVBIA : This name is seen almost every day with some thrilling news.

7.GOMER: It is located in the area of the ancient Cimmerians in central

northern turkey.

8.TOGARRNNAH: It is located near the important ancient Biblicalcities of

Carchemish, etc. It was the place where Babylonians under the

commanded of Nebuchadnezzardefected the Egyptians in the battle, and

also Harn. Abraham started his journey from ur to the promised land

happened to stay at Haran on the way force season. Togarrnnah is located

in eastern part of Turkey.

9.SHEBA : It is located may be in the region of the south western Arabian

peninsula.

10.DEDAN : this is also located in the Arabian peninsula.

These are the nations going to attack Jerusalem (Israel) at the end of the age. They are = Magog, Meshech, Tubal, Iran, Cush, Lybia, Gomer, Togarrnnah,Sheba, and Dedan, and the place of battle is Armageddon.

These ten nation are going to attack Jerusalem are identified a number of important fact that came to lime light. According to the guessing of the commentators and prophetic view these 10 nations first surround Israel on

SHOOTS OF JERUSALEM the north, south are east with the Mediterranean sea on the west. Israel will feel it is trapped. The second point is that all ten nations appear to have joined together and form a coalition or calphate. Then they move under one leader with unifying power and influence. The third most important point is all ten nations will be identified as Islamic. So, it is confirmed that ten Muslim nations join together to attack Israel. To give a clear picture, the attack is not against Israel, but against Christianity and ultimately against the Lord Jesus Christ himself of the fourth points isMeshech, Tubal, Gomer and Torarrnnah, these regions are within Turkey. As a matter of fact, Turkey is a large country with more population. It has more powerful Islamic army in the world. In addition to this, Turkey is controlling the waters of the rivers of Euphrates and Tigress with many bridges or dams till they go to the Middle East.

Turkey through her extreme Muslim president has turned to a constitutionally mandatedMuslim religions government. As a result, the warm friendship between Tur-key and Israel has turned into hostility. So, the plan of all these nations is to destroy the people of God. Then God proclaimed his decree through prophet Jeremiah the followingwords with assurance to the Jewish people, “Then saith the Lord, which giveth the sun for alight by the day, and the ordinances of the Moon and of the stars for a light by light by night . If those ordinances (the Sun, Moon and stars) depart from before me saith the Lord, then the seed of Israel also ceases from being a nation before me forever.” (Jeremiah 31.35-36)

The meaning of the word of God is that if men can first destroy the Sun, Moon and stars then they can succeed in wiping out the Jewish people. Therefore, to defeat Jewish people means, they should defeat Jesus Christ who is coming as a legitimate heir to a legitimate throne over a legitimate people. He is not a usurper like Satan. He is lion of the tribe of Judah. He is the Messiah and king of Israel. Such great and most powerful Messiah will never be defeated. Whatever may be the capacity of the enemynations that are going to attack Israel, ten nations against one is really uneven and not fair. But those ten nations inspite of their massiveforce, cannot stand in the battlefield. So it becomes one sided war, and the enemy cannot understand who is hitting them unseen.

Actually the plagues God brought upon Egyptians were insignificant, what God is going to use in ensuring battle at Armageddon. It is said God is going to all seven things against the attackers, who are planning to harm His home, on earth. The plan of God is wonderful. Six of them are leveled against the attacking nations, and one is directed toward Israel.What are the

SHOOTS OF JERUSALEM seven things God is going to do?

1. The Lordsaid, “I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling into all the people around about when they shall be in the seiz both against Judah and against Jerusalem”. (v.2).The enemy will be very anxious to go and destroy Israel, as early as possible. But their nations will become psychologically intoxicated and became dizzy, Irrational and without sound.people of other nations have already seen the same above said temperment on the part of MiddleEastern nations in their politics toward Israel.

2. The Lord said, I will make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for the people, and that burden, themselves with it (the stone) shall be cut into pieces, though all the people of the earth shall be gathered together against it.

Whatis that heavy stone for all people? Then, while attempting to leave the stone away why will the nations be cut in pieces? In this context the heavy stone which will cut the nations in pieces as they attempt to leave is no other than Jesus Christ Himself. It is only because of Him, the nations are planning to attack Jerusalem. According to the scriptures Christ is represented as a stone repeatedly. In the book of Daniel, chapter 2 Christ is described as a smiling stone, who will smash the feet and toes of the statue of Nebuchadnezzar dream. The whole story behind is that the statue represent the gentle world powers but it will come tumbling down. (Daniel 23.4-35)

Then in the Ephesians chapter 2 Christ is described as the chief corner stone. Here apostle paul explained that the true church is built upon the foundations of the apostles and prophets. Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone (Ephesians 2.20) peter which speaking about in his 2 chapter revealed that Jews stamped as the “stumbling stone”. (1 peter 2.6-

8) They did not stumble overa Christbut the Jews believed in a coming Christ or Messiah. They stumbled over a crucified Christ because for them the crucified Christ was a stumbling stone.So, the scriptures presented the son of God as the smiling stone to the nations, the chief corner stone to the church, and the stumbling stone to Israelites. Again in the book of Zechariah, Christ is presented as a very “heavy stone”. The nations at the end of the age can do nothing to Him. But they will try to leave the Messiah of Israel away and replace with Islam “Allah”. Of course in the attempt they themselves will be cut into pieces”.

The same type of truth is showed in psalms 2 chapter. The psalmist said,”Why do the heathen (nations) rage and the people imagine aviating. The kings of the earth, set themselves (in defiance) and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His anointed (Messiah) saying.Let us

SHOOTS OF JERUSALEM break their bands asunder and east away their cords from us”. (Psalm 2.1 –

3) At the end of the age, the nations of the world wish to break the bands and cast away all divine restraint and accountability. They want do things according to their whims and fancies. Still those pagans inspite of theirattempt, cannot succeed in casting away Christ because God has decreed. It is said “yet (inspite of men’s rebellion) have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare thedecree the Lord had saith unto me with a rod of iron thou shalt dash them nations in pieces like potter’s vessel”. (Psalm 2.6-9)

3. The Lord said, I will smite every horse with astonishment and his rider with madness (v.2) For the ancient warriors the horse was the symbol of power and might. But those pagan nations attacking army can never be equal to the son of God. He will smite the horses with wonder or to say more clearly with confession. Then the riders of the horses with experience madness.

4. The Lord said,”I will”make the government of Judah like an heart of fire among the wood and like a torch of fire in a sheaf and they shalldevour all the people round about on the right hand and on the left and Jerusalem shall be inhabited in her own place even in Jerusalem (v.6). The impact of this passage is that God wants to strengthen the governor or leaders of Israel. And for the confirmation the Lord uses two similes. The leaders will be like “fire pan”. The fire pan is used to carry hot coal for the purpose of starting a wood fire. Then the leaders will be like a torch used to set dry weeds on fire. The two similes to “fire pan” and”torch” are mentioned to illustrate the power of God to devour like fire the armies that attack Israel in the last days.

SHOOTS OF JERUSALEM heathens and I will overthrow the Charriots and those that ride in them and their horses and their readers shall come down every one by the sword of his brother”. (Haggai 2.21 -22)

Israel became blind and disobedient throughout the Old Testament. Their blindness and disobedience caused them many disadvantages in their lives. They became re-sponsible for the Gospels to go to the Gentiles. But this has to happen for the fulfill-ment of Abrahamiccovenant.”In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed”. (Genesis 12.3) And their blindness will continue until the fullness of the gentiles become in (Romans 11.25). When their blindness istaken away at the end of times they look at the face of Jesus Christ as Messiah. As a matter of fact, the Jesus remained out of the sight of God for about 2000 years. Jesus was born spotless in the Jewish family. In addition to that the same Jewish prophets wrote about Him as Messiah the son of David and thus king.Since they rejected Him as their Messiah and king they have to mourn. But one day, Jesus as their Kingsman and redeemer will oneday wipe out their tears.

When Jesus comes as the king of Jews. He will become king of all kings and Lord of all Lords. And out of Zion shall go forth the law and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem”. (Isaiah 2.3) Jesus in his second coming will do the following things-

1.When Christ returns, He will consummate the redemption of all believers

through resur-rection or rapture.

2.When Christ return He will recapture man’s lost destiny as the king of the

earth.

3.When Christ returns, the spirit of the Lord will rest upon Him. His wisdom

will be perfect. His power infinite and his reign benevolent.

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4.When Christ returns the wolf will be down wise the lamb.

5.When Christ returns He will bring about everlasting righteousness and

peace.

Mark Twain a popular writer happened to visit Israel during nineteenth century. He was actually unbeliever yet he gave wonderful statement about theJewish nation. He said “The jar could be vain of himself and notashamed of it. The Egyptian, the Babylonian and thepersian arose filled the planet with sound and splendor, then faded to dream, stuff and passed away; the Greek and the Roman followed them and made a loud noise and they are gone, other people have sprung up and held the torch high for a time, but it burned out and they set in twilight or have vanished. The Jews saw them all beat them all and is now what he always was exhibiting no decadense no infirmities of age, no weakening of his parts, no showing of his energies,nodulling of his alert aggressive mind. All things are mortal, all races will part away, but the Jews remains immortal what is the secret behind then immortality?

What is the correct answer forhtis is that the Jewish nation has a date for its destiny. One day she will meet the son of David her king and her Lord, at Jerusalem. The moment Israel is reconciled to her God, through faith in Christ then blessings like life giving water flow over all believing humanity. When the world is purged from all its defilement, where the glory of God fills the earth then the believers take to heart and rejoice. That wonderful time is not faroff.

SHOOTS OF JERUSALEM CHAPTER -4

Prophet Haggai

Haggai was called one of the Minor prophets in the Bible. Haggai means “festive or festival” According to some of the Bible scholars the four noted messages of His book were written authentically during the following dates. The first message was in August 29, the second one was September 21, third one October 27 and the fourth one was December 18th of the year 520 BC. The contents of these four messages was the political and spiritual conditions of Israelites during that period spiritually the Israelites ignored their God who saved them from the bondage of Egypt and became idol worshippers. God got angry for their strange behavior and handed them over to the heathen kings like Nebuchadnezzar as a punishment. When they realized the truth, God became kind and merciful always in His redemption and restoration.

The Israelites forgot the God of their forefather, though they were His chosen people. Then God put them in the hands of heathen kings for their repentance and about two hundred years before God used the services of prophet Haggai. The nation of Israel was already divided into two because of the way of life of King Solomon in 922 BC. They were the Northern kingdom of Judah with the tribes of Judah and Benjamin with Jerusalem as their capital. Then the southern kingdom of Israel with the reaming ten tribes and Samaria as their capital. In course of time, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon became more powerful among the heathen kings. He attacked Jerusalem three times, completely destroyed both the city and the Temple of Solomon and took many people as captives to Babylon. When Haggai, as a prophet, began to think about the condition of Israelites. They had already completed 70 years of captivity and experienced hell in Babylon.

Then in the year 538 BC Cyrus the great king of Persian Empire was already in control of Babylon. He was really a generous king. He proclaimed a decree with the following words. Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia “the Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth and He hath charged me to build a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah and the God is there among His people. He is their real God in the city of Jerusalem. This wonderful statement gives the impression that Cyrus was the true believer of the God of Israel and through His blessings only Cyrus became the king of such vast empire.

He also asked people to offer gold and silver and freewill offerings for the construction of the temple of Israel which was already in ruined condition. The Jewish people about 50000 of them who suffered enough in 70 years captivity decided to go to their native land Jerusalem. Those Israelites under the leadership of Zerubbabel, who was also appointed as the governor of

SHOOTS OF JERUSALEM possible on a new foundation. Joshua a high priest also followed Zerubbabel. In addition to them, two more prophets namely Haggai and Zechariah also followed them.

All the returned Israelites became very enthusiastic to build the God’s temple at the earliest. They laid the foundation also. In the meantime the Samaritans who were living nearby raised an objection for the construction. Added to that the emperor Cyrus also died in 530 BC and he was succeeded by his ruthless son Cambyses who was naturally unsympathetic towards the cause of the Jews. The Samaritans became successful in stopping the progress of the temple and this disturbance continued for 16 more years and during that time their attention was diverted towards their personal affairs, like building fancy houses for themselves.

In the meantime, Cambyses also died in 522 BC. He was succeeded by Darius the most loved and favorite king of Jews. Then the movement of spiritual growth started among the returned Jews and both Haggai and Zechariah continued their preaching’s. They encouraged the Jews to start the construction of the temple, perhaps the following words of Haggai must have inspired them. Haggai said “it is time for you O ye to dwell in your ceiled houses and this house be wasted?” (Haggai 1:4) Thus spoke Haggai the Lord’s messenger in the Lord’s message unto the people saying I am with you saith the Lord (Haggai 1:13)

Haggai as a prophet, was a different man. His habit was that he would come to the topic directly. He used to say everything from the outset in the second year of king Darius of Persia in the sixth month in the sixth day of the month came to the word of the Lord, by Haggai the prophet (1:1) According to some historian and scholars the time was August 29th 520 BC. It is really surprising how they must have calculated. Actually it was the year at that time more important for any assessment in Judah particularly the political back ground. In addition to that Haggai was also, pointing out in verse 1 that his message was to be delivered to Zerubbabel the appointed governor and to the High priest Joshua. The same message for all Jewish people also who returned from their exile.

Haggai was unlike Nohum and Zephaniah, other minor prophets who served God before him. His main job was to preach and encourage people to work for the temple of God. He appealed to their reason, when he asked them Is it time for you to dwell in your ceiled houses and the house lie wasted” the Jews were originally not dull headed or mum, because of their 70 year captivity made them desperate in life and that dullness was continued even after they returned to their native land. They appeared to be inactive only with building of the Temple, but not in the activities.

SHOOTS OF JERUSALEM

After returning to their places the Jews began given to cultivate their lands. Since they remained barren for seventy years, they were unable to grow any crop. As a result, they could not have enough food and good water to drink. They appeared to have everything but they half starved. They could not make both ends meet. In such peculiar circumstances Haggai asked them one question. He said Why do you suppose do this is? And finally he answered his own question Because of mine (the Lords) house that is waste and ye run every man unto his house” (Haggai 1:9). This is a brief reply but very rich in meaning. Let us look into the part of the proclamation of king Cyrus again that he addressed to the exiled Jews. Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia the Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he hath charged me to build Him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. who is there among you of all his people, his god be with them, and let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah and build the house of the Lord God of Israel (Ezra 1:2-3)

The Lord particularly asked the returning Jews to rebuild his Temple. They becan to rebuild accordingly but there was staunch opposition from the Samarians and some of the Jews themselves. Then they stopped the work but after 16 years gap Haggai had a message from God that the time had come for restoring of the construction work. The following message is also as important as the above said one. Then Zerubbabel son of Shealiel and Joshua son of Josedech the high priest (priest) with all the remnant of the people obeyed the voice of the Lord their God and the words of Haggai. The prophet as the Lord then God had sent him and the people did fear before the Lord (1:12). The people of Israel obeyed God through one of his prophets. Then they resumed the work of constructing the temple of God. It s really wonderful, that the Israelites seemed to have learned a lesson only after they were banished from their homeland. In return God also felt happy for their obedience and stirred their spirits to work more effectively God created more interest in the governor Zerubbabel and high priest Joshua also to encourage the Jews.

God was happy over the humbleness of His people and filled them with His spirit. In the book of Haggai, the second chapter begins with the discouragement among the Jews they took about four years to complete the work of the temple. They could not give the original show that it had before it was destroyed. Men and women that were born prior to the captivity could know the exact shape of the temple of Solomon. The survival elderly people simply lamented at the insignificant appearance of the temple, when they compared to the old one. The prime aim of the message of Haggai was for the encouragement of Israelites but not for judgment God encouraged Israelites by saying that though the temple appeared small and not worth in appearance. They must wait for its future Majesty and glory. So, God said I will fill this house with glory. The glory of this later house shall be greater than of the armor and in this place, will I give peace? (Haggai 2:7-9). This is a reference

SHOOTS OF JERUSALEM and wonderful prophecy about the coming Messiah Jesus Christ. That is the glorious presence of the coming Messiah will give more majestic appearance to the temple. If the workers would understand the impact of the prophecy of that the coming of Messiah glorify more than they might work with more vigor for its completion and their hands be honored. And the long awaited Messiah could certainly bless the hands of the builders with Holy Spirit so that they would do their duty with more enthusiasm. It would be a most filling reward for their obedience toward their God. Anyway, Haggai completed his short book with applauding and wonderful reassuring promise to the governor Zerubbabel but the message was extended for beyond the arena of the governor of the exiled Jews.

So, Haggai said, in these days saith the Lord of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerrubbabel my servant, the son of “Shealiel saith the Lord and will make thee as a signet for I have chosen thee saith the Lord of Hosts (Haggai 2:3). This wonderful prophetic utterances of prophet Haggai pleased Zerrubbabel in the Messianic line. Even though the returned exiles did not know when their Messiah would come at least they could look upon a direct ancestor of the Messiah, and see in him the down payments of the Messianic promise. The meaning of the message is quite clear in spite of the destruction of the Temple, though the people were taken as captives to their pagan land, and their suffering for seventy years God did not forget his chosen people (Israelites). He would keep his promice and then their Messiah.

The people during the time of prophet Haggai could react assured of such great promises it would take four years but the past exiled temple would be completed in 516 BC. (Ezra 6:15) The book of Haggai speaks about the priorities of Israelites rather than God. So, he reminded us as true believer, that God makes us suffer occasionally so that we can keep him in our heart and worship him. We must always keep our relationship with God.

Haggai gave us a prophetic idea that the shaking of the universe would be at outland. God would over thrones and kingdoms one day and they would be totally destroyed. He finally advised all the believers to leave all our sinful way of life and turn toward our loving God for His blessings and eternal life.

1.The book of Haggai is the second shortest one in the Old Testament of the

Obadiah.

2.Haggai is the first prophet through whom God spoke to the returned

exiles, and Zechariah followed him.

3.Though the book of Haggai contained only two chapters, he claimed

divine authority of his calling. He mentioned the saying “Thus saith the

Lord of Hosts 25 times in is two chapters and claimed divine authority.

4.The name Haggai is mentioned in Ezra 5:1 and 6:14 and nine times in his

own book.

SHOOTS OF JERUSALEM CHAPTER -5

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