Looking for a King :: By Nathele Graham

Published on: by RR10 Category:General Articles, Nathele Graham

What makes a great leader of a nation? I’m sure there are many ideas about that, but the best possible leader is King Jesus. There will be no peace on earth until He reigns, and I look forward to that time. There has always been a need for strong world leaders who know the Lord, and the Psalmist writes, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance” (Psalm 33:12).

This, of course, is speaking of Israel, but the truth is universal. If God’s laws and His word are taken seriously by government leaders, that nation will not fail. Struggles might arise, but if God is the King, who can stand against Him?

Israel has had a long history of struggles, and those struggles still go on today. God chose Abraham to be the father of the nation of Israel. Abraham learned to trust God, and God allowed him to father a son in his old age. Isaac was the promised son and the one through whose lineage the nation of Israel would be established through his son Jacob, who was renamed Israel. Jacob fathered 12 sons and a daughter, and those sons were the patriarchs of the 12 tribes that formed the nation of Israel.

The Old Testament is a history of the nation of Israel as well as prophecy, and we can learn so much from Israel’s struggles. God gave Abraham the Promised Land forever, and today, we are watching an evil war because their right to the land is being challenged. We must always remember that God told Abraham, “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:3).

A good national leader will bless Israel, and God’s blessings will follow. At one time, America blessed Israel, but today, our leadership… or lack thereof… doesn’t bless God or Israel. Our nation is falling apart.

God called Abraham away from the pagan life and idol worship in which he had lived. It’s impossible to serve God while serving pagan idols. Abraham was quite old when God told him he would father a son. The conversation was overheard by Sarah, Abraham’s wife, who was well past the age of bearing children, and she laughed. “And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him” (Genesis 17:19). His name was to be Isaac, which means “he laughs.”

Abraham and Sarah did have a son named Isaac, who grew up and became the father of twins, Esau and Jacob. Esau was the eldest but not at all leadership material. Jacob had many drawbacks, but God knew he would become a Godly man and chose him to be the one to establish the nation. Jacob wrestled with God, and God allowed the struggle until Jacob was ready to submit. Jacob was given a new name. “And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel, for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed” (Genesis 32:28)

Jacob means “heel holder” or “supplanter,” but Israel means “God prevails.” We can learn a good lesson from Jacob and how he struggled against God. We can fight God and wear ourselves out holding on to our own selfish ways, or we can stop fighting God and allow His blessing on our life. Jacob was blessed, and his descendants became the nation of Israel.

The family moved to Egypt to avoid famine and eventually became slaves. After many years as slaves, they began to worship the pagan idols found in Egypt. God never turned away from them and eventually sent Moses to convince Pharoah to set them free. When they finally gained their freedom, God established his Law by giving it to Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egyptian captivity. God’s Law gave them a standard by which to live — a moral foundation to build their life upon. Israel hasn’t always been obedient to God’s word, but He has always loved them.

After leaving their captivity in Egypt, they were to travel to and possess the Promised Land. Unfortunately, they were afraid to enter the land that God had promised to Abraham many years before. “And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight” (Numbers 13:33).

The giants they found there were Nephilim. Even though God had proved over and over that He would take care of them, their fear stopped them from trusting Him. Their lack of trust caused them to wander for 40 years until it was time for them to conquer their God-given land. Led by Joshua, they were able to claim their God-given land. Joshua was a smart man. Before they started to fight, he required the people to get right with God. He circumcised the men and re-established Passover.

It’s always smart to be right with God. Maybe Christians need to pay attention. First, get right with God by repenting of sin and wickedness, then live according to God’s word. Then, we will be equipped to fight the spiritual battle before us.

After the fighting was done, Joshua called the leaders of the tribes together to review their history and remind them of what God had done for them. It’s time that Americans review the history of our nation and remember what God has done. Joshua reminded them of how Abraham’s family served false gods, but God brought Abraham away from the evil life of idolatry. Joshua reminded them of how God blessed Abraham.

Years later, Jacob and his family moved to Egypt because of famine and the circumstances that made his son Joseph ruler over Egypt, only subject to Pharaoh. That ultimately led to the Hebrews becoming slaves in Egypt, but God sent Moses and Aaron to Egypt to free the Hebrew slaves. Pharoah refused, so God sent plagues until Pharoah finally set the slaves free. After that, God provided protection by allowing them to pass through the Red Sea as if they were walking on dry land, but the Egyptian army was drowned. God gave manna for them to eat and provided water. God helped them win the battle for their land.

As Joshua recounted their history, he challenged his listeners: “Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye shall serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Johsua 24:14-15).

Oh, to have a leader like Joshua. Not only did he understand what God had done for Israel and how they should honor Him, but Joshua understood that as a man of God, he needed to lead his family in the service of the Lord. How did the people respond? “And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods” (Joshua 24:16).

How would you answer Joshua’s question? Would you put your trust in the false gods of sin, or would you follow God Almighty? The Israelites understood what God had done, but their memory would soon fade. It’s always good to review history and see what God has done. As Christians, we should be very enthusiastic about serving the Lord. Jesus fulfilled the Law, and He laid down His life to be our final sacrifice for sin and to offer salvation to all who truly believe. Review what He has done for you, then answer Joshua’s question. Who will you serve?

After Joshua died, things got tough. There were still battles to be fought, but God should have been their king. The people moved farther and farther away from God. Judges were raised up periodically to hear God and lead the nation for short periods. Ultimately, the Israelites came to the point that lawlessness was abounding. “In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6).

It seems we are once again at that point. Lawlessness abounds. The “woke” generation is ignorant about God and what He has done; they are also ignorant of American history and even world history. Most are just concerned about their own selfish wants and desires, giving no thought to God. What a sad place to be in life!

I have to say that I admire the governor of Louisiana for signing into law that the Ten Commandments be displayed in every classroom in the state. It’s about time that the filth that’s being taught to children is counteracted by God’s Truth. I’m sure the Civil Liberties Union will have a lot to say, but what are they afraid of? Are they afraid that children will learn that they are created male and female with no grey areas? That they should not lie or steal? That they should honor their parents. Are they afraid that people will be stopped from doing what is right in their own eyes and realize that there is a God who needs to be honored? That we are to have no gods before God Almighty.

When people follow the ways of the world, there is trouble. Israel had God’s law to follow, but they wanted to be more like the world. Big mistake. God had chosen a man to be a great king over Israel, but at that time, David was just a boy watching over his father’s sheep. Samuel was a judge and a prophet of God. He had two sons who were not at all Godly men. “And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment” (1 Samuel 8:3).

Sounds a lot like politicians today. The elders of Israel went to Samuel, “And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:5). Why would they want a king like the world when God’s rule is so much better? Samuel wasn’t happy, so he went to God. “And the LORD said unto Samuel, ‘Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them” (1 Samuel 8:7).

Is that what America has done? Rejected God? It sure looks that way. This is a very sad comment about Christians. If we are solid in our faith and honor God, how is it that America allows abortion, same-sex marriage, child pornography, transgender atrocities, and more? Like Israel, we have rejected God and have received what we deserve. Israel was given King Saul, who was a bit crazy. Today, America has a president who seems to be unable to put a thought into intelligent words. Unless we get on our knees and earnestly repent and pray, more and more evil will be poured out upon this once great nation. There is a remnant who honors God, and we need to become the majority.

God did eventually send Samuel to anoint David as king over Israel. David loved the Lord, and though he made some huge mistakes, he truly repented and turned from his sin. Remember, when a person truly repents and turns to God, their sins are forgiven.

As we think about elections and who will lead our nation, remember the history of America. Our history has included some bad things, but that’s no excuse to allow riots that destroy property and livelihoods. We cannot continue to condone sexual perversion and the murder of babies. When everybody does what’s right in their own eyes, we cannot expect God to bless us. Think about how the man you vote for feels about Israel, and remember that God blesses those who bless Israel.

Only God can make a nation great, and it’s up to each of us individually to honor God with our life. If you’re looking for a king, look to Jesus, not the world. If you’re looking to elect a president, pray and turn to Scripture for guidance, then vote wisely.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com

www.prophecyupdate.com

www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you would like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).

 

Provocations :: By Jonathan Brentner

Published on: by RR10 Category:General Articles

In 1962, Russia began setting up missile bases in Cuba that were capable of firing nuclear weapons into the U.S. President John F. Kennedy responded boldly to the threat and initiated a “quarantine” of the island nation designed to stop Russia from delivering atomic weapons to Cuba. (“Quarantine” sounded less hostile than calling it a “blockade,” but that’s what it was.)

Although just nine years old at the time, I sensed my parents’ fear at supper time and was aware that others also feared a devastating war. We had a nuclear drill at my grade school, during which time we hid under our small desks for protection. Yes, that really happened!

Russia’s President Khrushchev later relented, agreed to dismantle the bases, and the threat subsided.

Fast forward to today. Confirmed reports tell of a Russian submarine, capable of firing nuclear weapons, patrolling along the coast of Florida. We read about Russian warships either close to Cuba or on their way to the island nation. Contrary to October 1962, few people sense that there’s any danger whatsoever. There’s no widespread sense of peril such as existed sixty-two years ago.

Another stark difference with 1962 is that America has a weak and incompetent president whose administration is controlled by power-hungry globalists. This worldwide group of demonic villains seeks to ignite a catastrophic world war for which they can blame someone else for starting.

Drumbeats of Nuclear War

For the past several months, I have read an assortment of threats on social media from Russian President Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking Russian officials, warning that NATO’s continued support of Ukraine would provoke a nuclear conflict.

Below is a recent warning from Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council:

Russia regards all long-range weapons used by Ukraine as already being directly controlled by servicemen from NATO countries. This is no military assistance; this is participation in a war against us. And such actions could well become a casus belli. Nobody today can rule out the conflict’s transition to its final stage.[1]

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov recently issued this strongly worded statement:

I would like to warn American leaders against miscalculations that could have fatal consequences. For unknown reasons, they underestimate the seriousness of the rebuff they may receive.[2]

Lawyer, economist, and author James G. Rickards recently wrote the following, which aptly sums up all that I am seeing from my sources of information:

The steady path toward World War III continues. U.S. and NATO support for Ukraine in the war with Russia has been one long failure, but that hasn’t stopped them from escalating the war with new weapons and tactics.

Russia has met the escalation with its own escalation every step of the way. At what point do rational leaders in the West (if there are any left) pause, consider that the war is lost in Ukraine, de-escalate, and seek a treaty to end the war?

There’s no sign of that yet. In fact, all of the signs point to further escalation, which is a sure path to nuclear war. What good has escalation accomplished?

I began studying nuclear war-fighting in 1969 and have continued my studies for decades, which includes all the leading thinkers about nuclear war. While the experts disagree in certain respects, they all agree on one thing:

The most likely path to nuclear war is escalation. No one wakes up and says, “Nice day for a nuclear war. Let’s start one.”[3]

President Biden recently greenlighted Ukraine’s use of American missiles to strike targets inside Russia. This insane goading of the Russian bear came to fruition just yesterday. Below are quips from one of many news stories concerning the tragic results of the President’s decision:

Russia said on Sunday that the United States was responsible for a Ukrainian attack on the Russian-annexed Crimean Peninsula with five U.S.-supplied missiles that killed four people, including two children, and injured 151 more.

The Russian Defense Ministry said four of the U.S.-delivered Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles, equipped with cluster warheads, were shot down by air defense systems, and the ammunition of a fifth had detonated in mid-air….

The Defense Ministry said U.S. specialists had set the missiles’ flight coordinates on the basis of information from U.S. spy satellites, meaning Washington was directly responsible.

“Responsibility for the deliberate missile attack on the civilians of Sevastopol is borne above all by Washington, which supplied these weapons to Ukraine, and by the Kyiv regime, from whose territory this strike was carried out,” the ministry said.[4]

What’s to keep Vladimir Putin from responding to this deadly provocation with an attack of his own against the U.S., whom he fully blames for the deadly missile attack on his soil?

As the threat of a nuclear confrontation between Russia and NATO intensifies by the day, the war in the Middle East threatens to also spark a much greater conflict. In addition to Israel’s war in Gaza, it appears that an all-out war with Hezbollah in Lebanon is imminent. Estimates vary widely as to when this will erupt into full-scale conflict. However, deadly attacks between Israel and Hezbollah continue on a daily basis.

The danger of the battle between Israel and Hezbollah leading to a world war is great. Iran recently threatened to get involved if Israel invades Lebanon. According to Amir Tsarfati, they are already flooding fighters into Lebanon through Syria. It’s possible that the U.S. can escape involvement in this imminent war, but that seems highly unlikely.

Surreal Response

Back in October 1962, I sensed the fear that gripped the U.S. because of the threat posed by the presence of Russian missiles in Cuba. Today, the situation is far more terrifying. For most people, however, it’s business as usual. Nothing to see here.

The most appropriate word that describes today’s response to the threat of nuclear war is “surreal.”

The general populace of the U.S. remains complacent, blissfully unaware of the dangers that threaten their well-being. I blame this dreamlike aura on a pervasive normalcy bias, a mainstream media that distracts everyone’s attention from the ominous threats to our well-being, and government spokespeople who are highly skilled at gaslighting the American people.

Many pastors contribute to the false sense of normality and security that prevails in the U.S. The absence of any reference to Jesus’ imminent appearing and the signs of the nearing Tribulation convey a false sense of safety.

The silence from the pulpits regarding what Scripture says about Bible prophecy and Jesus’ soon appearing resounds with this message: “The Lord is not about to disrupt the status quo of your lives any time soon.”

Not that long ago, I heard a pastor say that he didn’t have a pessimistic “doom and gloom” view of the future. Really!!?? Our world is on fire; believers need so much more than scant references to eternal life amid sermons that assume all is well outside the walls of the church. More than ever before, believers need messages that open their eyes to the hope that Scripture offers for perilous times in which they live.

Sadly, the false teaching of Replacement Theology blinds the eyes of many to the lateness of the hour, particularly as it relates to Israel. Because the proponents of this teaching say that God long ago rejected Israel, they fail to recognize the many prophetic implications of what’s happening in Israel at this very moment. Sadly, this blindness contributes to the prevalent deception in many churches that all is well.

There’s Good News, Really

The good news for those of us in Christ is that the many provocations for a nuclear war signify that the day of our redemption is rapidly approaching. Jesus is coming soon to take us home to the place that He’s preparing for us.

The Bible is remarkably clear about what it says about the day in which we live:

1. “Sudden destruction” lies ahead for the world but not for New Testament saints. In 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10, Paul makes a definitive distinction between the many “peace and security” advocates of our day and New Testament saints, that’s us.

Those outside of Christ will experience the “sudden destruction” that will initiate the “Day of the Lord.” Verses 9-10 reveal the Lord’s comforting promise for believers regarding the swift and unexpected start to the period of God’s wrath upon the earth:

“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.”

These verses, which the apostle wrote based upon a direct “word from the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:15), assure us of deliverance from the “sudden destruction” that’s already on the world’s doorstep and likely to happen at any moment. This deliverance will come via the Rapture.

How does the Lord’s message to us in Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 apply to the day in which we live?

  • It signifies that the “Day of the Lord” will begin with “sudden destruction” at a time when people are saying “Peace and security.” Does this not sound like today?
  • Today’s multiple provocations for a nuclear war tell us that the devastation, which will mark the start of this time, is ever so close to happening (see also Revelation 6:1-8).
  • Since the Lord promises us that the Rapture will happen before the “Day of the Lord” wrath descends on the world, our “blessed hope” must of necessity be extremely close.
  • Regardless of what we might see in the days ahead, the most devastating wars in the world will occur after Jesus takes us safely to glory.

2. The Lord will richly reward those who eagerly await His appearing. Although it’s not easy waiting for Jesus’ appearing, we rest in His promise to reward those who long for the time when we will meet Him in the air. In 2 Timothy 4:8, Paul wrote about the “crown of righteousness” that the Lord will “award” to those who “have loved his appearing.”

When the Rapture occurs, and I believe it will happen very soon, Jesus will richly reward those of us who keep our eyes fixed on the prize and eagerly long for the day when Jesus takes us to glory (Philippians 3:14-21; Colossians 3:4).

Don’t let the perils of our day take your eyes off the glorious prize that awaits us at Jesus’ appearing. He will richly bless those who persevere in watching for His appearing.

I don’t know how soon the drumbeats of our day will lead to the unthinkable nuclear war. It’s possible that, but for the Lord’s restraining hand, the missiles might already be flying through the air. It’s impossible to say when the Day of the Lord will begin.

However, those who are not watching for the Rapture to occur in the coming hours, days, weeks, or months do greatly err; they don’t understand Bible prophecy nor what Scripture reveals regarding the end times, the very day in which we live. Those who regard these matters as “tertiary” make a serious miscalculation and mislead many saints.

I don’t know when Jesus will appear to take us home or how much longer we will have to wait, but given world events, it seems rather foolish not to expect it to happen rather soon.

Maranatha! Come ever so soon, Lord Jesus.

***

Note: In Hereafter, It’s Far Better Than You Can Imagine, Terry James and I describe the future glory that awaits us as believers, beginning with Jesus’ appearing to take us home. From beginning to end, we emphasize the jubilant joy that awaits us in Heaven. The time in which we will experience these things is ever so close.

Note: Please consider signing up for my newsletter on the home page of my website at https://www.jonathanbrentner.com/. Thanks!

[1] James Rickards, Are They TRYING to Start a Nuclear War? June 4, 2024, on the Daily Reckoning Website at: https://dailyreckoning.com/are-they-trying-to-start-a-nuclear-war/

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] End Time Headlines, Russia blames the U.S. for deadly Ukrainian attack on Crimea, June 23, 2024, at: https://endtimeheadlines.org/2024/06/russia-blames-the-u-s-for-deadly-ukrainian-attack-on-crimea/ (One of many sources reporting on the attack).