Watch and Be Ready

Note to Reader: In this teaching, YHWH and Elohim are used to refer to the LORD God, Creator.  And Yahushua is used for His Son, who is the LORD God manifested in the flesh, as Messiah and Savior.  Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture references are taken from the 2009 version of The Scriptures by the Institute for Scripture Research.  

 

Written by J.C. (November 3, 2019)

 

Yahushua warned us several times to watch for His Return.  His reason was that no one knows the day or hour that He returns.

Matthew 25:13 “Watch therefore, because you do not know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Aḏam is coming.”

Yahushua was not the only one who told us to watch. Many of the apostles, like Peter and Shaul (Paul), believed in watching for Yahushua’s second coming, even back in their time. They wrote letters, reminding us that we were forewarned by Yahushua.

2 Peter 3:17-18 You, then, beloved ones, being forewarned, watch, lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the delusion of the lawless, but grow in the favour and knowledge of our Master and Saviour יהושע Messiah. To Him be the esteem both now and to a day that abides. Amĕn.

The writers of our Bibles taught we are supposed to be watching. They talked a lot about this subject. Since we need to watch for the coming of our King, one key question should be asked: What should we watch for?

 

What are we watching for?

Many people understand that when Yahushua comes, He will make things clear to us. Many of the questions that we have now about how to live and how to follow Him will be answered. However, there are a lot of things that do not seem clear about the time we are now living in as we watch for His return. If we are told in Scripture to watch, then the Scriptures are not silent on what to watch for. So then, it is our job to search and seek understanding!  What we need to be watching for are the events that will be happening before He comes.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 As to the coming of our Master יהושע Messiah and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, brothers, not to become easily unsettled in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as if the day of יהוה has come. Let no one deceive you in any way, because the falling away is to come first, and the man of lawlessness is to be revealed, the son of destruction.

 

1. The Falling Away

One thing to watch for, before Messiah comes, is the “falling away.” What is the falling away? It is the falling away from Yahushua. It is the people who act like brothers and sisters in Messiah. It is people who may even have a testimony about Yahushua, but then fall away from Him and deny Him. They will deny that Yahushua is Elohim. They will deny that Yahushua came in the flesh to this Earth. They might say something like, “Yahushua is the son of Elohim, but not fully Elohim,” or they may say, “Yahushua is a prophet, but not really the Prophet.” In Scripture, we do see Yahushua as the Son of Elohim and a Prophet. He is both the Son and the Prophet. The Father and the Son are distinct too.  They take on different manifestations.  Both are true: the Son is Elohim, and He and the Father are One. At the same time, the Son can be separate from the Father. However, it is essential to understand that the Son is the fullness of Elohim.

Colossians 2:6-9 Therefore, as you accepted Messiah יהושע the Master, walk in Him, having been rooted and built up in Him, and established in the belief, as you were taught, overflowing in it with thanksgiving.  See to it that no one makes a prey of you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary matters of the world, and not according to Messiah.  Because in Him dwells all the completeness of Elohim-ness bodily.

The falling away is very sad, and His followers will see their friends and family fall away from Yahushua.  Our family has seen people we know deny Yahushua. It is really hard to watch people deny Messiah!

2 John 1:7-9 Because many who are leading astray went out into the world who do not confess יהושע Messiah as coming in the flesh. This one is he who is leading astray and the anti-messiah. See to yourselves, that we do not lose what we worked for, but that we might receive a complete reward.

This spirit is roaming around today, and it is the spirit of the anti-messiah! John talks a lot about the spirit of the anti-messiah in his writings. He warns us not to follow it. However, we learn in 2 Thessalonians 2 that many will fall away, and this is to come first. It is no surprise that the spirit of the anti-messiah has to be revealed. Some are true followers of Yahushua, and some are not, and that must be revealed before the day of Yahushua’s coming.

There are other signs Scripture gives of people falling away before His coming as well. Men will become lovers of evil things, and most will not be lovers of Elohim.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 But know this, that in the last days hard times shall come. For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, thankless, wrong-doers, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, haters of good, betrayers, reckless, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of Elohim, having a form of reverence but denying its power. And turn away from these!

What else does Scripture teach is the falling away? The falling away in the End Days also includes worshipping the Anti-messiah. Another name for the Anti-messiah in Scripture is “son of destruction.” This man will come to seduce many into worshipping him. He will oppose Elohim altogether. The Anti-messiah will be very deceiving.

1 Thessalonians 2:3-4  Let no one deceive you in any way, because the falling away is to come first, and the man of lawlessness is to be revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called Elohim or that is worshipped, so that he sits as Elohim in the Dwelling Place of Elohim, showing himself that he is Elohim.

The ultimate deception of the Anti-messiah will be worshipping him as God! This is a clear breach of the first of the Ten Commandments (Exo. 20:3), but many will worship the Anti-messiah because he appears to be Elohim, but He IS NOT!!!  We believe that Daniel 11:36 prophecies about the Anti-messiah who will manifest in the End Days.

Daniel 11:36 “And the sovereign shall do as he pleases, and exalt himself and show himself to be great above every mighty one, and speak incredible matters against the El of mighty ones, and shall prosper until the wrath has been accomplished – for what has been decreed shall be done.

What is scary is that the Anti-messiah WILL prosper in deceiving people for a time; it will be a great deception! This is the work of Satan himself, and Satan has his time on Earth to lead many people astray in the End Days before the Coming of our Master Yahushua. The falling away accomplished through the Anti-messiah is a very serious matter for those on Earth. Yet, there is hope for the people who resist the son of destruction.

 

2. False Teachers

Scripture warns us that in the End Days, many will turn away from sound teachings and pay attention to misleading spirits.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 For there shall be a time when they shall not bear sound teaching, but according to their own desires, they shall heap up for themselves teachers tickling the ear, and they shall indeed turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to myths.

1 Timothy 4:1 But the Spirit distinctly says that in latter times some shall fall away from the belief, paying attention to misleading spirits, and teachings of demons.

If we are living in the End Days, then these are the very times the apostle Shaul warned us about!  One main problem today that can lead people away from the truth is the constant watching/reading of internet teachings. With the massive amount of information available on the internet today, it is easy for people to spend a lot of their time skimming through the internet for knowledge.  The problem is that there is a lot of truth on the internet, but there’s also A LOT of lies.  As described in 1 Tim. 4:1, one teaching after another can ‘tickle the ear.’  Tickling the ear is an expression to say hearing just what you want to hear, even if it is not based on truth.

Not all internet teachings are bad; many internet teachers do good.  However, there are many teachers on the internet distracting people from the real things that matter in these times.  We know that not every teaching is sound.  When we skim through tons of teachings, we can expose ourselves to misleading spirits.  Know that Satan speaks through truth and lies.  To deceive people, the devil mixes truths with small lies so that the lies appear good and sound.  People should predominantly search the Scriptures for the truth and be grounded in the Word of Elohim.  If we do listen to teachings, we need to proactively test everything.  We needed to try every spirit and show ourselves approved, especially in the End Days.  Two more Scriptures that come to mind are:

1 John 4:1  Beloved ones, do not believe every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of Elohim, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 Timothy 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.   (KJV)

 

3. Persecution

Some of the ones that have not fallen away, the true set-apart ones, will be persecuted for Yahushua’s Name’s sake. Others will even be killed for possessing the witness of Yahushua our Messiah!

Luke 21:12 “But before all this, they shall lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the congregations and prisons, and be brought before sovereigns and rulers for My Name’s sake.”

Luke 21:16 “And you shall also be betrayed by parents and brothers and relatives and friends. And some of you shall be put to death.”

The context of Luke 21:7-36 is Yahushua talking to His disciples about the days leading up to His Return. We know that Yahushua’s followers faced a lot of persecution for spreading the Good News in their day. They were majorly persecuted by the governments and religious leaders of that time, and it is likely that they were even persecuted by their friends and family too. Many of them were martyred for their faith, some in unimaginable ways. So Yahushua’s words were fulfilled then.

I believe that Yahushua was also prophesying about the persecution of His followers who would be alive in the End Days, the days we are living in now. Another Scripture that shows the persecution is Revelation 12:17.  These people are persecuted by Satan in the End Days because of two factors:

  1. Their faith in Messiah (a testimony of Him)
  2. Their devoted obedience to the Law of Elohim, which is taught in the Torah

Sadly, in the End Days, many people will be persecuted by their own family members too.

Micah 7:6  For son is despising father, daughter rises up against her mother, daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law, the enemies of a man are the men of his own house.

 

4. False Messiahs and False Prophets

Matthew 24:5 “For many shall come in My Name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they shall lead many astray.”

Matthew 24:24 “For false messiahs and false prophets shall arise, and they shall show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones.

Another thing Yahushua told us to look for is false messiahs and false prophets.

First, let me define what a false messiah is.  A false messiah might come in the Name of Jesus (or Yeshua, Yahushua, or something similar).  He or she will claim that he has some sort of anointing. There will be signs, miracles, and healings done through this person.  Even though they are coming in a name we may recognize as the Son’s Name and even though they are doing signs and miracles, it doesn’t mean that their anointing is of the Truth.

Second, I’ll let Deuteronomy 13 define what a false prophet is.

Deuteronomy 13:1-4 “When there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he shall give you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder shall come true, of which he has spoken to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other mighty ones – which you have not known – and serve them,’ do not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for יהוה your Elohim is trying you to know whether you love יהוה your Elohim with all your heart and with all your being. “Walk after יהוה your Elohim and fear Him, and guard His commands and obey His voice, and serve Him and cling to Him.”

A false prophet might show signs and wonders and their signs might even come to pass. However, the job of a prophet is to call people back to YHWH and all that YHWH commands.  If a prophet does not call people to the Word of YHWH, to His commands, and to serve the living Elohim, he or she is a false prophet.  False prophets also lead people to serve other gods. If the “prophet” does not lead people to the one true living Elohim, YHWH, then they are false.

Trying to lead people astray, false messiahs and false prophets WILL succeed. They will be targeting the chosen ones as well!

 

5. World Events

It is obvious from Scripture that people will turn away from what is true in the end of days. That is not the only thing to be watching for though. Yahushua Himself had a significant moment telling his disciples what events to watch for. These words can be found in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.

Here are a few things He told us would happen.

Mark 13:7-8 “And when you hear of fightings and reports of fightings, do not be troubled – it has to take place, but the end is not yet. “For nation shall rise against nation, and reign against reign. And there shall be earthquakes in various places, and there shall be scarcities of food, and disturbances. These are the beginnings of birth-pains.”

We are looking for nations fighting against each other. Many countries are not at peace with each other now. There are wars and reports of wars. To a degree, this has always been true throughout history—nations have always fought against each other and mankind has killed himself. However, these Scriptures are talking about serious war! This is talking about a world war with massive destruction!

As we are seeing current world events unfold, it is obvious that we are in the start of a world war. These End Time wars have already begun and will continue to become worse as we approach Messiah’s Return.

Yahushua tells us that there will be major plagues in different places. These plagues include deadly diseases, famines, and earthquakes; consequently, they will wipe out a lot of the people.  We are seeing this occur increasingly now!

 

6. Jerusalem

We need to pay attention to what is happening in Jerusalem. Jerusalem will be trampled and defeated by different nations.  Contrary to what a lot of people believe, Jerusalem is not the place to be living during the end of days.  Jerusalem will undergo major attacks by the nations. It will be judged by YHWH before Yahushua returns which is spoken of in the prophets.  The “abomination that lays waste” will be set up in Jerusalem.  When the abomination is set up, the those in Judea will need to flee from Jerusalem and head to the mountains.

Matthew 24:15-16 “So when you see the ‘abomination that lays waste,’ spoken of by Dani’ĕl the prophet, set up in the set-apart place” – he who reads, let him understand – “then let those who are in Yehuḏah flee to the mountains.”

Luke 21:20-21 “And when you see Yerushalayim surrounded by armies, then know that its laying waste is near. “Then let those in Yehuḏah flee to the mountains, and let those who are in the midst of her go out, and let not those who are in the fields enter her.

Reading Yahushua’s words confirms to watch for things that are not very pretty.  It sounds like there is going to be nothing but dramatic, terrible things happening before He does come. These events are part of a time that will be the MOST distressful time on the Earth that has ever been or ever will be!

 

7. Distress for YHWH’s people

Mark 13:19-20 “For in those days there shall be distress, such as has not been from the beginning of creation which Elohim created until this time, nor ever shall be. And if the Master had not shortened those days, no flesh would have been saved; but because of the chosen ones, whom He chose, He shortened the days.”

There is a time of distress upon the whole world.  It is known as the “Tribulation.”  The Tribulation is shortened for YHWH’s chosen ones, but not for the whole world.  If it wasn’t shortened, no one would be saved. The House of Jacob, also known as YHWH’s chosen ones, is saved out of this time and brought to a place of protection.  What is interesting is that the House of Jacob is gathered together to be saved.

Jeremiah 30:7-10 ‘Oh! For great is that day, there is none like it. And it is the time of Yaʽaqoḇ’s distress, but he shall be saved out of it. ‘And it shall be in that day,’ declares יהוה of hosts, ‘that I break his yoke from your neck, and tear off your bonds, and foreigners no more enslave them. ‘And they shall serve יהוה their Elohim and Dawiḏ their sovereign, whom I raise up for them. ‘And you, do not fear, O Yaʽaqoḇ My servant,’ declares יהוה, ‘nor be discouraged, O Yisra’ĕl. For look, I am saving you from afar, and your seed from the land of their captivity. And Yaʽaqoḇ shall return, and have rest and be at ease, with no one to trouble him.’

“Jacob’s Distress” is uncomfortable for YHWH’s people. Those who are out in the nations and are experiencing hardships, discontentment, or unsettledness can be comforted by knowing they their troubles are designed to bring them to a place of safety. Their pressures are meant to make them seek YHWH for His will. Those who are happy or comfortable in the nations are not the ones who will seek Him and will be left in the nations when YHWH destroys the Earth.

Daniel 12 is another passage that talks about the end of days. Daniel 12:1 mentions the “time of distress.” A couple of verses later the book of Daniel has some encouraging words for us.

Daniel 12:3-4 “And those who have insight shall shine like the brightness of the expanse, and those who lead many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever. But you, Dani’ĕl, hide the words, and seal the book until the time of the end. Many shall diligently search and knowledge shall increase.”

We see in the book of Daniel that there will be people who thoroughly search for what the Scripture says about the “time of the end.”  These people are given knowledge about this subject. The time for His people to study His end-of-days plan has come upon us.  YHWH is ready to reveal to the righteous a lot of what has been hidden for a long time!

 

How can we be prepared for this distress?

In discussing the tribulation before His return, Yahushua taught His disciples to WATCH and PRAY.  But pray for what?

Luke 21:36 “Watch then at all times, and pray that you be counted worthy to escape all this about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Adam.”

Scripture teaches many people will soon enter into trial.  Trials come in many different forms and are allowed by our Heavenly Father. Our trials prove us.  When we are in trials, we will either grow closer to Yahushua or move away from Him.  If we move away from Him, it might mean we will eventually fall away from Him.  Above I highlighted several forms of trials the Bible mentions will come upon people before Yahushua’s return.  Many of the distresses have always been things people struggle with, but they are increasing these days.

People need to wake up! Yahushua wishes for people to be awake and escape what will take place. Many people are sleeping, not aware of what is going on.  Sleeping is a fleshly thing, but praying is a spiritual thing.  I wonder what would have happened if Peter had been praying before he entered the trial of being questioned about his acquaintance with Yahushua. He told Yahushua he would stick with Him even unto death. Instead, he pretended he didn’t know Yahushua.  Peter did not fall away from Yahushua, but he is an example to us of needing to pray and be ready for our trials.

There has always been a huge battle that goes on between the spirit and the flesh.

Romans 8:5-6 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the matters of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the matters of the Spirit. For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace.

The battle especially arises in the times we are living in, as we are approaching the Messiah’s return.  Most people are not ready for Yahushua to come, even some who think they are ready, are not.  Since their flesh is weak, they are not ready.  The problem is that their spirits aren’t in control, their flesh is.  People are supposed to be awake.

Mark 13:35-37 “Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming – in the evening or at midnight, or at the crowing of the cock, or in the morning, lest, coming suddenly, he should find you sleeping. “And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”

If we are supposed to wake up and pray, what should we pray for?  We should pray for our spirits to overcome our weak, distracted flesh.  We can pray this for ourselves as well as other people.  The Spirit of YHWH fills us and tells us what to pray for, even prayers that are beyond our current understanding.  With the Spirit interceding, the possibilities are unending.

Romans 8:24-26 For in this expectation we were saved, but expectation that is seen is not expectation, for when anyone sees, does he expect it? And if we expect what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with endurance. And in the same way, the Spirit does help in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray, but the Spirit Himself pleads our case for us with groanings unutterable.

 

The Spirit is Eager

Now, Yahushua also said the spirit is eager. Regardless of the flesh getting in the way, there are still people whose spirits know the truth about what is to come.  If the spirit is eager, then that means the spirit is ready.

For example, when my brothers and sisters and I were young, it was considered a privilege to go on an errand with my dad.  When my dad went out, he often took just one or two kids with him.  If we noticed our dad getting ready to go somewhere, and we desired to join him, we had better get ready. The kid that said, “Wait a minute, I have to get my shoes on,” or “Stop, I just have to go to the bathroom before we leave,” probably was not taken. Dad took the kid who was ready.  If we are eager, then we should act and prepare for what we know is coming.  If we didn’t get ready, then we weren’t eager enough.  I would guess that our heavenly Father looks at it the same way.

Be Ready!

In Scripture, we are told to be ready, along with watching and praying.

Matthew 24:44 “Because of this, be ready too, for the Son of Aḏam is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him.

Being ready is not the same thing as watching.  Being ready is about taking action. Is there some type of action Yahushua was telling us to take so that we can be ready? Well, maybe there is something we can learn from Shaul about being ready.  Shaul was someone who wrote a lot about Yahushua’s second coming. He didn’t want us to be ignorant on the subject and understandably so.  Shaul cared about us understanding the order in which things will take place. Let’s look at what Shaul wrote about what will take place.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 As to the coming of our Master יהושע Messiah and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, brothers, not to become easily unsettled in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as if the day of יהוה has come. Let no one deceive you in any way, because the falling away is to come first, and the man of lawlessness is to be revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called Elohim or that is worshipped, so that he sits as Elohim in the Dwelling Place of Elohim, showing himself that he is Elohim.

Shaul taught that the man of destruction is to come before Messiah. The “son of destruction” is an actual person, not just a spirit. Who is this man of destruction, and what will he do? How can we be prepared for this man who is going to lead a lot astray? What do we need to do to be ready for him?

There is a description of this man somewhere else in the Bible which gives us more information about him and what he will do.  The prophet Daniel foretold his coming.  Daniel’s description of the son of destruction sounds pretty similar to what Paul says.  Paul studied Daniel’s writings and I believe we should too.  Yahushua also talked to His taught ones as if they understood about the man mentioned in Daniel 11 (Matt 24:15).  Daniel 11 is kind of a hard chapter to follow. Nevertheless, it is an essential chapter for our awareness of this man of destruction.

In the chapter, the angel goes back and forth prophesying about different kings and people who will arise.  Verse 21, uses the Hebrew word בָּזָה, “bazah.” It is a word used for the “son of destruction.” It means a despised one.

Daniel 11:21 “And in his place shall arise a despised one (bazah), to whom they shall not give the excellency of the rule. But he shall come in peaceably, and seize the rule by flatteries.

The person in Daniel 11 matches Shaul’s description in 2 Thessalonians 2. Shaul said that this man opposes Elohim and will exalt himself above Elohim.  He will even take a seat in the Dwelling Place or Temple showing himself to be Elohim.

Daniel 11:31-32 “And strong ones shall arise from him and profane the set-apart place, the stronghold, and shall take away that which is continual, and set up the abomination that lays waste. “And by flatteries he shall profane those who do wrong against the covenant, but the people who know their Elohim shall be strong, and shall act.”

Daniel 11:36 “And the sovereign shall do as he pleases, and exalt himself and show himself to be great above every mighty one, and speak incredible matters against the Ěl of mighty ones, and shall prosper until the wrath has been accomplished – for what has been decreed shall be done..”

This man will be taking over in the “Splendid Land” and the “set-apart place.” The Splendid Land is in the country of modern-day Israel. The set-apart place is in Jerusalem! Here is some information to help understand the geography in this verse.

Daniel 11:45 and he shall pitch the tents of his palace between the seas and the splendid set-apart mountain, but shall come to his end with none to help him.

 

Below is a map that shows the two seas. One sea is the Mediterranean Sea and the other is the Salt Sea.  Jerusalem is a city on a mountain which is between these two seas.

 

This same person who tries to take the place of Elohim, also sets up the abomination that lays waste, profanes Jerusalem, and increases a rule for himself!  He gets many to follow him. He will take full authority over a lot of people and things during a certain time. This sounds extremely bad and should get people to fear! I do not mean that people should be afraid of men. The Bible tells us these things so that we will be aware of what will happen.  We need to fear YHWH and learn what He wants us to do when this person comes to rule.  What should the people who don’t want to follow the despised one do?

Daniel 11:32-35  And by flatteries he shall profane those who do wrong against the covenant, but the people who know their Elohim shall be strong and shall act.  And those of the people who have insight shall give understanding to many. And they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering, for days.  And when they stumble, they shall be helped, a little help, but many shall join them, by flatteries.  And some of those who have insight shall stumble, to refine them, and to cleanse them, and to make them white, until the time of the end, for it is still for an appointed time.

From this passage, we see that there are people who have an understanding of the son of destruction.  These people will teach other people about this man and their teaching will be correct.  However, their knowledge will not be what saves them.  We are told that many of these people get killed, burned, brought into captivity, and their possessions will be taken.

Even YHWH’s people, who seem like they would not be led astray and who have understanding to teach others, have trouble escaping this man.  Many even go after him because of his flatteries.  Some may suffer for the Master, but some will not be saved at this time. This brings up an important question.  How do His people escape the man appointed for destruction talked about in Daniel 11?

 

Yahushua is Salvation

Yahushua has always been salvation for us.  It is in Yahushua’s nature to provide salvation for His people! Yahushua’s desire is for us to be saved; it is not for His people to suffer, even though many have suffered for bearing witness to Him.  Yahushua wants to save us from this man’s destruction.  It turns out that there is a refuge away from this man’s wickedness. Through Daniel, YHWH warns us about this man and He reveals the plan of escape.

Daniel 11:41-43 …. He shall come into the glorious land. And tens of thousands shall fall, but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom and Moab and the main part of the Ammonites. He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. He shall become ruler of the treasures of gold and of silver, and all the precious things of Egypt, and the Libyans and the Cushites shall follow in his train. (ESV)

This Scripture makes it clear where that needed refuge is.  Edom, Moab, and a certain part of Ammon are delivered.  However, Scripture is not clear that any other places escape him.  It says that he will “rule over many” and divide the land for gain (Dan. 11:39), will enter the “Splendid Land” (Dan. 11:41), will rule over Egypt, Libya, and Cush (Dan. 11:43), and will set up his palace on the “set-apart mountain” (Dan. 11:45).  Regardless of who does not escape, the point is that he will be taking over huge areas.  We are even told in another prophecy in Scripture (see Rev. 13: 7) that the Anti-messiah will be given authority over EVERY tribe, language, and nation!  The main hope is that we are given three sections of land that will escape his rule for a time: Edom, Moab and the “main part of Ammonites.”

 

 

There is a specific area of refuge in the country of Jordan (pictured above). This is where His people, who understand YHWH’s plan of salvation, will be hidden away from the son of destruction.  Waiting in Jordan is a way His people can be ready for Yahushua to come.  It is a way the Bride of Messiah will endure, without being destroyed in the destruction soon coming to the world.  Jordan is the place of salvation for YHWH’s people.

 

Coming Judgment

There IS destruction coming to the world! There is fire coming to the earth! In fact, here is something that Yahushua said that I find very interesting:

Luke 12:49 “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!

The fact that Yahushua said he came to send fire on the Earth should not be that surprising.  We have the prophets to tell us about these events.  Several of the prophets foretold that YHWH is going to destroy the earth by intense fire.  The first judgment was by water—the flood.  The second judgment is by fire.

2 Peter 3:1-2 This is now, beloved ones, the second letter I write to you, in which I stir up your sincere mind, to remember the words previously spoken by the set-apart prophets, and of the command of the Master and Saviour, spoken by your emissaries,

2 Peter 3:5-7 For they choose to have this hidden from them: that the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by the Word of Elohim, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. And the present heavens and the earth are treasured up by the same Word, being kept for fire, to a day of judgment and destruction of wicked men.

Zephaniah 3:8 “Therefore wait for Me,” declares יהוה, “until the day I rise up for plunder. For My judgment is to gather nations, to assemble reigns, to pour out on them My rage, all my burning wrath. For by the fire of My jealousy, all the earth shall be consumed.”

This prophecy is talking about a judgment that is yet to come. However, it will come, because His Word never fails!

This is what is mind-boggling about Yahushua’s words.  He said that He wished the fire was already kindled!  Wait a minute.  Yahushua walked on this Earth over 2,000 YEARS AGO!  That means since 2,000 years ago, Yahushua has longed for the fire to come and destroy the Earth. This should get people to think.  People have had 2,000 years to think about what Messiah said. The fire still has not come yet.  Of course, we know one of the reasons why He didn’t kindle the fire during His first coming: He had to undergo His trial.

Luke 12:50-51 “But I have an immersion to be immersed with, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! “Do you think that I came to give peace on earth? I say to you, no, but rather division.”

So, why has the fire not come yet?  It is not because He is delaying His coming. It is people who delay things, not the Creator.  YHWH is waiting for our repentance.  He is waiting for us to be ready for our salvation.

Hebrews 10:36-39 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the desire of Elohim, you receive the promise: “For yet a little while – He who is coming shall come and shall not delay. “But the righteous shall live by belief, but if anyone draws back, my being has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to destruction, but of belief to the preservation of life.

2 Peter 3:9 יהוה is not slow in regard to the promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward us, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

So we see from Scripture that YHWH doesn’t sit around and wait.  To our human minds, it might seem that way.  However, it is really that He wants all to come to repentance.  The fire coming is for an appointed time.  He doesn’t want His people to perish in it.  It is not a matter of if He will do what has been written in the prophets.  We know He will.  He has told us about the destruction, and He has told us about the salvation. He wants all to repent and be saved!

For me, living in Jordan is about waiting for Yahushua and being ready for His return. I long to see the glory of Yahushua’s salvation and to see what the prophets foretold long ago.

May His compassion and patience toward us motivate us all to be ready for His return.

 

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