Torch, Fall 2006

24 TORCH / Fall 2006 34-35) and that He acts in power to deliver those who trust in Him (Dan. 6:25-27). Therefore, while the Jews are indeed God’s covenant people, national Israel has rejected Jesus Christ as her Messiah. God made it very clear to the nation that lack of faith and disobedience would result in divine chastening and removal from the Promised Land (Deut. 28:64-66; 30:1-10). Sadly, while the Israelis are fighting valiantly to protect their land, they do so in unbelief. Relying upon their military and their rituals, they have forsaken the true and living God as revealed in their Messiah, Jesus (Isa. 53:3; Matt. 27:25). As a result, all such efforts are ultimately doomed to failure. God is in the process of chastening His beloved people, Israel (Luke 21:24; Rom. 11:1-11). While individual Jews regularly come to faith in Christ through the witness of the Church, Israel as a nation has hardened her heart against God (Rom. 11:25). The Middle East conflict serves to remind us that peace can only come through faith in Christ. One day national Israel will turn to her Messiah, Jesus Christ, in repentance and faith (Zech. 12:10; Rom. 11:25- 27). At the second coming, our Lord will decisively intervene on Israel’s behalf, delivering her from her oppressors, restoring her to the full boundaries of the Promised Land, and ushering in a time of unparalleled peace and prosperity in the kingdom (Isa. 2:2-4; 11:1-16; Dan. 7:13-14; 12:1). Finally, the Middle East conflict is significant because it reminds us that believers are to be constantly prepared. The Bible reveals that Christ is coming for His Church (in an event commonly called the rapture) prior to His coming to establish the kingdom promised to Israel (the second coming). While the Middle East conflict is prophetically significant , it is not a sign for Christ’s coming in the rapture. The rapture can occur at any moment and is a signless event. Like a master who suddenly returns from his trip (Luke 19:11-27) and a thief who arrives unexpectedly in the night (I Thess. 5:2), Christ is going to return without warning. All is ready — nothing must happen before Christ can return. So whether the war in the Middle East intensifies or diminishes, we are to be constantly “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Titus 2:13). As we look, there is to be an attitude of eagerness, a strong yearning for our Lord to return (Phil. 3:20). This positive attitude of expectation should motivate us to purify ourselves (I John 3:3), living righteous and godly lives (Titus 2:12). It should also motivate us as aliens in this world and ambassadors for Christ to proclaim the good news that Jesus Christ, God’s Son, died for our sins and rose again (II Cor. 5:18- 21). For it is only through faith in Him that true and abiding peace is possible (Col. 1:19-20). Dr. Tom Cragoe is chair of the department of biblical education and associate professor of Bible at Cedarville University. He joined the University faculty in 2001 and holds degrees fromWheaton College and Dallas Theological Seminary.