ISRAEL AND THE RETURN OF CHRIST

Why Israel? Chapter 8 – ISRAEL AND THE RETURN OF CHRIST by author Derek Prince.

Another very important observation about the centrality of Israel to God’s plan is that the return of Christ focuses specifically on the land of Israel.

Climax in Jerusalem

The last three chapters of Zechariah, 12-14, all relate to the period of the return of the Lord. Let’s look at the beginning of those chapters, Zechariah 12:1-3:

“The burden of the Word of the Lord against Israel. Thus says the Lord who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him: “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.”

This passage makes it clear that the climax of the age is not going to take place in New York, London, or Tokyo. It is going to take place in Jerusalem. That is the setting for the last act of the world’s drama.

The Lord’s Return

In the New Testament, when Jesus ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives, the angels said to the disciples who stood there looking up into heaven.

“This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11

Jesus went from the Mount of Olives and He will return to the Mount of Olives. He went in a cloud and He will return in a cloud. That Scripture will be fulfilled exactly.

This is the scenario for the end of the age. Here is what I want to point out to you: Everything predicted in the Bible at the last period before Jesus comes focuses on Israel, Jerusalem, the Land, and the People. In other words, if they were not in place, the return of Jesus could not take place.