Israel's Renewed Fascination with the EU

A survey conducted by Ben Gurion University found that 81% of Israelis would support Israel joining the European Union, and 64% would support the deployment of NATO forces to the West Bank and Gaza Strip as part of a peace treaty with the Palestinians. A recent Jerusalem Post article reported on the survey and quoted one of the researchers who conducted it. "Israelis are really into strengthening and deepening the cooperation between Israel and the EU. Israelis understand the importance of the EU for the future of Israel and they want to strengthen the relations."

What significance, if any, could this information have in God's prophetic program? I see two possible points of connection. First, Israel's growing interest in Europe could be connected, at least in part, to its realization that the United States might not always be the reliable partner and friend it has been for the past 30 years. Israel's fascination with Europe could reflect a growing belief that Europe might prove to be the more reliable economic and political partner in the future. Second, the Bible describes the last days as a time characterized by interaction between the revived Roman Empire and a restored nation of Israel. The period begins as a time of cooperation and peace, though eventually the European ruler will turn against Israel. This is described in some detail in Daniel 9:27 and Revelation 12–13.

Pay close attention to Israel's growing desire for rapprochement with Europe. It could eventually prove to be another piece of God's end-time puzzle clicking into place.

The rise in food prices

Recent news reports are focusing on the rapid rise in food prices worldwide. ABC News reported that "Food prices are up a staggering 29 percent worldwide. A heat wave in Russia and near-Biblical floods in Australia have sent wheat prices soaring 67 percent over last year. And here in the United States, floods followed by droughts in the Midwest mean corn prices jumped nearly 60 percent in a year."

The impact will actually be felt in more places than just your grocery cart. The rise in grain prices will also result in a rise in meat prices as the increased costs for animal feed make their way through the food chain. The price of other commodities are also being impacted by the same forces. From coffee to cotton we are being told to expect significant increases in the coming days.

But those of us in the West need to put this in perspective. What we experience as an irritation is becoming a full-blown catastrophe for many of the world's poor. It was the World Bank that first reported food prices worldwide are now 29% higher than they were a year ago, and they give a stark assessment of the situation. "Global food prices are now at dangerous levels. It is already clear recent price rises for food are causing pain and suffering to poor people around the globe."

Two thoughts came to mind as I read these reports. First, Christians need to do what we can to help those in need. There are a number of good Christian relief organizations seeking to share God's love in a very tangible way in some of the most distressed areas of the world. Consider helping groups like Compassion International, Samaritan's Purse, and similar organizations who combine humanitarian aid with the gospel message. They are being flooded with calls for help, and they need your assistance now!

Second, I can't help but think of the Bible's description of the End Times. Jesus said it would be a time when there will be "famines and earthquakes" in various places (Matt. 24:7). And the Book of Revelation identifies famine as one characteristic of the beginning of those days. "And when He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, 'Come.' And I looked, and behold, a black horse; and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard as it were a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, 'A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine'" (Rev. 6:5-6). A denarius was a typical day's wage in John's time. And a quart was about what someone would consume in a good meal. John is describing a time when it will take a full day's wages to be able to afford one good meal...or three less nutritious meals. It's a time when 100% of the average worker's wages will be used simply to buy enough food to stay alive.

We're not there yet, but we seem to be approaching a time worldwide when the conditions described by John seem entirely possible.

Ahmadinejad's Eschatology

Reports coming out of Iran remind us again that Iranian President Ahmadinejad views the world through a specific theological grid. And that grid includes an eschatology (doctrine of future things) that looks for the return of the Twelfth Iman, also known as the Mahdi.

Two recent items highlight the role Ahmadinejad's beliefs plays in his understanding of current events. First, a December 7 report from Al Arabiya quotes Ahmadinejad stating that America is doing everything possible to prevent the coming of the Mahdi. "We have documented proof that they [the U.S.] believe that a descendant of the prophet of Islam will raise in these parts and he will dry the roots of all injustice in the world....They have devised all these plans to prevent the coming of the Hidden Imam because they know that the Iranian nation is the one that will prepare the grounds for his coming and will be the supporters of his rule."

Second, Debkafile reported today on a similar reference in a speech Amhadinejad delivered Sunday when he announced crippling new economic measures, including massive increases in the price of bread, cooking oil, and gasoline. "In addressing the nation Sunday, Ahmadinejad declared that...Iran's oil and gas resources belong to the Invisible Imam (Messiah), whose coming is imminent, and must not be squandered."

The key question now is: So what? Are his words nothing more than those of a skilled politician appealing to the religious beliefs of the masses to advance his political agenda? Or do his constant references to the Mahdi give us insight into the beliefs that drive Ahmadinejad himself? I believe the latter is true. (See my earlier post from September 23--"Ahmadinejad's UN Speech" in which I followed this theme through his past six speeches at the UN.) Ahmadinejad's obsession with the coming of the Mahdi--and the role he and Iran might play in that end-time event, has remained remarkably consistent over the years, though most secular media seem to be tone deaf to what he is saying. Here's how I ended that previous post.

The key unknown variable is Ahmadinejad’s personal beliefs on this issue. From his speeches it is clear he believes in the return of the Mahdi. It is also clear that he expects it to be “realized in the near future.” More troubling is his call to the nations to “play a part in the fulfillment” of this event. While that could be nothing more than a call to embrace Islam—and in that way hasten the approach of the end—he keeps making the statement in the context of his hope for the soon coming of the Mahdi. Is it possible he sees himself as being placed by God in his current position for this very reason?

Most secular reporters downplay this possibility. They can’t imagine someone longing to start a worldwide conflagration—possibly one involving nuclear weapons. But they don’t understand the internal logic of such a decision. An Islamic suicide bomber can willingly take his or her own life because of the firm belief that such an action results in immediate entry to Paradise. If Ahmadinejad believes such a conflagration is part of God’s end-time program—and if he believes God has raised him up “for such a time as this”—he could very well be willing to bring about his own destruction if that is what it takes for the Mahdi to return. Perhaps this is what he had in mind in his 2006 address when he asked Allah to “Include us among his followers and martyrs.”

If the West underestimates Ahmadinejad’s devotion—or his determination—it could be to our harm.

If anything, Ahmadinejad's most recent statements reinforce what I suspected before. He does see himself having been raised up by God to play a pivotal role in end-time events. And it's just possible he might be right. But if he is, he will definitely be surprised by how everything will end!