But now we see something new, instead of attacking the West the people are attacking their own leaders seeking to throw off their old restraints and find a new path. What is really happening in the Middle East? As stated in my blog last week some believe that there will be a new spiritual leader, the Mahdi that will come in the last days to unite all the Muslim nations and dominate the world. There is a call from some to institute Sharia Law not only in the East, but also in the West. Quite clearly they see Islam as the only true religion that can save humanity from certain calamity as it sinks further into the pit of moral degeneration. There is a real fear that as each country’s dictator is overthrown it creates a void to be filled by radical Islam. And it’s this radical element that longs for their spiritual leader to bring all Muslims together in a Holy war against the West.

From a biblical perspective God deals with the entire world and that includes the Muslims. It is written in our sacred text, the Holy Bible, that in the last days when the revived Roman Empire and its political leader is exercising his authority over the entire world, that God’s angel will “pour out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water is dried up to prepare the way for the kings of the East.” (Rev. 16:12) Why would God allow this to happen? Are not most of His people living in the West? Before we are too critical of God let’s be clear that the Bible does not say that the kings from the East will defeat the West, nor does it say that West under the leadership of the Antichrist will defeat the kings from the East. What is clear, however, is that he brings them both to the valley of decision – which is also referred to as Armageddon. It is here where the great battle takes place between God and all of fallen humanity. It is very instructive that prior to God destroying all of fallen humanity in this final battle, God issues a final warning to His people. “Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.” (Rev. 16:15)

So here is the point friends, we do not need to fear what is happening in the Middle East, but we do need to fear God who is sitting on His Throne. As the biblical Antichrist begins to exercise his power in the West this country will not become more righteous. On the contrary those in the West will be deceived into thinking that they can build the perfect world without God. They will be deceived into thinking that they can develop their own self righteousness to save the world and defeat their enemies (specifically the hordes from the East). In fact this deception will deepen where the Antichrist will promise to protect Israel, and then break his covenant with her at the last moment. Retrospectively, as the Antichrist tightened his grip on the entire world through miracles signs and wonders the deception will grow. But the truth is man must die to self and trust in God alone for His imputed righteousness. Those who awake to this truth and put on the righteousness of God will “not go naked and be shamefully exposed” at Christ’s magnificent return to earth. Friends, we need to be more concerned about our being ready for the coming of Christ rather than the turmoil in the Middle East.

Furthermore, we have all gone for years having the experts tell us the truth, only to find out years later that they have changed their mind and it was not truth after all, but just another hypothetical truth or learned opinion. We have seen this in science, politics, psychology, and even medicine. Think about the number of times the experts have changed their mind on child rearing, global warming, traditional medical practices, the safety of prescription drugs or what is the best health care plan for America. Isn’t anyone speaking the truth? If we listen to God and not the world then we will come to know the truth – revelation truth.

We have had politicians say that they are speaking the truth to only discover that it was just a lie and of course this was after we voted for them thinking that they would really bring change to a besieged world. Most are caught in a web of deceit, being tossed in one direction and then another. More and more information is thrown at you daily and even on an hourly basis. It is coming at faster and faster speeds from many different channels. The world is on information overload and it does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Not only are people more confused, but they are always learning but unable to come to the truth. They are always seeking, but never finding. Only the bright light of God’s revealed truth will expose the lies and deception. God’s truth will show you the way. It will set you free!

God’s truth will guide you along the narrow way – a way that is so opposite from the world that only a few find it – a way that will bring you from death to life, but first you must stop listening to the world and start listening to God. Really listen, not just sort of listen. Doing so will set you free from the bondages of this world and open your eyes to a new reality. “Once I was blind, but now I see.” God’s truth allows you to see things from a new perspective. It gives you a new world view. You will see things differently. You will understand things differently. Then you will soon discover that Jesus Christ is the ultimate revelation of truth.

Friends, my desire is to look only briefly at the events unfolding in this world and then to look intently at God at work in His world, listening only to His voice. Many of our leaders foolishly think that they are controlling events in this world and don’t realize that they are either pawns of the devil or servants of the most High God. I have said it so many times in the past and will say it again– “nothing happens by accident, God is in control”. God will bring this world to a conclusion at the end of the Great Tribulation and at the glorious return of His Son Jesus Christ. I pray that you come to the Truth so that the scales will fall from your eyes so that you can really see what is happening in the world. You may be shocked!