Since the deadly Hamas terrorist attacks last week, all eyes have been on Israel. Friends began texting me in the middle of the night to alert me of the events that were unfolding. I personally know people on the ground in Jerusalem who huddled together with their family in a bomb shelter through that night. I also know several commanders of the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) who are carrying out the counterattacks. However, I know many more Christians who are watching the news coverage in fear. They fear what this means for the world and they fear what it might mean for Bible prophecy.

It's true that Israel plays a vital role in future Bible prophecy. When we keep our eyes on Israel, we are watching a nation, a people, and a land where God is going to be at work. But, as Christians, how are we supposed to respond to what we are seeing? How do we know when prophecy is being fulfilled? To what extent will we be affected by this war in Israel?

First, let’s remember that the Bible tells us not to fear because we will be raptured from this earth before the really bad things begin to occur. The rapture of the church is the next event in Bible prophecy and it could come at any moment. We must be prepared for the coming of Christ in the clouds to call us home with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:17). In the meantime, the Bible gives us some clues about what to be looking for as we lead up to this event. Let’s look at three key things:

1. Look for the Rebuilding of the Temple – During the time of the tribulation there will be a temple in Jerusalem. The Jews will be worshipping there and the antichrist shall exalt himself as a world leader in that place (2 Thessalonians 2:4). While there is no temple there today, standing in the wings today is a group of well-funded and organized Jews prepared to rebuild. The only place of worship on the temple mount right now is for muslims - the Al-Aqsa mosque. It seems likely that this mosque must be destroyed and the temple mount brought under the full control of the Jewish people in order for a new temple to be built there. With all of the destruction and warfare in the country at present, it is not at all implausible that this could be an outcome of this war.


2. Look for a Peacemaker – The antichrist is going to arrive on the scene at a time when the world desperately needs peace. The nation of Israel will be at the heart of that disturbance of world peace. He will arise as a person with great worldwide influence, political power, and as a uniter of the nations. The beginning of the tribulation period shall begin with him brokering a peace deal between the nation of Israel and the other nations of the world. People have been trying to label various world leaders as the antichrist for many years – and I don’t suggest that we attempt to do that. However, we should be on the lookout for a leader that is rising in power and promising a unifying, worldwide peace.


3. Look for Christ – For believers, this is really where we should be focused. Before the antichrist makes his covenant or defiles the temple or a time of tribulation falls upon the earth, all believers (both living and dead) shall be raptured to be with Christ in the air. He shall descend to the clouds and the trump shall sound and in an instant we shall all be removed from this world. We don’t have to worry about the difficulties of the tribulation or the political scene of the world. They will continue to go through these events while we are with Christ. That’s why Paul writes to the church, “Encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

This war in Israel has significance. We are right to be keeping an eye on Israel through this tumultuous time. The prophetic clock is ticking closer to the end times every moment. But we don’t need to be fearful – we need to be prepared. Have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior? He is your only hope to be saved from the days of judgment that God is going to pour out onto this earth. The Bible has clearly told us to be prepared and watching for His coming. Are you prepared? Are your loved ones prepared? I trust that you are able to say, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20)