Global conflicts dominate the news as the world teeters ever closer to world war. Nevertheless, the prospect of war and the evasiveness of peace should not catch those with eyes to see the working out of prophetic scriptures on the world stage.
Today, Israel remembers the first anniversary of the atrocities committed by Hamas on the 7th of October, 2023. A day memorialised in Jewish consciousness when Hamas raped, tortured and murdered men, women and children along with taking hostages, many of which have not been returned. Yet, while civilised people join with the families of the hostages in praying for their release, the sad reality is that they have most likely been tortured and abused before being murdered. However, we continue to pray for them until we know for certain what has happened.
Yet, as flags fly at half-mast across Israel, remembering those who were brutally murdered and tortured,[1] sirens ring out across the country as Yemen missiles,[2] and Hamas rockets are launched into Israel.[3] These visible signs inform Israel and the world that it will not know peace until the Prince of Peace – Yeshua/Jesus comes.
The Middle East is in turmoil. Israel is facing attacks from a Muslim coalition, yet pressure by Israel’s allies has for now prevented an escalation in the region, but it is only a matter of time before Israel is attacked by her neighbours.
The recent attack by Iran, during which Iran launched over 400 missiles and rockets on Israel,[4] witnessed the US and UK leaders condemning Iran.[5] However, while British and US forces supported Israel in defending against Iran’s bombardment,[6] only time will tell if the UK and US will continue to stand resolute with Israel.
The Arab Gulf states – Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait have responded, stating that they will not permit the US to use their airbases to defend Israel.[7] While the Arab Gulf states declare their neutrality, Egypt’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati has declared that Egypt stands with Lebanon[8] and, thus, indirectly with Iran.
What we are witnessing in the Middle East is Israel as a cup of trembling. Consequently, alliances are being formed that will ultimately see Israel attacked. Yet for any attack against Israel to be successful, she must be isolated from her allies. Therefore, her allies need to be neutralised or debilitated from coming to Israel’s aid. Thus, what we will soon see are attacks against Western nations, especially the US and UK, to neutralise them and prevent them from aiding Israel.
Now, some will say that it is impossible, but time will see. I, like many others, believe we will soon witness such attacks that will significantly debilitate Western nations. Why? Because we have turned away from God. Thus, our pride will see us brought down low. Furthermore, scripture informs us that these things will transpire.
However, while the prospect of war is significant, one we should prepare for as we cry out to God in repentance, asking Him to show mercy in His judgment, the prospect of famine is more urgent!
Currently, the world is experiencing economic and food crises that will intensify shortly. In the US, the government is quietly preparing to deal with food shortages. This week, the federal government seized all produce and future produce from a 400-acre canning facility under the National Defence Authorization Act (NDAA). Additionally, Steve Quayle, in a private briefing, informed members that he had been informed that the US was planning on rationing food. This move could be operationalised by the end of October.
While some will ignore such reports, the reality is that the Bible informs us that an economic collapse and famine will be unleashed upon the earth prior to WW3. Therefore, one would be wise to prepare, especially as we see global war on the horizon. We must expect famine first.
When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. 6 Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “Two pounds of wheat for a day’s wages, and six pounds of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!”
7 When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” 8 I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.
Revelation 6:5-8
The coming economic collapse and famine will be unlike anything we have experienced in world history. Likewise, we must expect terror to come upon the West because of a lack of repentance by the church. Judgment is coming on the West. Our only hope is to cry out to God as we prepare spiritually and physically for unprecedented hardships to be unleashed, a consequence of God removing His hand of protection.
Thus, I urge people first to ensure that they are walking close to the Living God and that they have made Jesus their Lord and Saviour. Then, prepare physically for famine, economic collapse, and the eventual war. However, do not let fear consume you, but ensure that you draw close to God and allow His perfect love to engulf you, thus casting out all fear.
Furthermore, do not expect things to return to normal. They will not. Christians, as well as doing the above, need to prepare for persecution, to be hunted and killed for their faith.
Sadly, most have accepted the lies of the enemy and believe God will beam them up prior to any tribulation. The reality is that believers remain and endure the hardship. Many will be martyred, others will be imprisoned for their faith, yet many will endure as they leave their homes and go on an adventure in the wilderness of the people with God.
However, regardless of what you believe, I am sure we can agree that the world is in tribulation, and there is no harm in preparing for hard times. Thus, I urge you to prepare and then focus on proclaiming the gospel to the lost.
I pray the LORD will guide and protect you!
[1] Greenwood, H., Yalon, Y., Egorov, I., Cohen, C., and Shoval, L. (October 7, 2024) One year later: Israel mourns those it lost on Oct. 7. Israel Hayom, online, available from https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/10/07/one-year-later-israel-remembers-oct-7/
[2] Jerusalem Post. (October 7, 2024) IAF intercepts surface-to-surface missile from Yemen, sirens activate across Israel. Jerusalem Post, Online, available from https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-823586
[3] Halfon, Y. (October 7, 2024) On Oct. 7 anniversary: Hamas rockets slam into central Israel. Jerusalem Post, online, available from https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-823504
[4] Hindustan Times. (October 2, 2024) Iran Fires 400+ Missiles & Rockets, Unleashing ‘Hellfire’ on Israel as Iron Dome Struggles | LIVE. YouTube, available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjF-Mm2FeXI
[5] ITV News. (October 1, 2024) ‘We stand with Israel’: Starmer and Biden condemn Iran missile attack. Online, available from https://www.itv.com/news/2024-10-01/international-leaders-react-after-iran-launches-missile-strikes-into-israel
[6] Parashar, A., Nicol, M., Jehring, A., and Lisbona, N. (October 2, 2024) British forces ‘played their part’ in defending Israel from Iranian missile barrage: UK and US confirm involvement as Tehran’s attack is largely thwarted – and IDF launches new ‘powerful’ wave of overnight retribution against Hezbollah targets. Mail online, available from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13913863/John-Healey-confirms-UK-involvement-Middle-East-Iran-Israel.html
[7] Chatterjee, A. (October 4, 2024) Gulf states assure Iran of their neutrality, as US looks to aid Israel. National Herald, online, available from https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/international/gulf-states-look-to-reassure-iran-of-their-neutrality-wont-let-us-defend-israel-from-their-soil
[8] Ahram. (September 28. 2024) Egypt rejects any violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity: El-Sisi to PM Mikati. Ahram online, available from https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/1234/532628/Egypt/Foreign-Affairs/Egypt-rejects-any-violations-of-Lebanon;s-sovereig.aspx
