It was on this day, in 1939, that World War II broke out when the German Wehrmacht invaded Poland. While the Germans were invading Poland from the west, the Soviet Union struck the nation from the east. Previously, these two nations had entered into a pact, agreeing to divide the nation of Poland between them. After this invasion came other invasions, other battles and great loss of life. World War II, lasting six years was the bloodiest war mankind has ever witnessed.
Why did World War II happen? The argument could be made that it was because pacifists went out of their way to appease the aggressors. Instead of confronting Hitler’s aggression, people like Britain’s Neville Chamberlain opted to give him what he wanted, with the hope that he would be satisfied and the world would have peace. But what these people discovered, too late unfortunately, was that Hitler didn’t want peace; Hitler’s aspirations were to control the entire world.
The ramifications of World War II are still being felt around the globe. There are nations that no longer exist because of World War II. Some nations were formed as a result of World War II. As awful as it was, it could be argued that World War II was the catalyst that helped create the state of Israel. Before the rise of Hitler, European Jews didn’t have any incentive to leave their homes and emigrate to what was then a desert and something they had never known. The rise of Nazism, World War II and the Holocaust became the incentive. As awful as it was for most people, including about six million Jews, if it had not occurred, who knows if we would have the state of Israel, today? World War II and the Holocaust was the travail that brought about the birth of Israel. The prophet Isaiah hinted at this:
“Before she was in labor, she gave birth; before her pain came, she delivered a male child. Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, she gave birth to her children.” (Isaiah 66:7-8)
I believe this prophecy foretold of what happened in 1948 with the birth of the state of Israel but I don’t believe that this is the end of the story. There is more to occur that will fulfill this particular prophecy. I say that because not all of Israel has returned to the land just yet. If that’s the case, then unfortunately, that means there is likely to be more travail and labor pains. That is a troubling prospect in the short term, but indication of a glorious prospect in the long term — i.e. the advent of the Messianic Kingdom.
Whether these things occur in our lifetime or in the lifetime of our children and grandchildren, one day God is going to orchestrate circumstances that provoke all of His people to go back to the land of Israel. Again, that probably means that, as we’ve seen in times past, there will be travail. Still, the “child” that is to be delivered is a Kingdom that will never pass away, ruled by the King of kings and Lord of lords. This is the same time and event Paul referred to when he described the creation’s groaning and laboring with birth pains in order to reveal the sons of God (Romans 8:18-22).
My prayer is that, whatever role you and I have to fulfill in this process, the Father will give us wisdom, direction and the strength to do it. One thing that we must do, starting right now, is to commit ourselves to standing against the aggression of the Adversary. We must not appease him but we must stand for truth and righteousness. And when we’ve done all we can to stand, then we are to stand some more. Have a blessed day.
Shalom.
Greeting Brother in the name of Yeshua/Jesus. I enjoy your programs with Perry Stone in the Prophetic summits you put on every year. I have one question. In the 2019 summit, you mentioned that you thought Elijah may be like Rahab and Ruth a Gentile who became Jewish. I am confused about that statement because I strongly believe that Elijah was Jewish. He was of the tribe of Gad. I Kings 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, surely there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” He was a Tishbite meaning from the town of Tisbit like I am from Pittsburgh so I am a Pittsburger. Anyway he was in a special position that God called meaning he was a Prophet to the nation of Israel. I believe that God would not call a Gentile to be a prophet to Israel at that time. The Jews would not listen to him. Where he was a son of a woman like Ruth who was redeemed by Boaz who is Davids grandmother, I do not know if this is what you are referring too. I looked up what you said in some commentary band there were some discussions but the part that he may be a gentile convert was dismissed because of the Prophet call on his life. We will find out when we see him face to face in heaven. Blessings
Dennis; Thanks for your comment. Regarding Elijah, I make this claim based on what the Bible says of him, specifically the verse you quoted. 1 Kings 17:1 says, “And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants (your version said “settler”) of Gilead…” Gilead is a region in Israel proper and is not exclusively associated with the tribe of Gad. When Israel came into the land, Gilead was divided among the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and the eastern half of Manasseh.
As far as Elijah being a Tishbite, the Hebrew text says that he was the Tishbi תשבי and was of the inhabitants (settlers) of Gilead — not Tishbe. The Hebrew word “settler” or “inhabitants” is תשבי “toshavei” and, here, is spelled identically to the word Tishbi. Do a word study and you will find that the root “toshav” (from which the word Tishbi and toshavei is derived) means “resident alien, foreigner or stranger.” Thus, 1 Kings 17:1 says, “And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the resident aliens living in Gilead…”
Finally, though it is debated, there are Jewish sources that also make this connection. Modern Judaism has tried to sweep this away claiming that Elijah MUST be Jewish. But even if he was from one of the tribes living in Gilead (Gad, Reuben or Manasseh) he wouldn’t have been Jewish because Jews are those who were of the southern Kingdom of Judah (Judah, Benjamin, many from Levi and to some degree Simeon).
This is my position on the matter and there are other Biblical principles found throughout Scripture that support this notion as well. But, as you said, we will all find out one day. Shalom and Blessings.
Bill, do you believe in a catching away of the saints…..a rapture?
Thank you in advance.
Donna; I believe in the “catching away” as Paul describes it in 1 Thessalonians. The issue is “when” — that’s where I differ with those who are pre-trib.
Do you believe in a mid-trib or post-trib rapture? Would you be willing to give the reasons why you believe what you do here, or do you have a teaching on this topic about which one you believe? Thank you.
Donna; I gave my reasons for my belief on the rapture during our Wednesday night (9/16/20) Bible study. Go to our Facebook page or our YouTube page and watch the video for that Bible study. Should answer your questions. Shalom.
Would you combine this question with my other question if you think that would be helpful?
Based on your answer to Dennis’ question and the information in your post about God provoking all of His “people” to return to the land of Israel…..Do you believe that all believers in Messiah Yeshua are part of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and that God is waiting for those believers to desire to return to the nation of Israel?
Somehow when I read what you write, I get the impression that you infer a lot of things. If that is true – and it may not be – you sure do make it hard on us to get what you’re saying! ?
Donna; I wouldn’t say that all believers are part of the Northern kingdom. I do believe that He is waiting for His people to desire to return to Him with all their heart, not necessarily waiting for them to desire to return to the land. And, yes, I do infer many things and leave it to others to do ponder it and then do their homework. Shalom.
Well…..this is the first time I asked a question and you didn’t post it. Did I ask the wrong thing or is it something you don’t want to answer?
It’s been about 10 years since we lived in East Tennessee and attended the classes you had at your offices in Cleveland.
I couldn’t remember if you taught on the topics I asked about and what you said if you did teach on them.
Donna; What question are you referring to that I didn’t post? I’m lost so tell me again.
Thank you. You did answer my questions. It just took a little longer than usual.
Sorry about that!
Bill, Thank you for directing me to the Jacob’s Tent YouTube channel.
Our Father never ceases to amaze me. When I asked you the question about the rapture, I had no idea people had been asking you about it. I’ve never watched your congregation online, and I don’t know anyone who attends there. It seems like many of us are pondering this question.
Watching the service you recommended was so edifying and led me to watch other services – including the Yom Teruah service.
1) Thank you and everyone there who make these services available to us who live out of your area and state.
2) My goodness your sweet daughter-in-law has the voice of an angel. She and your son are truly anointed to lead people in worshiping our Heavenly Father. The blessing of their ministry….there are no words.
3) I did not know Brad Scott passed away. I’m sorry for your loss as his closest friend.
4) Your heart is so precious. We don’t agree on everything, and I appreciate your heart on that. The way you conduct services, choose your words carefully and pray so lovingly for those in your congregation is so refreshing.
Thank you for all you do.
Donna; Thank you so much for the encouragement; it is greatly appreciated. Shalom.