God is setting the stage for the return of Jesus Christ, our Messiah, with Jerusalem and Israel at the center of these unfolding events. For nearly 1900 years after the destruction of Jerusalem, following the Jewish revolt from 66-70 AD when the walls were breached on Tammuz 17 and the temple was destroyed, the city endured numerous overthrows. After the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, the British assumed control of Palestine, and on November 2, 1917, the Balfour Declaration expressed favor for establishing a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine. On May 14, 1948, against all odds, the state of Israel was born, marking a significant step in this divine timetable. The Ten Jubilee Prophecy of Jerusalem, attributed to Rabbi Judah ben Samuel from 1150-1217 AD, foretold that the Ottomans would rule Jerusalem for eight jubilees, or 400 years, from 1517 to 1917, after which Jerusalem would be a no man's land for one jubilee, until 1967. At the end of this ninth jubilee, following the Six Day War, Jerusalem returned to Jewish possession, signifying the beginning of the Messianic end time. The tenth jubilee concluded in 2017, when the United States recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and announced the relocation of its embassy there, further aligning with God's plan for the return of the Lord. Historical moments reveal God's hand in supporting Israel through various leaders. In 1948, President Harry Truman was the first to recognize Israel as an independent nation, setting a precedent for its establishment. In 1973, during the Yom Kippur War, President Richard Nixon provided crucial aid to Israel at a critical moment, ensuring their survival against surrounding enemies. These events underscore how God uses individuals and nations to fulfill His purpose for Israel. Jerusalem stands as the spiritual epicenter of the earth, the place where our Messiah came in the flesh, shed His blood, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, and will return to rule. All these miraculous events and historical developments show that God is preparing for Christ's return, which is closer than many realize. Jerusalem will play a pivotal role in these end times, and it remains the focal point of God's unfolding plan.

In the end times, God's plan for Israel remains central to His purpose, as He has not utterly forsaken His people despite their history of turning away from Him. Ezekiel 20:33-35 speaks of a second exodus, where God, with a mighty hand and outstretched arm, will gather Israel from the countries where they are scattered, bringing them into the wilderness to plead His case with them face to face. This prophecy underscores that God will act for His name's sake, not due to Israel's righteousness, but to uphold His reputation, fulfill His plan, and keep His promises, as seen in Ezekiel 20:44. The dire state of Israel and Judah in history, as described in Jeremiah and Lamentations, serves as a type of the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord in the end times, indicating the severity of the trials they will face. Yet, God's ultimate desire is to bring His people back to Him, as reflected in Lamentations 5:21-22, where the prophet expresses a faint hope that God will turn them back and restore them. Prophecies throughout Scripture, such as Ezekiel 36:8-11 and 36:23-24, affirm that Israel will be restored to their land in the end times, with God multiplying their numbers and sanctifying His name among the nations by gathering them from all countries. God's Word provides clues about Israel's location in the end times, indicating they are scattered among the nations, primarily to the north and west of Jerusalem, as seen in Jeremiah 3:12, 3:18, 31:8, Hosea 11:10, 12:1, and Isaiah 49:12. These passages suggest that the bulk of Israel resides in the northwest, along a corridor stretching through Europe, with some coming from other parts of the earth. Additional prophecies in Jeremiah 31:7-9 describe Israel as citizens of the chief of the nations, significant and powerful countries, hiding in plain sight with their ancient roots veiled by recent history. Further clues in Psalm 89:24, Jeremiah 31:10-12, Isaiah 41:1, and Isaiah 49:1-5 point to Israel living in distant isles and coastlands, along great rivers, reinforcing the northwest European location with a strong presence in maritime trade and naval power. Genesis 49:22 and Isaiah 49:19-20 highlight Israel's end-time character as a restless, pioneering, and colonizing people, especially the tribes of Joseph, spreading beyond boundaries to seek new lands for their growing population. God's commitment to Israel is evident in His determination to save them, as Romans 11:26 confidently states that all Israel will be saved, though they will endure great trials. Luke 15:1-7 illustrates God's character through the parable of the lost sheep, showing His joy in reclaiming even one lost sinner, a principle that will bring immense joy in heaven when millions of Israelites return to Him. John 10:16 further emphasizes that God has other sheep, including physical Israel, whom He will bring into one fold under one shepherd at the appointed time. These end-time prophecies prove that Israel still exists somewhere in the world, as God's plan depends on their restoration, and His Word will not return empty. Though scattered and sifted among the nations, as Amos 9:9 assures, not the smallest grain will fall to the ground, for God knows exactly where each Israelite is, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises through His actions.

In the context of the end times, God has been intricately involved with Israel, guiding and shaping her throughout history to fulfill His divine purposes. From the very beginning, He has maintained a special relationship with Israel, ensuring that she develops according to His will, even as she has often resisted Him. As the end times approach, God continues to position Israel strategically, moving her into the place He desires for the culmination of His plan. God's intimate knowledge and love for Israel set her apart from all other nations. As expressed in Amos 3:1-2, He declares that only Israel has He known among all the families of the earth, indicating a unique bond and responsibility. This relationship, marked by His guidance since the calling of Abram, underscores His commitment to Israel, even as He prepares her for significant roles in the last days. In prophetic scriptures such as Genesis 49, Jacob speaks directly to the latter days, foretelling what will befall the tribes of Israel in the time leading up to the return of Christ. These prophecies highlight specific characteristics and destinies of the tribes, traits that God has preserved through generations to manifest in the end times. Similarly, Deuteronomy 33, while presented as blessings by Moses, contains prophetic elements that complement these insights, focusing on the tribes' roles within Israel as part of God's overarching plan. In Zechariah 14:16-18, looking forward to the Millennium, God emphasizes the continuity of His perspective on nations as families grown large. The families of the earth, including Israel, are called to worship the King in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles, with consequences for those who refuse. This demonstrates that even in the end times, God's focus remains on Israel as a central part of His purpose, extending His call to all nations through her. Revelation 1:7 further confirms this enduring view, as all the tribes of the earth will mourn at His coming, showing that God's recognition of nations as families persists to the end. His plan involves Israel prominently, ensuring that her identity and role are clear as He works to bring His purposes to fruition. God's unwavering commitment to Israel is evident in Isaiah 49:14-16, where He assures Zion that He will never forget her, having inscribed her on the palms of His hands. This promise holds true as He shapes end-time Israel, guiding her to the position He intends. Through Isaiah 43:1 and 44:21, He reaffirms that He created and formed Israel for Himself, never forgetting her, even as He leads her to where she must be in the last days. Ultimately, God's laser-like focus on Israel aims to transform her into a model kingdom of priests and a holy nation, as proposed in Exodus 19. This purpose continues into the end times, with Israel playing a central role in His plan to bring all humanity into His family, starting with the church, then Israel, and finally the world. He has not forsaken Israel; she is not lost to Him, and He provides clues for His people to identify her in today's world, ensuring that the focus remains on her as He moves forward with His redemptive work.

In the context of end-time prophecy, the nations of modern Israel are depicted as facing immense challenges due to their historical and ongoing unfaithfulness to God. Genesis 49:23 highlights that Joseph's descendants, rich and powerful, will have many enemies who bitterly grieve and hate them, yet God promises strength to overcome these adversaries. However, the world's nations eagerly await a humiliating defeat for Israel, rejoicing at any setback, as seen in past events like the 2001 World Trade Center attack where enemies celebrated America's suffering. Psalm 83:1-4 captures the intense hatred against Israel, with enemies conspiring to erase their name as a nation, driven by a deeper animosity toward God Himself. This hatred stems from Israel's identity as prevailer with God, making them a target for those who oppose Him. The time is approaching when Israel will face God's wrath for their sins, having squandered their blessings and rejected their Creator. Their failure to be a model nation and kingdom of priests will lead to a severe judgment, as God's justice cannot remain dormant forever. The Great Tribulation, also known as the time of Jacob's Trouble, is a necessary process to humble Israel, preparing them for their role in the Millennium. Jeremiah 30:4-15 describes this period as a unique and terrifying time of trembling and fear, unparalleled in history, where Israel and Judah will suffer greatly but a remnant will be saved. God will break their yoke, restore them, and correct them in justice, not letting them go unpunished due to their incurable affliction and multiplied sins. Ezekiel 5:1-13 further outlines the severe punishment awaiting end-time Israel, with God dividing the judgment into thirds: one-third dying by famine and disease, one-third by war, and one-third scattered into captivity. A small remnant will be preserved, as noted in Ezekiel 6:8-10, to remember God amidst their suffering and turn back to Him. This calamity is not unexpected, as God has warned Israel from the beginning, as seen in Exodus 23:20-22, where obedience to His Angel was critical, with no pardon for transgressions under the Old Covenant. Leviticus 26:14-39 details an escalating series of curses for disobedience, from terror and defeat to famine, war, and scattering among the nations, emphasizing that these punishments are prophetic of the Great Tribulation, Israel's Day of the Lord. Amos 2:6-16, 3:9-15, and 4:1-2, 6-12 vividly portray Israel's sins—oppressing the poor, sexual perversity, and idolatry—burdening God to the point of wrath, leading to inevitable destruction and captivity despite His repeated attempts to turn them through disasters. Matthew 24:21-22 and 29-31 confirm the Tribulation as a time of unprecedented trouble, immediately preceding Christ's return, marked by heavenly signs and His coming in glory. Daniel 12:1-7 specifies this period as lasting three and a half years, a time of unparalleled trouble for God's people, culminating in their deliverance and the resurrection. The signs of the times indicate that modern Israel is nearing the point of facing God's wrath for their accumulated sins, underscoring the urgency to avoid being caught in this judgment.

Though our nations may not fall this very night, there is no doubt we are being judged and the outlook is grim. Some feel we have reached a time in history that parallels the period just before the Flood. God recorded what conditions were like as Noah built the ark: Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually (Genesis 6:5). Yet Jesus predicts in a prophecy regarding the time of the end, the time we live in today, But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be (Matthew 24:37). In a larger, more general context, Jesus meant that, despite the dangerous, portentous events occurring all around them, people will be going about their everyday routines without seriously considering the meaning of these events (verses 38-39). They will not take the time to wonder if these cataclysmic events are affecting them personally. Even though we live in momentous times, we are easily distracted from their importance by our high standard of living and convenient access to almost anything we desire. The nations of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States are, for the most part, wallowing in unprecedented technological luxury. Time and prophecy are relentlessly marching on. The book of Amos records an almost exact parallel account to what is happening in our day. It chronicles the social, political, economic, military, and religious conditions and attitudes prevalent in ancient Israel in about 760 BC, about forty years before Assyria invaded and completely devastated the nation. So remarkable was Israel's defeat that, as far as the world is concerned, her people disappeared from history! Today, they are known as the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. Amos is not a happy book to read. It does not contain the encouraging, soaring, and hope-inspiring prophecies of Isaiah. No, Amos speaks of almost unending gloom and doom, presenting an interesting contrast to Israel's surging power, wealth, and influence. During the days of Amos' ministry, the nation underwent a burst of prosperity second only to Solomon's time. On the surface, it appeared that Israel's prosperity indicated God's pleasure, but Amos' words prove beyond any doubt that God was not pleased in the least! He was deadly serious! If the people would not repent, they were doomed! The Israelites did not repent. They suffered war, famine, pestilence, and captivity as a result. Tens of thousands died. They learned the hard way that God means exactly what He says through His prophets (Amos 3:7). Though Amos describes what was literally happening in ancient Israel, God intended the message for us, the physical and/or spiritual descendants of Israel. It was written to stir us to action, seeing that the times indicate Jesus Christ will return soon. Amos clearly shows that our nations are heading along the same path to destruction as ancient Israel. There is still hope that we will turn around and avoid the wrath of God, but as each day passes, it becomes more unlikely. We have many lessons to learn, and we seem determined to learn them the hard way. We publish this series hoping that it will stir church members to be astute enough spiritually to prevent themselves from being ensnared in this seductive, self-centered trap. We also hope that it will awaken others to the impending crisis descending upon the modern descendants of Israel. Their attitudes are like the Laodiceans' apathetic, self-absorbed, materialistic, and spiritually asleep (Revelation 3:14-22) and headed pell-mell and unheeding toward the prophesied Great Tribulation and Day of the Lord. But there is still time for individuals to wake up and return to God. We must not allow this attractive and easily absorbed way of life to become our own. Avoiding it will require an ever-closer relationship with God and disciplining our attitudes and conduct. God promises in Revelation 3:10

Historical examples argue that Israel might yet again attempt to reassert her national sovereignty. Rich America, ensnared in the materialistic trap of globalization, may take a while to understand that the loss of sovereignty means the loss of independence. Sovereignty is the special product of nations, something they generally guard very carefully. These ten kings receive authority for a short time with the Beast. The Beast appears unable to rule unilaterally. He makes common cause with other kings, collaborating with them to fight a mutual enemy, Christ. Having one mind, they give their power and authority to the Beast. These kings plan to retrieve their prerogatives later. Their relinquishment of authority is temporary, an expedient to achieve a common goal. The other coalition, the Beast's rival, is apparently made up of Oriental nations. The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. This coalition has been ongoing since at least 1644. China has not been a single ethnic bloc, but a pluralistic federation of peoples and religions. This pluralism will define the China of our time. More coalitions are pending, including the reunification of the Koreas and an East Asian free trade area. China is not acting alone when she confronts the European power nexus. The noun kings in Revelation 16:12 is plural, indicating that the parts of the coalition maintain a degree of autonomy. The plural form, kings, appears elsewhere near the end of Revelation, suggesting a number of states ruled by a number of kings. No matter how hard man tries, he will fail to build a one world government. Only Christ will do that. Some have observed that God does to national Israel what He has first done to His church. God's church trail-blazes; the church goes through what national Israel will later go through. This seems to be the case with the twin forces of globalism and tribalism now at work in our world. God directs Ezekiel 20, a blend of history and prophecy, to modern Israel, a people who in their collective mind aim to become like the Gentiles, like the families in other countries, serving wood and stone. Anciently, God allowed the rebellion of Israel to go only so far before He acted for His name's sake, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the Gentiles. This is the pattern God has established. He will yet perform His oath to those in the wilderness, eventually scattering modern-day Israelites among the Gentiles and dispersing them throughout the countries. He will intervene on behalf of His people, ultimately gathering a humbled remnant to serve Him as He furthers His plans for humanity's salvation. America is anything but humble. Hubris better describes her character, as evidenced by ordinary citizen and elite alike triumphing in her status as the sole hegemon of the world, the indispensable nation. The aim is a desire to lead a global community of nations, a modern Babel of nations in rebellion against God. He utters the final word: What you have in your mind shall never be. Sovereignty does not mean success. Those last kings of Israel and Judah will attest to that in the future. In the long run, a nation gains and maintains its sovereignty through righteousness.