This article was originally written as a two part posting on Light of Zion’s Facebook page. Both Parts 1 and 2 are reprinted below.
Part 1: The Convergence
July 14, 2015 marked the exact midpoint of “Dire Straits,” Israel’s 3 week period of mourning, repentance and spiritual warfare. After many extensions, the US-brokered deal with Iran was signed that same day. The deal empowers Iran to build nuclear weapons with which to make good on its still-stated goal to annihilate Israel and neutralize the US.
The US Congress has 60 days from July 14 to either ratify or reject the nuclear deal. The 60 day period technically ends September 12. On the biblical calendar, Rosh Hashana (Feast of Trumpets) falls this year on the evening of September 12. Interestingly, Rosh Hashana is also known as the Day of Judgment. The congressional deadline has been extended, however, to September 17.
America’s final decision on the nuclear deal could be announced, therefore, in the period between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. While Rosh Hashana is thought to be God’s Day of Judgment, Yom Kippur, occurring ten days later, is the day on which it is said He seals those judgments for the coming year. The ten and somewhat foreboding, in-between days, are known as the Days of Awe.
Some believe the close of a tetrad blood moon cycle and shemitah year this Rosh Hashana, September 12-13, will be associated with the release of God’s judgments on America and other nations. Personally, I do not dismiss the potential significance of the close of the tetrad blood moon cycle in a shemitah year. But my attention is less focused on spectacular signs in the sky than on the issues transcending calendar convergences. Sin is a reproach to any nation. When a nation’s governors repeatedly legislate evil as good, and good as evil, that nation loses God’s blessing. When a nation aligns with others in their aim to destroy Israel or the Jewish people, that nation will suffer consequences. This means God will judge America (it’s already begun) as well as other nations. Even Israel is not exempt from the chastisement of her Father. God’s justice will be dispensed on the earth, and that could occur very, very soon. Meanwhile, He graciously gives His people peace that passes understanding and calls them to humbly intercede.
Whatever may come this September, I hold much hope for America, Israel and believers in Iran. In Part 2 of this post, I’ll share how Christians can respond to the issues raised in Part 1. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for good and not for evil, plans to give you a future and a hope'” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Part 2: How to Respond
On July 31, I posted about the calendar convergence of the Iran deal’s (dis)approval with the close of a tetrad blood moon cycle and what is believed to be a Shemitah year ending September 12-13. Some Christian leaders warn that on or about this date, the US economy will collapse, global disasters will result, and cataclysmic war against Israel will follow. In this post I’ll suggest some biblical and practical responses to these concerns.
First, I need to say God has not told me that shattering life changes will occur in America or on a global level next month, next fall, next year or on any specific date. To be fair, He hasn’t told me He won’t change life, as the Western world knows it, in the very near future either. In any case, the times are critical by most objective measures. And sin, which is intensifying rapidly, He must judge.
In prayerfully seeking relevant Bible-based and Spirit-sensitive insight on the season, this is what I’ve learned: God’s gracious call to surrender more fully to Him is now urgent. If commotion about convergence is what it takes for us to surrender, then that is what He’ll use.
If we respond to God’s call and something cataclysmic happens very soon, He will have prepared us. If we respond and nothing happens, He will still have had His way with us. We will still be better prepared for the future by being more conformed to the likeness of Yeshua. In that spirit, I hope this post offers some clarity, biblical mooring or re-calibration to believers who may be worried or troubled about the coming fall season.
A Fivefold Response to the Coming Fall Feast Season — And Beyond
(For ease in recall each point begins with an “R,”)
1. Remember Who God is. To rightly engage with what God will do, we must first remember Who God is. Because He is holy and just, God judges sin. Because He is loving, He does what’s best for us. Because He is merciful, He forgives. Because He is sovereign, He’s always in control. Because He’s redemptive, He wants all humanity saved. Because He’s victorious, He gives us peace. Because He is gracious, He provides what we need. Because He is covenant-keeping, He’s passionately engaged with Israel. Our response to any future, major life change, like our response to all of life, should derive from and reflect God’s character. To the extent it doesn’t, perhaps our response may not be of God. (Exodus 3:13-14)
2. Remain Bible-based. Can’t overstate this point! Make time, if you don’t have any now, to abide in the cleansing vitality of God’s Word. Humble yourself with fresh expectancy to be shown truth. From His Word, God will prepare and empower you for whatever life brings, whenever. (John 16:33)
3. Repent. Ask the Holy Spirit to graciously reveal your own sin. And don’t forget the sin of fear over the future! (To me, not all, but many of the prophetic warnings feel more driven by fear than God-driven.) Let’s focus less on personal survival and more on public revival. Let’s humbly but boldly intercede for a nationwide spirit of repentance, that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
4. Relate intimately to God. One prophetic leader says God recently told him this about His people: Labor is cheap, but friendship is costly. Yeshua came so we could be called His friends. He gives Himself intimately to those who give themselves intimately to Him. He shares with His friends what they need to know. So be fully present with the Lord—even when you’re relating to Him on the future. (John 15:15)
5. Readiness. Get re-filled daily with the Holy Spirit. Shift from a defensive posture to the offensive! You and I are in a joyful war for souls. When crisis shakes complacency, opportunity results. So let’s stay ready to give the reason for the hope that’s in us. It’s reasonable, by the way, for readiness to involve the natural as well as supernatural. It’s good, if you can, to have a little extra water, food and other essentials for your family and others in need. The goal is not to selfishly hoard but selflessly help. Exactly how to make ready on a tangible level varies from person to person and place to place. But in every instance, we’re told to do all from love. (Luke 17:33) And whatever the future, His love will see you through!