2-19-22 Powerful Prophetic Progression

Powerful Prophetic Progression - By Terry James - https://www.raptureready.com/2021/12/11/powerful-prophetic-progression-by-terry-james/ When certain developments take place, many who study Bible prophecy comment that prophecy is being fulfilled today. We who watch from the pre-Trib view—that is most of us, I think—believe that, rather than seeing actual fulfillment, we are watching the stage being set for prophetic fulfillment. That is, there is no major prophecy for this pre-Trib era (Church Age) completely fulfilled. But in every direction we look, we see issues and events of our time arranging for fulfillment. Matters involving the nation of Israel always pique our interest, especially when leaders of Israel’s hostile neighbors say things like recently reported. “We will not back off from annihilation of Israel, even one millimeter.” Brig.-Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s armed forces recently made that threat during an interview with an Iranian regime-controlled media outlet. He urged the total elimination of the Jewish state. The entire diplomatic world is more than a little concerned about developments with regard to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. However, the main concern seems to be with Israel’s forewarnings about the actions they might take in response to Iranian blustering. The following report frames the problem from Israel’s perspective. Israeli officials believe Iran is weeks away from enriching uranium to a level sufficient for building a nuclear weapon. The amount of uranium Iran has enriched to 20-percent purity is critical because reaching a certain threshold – known as the significant quantity (SQ)—means the stockpile can rapidly be enriched to the 90-percent purity needed for a nuclear weapon. (“Israeli officials fear Iran could have enough uranium for a nuclear bomb within weeks.” World News Platform) Israeli defense operations made clear the Jewish state’s intentions in light of the existential threat. The head of the Mossad spy agency said Thursday that a bad nuclear deal between world powers and Iran would be “intolerable” for Israel, vowing that the Islamic Republic will never acquire nuclear weapons. “It’s clear that there’s no need for uranium enriched to 60 percent for civilian purposes,” David Barnea said during a ceremony at the President’s Residence to honor exceptional Mossad agents. “There’s no need for three enrichment sites. There’s no need for thousands of active centrifuges—unless, that is, there is an intention to develop nuclear weapons.”… “Iran will not have nuclear weapons—not in the coming years, not ever. That is my promise; that is Mossad’s promise.”… Asked about plans for a potential strike on Iranian nuclear sites during a rare television interview aired Thursday, [Israeli] Air Force head Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin said the IDF was prioritizing preparations for such a possibility… Norkin compared Israel to an “insurance policy” against Iran obtaining a nuclear bomb. Asked if that insurance policy would need to be exercised, he said: “We’ll do whatever is required.” (“Mossad head vows no Iran nukes’ ever,’ as credibility of military option scrutinized.” Times of Israel) It has long been almost certain that Israel has, through hacking into Iran’s computer capabilities, thus far been able to halt or slow considerably the regime’s drive to achieve nuclear weapons status. However, progress in that weapons program has apparently reached the point that a literal military strike will be necessary. Israel’s very existence, in terms of human understanding, is at stake. We who believe God’s Word is true—that His chosen nation will never be destroyed—know Iran will never be able to achieve Shekarchi’s desire for the nation’s destruction. But we look at the threat and at developments in Iran’s nuclear program and sense that a major prophecy given by Jeremiah the prophet looks to be shaping for fulfillment. “The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, The foremost of their might. Against Elam I will bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, And scatter them toward all those winds; There shall be no nations where the outcasts of Elam will not go'” (Jeremiah 49:34–36). The area that includes the bulk of Iran’s nuclear facilities is the Bushehr mountains of the geographical region of Elam, as given in biblical terms. Our good friend, Bill Salus, has done tremendous research and authored a number of books on the end times and the Middle East. In his book, Nuclear Showdown in Iran, The Ancient Prophecy of Elam, Bill summarizes with the following: Jeremiah 49:34–36 predicts a coming disaster to the western central portion of Iran where the ancient territory of Elam existed. The magnitude of this tragedy will create a massive worldwide dispersion of the affected population. It may turn out to be a humanitarian crisis of epic proportion. Among those being scattered will be Christians looking for the opportunity to depart from Iran in order to preach the gospel worldwide. The IRGC will be struck hard at the heart of its military might. This attack appears to minimize the IRGC’s ability to respond effectively. The strategic targets might include Iran’s nuclear program, which could result in an unprecedented nuclear catastrophe. In a late-breaking development, Amir Tsarfati reports from Tel Aviv that Iran, on Friday or Saturday of the past week, experienced a massive explosion at one of its nuclear development facilities. The area is apparently being cleared of those who live there because of possibly dangerous emissions from the destruction. Amir indicated that speculation is that a drone strike might have been responsible. Personally, I believe that such a catastrophic fulfillment as predicted by Jeremiah the prophet won’t take place until after the Rapture of the Church. But with things shaping up as they are in such dramatic fashion, I think it’s wise to take Jesus’ words to heart as never before. “And when you see all these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).