The Point Of No Return - The State Of Israel Is Born

by Joseph Hunting

Has the world passed the point of no return in connection with prophecies relating to the return of Israel's Messiah?

This thought-provoking article by Joseph Hunting discusses some of the signs based on prophecies contained in Luke 21, verses 24 to 36.

During the days when pioneer airmen blazed the air trails across the world a point was sometimes marked on their charts which was known as 'the point of no return.' It was usually the point where they had insufficient fuel to enable them to return to base if the hazards became too great to continue.

In the brief span of less than six decades events have occurred that have had tremendous significance for the people of Israel, and which have also altered the course of history. The first of these was the deliverance of Jerusalem from the Turks by General Allenby on December 9^th, 1917. This set off a chain reaction which paved the way for one of the most important events of our time, the rebirth of the State of Israel on May 14^th, 1948. Then during the next thirty years four lightning-swift wars were fought in the Holy Land. The dramatic climax of the third war in June 1967 occurred on June 7^th when Israeli troops liberated Jerusalem from Jordanian control. On that day the Old City of Jerusalem reverted back to the State of Israel for the first time in nearly 2,000 years. Indeed, with one brief exception which occurred during the Maccabean revolt Jerusalem had been under Gentile domination for 2,500 years! When examined under the light of Bible prophecy this date could mark the point of no return in world history which will culminate with Messiah's return.

Bible scholars have long recognized that Israel's return to its original homeland is not merely the result of cause and effect resulting from power politics as has been the case in the emergence of so many other nations. The return of the exiles to the land of their forefathers was clearly foretold by the prophets of Israel and on June 7^th, 1967 a milestone in prophetic history was passed when the Old City of Jerusalem again came under the control of the State of Israel.

THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES

In the following prophecy the Messiah foretold the dispersion of His people from their homeland and the subsequent Gentile control of Jerusalem which extended over a time span of nineteen centuries -- until June 7^th, 1967.

"And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations, AND JERUSALEM SHALL BE TRODDEN DOWN OF THE GENTILES, UNTIL THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES BE FULFILLED." (Luke 21:24)

The expression, "The times of the Gentiles" is Jewish in origin and in the context of this prophecy it has to do with the Gentile (or non Jewish) rule over the Holy City.

Whilst there are various dates given regarding the commencement of "the times of the Gentiles" the one most likely is the 9^th day of Av (July) in the year 586 B.C. This was the date Jerusalem was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. The memory of this tragic event is perpetuated by a day of fasting and mourning known as Tish B'Av. Apart from the destruction of the Temple and the Holy City this event is important in the annals of Jewish history as it also commemorates the termination of the Messianic throne of David, "UNTIL HE COMES WHOSE RIGHT IT IS."

One of the most significant aspects of Jewish history spanning 2,500 years is that no descendant of David has claimed the throne. Well did Hosea prophesy, " . . . the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king and without a prince." (Hosea 3:4)

Ezekiel also prophesied the overthrow of the Messianic throne and that it is to be reserved for the rightful heir. "Thus saith the Lord God; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown . . . I will overturn, overturn, overturn it: and it shall be no more, UNTIL HE COMES WHOSE RIGHT IT IS, AND I WILL GIVE IT HIM." (Ezekiel 21:26-27)

An impressive line-up of Gentile nations has ruled over Jerusalem since its overthrow by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 B.C. The Babylonian overlordship during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar was followed by the Medo-Persian, Grecian and Roman empires. After the second destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. by the Romans a long succession of Gentile powers including the Arabs, Moors Saracens Crusaders, Mamelukes, Turks, British and the United Nations dominated Jerusalem -- until June 7^th, 1967!

What special significance has this date? The answer lies in the prophecy concerning Jerusalem and the termination of the times of the Gentile overlordship, that "Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles UNTIL the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." The word 'UNTIL' points to the termination of non-Jewish control of Jerusalem. It may well be said that, with the fulfilment of this prophecy we pass the point of no return in relation to the cataclysmic events that are associated with the end time and Messiah's return.

The fate of Jerusalem on June 7^th, 1967 is directly connected with the present condition of world affairs. The prophecy continues: "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth DISTRESS OF NATIONS WITH PERPLEXITY . . . " (verse 25). This sign is already flashing its warning.

"DISTRESS OF NATIONS WITH PERPLEXITY"

WATERGATE

The greatest scandal that has ever rocked America with its trail of lies, corruption and graft has exposed the rottenness at the core of this nation in the recent past.

S.E. ASIA

America's involvement in Vietnam and Cambodia has left a legacy of disillusionment and mistrust.

TERRORISM

This has now become a global disease for which the nations have no cure. Kidnappings, highjackings, random violence are its deadly symptoms.

THE ENERGY CRISIS

The Arab nations are sitting on the vast reserves of oil which the world desperately needs. Political blackmail is already being applied to America because of its Israel aid programme. Britain and France have already succumbed to this threat.

THE MIDDLE EAST

The Middle East remains a powder keg ready to ignite at the touch of a spark.

POLLUTION

Rivers, lakes, oceans and the atmosphere are all being fouled with industrial wastes. Nuclear waste and its disposal hangs like the sword of Damocles over our civilization.

FAMINE

The population explosion, devastating floods and droughts are factors over which man has no control and will eventually result in a worldwide famine of unprecedented proportions.

CORRUPTION

Corruption has recently toppled the governments of America, Israel, Japan, India, Pakistan and West Germany. And highly respectable members of Parliament at home and abroad are not immune from this insidious disease eating at the heart of our western democracies.

Messiah's prophecy concerning the end of Gentile domination of Jerusalem and His listing of the signs which follow are but the prelude to a far greater event -- His return. The prophecy concludes, "Then shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these thing begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh." (Luke 21:27-28).

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