Conflict in Israel: End Times or Just Another Day?

Paws up, folks! It's time to unravel the furball of conflict in Israel and whether it signifies the end times. Every time there's a scuffle in or around Israel, some people see it as a prophetic alarm bell. But let’s not get our whiskers in a twist!

Conflict in Israel is as old as, well, cats and mice. From the Egyptians to the Romans, Israel has always faced its share of adversaries. According to the Bible, this relentless hostility stems from God’s special plan for Israel—a plan that Satan wants to thwart with all his might. Satanically influenced hatred of Israel—and especially Israel’s God—has fueled this eternal animosity.

Here’s a whisker-twitching truth: the persecutors of Israel—be it Sennacherib, Haman, Hitler, or Rouhani—will come and go, but the persecution will persist until the second coming of Christ. So, don’t be too quick to jump to apocalyptic conclusions based on every headline.

The Bible does say there will be severe conflict in Israel during the end times, famously known as the Tribulation, the Great Tribulation, or the “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7). 

Here’s what Scripture tells us:

• Mass Return of Jews to Israel: Deuteronomy 30:3; Isaiah 43:6; Ezekiel 34:11-13; 36:24; 37:1-14
• 7-Year Covenant of “Peace” with Israel: Isaiah 28:18; Daniel 9:27
• Rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem: Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 11:1
• Break of Covenant and Persecution: Daniel 9:27; 12:1, 11; Zechariah 11:16; Matthew 24:15, 21; Revelation 12:13
• Invasion of Israel: Ezekiel 38-39
• Recognition of Jesus as Messiah: Zechariah 12:10
• Restoration of Israel: Jeremiah 33:8; Ezekiel 11:17; Romans 11:26

The current turmoil in Israel, surrounded by enemies like Syria, Lebanon, and Iran, is just a preview of what the Bible says will happen in the end times (Matthew 24:15-21). The latest round of persecution began when Israel was reconstituted as a nation in 1948. Many thought the six-day war in 1967 was the start of the end. So, could today's events be signaling the end times? Maybe. Does it definitely mean the end is near? Not necessarily. Remember, Jesus said, "Watch out that no one deceives you. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come" (Matthew 24:4-6).

So, keep your paws on the ground and stay alert. But don’t let every conflict make you lose your nap!