Prophecy Letters
"Blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them." Matt. 13:16-17
The Prophecy Letter is a circular letter that we send out relating to the development of latter-day prophecy.
February 2024
The US Turns on Israel & Why Israel Must Stand Alone
TGP Prophecy Letter – February 18, 2024
The privilege we enjoy in witnessing so many signs of Christ’s return must not be taken for granted. We learn from the Word that the closer we get to that day, the greater and more intense the signs would be. These signs take on many forms, yet each can be categorized under the heading of either the symbolic/political heavens and earth or the literal heavens and earth.
With the symbolic or political heavens and earth, the Scriptures tell us to watch
- the state of Israel and their current political and geographical position
- the position and posture of the nations which are mentioned in latter-day prophecy
- the attitude of the world’s nations in relation to Israel
- the moral state of the world’s governing powers and their subjects
Under the heading of the literal heavens and earth, we’re told about
- astronomical signs such as blood moons and eclipses
- trouble on the earth such as earthquakes, famine, drought, volcanic activity, and so on.
The Scriptures give us descriptions of what the state of each of these will be when the Lord Jesus Christ returns, and so, when we look to the Word and learn of these things and then see that they all describe our present day, we must conclude that Christ’s return is near. The Lord’s basic premise with this is simple: “When we see ______, know that Christ is about to return.”
It’s with sober joy that we confidently conclude that most, if not all, of these items exist as the Scriptures tell us they would. Obviously, the subjects are far too numerous for us to consider each of them now, and the issue I have in reporting on these subjects is that things are transpiring so quickly that it’s difficult to write a thorough report which explains the Scriptural relevance of each. I’d love to speak on the growing Arab confederacy that is forming just as Psalm 83 describes. We see Saudi Arabia moving further away from peace with Israel and closer to Israel’s enemies, and that deserves comment. We find Egypt and Israel growing more and more hostile to one another; a subject which I’m chomping at the bit to examine. Iran could be a full-nuclear power in a matter of weeks, and there’s rising threat of WWIII as tensions between Russia and the western powers soar. There’s much more, and that’s not even to mention the moral decline of the world and the natural disasters which are taking place.
Such an essay would likely be 20 pages or more, so instead of trying to lightly touch on each of these subjects, I’ve decided to choose just one topic and examine it more carefully, and that is
America’s Abandonment of Israel
This is a subject we’ve discussed many times, yet it’s importance cannot be overstated. In my view, it is one of the last remaining pieces of the prophetical puzzle which requires further development. Since I’ve written on it many times, I won’t take the time to quote all of the passages which teach that Israel must stand alone against her latter-day enemies. We’ll proceed on the understanding that only the Divine hand will save Israel in her most desperate time of need, and we’ll consider what has happened lately to further this part of God’s plan.
As we currently stand, it’s difficult to think of a time when US-Israel relations were worse than they are now. This does not mean that the US is or must be an enemy of Israel, but as prophecy shows Israel as standing alone, the current state of the US-Israel relationship causes us to conclude that we are witnessing part of the reason why.
On the 7th of last October, Hamas invaded Israel, took thousands of captives, and committed unspeakable atrocities. This attack was unprovoked, and Israel rightly responded by fighting back and invading the Gaza Strip. At first, American supported Israel. Now, that is changing:
In confused tirade, Biden claims Israel’s response to Hamas is “Over the top” – Israel365 News
Emergency aid for Israel fails House vote – World Israel News
American support for Israel’s war on Hamas is slipping, new poll shows – World Israel News
US considers rolling back Trump-era Israel-friendly policies – World Israel News
Not only is America heavily rescinding their support of Israel, but they are largely giving it to Hamas! In light of the trouble in the area, the US is reportedly going to introduce a plan to create a Palestinian state:
Biden 'embracing Hamas supporters' for far-left votes: Senator – World Israel News
The creation of a Palestinian state would be the largest blow Israel in recent history. Instead of fixing the problem, it would make it even worse. By even considering this, America is rewarding the Hamas terrorists for their actions. They invaded Israel, and as a result, there is now serious talk about creating a Palestinian state.
Testifying to the souring relations is how Biden has been speaking of Netanyahu. In numerous instances, he has cursed Netanyahu while speaking in public (see these two articles if you want to know what he said. I don’t want to insert the full headline here - A frustrated Biden berates Netanyahu and Biden blasts Netanyahu).
Instead of meeting with Netanyahu on the issue, Biden has met with the King of Jordan. The King attacked '70 years of Israeli occupation', showing that he believes Israel should have never become a nation. They have simply occupied the land for over 70 years; they never had a just claim to it.
We cite all of these frustrating articles to show that things are progressing precisely as the Word tells us they would, and I expect these relations to continue their down-ward spiral. Instead of being frustrated, we should rejoice as it is THE LORD who is working amongst the nations!
We must remember, though, that we are not told why the US does not come to Israel’s aid at a future time. It could be for any number of reasons, yet the current state of things seems to indicate that the US may be unwilling to assist Israel.
But now, I want to discuss something that we haven’t talked about before, and that is
Why Israel Must Stand Alone
Most of our conversation on the subject has been about how Israel will be on their own, but this is merely us trying to figure out how God will fulfill His prophecy. The why is far more meaningful and beautiful.
Simply stated, I believe the Lord will cause Israel to be abandoned by all other nations for two reasons:
Firstly, it is to humble Israel. The nation is currently a proud nation who’s confident of its own abilities. While there are many in Israel who are religious, it is also heavily secular. Their general attitude can be summarized by the words of one of Israel’s most famous war heroes, Moshe Dayan. After Israel’s incredible victory in 1967 when the Arab armies were defeated and the Old City of Jerusalem recaptured, he said, “I wish people would stop talking about prophecy. We just licked em’.” (I’ll have to check my files for his exact works, but I believe these are correct). His intent was that God had nothing to do with it. Israel created their own success. Such has been Israel’s explanation for most of their triumphs throughout the years.
The point is, Israel is not presently of the character to call upon God for salvation as the Scriptures fortell, but instead trust that they can handle things themselves. Yet Christ told them many years ago, “Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Luke 13:35). This shows that Israel will not only recognize Christ, but be grateful for him and warmly welcome him as their King. This passage in Luke calls back to Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem riding on the ass, for we find the exact same phrase in
Matthew 21:8-9 – And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. (9) And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
Not only does this show the Jews joyously accepting Christ as a King, but it shows the context in which they do so. They were crying “Hosanna”, which means literally “Oh save!” (see Strong’s). Therefore, if the Jews will not see Christ again until they assume they cry for salvation, something must occur to bring them to that position. If they see that their enemies are about to swallow them up and no other nation is coming to their aid, they will turn to their last resort and finally cry out, “Hosanna!” The entire history of Israel testifies to this sad sequence. They have not yet learned to “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help” (Psalm 146:3), but they will learn the lesson when they stand alone.
Secondly, Israel must stand alone so they will know for certain that it is the Lord, and the Lord alone, that is their savior. In no way will it be a joint effort by Christ and the United States or any other nation. Regarding their only ally in the final Arab conflict, we’re told that the Jews will say, “Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save” (Isaiah 63:1). There is no mention of Israel receiving help from any other party except this one. When Israel is saved, they will know that it was only thanks to the Lord.
Therefore, the Lord will cause Israel to stand alone in order to open their eyes and remove the veil that has covered them for thousands of years so that they may fully know and understand that Jesus Christ is indeed their Messiah. During his first advent, he performed blatant miracles which testified to his identity as the Messiah, yet even this followed by his death, burial, and resurrection was not enough to convince the nation. Perhaps it’s partially for this reason that Christ comes with such immense power and glory. The only way they’ll be able to explain his power is that God is with him. He, leading the army of his redeemed, will be their savior from their enemies round about, and while they will recognize their Messiah has finally come, they will initially be ignorant of his identity. After Israel is saved, we’re told that the Jews will turn to their rescuer and say,
Zechariah 13:6 – And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.
Jews today have varying beliefs as to who their Messiah is. Some believe it will be Elijah while many confess that they have no clue who it is, although they’re certain that it is not Jesus of Nazareth. But in the day when he is revealed, they will notice the wounds in his hands. The unique marks on Christ’s hands testify to his victory over sin, yet they also tell the story of how he died and who caused him to be crucified. The Jews will see this, question what they are and where they’re from, and then he’ll reveal that it was his own people – the Jews – who gave him those marks.
At this utterance, the Jews will be fully aware that he is indeed Jesus of Nazareth. They will understand that they crucified their Messiah (Matthew 27:24-25), a fact which so many are still in disbelief of. Even the praised Jewish intellectuals of today like Ben Shapiro and others who are so highly revered have yet to understand this.
But the Jews have not only been ignorant of the fact that they crucified their Messiah, they have outright denied it for the past thousands of years. If you and I are wrong about something which we didn’t know much about, we might feel a little embarrassed. But this is nothing compared to being wrong about something that we were aware of the facts, yet still adamantly denying the truth only to be proven wrong. Such remorse and embarrassment is even greater, and this is what we see in Scripture with Israel at this time:
Zechariah 12:10-14 – And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. (11) In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. (12) And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart; (13) The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart; (14) All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart.
Never before will Israel have mourned as they will at this time. Yet they will finally have recognized their Messiah, and thus the process of healing and cleansing will begin. All of this will occur because the Lord was their savior and no one else.
To Conclude
As always, there are many other things I’d like to discuss, but time is short. Lord willing, there will be opportunity to discuss other topics in a separate Prophecy Letter. But in the time remaining, let us honestly and genuinely try to wrap our heads around the fact that Jesus will be back soon, and “he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe” (2 Thessalonians 1:10). Let our efforts in the days ahead be to glorify and to admire him NOW as much as this feeble flesh will allow, in the hopes that we may be able to do so perfectly for the ages to come, for those who are found worthy “shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years” (Revelation 20:6).
In the One Hope of Israel,
Tanner Hawkins