On May 7, 2025, in view of Israel’s upcoming 77^th anniversary, Joel C. Rosenberg (editor-in-chief of ALL ISRAEL NEWS), posted an article titled “77 Reasons Why I Love Israel as She Turns 77.”

Here are ten reasons from Rosenberg’s article:

>The rebirth of the modern State of Israel – on May 14, 1948 – was one of the greatest miracles in the history of mankind and the dramatic fulfillment of ancient biblical prophecies that most people in the world had considered fairy tales or lies, and believed would never come true.

>The very existence of Israel today – and the survival of the Jewish people throughout human history, despite so many attempts to destroy and annihilate us – is living proof that God and the Bible are true, for the Bible is His holy and powerful Word.

>God declared in the scriptures that He loves Israel: “The Lord appeared to him from afar, saying, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have drawn you with lovingkindness’” (Jeremiah 31:33).

>God calls Israel the “apple of His eye”: “For thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘After glory He has sent Me against the nations which plunder you, for he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye’” (Zechariah 2:8).

>God declares that He dwells in Israel: “For the Lord dwells in Zion” (Joel 3:21).

>God made it clear in the Scriptures that He sovereignly chose Jerusalem – the eternal capital of Israel – as His very own city: “I have chosen Jerusalem that My name might be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel” (2 Chronicles 6:6).

>Jesus is the most famous Israeli of all time, followed and beloved by more than 2.6 billion people worldwide today.

>When the Messiah returns to govern the entire world for 1,000 years, He will come to Israel and live in – and reign from – Jerusalem. (See Zechariah 12 and the Book of Revelation.)

>80% of American Evangelicals believe the rebirth of the State of Israel in 1948 was the fulfillment of Bible prophecy; only 20% view it as merely a geopolitical event unrelated to God’s promises. (See Alliance for the Peace of Jerusalem survey by LifeWay Research.)

>The New Testament reaffirms, over and over again, God’s great and enduring love for Israel and the Jewish people, and explicitly rejects the heresy that God is finished with the Jewish people. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew” (Romans 11:1-2).

Here is a link to Rosenberg’s entire article:

https://allisrael.com/i-have-loved-you-with-an-everlasting-love-77-reasons-i-love-israel-as-she-turns-77?utm_source=convertkit&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Israeli%20professor%20praises%20Hebrew%20book%20on%20New%20Testament%20-%2017541327

Here are some reasons why I love Israel.

• Jesus was born and raised in Israel, and His ministry was in Israel.
• The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus for the sins of the world was in Israel.
• The Church began in Israel.
• Believing that Jesus died on the cross for me is my only hope of going to heaven.
• My hope of being raised from the dead and seeing my saved loved ones again depends on Jesus Rapturing His Church.
• Jesus will return to Israel at His Second Coming.
• Jesus will occupy the throne of David and rule from Israel during the Millennium.
• God promised to bless those that bless Israel and curse those that curse Israel.
• The Holy Spirit caused Holy followers of God (mostly Jews) to write the Scriptures.
• I love to study the Bible and Bible prophecy, but it would be meaningless without Israel.

Here are some recent reports that seem to indicate that the end of the age is near.

One, concerning America’s relationship with Israel, the division of Israel, and God blessing those that bless Israel and cursing those that curse Israel: on May 8, 2025, World Israel News (WIN) reported that:

• It appears that Trump is seeking an agreement with Saudi Arabia to allow the Saudis to have a civilian nuclear program, to sell a lot of weapons to the Saudis, to guarantee the defense of Saudi Arabia, to increase the U.S. military presence in Saudi Arabia, and to receive massive Saudi investment in the U.S.
• Saudi Arabia is insisting that Israel end its war with Hamas before any deal is reached and demanding that Israel publicly commit to Palestinian statehood – things that Prime Min. Netanyahu is refusing to agree to.
• Trump has lost his patience with Netanyahu and is preparing to move forward with major initiatives in the Middle East without Israel’s involvement.
• Trump is also angry for what he perceives as Netanyahu’s attempts to maneuver the U.S. into striking Iran’s nuclear program.

(My opinion: I hope this report is wrong. God has warned the world that He will drag the nations into the Battle of Armageddon for dividing the land of Israel.)

(Update: On May 9, 2025, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said, “I would like to make it crystal clear that I will never support a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia or other elements of a proposed deal that does not include normalizing the relationship with Israel as a part of the package. Normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel is an essential element.”)

(Update: On May 9, 2025, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called reports that Trump will recognize a Palestinian State “nonsense.” And he called reports of division between Trump and Netanyahu “reckless” and “irresponsible.” We will soon know.)

Two, concerning deceit: on May 8, 2025, it was reported that Iran has been running a secret nuclear weapons site for ten years that was disguised as a chemical production facility.

Three, concerning Pres. Trump’s upcoming trip to the Middle East: on May 11, 2025, Tania Curado-Koenig (wife of Bill Koenig) reported:

• That Trump is planning to attend a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, the Palestinian Authority’s Pres., Syria’s new Pres., and Iran’s Foreign Min. (Muslims who want to see the division and destruction of Israel, not peace in the Middle East) without the presence of anyone from Israel.
• Among other things, they plan to discuss Iran’s quest for nuclear weapons and a ceasefire in Gaza without any input from Israel.

According to Koenig, on the night of May 11, 2025, Trump’s Special Advisor to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, accused Israel of prolonging the conflict (in Gaza) and called for an agreement to be reached immediately, regardless of Israel’s military strategy (goals).

(My Opinion: I want to wait until the meetings have been held before I pass judgment, but dividing Israel and forcing a peace treaty on Israel is the kind of thing that will bring on the Rapture and Tribulation Period.)

(Update: On May 13, 2025, with Trump’s 60-day ultimatum to Iran almost up, Trump said, “If Iran’s leadership rejects this olive branch and continues to attack their neighbors, then we will have no choice but to inflict massive, maximum pressure… and take all action required to stop the regime from ever having a nuclear weapon. Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.”)

Four, concerning the Battle of Gog and Magog: plans are being prepared for Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin to visit Iran.

Putin’s visit is expected to strengthen the strategic partnership between Russia and Iran, with implications for regional security and international diplomatic relations.

Five, during his trip to Saudi Arabia, on May 13, 2025, Pres. Trump announced that he will remove all sanctions on Syria.

Turkey is now helping Syria rebuild its military.

This will cause great pressure on Israel to stop attacking targets in Syria.

(My Opinion: Damascus, Syria, will still be destroyed in one night, and Turkey will still be defeated in the Battle of Gog and Magog.)

(Update: On May 15, 2025, it was reported that removing some of the sanctions on Syria will require Congressional approval, and there is skepticism in both parties over doing that. Much depends on the new Syrian government’s attitude toward Israel.)

Six, during his trip to Saudi Arabia, on May 13, 2025, Pres. Trump signed several agreements with Saudi Arabia.

The Saudis agreed to invest $600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years.

Saudi Arabia also agreed to purchase $142 billion worth of weapons from the U.S., and they agreed to invest $20 billion dollars in AI projects in the U.S.

Seven, during his trip to Saudi Arabia, on May 13, 2085, it was reported that all the parties that met with the U.S. and Saudi Arabia were in consensus about not wanting Iran to get nuclear weapons.

Eight, during his trip to Saudi Arabia, on May 13, 2025, it was reported that the UAE agreed to invest $1.4 trillion in the U.S. over the next decade.

Nine, during his trip to Qatar, on May 12, 2025, Pres. Trump signed an agreement that is expected to be worth $1.2 trillion.

Ten, concerning corruption at the end of the age: on May 8, 2025, it was reported that in an interview with Lara Trump, Elon Musk said at least 100,000 active federal employees who were being paid to work also filed for and received unemployment insurance.

FYI: God does not send anyone to Hell (all of us are born with a sin nature and destined to go to Hell because we sin), but God has provided a way (Jesus) for everyone to go to Heaven (and He is the only way to get there; John 14:6).

Finally, are you Rapture Ready?

If you want to be rapture ready and go to heaven, you must be born again (John 3:3). God loves you, and if you have not done so, sincerely admit that you are a sinner; believe that Jesus is the virgin-born, sinless Son of God who died for the sins of the world, was buried, and raised from the dead; ask Him to forgive your sins, cleanse you, come into your heart and be your Saviour; then tell someone that you have done this.

duck_daymond@yahoo.com

 

On Apr. 29, 2025, Tania Curado-Koenig (wife of Bill Koenig) posted a letter that she received from a Messianic Jewish diplomat in Israel in response to a letter she had written to him. Koenig wrote the diplomat in an effort to remember and honor Jews that have fallen in war.

The diplomat answered her on Yom HaZikron (the Day of Remembrance of The Fallen Soldiers in Israel’s wars).

• This is the cost of covenant.
• Not in theory, but in blood.
• The defense of Israel is not political — it is spiritual.
• It is rooted in a promise God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
• A promise that still stands. A promise that is tested in every generation.
• On this Yom HaZikaron, we remember not only the fallen — we reaffirm the covenant.
• We stand with those who carry the weight of this defense.
• Those who have buried friends.
• Those who continue to fight.
• Those who refuse to surrender their inheritance — even when the world demands it.

(My comment: God made an everlasting covenant to give all of the Promised Land to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants after them in their generation. He gave it to them, but they have had to fight to keep it. On the Day of Remembrance, Jews remember the fallen, reaffirm God’s covenant, and they promise to keep fighting for the Land God gave to them, even though the whole world is against them. And guess what? They will prevail.)

Here are recent events that seem to indicate that the end of the age is close.

One, concerning wars and rumors of wars at the end of the age: on May 1, 2025, Worthy News reported that:

• S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday delivered a stern warning to Iran over its ongoing support for Yemen’s Houthi rebels, amid rising tensions in the region and the collapse of planned nuclear negotiations.
• Hegseth posted the following on X: “Message to IRAN: We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing. You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of — and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.”

(Update: On May 7, 2025, Pres. Trump delivered an ultimatum to Iran: Iran must either dismantle its nuclear facilities peacefully or brace for a forceful response.)

(My opinion: The U.S. is wasting time trying to deal with Iran, and even if the U.S. could get an agreement, Iran wouldn’t keep it. Iran is committed to establishing an Islamic world government and religion, and they will not stop until God intervenes during the Battle of Gog and Magog.)

Two, concerning wars and rumors of wars at the end of the age: following attacks by Islamic groups on the Druze in Syria, Israel’s Defense Min. told the Syrian government that if the attacks on the Druze in Syria do not stop, we (Israel) will respond with great severity.

He added that Israel is committed to their protection and is closely monitoring the situation.

(My comment: I do not know what will bring about the destruction of Damascus in one night, but Syria has been a thorn in the flesh of Israel for a long time. Many of the Druze live on the Golan Heights, which have been annexed by Israel.)

Three, concerning wars and rumors of wars: on May 1, 2025, Israel’s Chief of Staff warned Hamas:

• The Hamas terrorists still hold fifty-nine of our brothers and sisters.
• But they, too, know their safety is not forever!
• The IDF is ready and prepared to strike them a decisive blow.
• We will use all the strength at our disposal, increase the pace of operations, and intensify our power.
• If necessary, we will do so soon, with determination and confidence in the righteousness of our path.

(More: On May 4, 2025, the Israeli security cabinet unanimously approved a major expansion of the military offensive in Gaza and an overhaul of the humanitarian aid distribution system. This expansion is expected to start after May 15, 2025, when Pres. Trump returns from a visit to the Middle East.)

Four, concerning Iran’s efforts to get nuclear weapons: on May 2, 2025, an Iranian official confirmed that Iran and Russia are partnering on the construction of a new nuclear plant in Iran.

The Iranian official said the new nuclear plant would produce peaceful nuclear energy.

Russia will provide the financing for Iran’s new nuclear plant.

Five, concerning wars and rumors of wars: on May 4, 2025, a Houthi hypersonic ballistic missile fired from Yemen struck near Israel’s Ben-Gurion International Airport, wounded six people, and disrupted the landing and takeoff of passenger planes.

Prime Min. Netanyahu posted:

• Attacks by the Houthis emanate from Iran.
• Israel will retaliate against their Iranian terror masters at a time and place of its choosing.
• This isn’t a one-and-done… there will be some big hits.
• Iran and its proxies will face serious consequences for this unprecedented attack on Israeli soil.

Benny Gantz, the head of Israel’s National Unity Party, posted the following on X:

• This is not Yemen—this is Iran. It is Iran that is firing ballistic missiles at the State of Israel, and it must bear responsibility.

Iranian, Hezbollah, and Hamas officials celebrated the successful attack and rejoiced over the failure of Israeli and U.S.-supplied defense systems to shoot down the Houthi hypersonic missile.

There is growing skepticism in Israel of America’s negotiations with Iran over the Iranian quest for nuclear weapons.

There are also calls for world leaders to begin to question Qatar’s financial support for Hamas in Gaza.

(Update: During the night on May 4, 2025, U.S. and Israeli jets struck a major port in Yemen that Iran uses to deliver weapons to the Houthis. They also struck multiple concrete facilities that produce concrete for the construction of tunnels and terrorist infrastructure. Since Netanyahu said there won’t be a one-and-done, more attacks are expected.)

(Update: On May 6, 2025, the Houthis announced that they will stop attacking U.S. ships in the Red Sea, and Pres. Trump announced that the U.S. will stop attacking the Houthis in Yemen. Israel has been caught by surprise because the ceasefire does not cover Houthi strikes on Israel.)

(My opinion: It appears that the latter years and latter days Battle of Gog and Magog is close, but many who are watching are weary of waiting.)

Six, concerning wars and rumors of wars: on May 5, 2025, Israel announced that it has found the headquarters (including bunkers and many weapons) that the Syrian military had established on Mt. Hermon.

Israel seized many of the weapons and destroyed the bunkers.

Seven, concerning the election of a new pope, the first vote was held on May 7, 2025, and no one got the required 2/3 vote.

More votes will follow, and several votes before someone is elected are not unusual.

Eight, concerning the ashes of a red heifer: on May 7, 2025, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, and his wife visited Shiloh.

While there, Jewish News Syndicate (JNS News) reported that Huckabee and his wife made an official visit to Shiloh where they viewed “biblically pure red heifers” that are being kept at the site, which are being raised to be used as part of a purification ritual after the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Nothing was said about whether “biblically pure” means some of the red heifers are qualified for sacrifice or not.

FYI: God does not send anyone to Hell (all of us are born with a sin nature and destined to go to Hell because we sin), but God has provided a way (Jesus) for everyone to go to Heaven (and He is the only way to get there; John 14:6).

Finally, are you Rapture Ready?

If you want to be rapture ready and go to heaven, you must be born again (John 3:3). God loves you, and if you have not done so, sincerely admit that you are a sinner; believe that Jesus is the virgin-born, sinless Son of God who died for the sins of the world, was buried, and raised from the dead; ask Him to forgive your sins, cleanse you, come into your heart and be your Saviour; then tell someone that you have done this.

duck_daymond@yahoo.com