Spending just a few minutes each day reading the Bible, with the help of a plan and some notes, makes the it easier to understand.
Israel stands alone
An interesting development occurred in Israel in late November 2010. In a move which has not helped the already shaky peace negotiations with the Palestinians, Israel's parliament passed a bill setting stringent new conditions before any withdrawal from East Jerusalem or the Golan Heights can take place. The bill requires a two-thirds majority in the Knesset before any withdrawal can be approved. And if that proves unsuccessful any proposal would be subject to a national referendum. The chances of either option sanctioning any such move, given the nature of Israeli politics, are virtually zero.
The BBC news of November 24, 2010 goes on to explain:
"Analysts say the move could complicate peace efforts by making it more difficult for any Israeli government to make territorial withdrawals. The bill – passed by a 65-33 majority – was backed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who said it would prevent 'irresponsible agreements'. Likud Party MP Yariv Levin, who proposed the bill, said it was of 'the utmost national importance for retaining the unity of the people'.
"Unlike the occupied West Bank, which Israel has never formally annexed, the Golan Heights and East Jerusalem are considered by the Israeli government to be under its sovereignty. The international community considers both the Golan and East Jerusalem to be occupied territory. Syria requires the return of all of the Golan Heights as the primary condition for a peace treaty with Israel. Palestinians want East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state."
Israel gained control of East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights during the 1967 war. Since that time she has settled nearly 500,000 Jews in more than 100 settlements in these areas. This is clearly of more importance to her than peace with the Palestinians or Syria; or indeed gaining the approval of the international community. Israel seems increasingly prepared to take actions in her own perceived interests without concerning herself particularly over the international repercussions. This may be one illustration of Israel dwelling safely (Ezekiel 38), with a feeling of security.
The recent situation with the Gaza convoy is but one example of this trend. At the same time Israel is more and more perceived in the international community as the local "bully" rather than the underdog. Combine these two trends and it is easy to see a very isolated Israel vulnerable to an attack by the king of the north who does not seriously fear opposition from other countries.
Bible prophecies
While many prophecies in the Bible concern events that have now taken place - like the creation of the State of Israel in 1948 - there are other prophecies that relate to world events, especially in and around Israel, that will be fulfilled just before Jesus Christ returns to the earth just as he said he would 2000 years ago!
Every reason, then, to know about the prophecies and especially about what God has promised to do to the world in the near future.