For the last two weeks, questions have arisen about the ongoing crisis in the Gaza strip as Israel attempts to destroy the ability of Hamas to attack. The most common question is: "Will this fight turn into anything bigger?" i.e. the eventual fulfillment of the Isaiah 17 and Ezekiel 38-39 prophecies.
While it is easy to see the possibilities of a quick escalation to the conflict, I do not believe that will happen. Too many things remain in limbo, namely, the fact that until a new Prime Minister is elected in February, Ehud Ohmert continues to govern. He has proven himself to be quick to give ground to international pressure. As the call mounts for a unilateral cease-fire in Gaza, I expect Ohmert will soon comply. Second, Israel will take the fight all the way to inauguration day when Barack Obama steps into the Oval Office. They know the new President will probably "pull the plug" in his first couple of days, forcing Israel to back down. Therefore, I believe the IDF will get all it can done by way of ridding the planet of Hamas leadership before January 20. Agreements will be established, tying Israel's hands and, once again, allowing the terrorists to regroup. If all goes as it has in the last few violent cycles, Hizbollah, on the Lebanese border, will soon take over the firing of rockets into Israel. So goes the Middle East Roller Coaster. "Here we go again!"
However, I fully expected a piece of the puzzle to come into place for the eventual fulfillment of Ezekiel 38-39...and that is the placement of Turkey (Gomer) squarely within the Russian coalition described in the passage. Israel's excursion into Gaza has added that important piece. Listen to the words of the Turkish Prime Minister:
Turkey's prime minister on Friday said Israel should be barred from the United Nations while it ignores the body's calls to stop fighting in Gaza.
"How is such a country, which does not implement resolutions of the UN Security Council, allowed to enter through the gates of the UN (headquarters)?" Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.
Erdogan spoke before UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was set to arrive in Ankara to discuss the conflict. Erdogan accused Israel of attacking civilians under the pretext of targeting Hamas.
Turkish President Abdullah Gul on Friday renewed calls for an immediate cease-fire and also urged US President-elect Barack Obama to focus on a comprehensive, long-lasting and fair solution once in office. Meanwhile, Ban urged Israel to immediately stop the Gaza operation. "I strongly urge Israeli leadership and government to declare a ceasefire unilaterally," Ban said in Ramallah. "It's time to think about a unilateral cease-fire from the Israeli government."
Government spokesman Mark Regev dismissed the notion. "I don't believe that there's a logical expectation in the international community that Israel unilaterally cease fire while Hamas would continue to target cities, trying to kill our people," Regev said.
Until the election of Erdogan in 2006, Turkey had leaned heavily toward a pro-Israeli stance, echoing its ties to the United States. But Erdogan changed that stance. His Muslim leaning is in the direction of Shia militantism, thus his radical call for suspending Israel from the United Nations. All he may need now is a bit of sweet talking by Vladimir Putin.
In the final analysis, I believe we have a little bit more time to accomplish the work God has called us to. But don't count on much. Remember, God is the one orchastrating events. And now the good news: The blessed hope of the church could happen at any moment. So, let's work while it is day: the daylight is waning.
Pastor Jim
