EU Wants Israel to Divide Jerusalem

EU Wants Israel to Divide Jerusalem
15:51 Nov 27, '05 / 25 Cheshvan 5766
By Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu




The EU has accused Israel of a de facto annexation of eastern Jerusalem. An EU conference in Barcelona is discussing the issue, with the PA calling for dividing Israel's capital.
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Israel will fall for Europe's BIG LIE of "peace and security" and permit them to station "peacekeeping" troops around Jerusalem. Such EU wolves in sheep's clothing will brutally betray both Arabs and Jews, expel Jews from the Jewish Quarter and seize the Temple Mount for their pagan pope and Europe's imminent wannabe divine emperor: believe it or not!

Israel will not be able to say that they weren't warned. The EU jackboot will stomp Israel and occupy Jerusalem!

Are Enoch and Elijah the two witnesses?

Once you read this article, with its clear biblical references, you'll wonder how some ever carelessly believed such nonsense!

Where Are Enoch and Elijah?

by Herbert W. Armstrong
1973

Enoch was translated that he should not see death. Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. Yet the Bible reveals they are not in heaven today! Here's the astounding truth.

When are the Two Witnesses resurrected?

It's time to understand what the Bible teaches on this subject. Many have carelessly assumed that their resurrection -- to occur three and one half days after their death takes place at the same time as Christ's coming. THAT IS DEAD WRONG! Such a teaching contradicts the clear scripture: "But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father" (Mark 13:32; Acts 1:7). All we would have to do is count three and one half days after they've been martyred and we would know the day and practically the hour! Besides the Scripture plainly states immediately following their resurrection: "The second woe is past and the third woe comes quickly" (Revelation 11:14). The third woe is simultaneous with Jesus' coming and the pouring out of the 7 last plagues in His presence.

The two witnesses will be restored to human life after three and one half days, corresponding to their three and one half years of ministry, as a SIGN that Israel - who'll be as good as dead - will also be resurrected! There is life after Babylon! Then "air transportation" will be provided for them just like it was for Enoch and Elijah - who flew the friendly skies of the first heaven. The two witnesses will be transferred to another location on earth, undoubtedly united with the brethren in "her place", to await the imminent return of Christ!

Zechariah 4

The Gold Lampstand and the Two Olive Trees

1 Then the angel who talked with me returned and wakened me, as a man is wakened from his sleep. 2 He asked me, "What do you see?"
I answered, "I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lights on it, with seven channels to the lights. 3 Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left."

4 I asked the angel who talked with me, "What are these, my lord?"

5 He answered, "Do you not know what these are?"
"No, my lord," I replied.

6 So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.

7 "What are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of 'God bless it! God bless it!' "

8 Then the word of the LORD came to me: 9 "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you.

10 "Who despises the day of small things? Men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.
"(These seven are the eyes of the LORD, which range throughout the earth.)"

11 Then I asked the angel, "What are these two olive trees on the right and the left of the lampstand?"

12 Again I asked him, "What are these two olive branches beside the two gold pipes that pour out golden oil?"

13 He replied, "Do you not know what these are?"
"No, my lord," I said.

14 So he said, "These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth."

The Two Witnesses of Revelation 11

Revelation 11:1-14

The Two Witnesses

1I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, "Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, and count the worshipers there. 2But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months. 3And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth." 4These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. 5If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. 6These men have power to shut up the sky so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.

7Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. 8Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city, which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. 9For three and a half days men from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. 10The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.

11But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. 12Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.

13At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.

14The second woe has passed; the third woe is coming soon.

Preview of the Two Witnesses in Revelation 11

Revelation 11
The Two Witnesses
1I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, "Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, and count the worshipers there. 2But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months. 3And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth." 4These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. 5If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. 6These men have power to shut up the sky so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.

7Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. 8Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city, which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. 9For three and a half days men from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. 10The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.

11But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. 12Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.

13At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.

14The second woe has passed; the third woe is coming soon.

Two witnesses to testify in Jerusalem against Europe!

Two controversial figures, referred to in the Book of Revelation as two witnesses, two olive trees, two candlesticks and two prophets, will boldly declare GOD’S JUDGMENTS and proclaim the LORD’S CONTROVERSY (Micah 3:8; 6:1-2), delivering a BLISTERING MESSAGE and a SCORCHING CONDEMNATION - just before NUCLEAR FIRE AND BRIMSTONE RAINS DOWN upon those who’ve rejected GOD’S ULTIMATUM (Isaiah 41:27; 30:27)!

The wise will hear this THUNDER and take shelter (Revelation 10; Proverbs 27:12). It’s been said that history repeats itself because nobody listened the first time. Who’s listening today? Does anybody care? THE MESSAGE IS LOUD AND CLEAR! Another HOLOCAUST is coming! That warning must roar from Jerusalem! That’s the sensitive location where God will spark a NATIONAL DEBATE and ignite an INTERNATIONAL CONTROVERSY! (Jeremiah 15:10; Revelation 11:10). It’ll shock the Jews and anger the Germans! Both will immediately want to stop such "incitement" - calling it fear-mongering and racist - but such persecution will only fan the flames of this BURNING ISSUE (Isaiah 54:15-16)! God’s going to make sure that everybody - from the least to the greatest - has had a chance to HEAR AND HEED (Jeremiah 5:4-5).

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). The historical precedent’s been set. We’re not an exception or invincible (Luke 13:3). Europe’s already making preparations while we’re on our deathbed: victims of tradition. THE UNITED STATES IS GOING TO FOLD, THE BRITISH COMMONWEALTH’S GOING INTO CAPTIVITY, AND ISRAEL’S GOING TO BE OCCUPIED!

Prior to Europe's invasion and occupation of the State of Israel, God will have stationed two men, especially trained for this mission, in Jerusalem. They're to serve notice that Jerusalem and Israel belong to GOD! These two men are witnesses that God will again choose Jerusalem. They won't rest until Zion fulfills her calling (Isaiah 62:6-7). They can foresee the future so clearly, it's as good as done for them (Romans 4:17). Since they know for sure what's going to happen, they can give an accurate forecast!

Why are there two of them? For several reasons: God's Law requires two or three witnesses to testify before the judge can pass sentence; they're Israel's eyes, to enlighten and help them see what's going on; and THEY REPRESENT GOD'S CHURCH AND STATE.

The prophet Zechariah first mentions these two. He saw them portrayed as two olive trees, standing next to a golden Menorah, one on each side. When he questioned God's angel as to what this all meant, he was told: "These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth" (Zechariah 4:14).

It's understood that the Menorah represents Israel - who's yet to become a "light to all nations." Today Israel's national symbol is this very candlestick with its two olive branches.

Ancient Israel only had two anointed positions: Priest and King. They were anointed with olive oil, symbolic of God's Holy Spirit, before taking office (Exodus 30: 30). It was a simple gesture asking for God's merciful guidance, and a humble request for Heaven's inspiration (I Samuel 16:13).

God reveals that His men are going to be on active duty for three and a half years. Their mission coincides with Jerusalem's Gentile occupation. They'll witness the atrocities committed against our people, and fast and pray. Therefore, the formal dinners and black-tie days are gone. God's prophets will be in mourning and wearing black: burlap!

Revelation 11:4 declares: "These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth." They stand at attention before God, ready and willing to carry out His every command. They're filled with the Holy Spirit and share their LIGHT of understanding with captive Israel (Zechariah 4:12). They'll give it all they've got, emptying themselves, to try and impart God's vision and spiritual insight.

Obviously, they're testifying against Europe's crimes against humanity, because the Beast wants them dead! They warn Europe their Day of reckoning is near and they thereby encourage Israel to never fear!

The prophet Malachi assures us: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse" (Malachi 4:5-6).

Who in the Bible is most prominent before the return of Jesus Christ? In the Old Testament we find "Elijah." In the New Testament we're introduced to the "Two Witnesses." They're both just before the awesome DAY OF THE LORD - the time when God directly intervenes with the SEVEN LAST PLAGUES!

Israel's two representatives will present their case from Jerusalem. They’ll confront Europe's pope and wannabe divine emperor with the facts and hold them personally responsible for Europe's atrocities. God's two witnesses will take the stand and testify against Europe's cruel and unusual punishment inflicted upon our people. They'll charge the Beast and False Prophet with murder, treason, and extortion!

Israel's two anointed positions were priest and king. The priest tribe was Levi and the scepter tribe was Judah. Therefore, one of Israel's representatives will hail from the Royal House of David (Judah), and the other will join him as an assistant, from Aaron's line (Levi). Both will be deeply converted individuals from God's one and only true Church. They represent God's Church and State, like Moses and Aaron, against Satan's counterfeit Church and State!

"Elijah" will vigorously oppose Europe's evil empire and speak out against its corrupt system of government and religion! He'll denounce those Israelite nations in Europe who will have merged their markets with Babylon's daughter. Ahab (pagan Israelites) and Jezebel (the Catholic Church) will have to contend with Elijah again! Elijah's successor was promised a double portion of God's Holy Spirit: it'll be shared between the Two Witnesses!

The Two Witnesses of Revelation 11

The two witnesses of Revelation 11. Who are these two prophets? What do they have to say? Why are they called the two witnesses? How will their message be proclaimed? And is there any special significance to the fact that they're headquartered in Jerusalem? God's Church has often wondered about these things, but we ALL need to know the answers to these vital questions, especially since the two witnesses will soon make their debut upon the world stage!

Even as the United Europe is being raised up before our very eyes, just as Herbert W. Armstrong said it would, isn't it reasonable that God is raising up the two witnesses who will testify against it? And even as God's Church is approaching the end of their great commission (Herbert W. Armstrong took the gospel around the world, the Church must warn the world), isn't it only reasonable that the two witnesses should be beginning theirs? (John 3:30). Didn't Isaiah foresee this very event when he prophesied of the "night when no man can work," but assures us of two witnesses whom God would simultaneously raise up to impart their light? (Isaiah 60:1-2).

It appears that the full power and glory of Elijah's office isn't to be fulfilled until AFTER God's Church has been removed to "her place" and a double portion of God's Spirit is transferred to our successor - the two witnesses! (Revelation 12:14; 2 Kings 2:9).

God states that He shall station watchmen in Jerusalem. Why? For the purpose of comforting His captive Church and Israelite people. How will they be comforted? By the ASSURANCE that our God will come and save us and avenge us of our enemies (Isaiah 62:6-7; 40:1; 35:3-4)! The specific commission and anointing of the two witnesses is clearly recorded in Isaiah 61:1-2.

Remember your Roots

Malachi 4:5-6 further reveals that they (the two witnesses) are to PREPARE THE NATION of Israel for the Coming of our King, by a baptism of repentance that will prepare them to receive the Holy Spirit (which is to be poured out at Christ's return). That national preparation is only possible if Israel's heart is turned back to the heart of our fathers (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), and then, in turn, our hearts must be turned back to the GOD of our fathers and His TRUE religion.

Presently there's a "generation gap" between the fathers and us because the true religion demands obedience to the Law of God. Abraham recognizes only the obedient as his legal heirs (Genesis 18:19; John 8:39; Galatians 3:29). And since we're a rebellious nation and people (Isaiah 30:9), Abraham refuses to acknowledge us (Isaiah 63:16; Hosea 5:7; 6:7).

If Israel dares to reject this necessary "family reunion" that would direct us to our Heavenly Father, God will be forced to destroy all rebellious life from off the face of the earth. Why? Because Israel is God's national firstborn and the law demands death to stubborn sons (Deuteronomy 21:18-21; Malachi 4:6)! God realizes that if Israel can't be saved, then no nation can. The continued existence of Israel is vital to the survival of ALL nations, because Israel is the national salt even as God's Church is the spiritual salt!

Because of the COVENANT that God entered into with Abraham, Israel is the racial elect, and for our fathers' sakes God has always left us a REMNANT, ordained some survivors, to keep His Promise alive (Matthew 24:22; Isaiah 1:9). We are to return to our fathers and their true religion and remember the Covenant (2 Chronicles 30:6; I Kings 18:36-37; Isaiah 51:1-3). This is the commission of the two witnesses. That Covenant reveals Christ as Lord and Savior, Priest and King - not just one or the other. He is to save us from men and deliver us from sin (Luke 2:68-69)!

Israel's National Deliverer

It's important to note that God's Message throughout the ages has always been affected by events and conditions. The early apostles preached the Gospel, but placed special emphasis on proving that Jesus is the prophesied Messiah - because that was the issue of their day. Herbert W. Armstrong has preached the Gospel, but with a special emphasis on Christ's necessary intervention to save us from total annihilation - because the burning question of human survival hangs in the balance!

God's two witnesses will proclaim the Gospel, but will place special emphasis on the fact that Christ is ISRAEL'S NATIONAL MESSIAH and is coming to SAVE them specifically. Why? Because of the ancient Covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Isn't it interesting that Jesus came to confirm the Covenant during Judah's oppression; the time when fear and doubt would seek to undermine faith in God's Contract (Luke 2:38)? The true Gospel is going to become very relevant and personal to every captive Israelite, because that GOOD NEWS assures Israel's deliverance and vengeance on their enemies (Isaiah 35:4). That "Strong Hand from Someplace" that Mr. Armstrong spoke of so often, will wrest the world from the clutches of the Roman eagle!

The spearhead of the message of the two witnesses will be directed to Israel, but will also include the Gentiles. Presently God's Work, following an established pattern, witnesses predominately to the nations of Israel, though including the Gentiles to a lesser degree. God sends His prophets to Israel, but often they also address the Gentiles with a warning message, never leaving them without a witness.

Undoubtedly, the Book of Revelation will be utilized to identify the Beast and False Prophet, but basically "Babylon" will be warned by the two witnesses when Israel's offered vengeance and deliverance - indicting Europe of sin, warning them to repent or suffer the consequences. Europe must restrain their brute force or be imprisoned and destroyed! Some precious Europeans will fear God and respond like the Hebrew midwives and certain of Pharaoh's servants. There are also the shining examples of those who protected the Jews from Hitler's Nazis. (I'm especially thankful for the Polish family of Jan Bulski who hid my "kibbutz mother," Miriam Weiss. She had originally been in the Warsaw Ghetto until a place was found for her. Sorrowfully, Miriam's mother had to remain behind (and was sent to Treblinka where she died), but she was so happy for her daughter to escape). God readily accepts the righteous Gentiles.

Conditions for Release

Israel will quickly repent, expecting instant liberation, but the two witnesses will then have to explain the Covenant STIPULATIONS FOR OUR DELIVERANCE. The Covenant stipulations are: First, confess and forsake our sins and traditions of men, as the CAUSE of our national distress. Second, we must accept the corrective punishment for our sins (Leviticus 26:40-42). Israel will quickly submit to these stipulations, desiring deliverance, but will be aghast to discover themselves still enslaved (Proverbs 1:28-31)! Their initial confused reaction will be to question the Message of Vengeance/Deliverance. At Israel's critical juncture, crying, "Haven't we straightened up? Isn't God going to forgive us? Have we been forsaken after all?" The two witnesses will then impart an even greater insight and depth of understanding of the Covenant conditions.

How? By instructing Israel how they must ACCEPT THE CORRECTIVE PUNISHMENT! And as for their words, "God has forsaken us," God hasn't forsaken them. THEY HAVE FORSAKEN GOD! Israel must reap the whirlwind that they've sown to realize the evil of their way. We must understand that we are RESPONSIBLE for all the suffering and misery we'll experience in captivity (Jeremiah 4:18). Israel WILL be forgiven, but "I will correct you in measure, and will not leave you altogether unpunished" (Jeremiah 30:11). Israel must accept the fact that they're not going to be delivered overnight, and that to accept the corrective punishment means to actually receive it—UNTIL the appointed Time when God will hear and intervene on our behalf (Isaiah 49:8)!

We may be comforted in that there IS a PURPOSE being worked our here below! And of Israel it is written: "You are My servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified" (Isaiah 49:3). Israel will fulfill her call, by the power of God's Holy Spirit, but first she must confess and forsake her sins, and in true humility accept the corrective punishment incurred by them - then will God come with His Vengeance/Deliverance! It's certain!

God will never forsake His People Israel, though Israel will temporarily feel that He has. But God will disperse such fears and embrace His Elect (Isaiah 49:15). Though God will definitely allow us to suffer for our sins, God suffers when we suffer because He really does love and pity us (Isaiah 63:9). When we're in the thick of it - the Time of Jacob's Trouble - He'll be there for us (Genesis 22:13; Matthew 27:29). Our Faithful God promises that He'll never leave or forsake us, but as IMMANUEL will ever be aware of us, even saying: "I WILL BE WITH YOU..." as He promised our fathers who whom's sake we're beloved. "Therefore, FEAR NOT...neither be dismayed...for lo, I WILL SAVE YOU..." (Jeremiah 30:10-11).

Delay isn't Denial

God will, as a responsible Father, send corrective punishment. But understanding that it's for our ultimate good, we're not to despise it or get bitter towards God. God wants to insure our minds are indelibly impressed with the understanding of WHY the Great Tribulation will occur, and how we're to accept the correction with hope and not despair. We have to remember that the "Time of Jacob's Trouble" is TEMPORARY, and that there is a purpose for it all (Ezekiel 14:23). Just as surely as the bad news Herbert W. Armstrong foretold will come true, so also will the GOOD NEWS he announced come to pass!

God will hear our prayers and accept our heartfelt prayers, in accordance to the Covenant (2 Chronicles 7:14). But "In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in a day of salvation have I helped you..." (Isaiah 49:8). Yes, the two witnesses are even "to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God..." (Isaiah 61:2). We must never forget that DELAY ISN'T DENIAL! (Micah 7:7-10)

Israel must come to understand that any delay is to enable us to prepare to meet our God (Amos 4:12). We will be given sufficient time to demonstrate our change of heart. Before ancient Israel entered into the Old Covenant, they were given two days to sanctify themselves for the third day when God would appear. Apparently, modern Israel and Judah are also given "two days" to prepare themselves for the New Covenant (Hosea 6:1-2). We know for sure that Christ is to intervene in world affairs around the third year of our captivity!

Therefore, while bearing the "indignation" of the Eternal, in acceptance of the corrective punishment, we're to repent and prepare for Christ's coming! Israel will await salvation, knowing that when their captivity's time has expired and the prophecies been fulfilled, God Almighty will begin His process of deliverance!

Faith and Patience

Understanding the PURPOSE of the apparent delay in their deliverance, Israel will be comforted and wait with hope on the Lord. Israel must develop and exercise FAITH AND PATIENCE! They're to have faith in God's promise of Vengeance/Deliverance, and quietly await it in patience. We're to persevere in hope, comforted by our understanding, possess peace knowing that deliverance is sure, and joy in that our prayers have been heard! Truly, the two witnesses are instrumental in comforting Israel, imparting insight into the necessary steps of repentance, and encouraging Jacob to "hang in there!"

It's only those who endure to the end, who refuse to give up, who never surrender, who will be saved; but "blessed are all they that wait for Him" (Isaiah 30:18). God will accept the humble and contrite spirit that a conquered and repentant Israel will have, and will revive their heart lest they fall into despair beyond repair. God will heal and forgive Jacob: "I will lead him also and will restore comforts unto him and his mourners" (Isaiah 57:15-17). We must have faith in God's deliverance and patiently await it. "If any man have an ear, let him hear...here is the faith and patience of the saints" (Revelation 13:9-10). "And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us; this is the LORD; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation!" (Isaiah 25:9). "Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"(Lk. 18:7-8).

Israel will understand that delay isn't denial, but enables preparation for salvation (2 Peter 3:9), but Europe will be condemned for their misinterpretation of it as a justification for their atrocities (Jeremiah 50:7)! The delay isn't only for Israel, it's also an opportunity for Europe to repent! Europe is not condemned because they unite. Europe MUST unite! Europe is not condemned because they attack and conquer the nations of Israel. Europe is condemned because of their pride and excessive punishment of Israel!

God will deliver Israel - because of our sins - into the hands of our European enemies. Europe is intended to deliver the corrective punishment necessary to jolt Israel to her spiritual senses. Instead Europe will attribute their awesome military conquests to themselves and their politico-religious system! Europe, drunk on their success, will then no longer be utilized by God to correct Israel in measure (Jeremiah 30:11), but by SATAN who seeks to destroy Israel (Isa. 47:6)! That explains why Christ will assist Judah in their revolt against an authority no longer constituted by God (Zechariah 12:5). God intends for Israel to be punished (Zechariah 1:15), but evil Europe, oblivious to their own sins (2 Chronicles 28:10), will execute cruel and unusual punishment!

Europe's leaders state their "historical obligation" to unite Europe. Apparently their grasp of history and destiny isn't as great as they like to imagine. The same Europe who effectively wields history to support their state will undermine it by ignoring Biblical examples! The Roman restoration is bound to deteriorate! The Bible is replete with warnings to the Gentiles not to abuse what God delivers into their hands (Dan. 5:22-23). God decries Europe's ignorance of Biblical history and takes them to task for forgetting their ordained purpose (Isaiah 47:7; Deuteronomy 32:29)!

Plagues and Protection

Europe will taunt Israel, saying, "Where is your God?" The irony of the blasphemous taunt is that it reveals the effectiveness of the two witnesses' message, because Israel is trusting in God for deliverance, and it furthers the penetration of it! When the prison guards mock our message of comfort it will arouse the Eternal to intervene for HIS Name's Sake (Joel 2:17; Micah 7:10)! Even as God poured out His plagues on Egypt, revealing Himself as far above all, so also shall God pour out His plagues on Europe to reveal Himself as the Most High God! When God overthrows Europe's counterfeit kingdom, the pinnacle of human success, it will identify HIM alone as the ETERNAL (I Kgs. 18:39)! When Messiah deposes the Beast and False Prophet, history's most powerful beings, that leaves the Great

God, the God of Heaven as GOD ALONE (Daniel 2:35)! God wants all mankind to come to know Him. Remember Abraham is the father of many nations. God's salvation will ultimately include Egypt and Assyria with Israel (Isaiah 19:23-25). God's Temple is to be a House of Prayer for ALL nations.

Previously God only offered His Holy Spirit to select individuals. They became the foundation of God's Church. Then God offered His Holy Spirit to a collective group who became His Church. We're numbered among those chosen few who will assist Christ when He rules. This expanding principle reveals that Israel will become the first NATION to receive God's Holy Spirit. We've all been trained to teach others later. Israel is simply to become God's Instrument, serving as a "light to all nations."

Unfortunately, some captive Israelites' faith will be shaken by their mocking guards. We must not be blinded by the sight of Europe's apparent success! Europe will have conquered her enemies and become a very prosperous kingdom - all of which they will attribute to their idolatrous religious system. God will remind Israel of His purpose and exhort them to fear God and not man. Europe will soon be defeated by Israel's Messiah (Isaiah 10:24-25; 37:23; 51:7)!

Others will follow after false messiahs offering salvation before the appointed time (Isaiah 51:14; Luke 17:22-24). When the Day of the Lord has truly arrived, GOD will avenge and deliver His People Israel! Europe will have fulfilled the iniquity of Babylon and incurred the just wrath, plagues and indignation of the Eternal for His physical and spiritual people and Temple (Jeremiah 51:11, 35, 62; Revelation 6:10). God will have previously warned Israel and Europe about His "seven last plagues." God extends His offer of protection to repentant Israelites AND Gentiles alike (Revelation 7:4,9,14).

Jerusalem's Liberation

God will station the two witnesses in Jerusalem (on and around the Temple Mount) to direct Israel's attention there (Revelation 11:3; Jeremiah 51:50). Why? Because Jerusalem and the true Gospel are inseparable! The GOOD NEWS of our imminent Vengeance/Deliverance will be announced from the future capital of God's One World Government, because the Messiah will reign from the Throne of His father David!

Jerusalem will be the first to be liberated when Christ descends upon the Mount of Olives, enabling the historic site of David's Throne to be secured - then shall all Israel be saved when the Messiah goes forth from Zion! Christ will be proclaimed King (Isaiah 52:7). Jerusalem's redemption from Gentile occupation is Israel's comfort, because when the Messiah reigns in the City of our God, Israel's deliverance will have arrived! The two witnesses are witnesses in advance, by faith, of the Day when "the LORD shall bring again Zion" (Isaiah 52:8-9; 62:6-7). As watchmen they await its fulfillment, though already ANNOUNCING IT as fact (Isaiah 40:1- 2; Romans 4:17). They herald the imminent Zionist movement of ALL Israel, under Shiloh (Genesis 49:10), back to the Land of Zion and Jerusalem! They will prophesy the RESTORATION OF ISRAEL and assure Jerusalem of future glory, promising the Temple shall be built possibly even before their official commission begins with Jerusalem's EU occupation (Isaiah 44:26-28; Ezekiel 40-48). These two prophets, in "the spirit of Elijah," must IDENTIFY MESSIAH TO JUDAH AND INTRODUCE HIM TO ISRAEL!

When are the Two Witnesses Resurrected?

It's time to understand what the Bible teaches on this subject. Many have carelessly assumed that their resurrection -- to occur three and one half days after their death takes place at the same time as Christ's coming. THAT IS DEAD WRONG! Such a teaching contradicts the clear scripture: "But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father" (Mark 13:32; Acts 1:7). All we would have to do is count three and one half days after they've been martyred and we would know the day and practically the hour! Besides the Scripture plainly states immediately following their resurrection: "The second woe is past and the third woe comes quickly" (Revelation 11:14). The third woe is simultaneous with Jesus' coming and the pouring out of the 7 last plagues in His presence.

The two witnesses will be restored to human life after three and one half days, corresponding to their three and one half years of ministry, as a SIGN that Israel - who'll be as good as dead - will also be resurrected! There is life after Babylon! Then "air transportation" will be provided for them just like it was for Enoch and Elijah - who flew the friendly skies of the first heaven. The two witnesses will be transferred to another location on earth, undoubtedly united with the brethren in "her place", to await the imminent return of Christ!

Israel's Restoration

Israel is informed that she will supervise the Gentiles who will rebuild the ruins (Isaiah 61:4-6,9). God promised Abraham to be our God and give us the Land of Israel (not Ishmael) as our inheritance. (Satan seeks to erase Israel's name off the map by calling it "Palestine"! [Psalsm 83:4]). God promises to restore that Land to us again (Ezekiel 11:17), and expresses jealousy for it to support only Israel (Jeremiah 10:25). God promises to remember us and our land when we repent (Leviticus 26:42; 2 Chronicles 7:14). The land will have enjoyed its Sabbaths during our exile, but after our return we will respect the land and it will become a virtual Eden! (Ezekiel 36:35).

The land and lives of Israel, both seemingly barren and desolate, shall blossom as the rose by the refreshing waters of God's Holy Spirit. That's the MIRACLE that will glorify God's Power before all nations!

When Christ returns, Israel will be transformed into a formidable force. We're to assist in the punishment of our enemies (Isaiah 11:12-14; 41:15-16; Micah 4:12-13; 5:9; Habakkuk 3:12; Daniel 2:35; Psalms 149:6-9). Victory is certain during our great trek Home, following Shiloh's command. Captive Israel will be assured of a Homeland of rest and peace, of quiet living without fear and terror (Isaiah 32:18).

Blessed be God who will have arranged for our "family reunion" with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Blessed be God who will have respect for His Covenant and save us a remnant. And blessed be God who will mightily anoint two men, two witnesses, with the sacred oil of His Holy Spirit to illuminate Israel from Jerusalem with love!

It ought to be evident to all that it's not necessarily important who the two witnesses are, but WHAT they have to say. It's more important to concentrate on the MESSAGE and not the men. Hopefully this will have whet your appetite to check out Beyond Babylon: Europe's Rise and Fall. It's a little book I've written about the two witnesses, and it goes into even greater biblical detail!