Page 58 - Signs of the End

22 THE SIGNS OF THE END

orthodox Jews, with headquarters in New York City. They
believe the Messiah has come, in the person of a rabbi who is
currently living in New York City. They want Israel to recognize
him and invite him to come to Jerusalem to establish the
Messianic era. We later discussed the matter with a pastor in
Texas, and he laughed, saying, "There are two things that don't
come from New York City: Pace Picante Sauce and the Messiah!"

Along with the humorous aspects of the situation, there is
something tragic about this sign. First, there is the sadness of the
fact that these people have not recognized their true Messiah,
Yeshua, the Lord Jesus Christ. Israel will know great sorrow
until they invite Him who died for them to return, saying,
"Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord."

Setting the Stage for the Antichrist

But the other tragedy here is that Israel is setting itself up for
a counterfeit Messiah. Instead of searching the Scriptures for the
bona fide qualifications of the Messiah, some are willing to
confer the title on someone they think fills the bill, with no
Biblical basis.

The Scriptures indicate this is precisely the situation that will
exist at the beginning of the Tribulation. Israel will agree to a
covenant with the evil prince for seven years (Dan. 9:24). He will
then lead them down the primrose path of the "abomination of
desolation" in the revived Jerusalem Temple and the disastrous
War of Armageddon. How tragic it is that the world in general,
and Israel in particular, must experience all this death, deception
and judgment, before the true Redeemer can come to bring peace
and life to the world.

It's good to know in all of this that "today is the day of
salvation," that the Gospel is available now for all who receive
Him, Jews and Gentiles alike, and that we look forward to His
imminent return at the Rapture, before the tragic days of the
Tribulation begin.