Perhaps you are startled by the suggestion that the God of heaven can have a plan that involves the land of the Middle East! The idea that the territories of nations are involved in things religious is not given prominence in the preaching of the churches and chapels. And yet, the New Testament states in such clear language that God made the earth and, having done that with a definite plan in mind, he
“made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and determined the times before appointed and the bounds of their habitation”, with a view to ultimately ruling the world in righteousness (Acts 17:26, 31).
Moreover, when the original distribution of the nations into their divinely allotted territories took place,
“God set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel” (Deuteronomy 32:8)
So the Middle East and the nation and territory of Israel, come into sharp focus in the plan of God.
GOD CHOSE ISRAEL
Why should this be? First of all, God chose the nation of Israel to be “a peculiar people unto himself”, chosen above all nations on the earth (Deuteronomy 14:2). Secondly, he promised them the right to occupy the land of Israel on a permanent basis (Ezekiel 37:21-28). Thirdly, he planned to set up in the land of Israel the kingdom of God, with Jerusalem as its capital city with divine laws going therefrom to guide the whole world in righteous ways (Jeremiah 3:17; Micah 4:2). With Jesus returned to the earth to reign as the immortal, all-powerful king, this would result in the world becoming a wonderful place in which to live with no more war; no more famine; everyone living peaceably and securely; with one religion; and many more blessings too numerous to mention here (Psalm 46; Psalm 72; Micah 4:3-4).
GOD CONTROLS THE NATIONS
Naturally, such a plan involves all nations. It is essential that God who devised the plan must be in control of the nations and, according to the Bible, so he is!
“The most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will… he doeth according to his will… among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, what doest thou?” (Daniel 4:25,35)
The Middle East, and the land of Israel in particular, are the central features of the divine plan, and the grand climax can be seen in the natural hostility of the nations towards Israel, many nations being brought (by God) against their land and the city of Jerusalem. At this juncture, God having master-minded the whole operation, there is divine intervention, with Jesus returning to the earth, resulting in the establishment of the long-promised kingdom of God on earth.
SIGNS OF GOD’S PLAN TODAY
The Bible dramatically enlarges on these things in its many prophecies about the nations of the earth, and the outcome we have briefly outlined has been the hope of all faithful believers over the past ages. We are privileged today to see how this plan is progressing and being worked out in its final stages. We can see Israel established as a nation in its own land; we can see the antagonism of many nations towards Israel. The scene is set for the final act, and it is an honour, through the knowledge of Bible prophecies, to be able to confidently predict how things will work out in the Middle East. It is made possible because God has a plan which involves the Middle East, and has graciously revealed that plan in his word, the Bible.
CHRIST WILL COME SOON
We ask you to read the Bible prophecies for yourself, and invite you to avail yourself of explanatory literature to help you in your reading. Things are moving very quickly! The prayer Jesus taught his followers to pray may soon be a reality -
“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven”
The Christian hope is to be associated with Jesus in bringing these blessings to a sin-ridden and war-weary world, being made kings and priests to reign with Jesus on the earth (see Revelation 5:9-10). There is no reason why this hope should not be yours also!