Category Archives: Prophecy

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

‘Times of the Gentiles: Crusades and Turks’ – History of Jerusalem Part 06

Jerusalem’s central location and sacred association guaranteed it a front-row seat to history’s greatest drama. One of these key events was the Crusades in the Middle Ages. 

The Crusades 1099-1187 AD

The Crusades were a period of several European invasions of the holy land; they were considered a long overdue pushback after four centuries of Islamic conquests. It was a controversial period of claims and counterclaims. The main thing is that the pilgrims were motivated by piety to ‘defend the Holy Sepulchre’ and guarantee free access to all Christian holy sites in the land. 

The first crusade succeeded in conquering Jerusalem in July 1099. The victorious Christians set up the ‘Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem.’ They turned the Dome of the Rock and the al Aqsa Mosque into Christian houses of worship. They left an architectural legacy that remains to this day. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, destroyed in 1010 AD, was completely restored and the building you now see today dates back to the Crusader period, though it was only a third of its Constantinian size.

In 1187 Saladin, the Ayyub leader, won the battle at the Horns of Hattin near the Sea of Galilee. This gave him the springboard to take Jerusalem from the Crusaders. Even the militarily gifted King of England, Richard the Lion-Hearted, failed to recover Jerusalem. Except for a brief period of negotiated Crusader rule from 1229-1244, Jerusalem would not have another Christian ruler until the 20th Century.

Second Muslim Period: 1187-1917 AD

1187-1260: The holy city returned to Ayyubid rule back in 1187 AD, though the crusader presence in the holy land continued until the fall of Acre in 1292. The Mongols, who once had the largest empire in history, were almost unstoppable but yet met their defeat at Ain Jalut in the Jezreel Valley at the hands of Sultan Baibars. 

1260-1517: From this date in 1260 the Mamluks took over. Ruling from Egypt, these freed slaves became a powerful force in the land. Some of their buildings still stand in the Muslim Quarter of the Old City to this day.

1517-1917: Another Muslim power, this time from Turkey, won battles at Marj Dabiq (Aleppo) and Younis Khan (near Gaza). Thus commenced the four-hundred-year occupation of the Ottomans, based in Constantinople (Istanbul). Their rule was so long and their footprints so deep that abundant evidence of the Ottoman presence, physically and legally, is still with us to this day. Their Central Asian conquering heritage caused them to capture and administer lands in three continents: North Africa, SE (Balkan) Europe, and Western Asia. Though Islam has a history of successful military conquests, the Ottomans were the first Muslim military to have a potent navy, and they used it to full effect. 

The first Sultan to rule over Jerusalem, Selim, had gone a step further. He named himself the Caliph of (Sunni) Islam. This title was bestowed on all his successors until the caliphate was abolished in 1924 by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic. 

For those who have visited Jerusalem, you will appreciate the legacy of the next Sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent. An ‘Islamic Nehemiah,’ in the years 1535-38, he is credited for building the walls of the Old City that we have with us today. In 1541, he did something of symbolic significance: Suleiman sealed the Golden Gate, known as the Eastern Gate, the one Jesus used to enter the holy city after His triumphal procession. It is expected that He will again enter through this gate – unsealed – during His glorious return. 

After the high point of Suleiman’s wall-building legacy, Jerusalem declined economically from the 16th to 19th centuries. Despite this neglect, the European powers became vitally interested in the city, particularly the holy places. Russia took the side of the Greek Orthodox Church while France and the Venetians aligned themselves with the Roman Catholics, locally known as ‘the Latins.’

Unholy Fight for a Holy Site

The biggest rope in the tug-o-war was Christendom’s premier site, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional location of Calvary and the tomb of Christ. It was administered by six denominations, the major ones being the Orthodox, Catholics and Armenians. It is no secret that the prime chapels of the Church were held by the Greeks, including the Chapel of the Crucifixion and the actual sepulchre itself. The competition between the groups was so fierce that it was not uncommon for one group to lock out another from the church. There have even been physical altercations. Any changes in the status of these chapels could spark an international incident; the missing silver ‘Star of Bethlehem’ in the Grotto of the Nativity was one of the pretexts for starting the Crimean War.

For years, the Catholics put pressure on the Ottomans to restore their rights to these chief chapels. An Ottoman ruling in 1757 gave ‘joint ownership’ of the shrines but the Catholics viewed it as a Greek triumph, especially because they continued to retain the prized chapels. When the Catholics objected, the Ottoman representative said bluntly: These holy sites, though Christian, belong to the sultan and he can give them to whoever he wants.

Nearly a century later in 1850, France demanded the Ottomans restore Catholic oversight of key sites, like the church’s rotunda, the sepulchre itself, the stone of unction, etc. In February 1852 Sultan Abdul Megid issued his famous landmark firman (decree) which said: whoever owns a chapel today, owns it forever. The erstwhile de facto situation became de jure. This decree, known as ‘The Status Quo of the Holy Places,’ remains in force to this day.

What the Ottomans learned was that adjudicating the Christian holy sites was a thankless job. What they wisely learned is: to make a decision, seal it in concrete, and don’t touch it again. Their British, Jordanian, and Israeli successors were destined to learn this same lesson. Though none of them were bound by Ottoman decrees, they discovered that even mentioning a possible change of the status quo stirred up a hornet’s test. Touching this issue was simply not worth it inevitable fallout. 

After Caliph Omar’s conquest of Jerusalem in 638 AD, apart from the Crusader period, Christians would not rule the city again until General Allenby walked through the Jaffa Gate on Hanukkah, in December 1917. The time of the Gentiles was entering its twilight.

TO BE CONTINUED

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Patience: Key to Unlocking the Blessings of God


Patience: Key to Unlocking the Blessings of God – Part 01

What circumstance in life tries your patience? For me, it’s driving on the residential streets and country roads of the United Kingdom. They are way too narrow and clogged with parked cars, and there is a continuous weaving between the stationary cars and those that are in motion. 

Worse still are the little country lanes, lined with vegetation, that are wide enough for only one car but host two-way traffic. The last thing I want to see is another car coming from the opposite direction or, worse still, a large tractor. Once encountered, either they or I have to back up in a wide space on the side so the other can pass. Recently the lane was so narrow my Kia Sportage barely fit and there was no place to back into if another car came. Yet, the ‘stiff-upper lip’ ‘keep calm and carry on’ Brits take it all in their stride.

Another real-life incident happened to us as our plane landed at its destination. The safety protocol dictates that everyone stays in their seats until the plane comes to a complete stop. On this particular flight, a few passengers got up while the plane was still taxing. Normally, the diligent steward(ess) will politely tell the passengers to be seated. In this case, the amount of ‘transgressors’ was so great that the pilot personally got involved and rebuked the impatient passengers from the cockpit. His words:

Please be seated. Never in aviation history has there been an occasion where the passenger reached the terminal before the plane.

As individuals, we can be patient in many things and tried in a few, but ultimately we need to realise that patience is not only a mark of maturity, but it is key to the promises of God. We can even pray for patience but it often sounds like this: Lord, grant me patience and give it to me now!

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises — Hebrews 6:12

Note that it is not by faith alone but by ‘faith and patience.’ 

Amplified Definition of Patience

Patience is steadfastness, constancy, continuance, forbearance, and divinely inspired long-suffering in the face of life and all its challenges.

It does not buckle under but leaps over the hurdles we face. 

Patience does not surrender to circumstances but defies, overcomes, and outlasts every obstacle.

We are called to patience because our Heavenly Father is the paragon of patience. 

Romans 15:5: Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

Patience in a Nutshell: To trust God with all your heart at all times and wait on Him.

Patience means to take the ‘long view,’ to be far-sighted and look at the ‘big picture.’ Patience focuses on the forest and not just the trees; the end goal and the road that leads you there; the spiritual reward and not just the temporal. 

It is the development of maturity, especially in times of trouble, that positions you for a spiritual breakthrough. James 1:2-4: Tells us to do an incredible thing – count it all joy when we fall into various temptations. To this day I have yet to see someone turn cartwheels because they are entering into a season of trials. Yet there is divine wisdom from James, because the trial of faith develops patience which ripens, matures, completes and perfects. You will lack nothing. 

We are exhorted to run the race of faith with patience (Hebrews 12:1). Come to the starting line, get on your track, start running when you hear to gun go off, and keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith (v. 2)Job,. With so much distraction and competition, it is tempting the compare oneself with other runners. Yet consider this: no Olympic gold medal winner keeps looking to the runner on the left or the right. They focus on their track, run with all their strength, and keep their eyes on the goal. That’s what we do in the race of faith and the goal is Jesus.


Patience: The Farmer and Job

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. 9. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. 10. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 11. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy — James 5:7-11

What do we learn from this passage in James? 

  • Patience is linked and viewed in the light of the coming of Christ (v. 7).
  • The life of a farmer: He works, waters, weeds, and waits.
  • We patiently, faithfully, and watchfully wait for Christ’s return (v. 8);
  • Do not grumble against one another so you won’t be judged. Patience will spare you a lot of grief. (v. 9); 
  • Christ is returning to earth as a warrior, king, and judge. He is at the door (v. 9).
  • The prophets of the Lord are role models of suffering affliction and patience as they spoke God’s Word to the people (v. 10);
  • Happy, not miserable, is the saint of the Lord who patiently endures trials, tribulations, indignities, and reproaches (v. 11). While it seems like nonsense to the carnal mind, it is wisdom in the Spirit realm to be happy, since we are not celebrating the afflictions but the victorious endurance during the affliction: Patience is blossoming and God’s promises are just around the corner.
  • You have heard of the patience of Job – and we will learn more from this patient template in our next article.

 

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

‘Times of the Gentiles’ – History of Jerusalem – Part 05

Luke 21:23: 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.

It is the most famous city in the world with a long, illustrious, and troubled history. Four thousand years in total, with its second millennium being under Israelite rule. The ministry of Jesus of Nazareth was the watershed; from the point of His rejection and crucifixion by and at Jerusalem, the city would enter into a turbulent period called the ‘times of the Gentiles.’ In any case, before Messiah rules from Jerusalem, the city will be subjected to a variety of Gentile imperial occupiers for the next two millennia. If you visit the holy city in the future, you may hear some of their names. 

Volumes have been written about Jerusalem after the time of Jesus. The city has been invaded and occupied dozens of times. Our main purpose is to give you a general overview, from the time of Christ to the end of Ottoman rule in 1917. You will better appreciate the present when you understand the past.

Roman Rule: Three Stages

Stage One from 63 BC – 70 AD: Jerusalem’s central position, geographically and theologically, gave it a front-row seat to a grand imperial parade: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and now Rome. The first stage of Roman rule in the holy city commenced in 63 BC with the entry of Pompey. It was characterised by a pagan Rome over a Jewish city. The first Jewish revolt of 66-70 AD commenced against the empire. Stage One continued until the city’s destruction by Titus, son of Emperor Vespasian, in the year 70 AD. The city and Herod’s temple were completely obliterated and its smouldering rubble served as a camp for the Roman X Legion. It remained in its devastated condition for the next sixty years.

Stage Two from 130 – 312 AD: In 130 AD, Roman Emperor Hadrian decided to build a thoroughly pagan city on the ruins of Jerusalem. He called it Aelia Capitolina. This action lit the fuse of a second Jewish revolt led by Simon Bar Kochba. He was proclaimed ‘The Messiah’ by Rabbi Akiva. The Jews under Bar Kochba retook Jerusalem, offered sacrifices on the temple mount (minus the temple), and decimated the Roman troops. It took the empire three years under Sextus Julius Severus to brutally crush the revolt. 

With Bar Kochba’s defeat and death, Aelia Capitolina was established and the second stage of Roman rule began: a pagan Rome over a pagan city. The Romans built a temple to Jupiter on the Temple Mount and a temple to Venus on the site of Calvary. Though meant to overwrite Judaeo-Christian sacred memories, this sacrilege inadvertently made the future identification of these sacred sites easier.

Stage Three from 312-638 AD: Stage Three of Roman rule began in 312 AD when the faith Rome once tried to destroy was adopted by its Emperor, Constantine. Now we had a Christian Rome ruling over a Christian city: Heathen Aelia was transformed into Christian Jerusalem. Constantine’s mother, Helena, went on a well-known pilgrimage to the holy city. She ‘discovered’ Calvary, the ‘true cross,’ a ‘holy tunic’ and ‘holy nails.’ Helena ordered the destruction of the temple to Venus, thus making room for the construction of Christendom’s most sacred shrines: these included The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Church of the Eleona (Ascension) on the Mount of Olives; and the Church of the Nativity in nearby Bethlehem. Two of these churches still stand today.

First Muslim Period: 638-1099 AD

The Christianised Eastern Roman Empire ruled Jerusalem for three centuries, except for a brief occupation by the Sassanid Persian Empire (614-629 AD). During this torrid period, the Persians destroyed many buildings and massacred many residents. The Roman Christians at Constantinople recovered Jerusalem in 629 AD, only to lose it for good nine years later.

Islam came to Jerusalem early in its history. The city, under the leadership of Patriarch Sophronius, peacefully surrendered to Caliph Omar in 638 AD. It became part of Jund Filastin province of the Arab Caliphate. 

Though Jerusalem was under Muslim rule for the coming centuries, as you are about to see, the actual Muslim regimes, and their capital cities, changed. 

638-750 AD: Jerusalem was ruled by the Ummayad dynasty out of Damascus. During their tenure, two famous Muslim sites were constructed on Mount Moriah: the Dome of the Rock in 691 AD and the al Aqsa Mosque in 702 AD. Both buildings still exist.

750-877 AD: Abbasid Empire, based in Mesopotamia and the new city of Baghdad. At one point, the Abbasids governed all the way to Spain.

877-1071 AD: Egyptian/Fatimid rule out of Cairo. It was their Caliph al-Hakim that made it his mission to entirely destroy the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which he did in 1010 AD. His action helped spawn the Christian Crusades decades later.

1071-1099 AD: Seljuk Turks – the Turks migrated from Central Asia westward. Originally adherents to Shamanism, they adopted Islam en route to settling in Asia Minor. They replaced the four-hundred-year Arab leadership of the Muslim community and dominated the Islamic world for nearly a millennium. Their harassment of Christian pilgrims en route to Jerusalem provided another pretext for the Crusades.

While the Ummayads adorned Mount Moriah, known as al Haram al Sharif (the noble sanctuary) and the Temple Mount, with their famous buildings, Jerusalem did not prosper for many centuries. It was never the capital of any entity except for the Crusader Kingdom (1099-1187) and the British Mandate (1922). While one could argue that it was trodden down by the Gentiles over the years, it also remained on the map by attracting Jewish and Christian pilgrims from all over the known world.

In the next article, we will learn about Jerusalem from the time of the Crusades to the beginning of the twentieth century.

TO BE CONTINUED

The domes of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Dome of the Rock on the Jerusalem skyline, photo courtesy of Adobe Stock. 

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Israel Update: In the Shadow of Iran

Even without Israel, the geo-political situation in the Middle East is strategic, complicated and potentially dangerous. Yet things become hot and spicy when the Jewish state is added to the mix.

Like every year, the calendar year 2023 has been eventful in Israel. The difference is that the challenges, external and internal, have been unprecedented.

Endless Protests

For starters, the returning premiership of Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has been confronted by serious internal opposition from Day One. Mass protests have been staged for weeks and months. Part of the problem is that Israel had gone from a left-leaning government under Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid to a conservative government in coalition with Itamar Ben-Gvir of Otzma Yehudit and Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionist Party. Both leaders and their parties are considered ‘far-right,’ which is anathema to the Left. Also, Netanyahu’s long tenure in office means the longer he serves, the more enemies he makes. Does Israel have ‘Bibi fatigue?’

The trip wire for these protests has been Netanyahu’s proposed ‘judicial reform’ legislation. This topic has been visited in earlier articles but in summary, Israel’s fifteen-member, left-of-centre, supreme court holds an absolute veto over any and all legislation that comes out of the Israeli parliament, The Knesset. Since Israel does not have a written constitution, only – basic laws – the justices are making their decisions on the basis of a nebulous concept called ‘reasonableness.’ If, in the court’s opinion, the legislation is not ‘reasonable,’ it will be struck down, even if it enjoys widespread parliamentary support. This means that court decisions can be politically expedient, arbitrary, and sometimes contradictory. This kind of unfettered power is out of kilter with normal ‘checks and balances’ in good democratic governance.

While the media likes to paint the protests as grassroots, as if to make them more legitimate, the fingerprints of powerful labour unions, coupled with foreign meddling, are everywhere. Some of the protestors sincerely think the status quo with the court should remain. Others are using this topic to protest a bigger threat: the rise of the religious right. The fear is those ( secular ) freedoms are endangered by Netanyahu’s coalition partners Ben Gvir and Smotrich. With this fear in mind, many of the protestors simply want to bring down the coalition government, thus nullifying a democratic election. Change of government outside of an election is true ‘regime change.’

Where the protests became ominous is when major sectors of society refused to function if the reforms went through; also, reservists were refusing to report for military duty – a serious national security consideration. All of this is like an Israeli version of the culture war which is raging in the United States at present. While talk of civil war is premature, the situation needs to be watched.

The Shadow of Iran

The temperature with the Palestinians and neighbouring Lebanon and Syria has also gone up a few notches. These groups are heavily influenced by Iran. The Islamic Republic has a long shadow and it goes from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea.

Both the Jewish Passover and Muslim Ramadhan occurred at the same time this year and these passionate holidays saw sparks fly. On Passover 2023, Hamas and Hezbollah launched simultaneous rocket attacks from Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Is this an ominous precursor for a multi-front rocket war against Israel, not unlike the Second Lebanon War of 2006 with Hezbollah?

Radical Muslims continue to accuse Israel of ‘undermining the al Aqsa Mosque.’ Despite the lack of evidence, it is a war cry that continues to spawn a strong reaction. There’s been an uptick in Palestinian attacks against Israelis with thirty-three killed in 2022 and over twenty so far in 2023. 

Let us not forget the power behind it all. Iran has sought hegemony in the Middle East since the founding of the Islamic Republic in 1979. There is an eschatological overtone to this ambition. The long-oppressed Shia Muslims, of which Iran is the leader, are destined to prevail against their Sunni rivals at the ‘end of days.’ Iran’s rulers believe that victory is now. 

Prudently, Iran normally rejects direct confrontation and uses proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas to do its work of it. Iran’s controversial nuclear program and repeated declarations that Israel will disappear off the world map have led to a shadow war with the Jewish state during the past decade.

The scorecard for Israel is impressive. It introduced the Stuxnet computer virus that attacked Iran in 2010, one of several successful attempts to sabotage its nuclear facilities. High-profile assassinations in Iran have targeted military personnel and nuclear scientists. The Israeli spy agency Mossad launched a successful operation at a Tehran warehouse which netted a treasure trove of Iran’s nuclear archive. Add to Israel’s repeated air attacks on Iranian forces and installations in Syria and it gives the appearance that Israel has the upper hand in the shadow war. Iranian counter-attempts to assassinate Israelis overseas have thus far failed.

The Islamic Republic has two options: 

First, utilise its proxies. Taking the long view, Iran has sought to surround Israel with Iran-friendly groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen, and possibly Palestinian groups in the West Bank. Once they are courted, Iran makes sure they are well-armed with rockets, drones, and conventional weapons. Together they can confront the Jewish state, especially in tandem with a coordinated effort among themselves.

The second option is riskier and has never been tried before: confront the Jewish State militarily in an actual Iran-Israel war. They have the troops, weapons, and long-range missiles (and soon nuclear weapons), so what’s stopping them? Long unrecognised Iranian pragmatism urges restraint since it is better to wait for maximum effect with little effort versus an ‘all guns blazing’ approach which could entail great damage, international repercussions, and worse.

At the same time, Netanyahu has threatened to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities for many years. He has been under intense pressure not to do it. Could a real hot war throw all restraint to the wind?

It’s time to pray for the people from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean in the spirit of Psalm 122:6. When you pray for the peace of Jerusalem – and its neighbours – you will prosper.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

The Royal City – History of Jerusalem Part 03

Its transformation was breathtaking. From an obscure Jebusite walled village, perched on the Ophel hill, it became the capital of the united kingdom of Israel. The arrival of the ark of the covenant, symbolising the presence of Almighty God, made it a holy city. And God’s promise to give David a son and heir who would rule from his throne forever made it the city of the great king. To seal its special nature, God Himself said that the city was the place where His name would dwell (1 Kings 11:36; 2 Kings 21:4; 7; 2 Chronicles 6:6; 33:4; 7; Revelation 3:12).


This is Jerusalem, the city of David and the city of God. It was already a thousand years old when David took over. Now that his kingdom was established, Jerusalem became the royal city. In this article, we will see how the sons of David fared while ruling and reigning from there.


Temple of Solomon (963 BC)


David, as a worshipper of God, had a passionate desire to build Him a house in Jerusalem. After all, David lived in a king’s palace while God’s earthly abode was a glorified tent called the tabernacle. God declined David’s offer because as a warrior-king he had shed too much blood. Yet, it was at this point that God made the famous Davidic covenant of 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17, promising the coming son of David, King-Messiah. 


The job of building the temple was left to David’s successor and son, Solomon (Hebrew: shlomo), whose name means ‘peace.’ When God offered the young king in a dream to ask for whatever he wanted, Solomon requested a wise and understanding heart to lead the nation of Israel. The Lord was pleased with his answer and gave it to him on the spot. As bonuses, Solomon was given that which he had not asked for: riches and acclaim.


Solomon commenced the building of the temple according to the plans and material resources left by his father David. No expense was spared; it had to be exceedingly magnificent. Some estimate that it would have cost in the billions by today’s dollar. The dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8 was one of the pinnacles of Israel’s Old Testament history. Now God had a stable local earthly address; Israel had a meeting place for the three pilgrimage feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles; and the Gentiles had a house of prayer for all nations (Isaiah 56:7; Matthew 21:13; Mark 11:17; Luke 19:46).


In the natural, Solomon lived an enviable life. He had large, secure borders, and peace on every side, a rarity in centrally located Canaan. Riches, honour, respect, material comforts, and a reputation for being a wise monarch were Solomon’s lot. His reputation attracted the visit of a faraway oriental queen.


Solomon never had to fight the battles, indignities, and persecution his father David fought. Yet his love of many strange foreign women who worshipped false gods (1 Kings 11:1-2) contributed to his personal undoing and the rupture of David’s kingdom. 


An Avoidable Split


The twelve tribes of Israel, under one crown from the House of David, were about to experience a rupture. Solomon’s backsliding led to that point. He was succeeded to the throne by his son Rehoboam, who seriously lacked his father’s wisdom. He was the ‘son’ addressed in the Book of Proverbs (3:1) who did not accept wisdom’s invitation and he and Jerusalem suffered because of it.


The battle lines were drawn: King Rehoboam, the grandson of David, ruling from his throne in Jerusalem, was confronted by Jeroboam son of Nebat, who represented the ten tribes of the north. ‘Lighten our burden that Solomon your father put on us,’ said Jeroboam, ‘and we will serve you’ (1 Kings 12:4). Solomon’s advisors urged Rehoboam to agree to their reasonable demand. However, he foolishly rejected their advice and listened to his mates who told him to ‘add to their yoke’ and ‘whip them with scorpions.’ It was the height of arrogance and folly, and it cost the king the bulk of his kingdom. 


Jeroboam led the ten tribes from the kingdom of David. All Rehoboam was left with was Judah, the holy city and holy temple. Jeroboam and the northern tribes were called ‘Israel’ and Rehoboam and the house of David became the kingdom of Judah.


Give Us A King


God’s plan from Day One was His Kingdom and it still is. God’s Kingdom and His forever king are His first priority. Everything else flows from that. Yet, the free will that God gave us has resulted in some terrible decisions and outcomes. The first couple, Adam and Eve, rejected God’s rule and their disobedience introduced sin and death into the world. Centuries later the people of Israel rejected God as king by demanding that the prophet Samuel give them a human king. Why? So they could be like all the other nations of the earth (1 Samuel 8:20). Samuel warned them that a human king, even an Israelite one, would use and abuse them; all pain and no gain. Unmoved by this grim prospect, Israel still clamoured for a king. They ended up with Saul and he was a disaster. 


After the division of the house of David into Israel and Judah, there was a succession of kings on both sides. Many were bad (they did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord) and some were catastrophic. Out of thirty-nine monarchs in Israel and Judah, only eight of them were good and all of them were from Judah. Some of the notable good ones were Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah yet even they made their foolish mistakes; Josiah’s cost him his life. 


Jerusalem witnessed all this and more. The lesson: even the best of earthly kings is no match for the King of kings and Lord of lords. Centuries later, that perfect king did come to Jerusalem and it responded by hanging Him on a tree. He rose from the dead and is coming back, but not before they say, ‘Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord’ – Matthew 23:39.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Coronation Countdown: What It Means for the Church? Part 01


It is a thousand-year-old service in a thousand-year-old church that has not been witnessed for almost seventy years. Full of pageantry, music, solemnity and dazzling jewels, its most important aspect will not be seen at all. Only two thousand two hundred people will be present but the event will be witnessed by 100s of millions worldwide. The event in question is the coronation of King Charles III, scheduled at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May 2023.

For over a millennium Britain has been a solidly Christian country. Some of history’s greatest men and women of God came from there. From its shores, the gospel spread worldwide. Its legacy of Protestant Christianity, the King James Bible, famous revivals and sound Bible teaching has left an incalculable legacy for the world. Yet a recent poll revealed a shocking statistic: only forty-six per cent of people in the United Kingdom identify as Christians – less than half. Church attendance is declining. A strong secularist impetus over the decades has contributed to this; cultural Marxism and the culture war have taken their toll. 

The wells of living water have been filled up by the Philistines. Like Isaac in Genesis 26, we fight the spiritual drought and famine by unstopping the wells of spiritual life. This means diligently seeking God and acknowledging what He has done. 
The coronation of the king is not just a civic affair; it is truly a religious one and part of our collective Christian heritage. It is a proper Bible-based Christian anointing service, officiated not by a government official but by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. 
We need revival. If we recognise, respond, and celebrate our Christian heritage and its spiritual values, the living waters will flow again. 

                                                    Definition 
Coronation is a grand ceremony where the king is recognised as crowned with a literal crown (actually, two) placed on his head. It also recognises his role as the head of the Church of England. In a very real sense, the coronation inducts the monarch into the ministry. Though there are other European countries that have monarchs, only in Britain does the king get a coronation service.
The order of service, the words, rituals and symbols have basically remained unchanged since they were first introduced in 973 AD. They are a reflection of the values and priorities of the monarch. King Edward the Confessor, who reigned from 1042-1066 AD, built Westminster Abbey, which became the venue of the coronation. 

Buckingham Palace has said that although the coronation will be “rooted in long-standing traditions“, it will also “reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future.” Our goal is to focus more on ‘long-standing traditions,’ not any potential innovations

The King and Queen Consort will travel from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in the ‘King’s procession.’ After the coronation service, the royal couple will participate in the bigger ‘coronation procession’ back to Buckingham palace. There will be a ‘royal viewing’ from the palace balcony with Charles, Camilla, and a chosen few.

Here are the main highlights of the coronation:

The Recognition: The Archbishop presents the monarch to the guests of the Abbey, approximately 2,000 in total (in 1953, it was 8,000). Their response: ‘God Save the King.’ (1 Samuel 10:24; 2 Samuel 16:16; 1 Kings 1:25; 34; 39; 2 Kings 11:12; 2 Chronicles 23:11)

The Oath: The centrepiece of the entire coronation. More about that later.

The Anointing: Ditto

The Investiture: Costly items encrusted with jewels are religious symbols. This includes Orb, the sceptre, the sovereign’s sceptre, and a white dove. After the presentation of these items, the Archbishop places St. Edward’s Crown on the head of the King.

The Enthronement and Homage: The monarch moves to a proper throne after leaving the coronation chair. Peers come and kneel before him in an act of homage. 
After this, the Queen Consort will be anointed and crowned. 

The Oath – A Most Christian-Based Pledge
The significance of this oath cannot be overstated. It is a solemn pledge before God and the people that is so solidly Christian that in today’s secular milieu, it comes as a surprise. Key points of the oath:

  • The monarch pledges to the utmost of his power to maintain the laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel. There is nothing secular or political here. Even in a multicultural Britain, home to several main religions, there is still an acknowledgment. Former Prime Minister David Cameron said in 2011 that the ‘UK is a Christian country and we should not be afraid to say so.’ He called for a revival of traditional Christian values to counter Britain’s moral collapse.
  • The oath includes a commitment to maintaining the United Kingdom as a Protestant Reformed Religion established by law. There is nothing secular here; the welfare and growth of the church is a high priority.
  • The monarch pledges to maintain and persevere inviolably of the Church of England in key areas including ‘doctrine’ and ‘worship.’
  • There are other key phrases but in response to all this, the monarch says ‘All this I promise to do.’ 
  • The coronation oath should guide the Parliament, too. David Gardner, in his book The Trumpet Sounds for Britain Volume III, page 61, points out that the solemn coronation oath – to maintain the laws of God and the profession of the gospel – is not just obligatory on the monarch but also on his/her government. Quoting Lord Lauderdale speaking in the House of Lords in June 1976: ‘So no matter what Governments take office … they take office within the context of that oath and therefore in support of it. It is an oath solemnly given and solely subscribed by the Queen, at the instance, ultimately, of the State. It is binding, it is mandatory, it is categorical: and I ask the Government to affirm that that is so.’
  • The crown represents the identity, unity, history, heritage and ultimate destiny of the nation and the family of nations in the Commonwealth. 
  • The coronation service consecrates, dedicates, and anoints the monarch for servant-leadership, just like any Christian minister. The implications of the coronation service and oath are staggering; the service is a dry run to the ultimate coronation at the coming again of the King of kings and Lord of lords. 
  • In Part Two, we will see that the ceremony puts a high accent mark on the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay tuned.


Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

USD 31 Trillion – America Hits the Debt Ceiling – Now What?

It looks like a regular billboard but the content is not regular at all. Instead of advertising the latest perfume, theatre program, or sporting event, it provides up-to-date information – no, not the time nor the weather – but America’s national debt. The billboard is in New York City and is known as the ‘National Debt Clock.’ As of January, America’s federal debt was $31,341,547,109. That’s $31 trillion (each trillion is a million dollars a million times) in debt. Wrap your mind around that figure. As a bonus, the debt clock adds another piece of information: Your family’s share of the debt is $237,520 per family. 

America’s national debt has been frightfully increasing over many years. In the current US administration, Congress has passed several spending bills totalling over $6 trillion. Credible complaints point out that there is much ‘pork’ among the beef, including the recent 4,000-page omnibus spending $1.7 trillion, which was hastily passed before the incoming Congress took over in early January.

If that’s not all, now we get the announcement: America has reached its debt ceiling. Unless Congress agrees to raise the ceiling or suspend it altogether, the government will lack the legal authority to borrow more money to meet its financial obligations. There is a danger of a US default on its loans. This would be like a high-speed car chase inexorably heading towards a brick wall; the US needs to avoid this outcome at all costs. A default will result in global financial instability and hardship for many. Even the hint that it might happen is unsettling.

What is the debt ceiling? How can we see all this in context? And how should people of faith respond?

Perspective 

At present, the United States has the largest economy in the world. It has been an economic superpower for decades. So if its debt is big, remember that its economy is, too. America’s debt to GDP-ratio is 128%, which is lower than many countries, including Japan (240%), Italy (156%), and Singapore (131%). Covid relief spending and the economic shutdown exacerbated the debt ratio from 107% in 2019 to the present level today.

The debt ceiling is the congressionally agreed spending limit which can only be increased if the ceiling is raised. It was originally introduced during the first world war in 1917 and has been raised many times without incident. Only the first major confrontation happened in 2011 when the Republican Party demanded that President Barack Obama, a Democrat, come to the negotiating table and agree on spending caps, to which he eventually did.

These caps were either ignored or abandoned in 2018. Apparently, during the Trump years, a Republican president with a Republic Congress (until 2019), the limit was either raised or waived three times.

When America raises its debt ceiling, there are eager investors to buy and invest in the debt in treasury bonds, bills, notes, and securities. These bonds are considered the most stable and safest investment, a safe haven during periods of economic storms.

So What’s the Fuss?

As mentioned, America reached its spending cap in January 2023. In order to keep the government going, the debt ceiling needs to be raised. Yet there is a tussle between the Republican-led House of Representatives and the Democrat White House. It is not an economic debate but a political one. Congress wants to explore raising the debt ceiling in the context of a financial plan and needful cuts in spending. The White House wants no pre-conditions: just raise the debt ceiling for the sake of economic stability.

“He (Joe Biden) will not allow Republicans to take the economy hostage or make … working Americans pay the price for their schemes to benefit the wealthiest Americans and also special interests.” Karine Jean-Pierre said Jan 18th

The treasury secretary, Janet Yellen, introduced ‘extraordinary measures’ – which have been done before – to help the government function while the debt ceiling is being resolved. It is a temporary thing to prevent default. The current short-term limitations on spending should enable the government to function until June.

The problem with spending cuts is that there are limitations, including big-ticket untouchables, like defence, Social Security (aged pension), Medicare, and Medicaid. All these represent $1 trillion out of $1.6 of spending deemed off-limits. To even talk aloud about cuts with the untouchables is political suicide. The wrath of the voters would be volcanic if Social Security is even mentioned, let alone touched.

One expert says it says cutting alone may not stave off the debt bomb. They say it is better to impose a 2% growth cap on discretionary spending (and close down some government departments that really are not necessary). You could save $1 trillion in a decade.

What Can We Do?

The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender – Proverbs 22:7

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just — Proverbs 13:22

While we can always vote for fiscally sensible political candidates, it will take more than an election to rectify the budget blowout. It will involve spiritual solutions and a change of thinking – the fruit of revival. Just as we need to have a fiscally responsible government, we need to be the same in our lives.

  1. Economic responsibility: live within your means; live by a budget; get out of needless and unsustainable debt; have cash for a rainy day. Diversify where you store your money: bank, stocks, precious metals, and property.
  2. Personal discipline: in money and time management. 
  3. Spiritual life: this is the most important area of all. A walk with Christ makes you a participant and beneficiary of the kingdom economy. Practice kingdom economics and get kingdom results. God will open the windows of heaven and rebuke the devourer for all those who give to Him first (Malachi 3:10-11). Isaac sowed and reaped one hundredfold in the land while it had drought and famine; God fed Elijah during the three-year dearth; Jesus served thousands of meals with five loaves and two small fish. Kingdom economics will cause you to thrive even when the earthly economy falters.
  4. Trust God: this is not a trite glib phrase: it’s a lifeline. For those who trust God with all of their heart all of the time, God promises to feed you in famine (Psalm 37:3); be your provider (Genesis 22:8,14), and provide all your needs according to the inexhaustible riches of his glory (Philippians 4:19). 

Pray for leadership for fiscal sanity and wisdom; pray for revival – the only long-term solution, and pray that God’s people will walk according to kingdom economics. In economically shaking times, it will be an impressive testimony.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

History of Jerusalem Part 02 David & the Conquest that Changed the World

And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither. Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David — 2 Samuel 5:6-7

In just a few words, a simple conquest by the warrior king transformed a nation and the world. A city that eluded the armies of Joshua, the judges, and king Saul – was captured by David. Yes, the shepherd king who worked his way up: slaying the lion and bear, defeating the giant Goliath, now he was supremely confident of he could take the stronghold of Zion – Jerusalem – city of the Jebusites.

Recap: Before going further, let us recall what we covered so far. In the previous article, we learned that Jerusalem is the premier city of Scripture, mentioned one thousand times, and is known by various names. We also learned that Zion is the royal section of the city, if not the city itself, depending on the context. It was in heathen hands for the first thousand of its four thousand-year history, though there are possible allusions to it in the Bible. Isaac was nearly sacrificed on Moriah while Melchizedek, king of (Jeru)salem, received tithes of Abraham. The tribes of Judah and Benjamin both tried – and failed – either capture it or retain it. This leads us to one of history’s great events.

Neutral Capital Territory: Enter king David, the man after God’s own heart and the sweet psalmist of Israel. He was eager to unite the tribes of Israel with his own tribe of Judah. Like the US with DC and Australia with Canberra, he needed a centrally located capital city that belonged to none of the tribes, forestalling inter-tribal jealousy. Instead, this neutral territory would belong to all the tribes. The Jebusite stronghold fit the description.

Conquest: As we read in the above text, David and his men approached the walls. The Jebusites were confident that David would fail to breach the wall like the others before him. They boasted that even the blind and the lame could keep David out. Verse 7 says ‘Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion.’ How did he succeed when the others fail? The normal answer is that instead of breaching the high heavy wall on a steep slope, David’s troops ascended through the underground water tunnel that leads from the Gihon Spring into the main city. 1 Chronicles 11:6 says it was Joab who made the ascent and was rewarded with the position of chief and captain.

Thus, Jebus – the Jebusite city – became known as Jerusalem.

Like the conversion of a ranked sinner into a super saint, Jerusalem was transformed by David. First, it became the ‘city of David,’ the capital of the united tribes of Israel. Thus it became a royal city. Then, David took another bold step: he brought the ark of the covenant to the city. The ark was the golden chest that contained the ten commandments on Moses’ two tablets of stone. On top of the ark were two cherubims, positioned like arm-rests on both sides. Between them, the top of the ark was the mercy seat, which was God’s throne. 

In other words, the ark represented God’s holy presence and had to be handled with care. To do otherwise was to court disaster, as Uzzah tragically found out (2 Samuel 6:6-8). Once the ark was moved to Jerusalem, the city became God’s earthly address. Now Jerusalem was a holy city. Imagine, in one masterstroke Jerusalem was transformed from ‘heathen’ to ‘holy,’ all because of a man called David. 

God was apparently so pleased with David’s actions that He chose to put His name on David’s city. Despite its turbulent and, at times, sordid history, God kept the city alive for the sake of his servant king. And Jerusalem would forever be considered sacred because of the house (temple) of God, the shekinah glory in that house, and the Name of the Lord on the house and city

In summary, Jerusalem was transformed into a royal city – that’s the human side. It also became a holy city, highlighting the divine side. The third transformation would involve both human and divine sides – but more about that in a moment.

A Covenant with David: It is impossible to properly understand the Bible in general, prophecy in particular, and the importance of Jerusalem without knowing about the notion of ‘covenant.’ In short, it is a binding agreement between two parties that promises great blessings for compliance and terrible repercussions for violations. God made covenants with Noah, Abraham, and Moses. He is a covenant-maker and covenant-keeper.

Now, the man after his own heart would get a covenant, too. We read about the Davidic Covenant in 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17. In short, God promised to give David a son and successor who would rule on his throne. The Son of David would build God a house. He would also have a long reign, indeed, an everlasting one. Finally, the Son of David would concurrently and simultaneously be God’s Son. This singular individual would be known as ‘The Messiah,’ ‘the anointed one’ or ‘the anointed of the anointed.’

Clearly, the Son of David is Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 1:1; 9:27; 12:23; 15:22; 21:9; Mark 11:10; Luke 3:31). Solomon is also referred to as son of David, but he is definitely not the Messiah. 

COMPARING THE TWO ‘SONS OF DAVID’ 

SOLOMON

JESUS THE MESSIAH

REIGN

Forty Years

Everlasting; forever and ever

HOUSE

Built the first temple

Building the church / kingdom

ANOINTING

Anointed as king

Anointed prophet, priest & king

CAPITAL

Earthly Jerusalem

Earthly & Heavenly Jerusalem

In light of all this, the third transformation is that thanks to the Davidic Covenant, Jerusalem becomes the City of the Great King. It’s the city of God’s Son and David’s Son, who is the same person. 

Aren’t you glad you serve a righteous King who’ll reign forever?

City of David City of God City of Righteousness City of the Great King Dr Kameel Ezekial Holy City Jerusalem Joshua Kameel Majdali TAN Teach All Nations Teach All Nations Europe Teach All Nations Inc

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

In the Beginning: The History of Jerusalem Part 01



Thus saith the Lord GOD; This is Jerusalem: I have set it in the midst of the nations and countries that are round about her — Ezekiel 5:5

It is arguably the most famous city in the world – a household name even in remote places like the highlands of Papua New Guinea or the jungles of the Amazon. It has four thousand years of history of which the first thousand was heathen, the second thousand Israelite, the next two thousand Gentile, and then after the June War of 1967, the city returned to Jewish/Israeli rule. 

This six-part series will look at Jerusalem – historically and prophetically. When we understand Jerusalem, we better comprehend the will of God. 

Bird’s Eye View

The first time Jerusalem is mentioned in the Bible by name is in Joshua 10:1. Adonizedek formed a coalition against the royal city of Gibeon, for having the audacity to make a league with Joshua and Israel. He is referred to as the ‘king of Jerusalem.’.

Despite its lack of mention in the Torah/Pentateuch, Jerusalem is undoubtedly the chief city of the Bible. It’s explicitly named eight hundred and eleven times. In addition, it has other names like:

City of God (Psalm 46:4; 87:3)

City of David (2 Samuel 5:7; Isaiah 22:9)

Jebus (Joshua 18:28; Judge 19:10)

City of Righteousness (Isaiah 1:26)

City of Truth (Zechariah 8:3);

City of the Great King (Psalm 48:2);

Holy City (Nehemiah 11:1)

Faithful City (Isaiah 1:21,26)

Salem (Gen 14:18; Psalm 76:2)

Holy Mount (Daniel 9:16)

Perfection of Beauty (Lamentations 2:15)

Throne of the Lord (Jeremiah 3:17)

Egypt & Sodom (Revelation 11:8)

Zion (1 Kings 8:1; Zechariah 9:13).

When you tally up the references, it amounts to a thousand times Jerusalem and its synonyms are found in Scripture. In contrast, the city of Babylon – the spiritual rival to Jerusalem – is cited two-hundred and fifty-two times.

The Glory of Zion

It is impossible to understand Jerusalem’s significance without mentioning Zion. Are Jerusalem and Zion the same thing or are they distinct? 

The name ‘Zion’ needs special emphasis. Often associated with ‘Zionism,’ though ultimately it has a spiritual, prophetic side that is above politics. Zion has several meanings in Scripture, depending on the context. The word is used one-hundred and fifty-two times in the Bible, along with Sion nine times (KJV).

  • Zion can mean the city of Jerusalem (Psalm 87:2-3; 48:1-4); 
  • Zion can mean the land of Israel (Isaiah 51:3);
  • Zion can mean the Jewish people (Isaiah 51:16);
  • Zion can mean Salem, which is equal to Jerusalem(Psalm 76:1-3). 

Thus, while Zion’s exact meaning is uncertain, it has become synonymous with Jerusalem, Israel, and the Jewish people. Significant as these points are, Zion goes to a whole new level when referring to Almighty God Himself. 

Psalm 132 gives great insight into the significance of ‘Zion.’ We learn that God has chosen it (v. 13), desires it as His habitation (v. 14) – His local earthly address; He desires it as his final abode above all other places (v. 14); the lamp of God’s anointed (David and Messiah, son of David) will be there.

In light of Psalm 132, and other Scriptures, Zion’s greatest glory is this: It is associated with God’s literal dwelling place on earth; His local earthly snail mail address. The phrase, ’The Lord Dwells in Zion’ is found in the following verses: Psalm 9:11; Psalm 135:21; Isaiah 8:18; Joel 3:21; Isaiah 33:5. 

In summary, Zion appears to be a royal city, or at least the royal section of the city, where the King of Israel will live. Zion/Jerusalem is a holy city, where the God of Israel dwells, too. For Messiah is the Son of David and Son of God, the heir who will sit on David’s throne and rule from the holy city. 

Since God has chosen Zion for Him and His King to dwell, you can be sure that the forces of darkness will do their utmost to foil the divine plan. If it were possible, they would try to keep the King out of Zion. Like Psalm 2 and Zechariah 12, 14, we begin to see a picture of why the nations are so restive and concerned about Jerusalem. These passages are the beginning of understanding why Jerusalem is the burdensome stone. Either Zion will be God’s capital or that of an anti-God, anti-Christ force. 

The First Thousand Years (2000-1000 BC)

While the first millennium of Jerusalem was not in Israelite hands, it is mentioned by implication in the following event:

  • Melchizedek, king of Salem, welcomed the patriarch Abraham after the slaughter of the kings. He was a priest of the Most High God (Genesis 14:18-20).
  • Isaac’s near-death experience occurred in the ‘land of Moriah,’ traditionally considered Mount Moriah, Jerusalem.
  • Joshua’s conquest of Canaan: Information was sparse but we learn that Judah did not drive out the Jebusites, inhabitants of Jerusalem (Joshua 15:63) and neither did Benjamin (Judges 1:21); 
  • Alternatively, Judah destroyed Jerusalem by fire (Judges 1:8) but did not retain it. Then the Jebusites inhabited it afterwards.
  • In short, neither Joshua, the judges, nor king Saul succeeded to capture and keep Jerusalem. That honour would be left for a man called David. TO BE CONTINUED