Are You Watching?

Although they deny it, Iran continues to pursue nuclear weapons ⁽¹⁾. The Iranian president constantly threatens Israel with extermination. In a 2005 CNN article, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is quoted as saying Israel should be "wiped out from the map" ⁽²⁾. In 2006, he repeated this rhetoric saying in a Fox News article, "Like it or not, the Zionist regime is heading toward annihilation" ⁽³⁾.

Immediately after Israel declared independence in 1948, they were attacked from all sides by neighboring Arab nations ⁽⁴⁾. Fighting has continued since then. Actually, Israel has seen conflict since its early beginnings in biblical times.

Israel is a tiny nation slightly larger than the state of New Jersey. They are surrounded by 20 Arab nations, much larger than they, who would like nothing more than to see Israel destroyed and driven into the sea.

The Book of Daniel describes various wars that will take place in the Middle East. The enemies will come from the East (Media and Persia, known today as Iran) and from the North (possibly Russia) and from the South (Egypt).

At some point, a great leader from the north will arrive on the scene. He will come to power when it is least expected. He will make deceitful promises and come to power by flattery and intrigue.

An attempt to invade the south will be thwarted by western warships and the leader from the north will take his revenge on Israel. He will set up an idol in the temple (the abomination of desolation) and put a stop to daily sacrifices. He will exalt himself above all, blaspheming God, and eventually claiming to be god himself. He will reward those who follow him by dividing the land among them as their reward.

There are studies and news articles that say the Euphrates river is drying up ⁽⁵⁾. In Revelation chapter 16, verse 12, it says "And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared (King James Version). The NLT (New Living Translation) translate this passage "Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great Euphrates River, and it dried up so that the kings of the east could march their armies westward without hindrance.

It is becoming more and more obvious that Iran can not be trusted. I believe they are developing nuclear weapons. However, if Bible prophecy is being fulfilled, Iran may not even need nuclear weapons. When the Euphrates River dries up, they will have the ability to realize their dreams and launch a full-scale ground assault. Iraq stands between the two nations, but I seriously doubt Iraq will do anything to stop the Iranian invasion. American forces will possibly leave the area soon, which will diminish its influence on Iraqi policy.

So what significance does this have for us? Jesus taught us to watch and pray. But what are we watching for? And what are we to pray about? (Luke 21:20) "And when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know then that the desolation thereof is near. (Luke 21:36) "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of Man".

Additional Reading Suggestions:

Matthew 24:3-27
Matthew 24:42-51
Luke 21:5-33
Luke 21:20
Luke 21:36

(1) http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-49102120100607

(2) http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/10/26/ahmadinejad/

(3) http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,191819,00.html

(4) http://www.jafi.org.il/education/100/maps/invade.html

(5) http://www.1913intel.com/2009/07/14/the-euphrates-river-is-drying-up/