This is not just an interesting coincidence, but a powerful convergence. We are celebrating our Jubilee Year, our 50th anniversary as a church in Tucson, AZ. The news broke Saturday that Israel had been invaded by the terrorist organization, Hamas. It was also the fiftieth anniversary of the Yom Kippur War that God delivered Israel from on October 6, 1973. Fifty years later, almost to the day, Israel is barbarically invaded by her enemies, all of whom are sworn to the eradication of the State of Israel.

We are commanded in (Psalm 122:6) “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” The restoration of the State of Israel and the promised return of Jesus Christ the Lord were all a burning reality when we planted our church in 1973. Jesus is coming again, “are you ready for the Rapture?”, was a great motivator and context for revival, then, and I also believe today as well. Are you ready should the trumpet sound and the Lord Jesus return for his bride, the church? We are still preaching the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. The truth that history is His-story, and that God is in complete control.

This question was at the forefront of Christ’s disciples as they asked, “As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3) Part of his answer followed, “And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.” (Matthew 24:6-9) Those labor pains increase in intensity and frequency the closer a woman gets to giving birth. That is what is happening in our world.

Fifty years later, we still have “oil in our lamps” and are waiting, and watching, and witnessing of a risen Savior, who promised he would come the second time for those who have received him, and are living in light of his imminent return. Let your name be among that great number.