A Conflict that can’t be Ended? « Jerusalem Connection Writers Archives

By Jim Hutchens

Former Senator George Mitchell’s statement as he accepted President Obama’s appointment as Middle East Envoy to the Israelis and Palestinians is worth careful consideration. He declared, “I have formed the conviction that there is no such thing as a conflict that can’t be ended.” Bold words, especially when considering the conflict is between Israel and the Palestinians.

For Bible believers these words are of special interest because they have a note of finality a note of completion and victory, even a note of established peace. However, we know peace and victory will come only when the Prince of Peace comes when Messiah rules and reigns on planet earth, as King of Kings and LORD of Lords. (until then, please review The Jerusalem Connection Peace Plan in this issue.)

Furthermore, we know something else from the Bible that is a clear and certain truth. When Messiah comes “on the clouds of the sky with, power and great glory,” (Matthew 24:30); when “every eye will see Him,” (Revelation 1:7); when “On that day His feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, (Zechariah 14:4) thus sayeth the LORD, the coming of the Messiah is at least seven years from now!

Whoa, hold it right there you say. Even Jesus said, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”(Matthew 24:36). I am not pointing to a day or an hour. However, I am pointing to the only Biblical time line God has ever given as an indicator of the season of Messiah’s coming. (By the way, the New Testament never speaks of Messiah’s “return,” which Christians look for. Rather, it always speaks of His “coming,” which both Christians and Jews look for).

The time line I’m speaking of is given to us by the prophet Daniel. He tells us of a series of seven year time periods in Daniel 9:25-27, all of which have passed except the last seven year period. There is a momentous, yet identifiable, event that begins that last period of seven years. Daniel speaks of “the ruler who will come,” (verse 26), “He will confirm a covenant with many for one [seven-year period].” Notice, the ruler does not make or originate the covenant, he confirms it. The Hebrew word means to make strong, to strengthen and make firm or make solid.

In other words, a time is coming when a recognized world ruler will confirm and strengthen a covenant or agreement, evidently between Israel and others with whom a strong covenant is needed. This will be a recognized world wide as a clearly identifiable event. This event will begin the count down to Messiah’s coming seven years later.

However, there is an even more dramatic and identifiable event that takes place three and a half years after the covenant is confirmed. Daniel speaks of this when he says, “but in the middle of that ‘seven’ he [the world ruler], will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And one who causes desolation will place abominations on a wing of the temple, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”

This future act is the epitome of arrogant blasphemy. Jesus speaks of it in Matthew 24:15. The Apostle Paul clearly identifies “the abomination of desolation” when he refers to the “man of lawlessness” … He opposes and exalts himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped and even sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.” (II Thessalonians 2:3-4). The extent of the rule of this “man of lawlessness” or “anti-Christ” (I John 2:18-25), or “Beast” (Revelation 13) is forty-two months or three and a half years (Revelation 13:5). At the end of this time period Messiah “will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.” (II Thessalonians 2:8).

There is then, a day coming when a world ruler will confirm a covenant for seven years involving Israel. In the middle of the seven year period or after three and a half years, he will establish himself in the temple proclaiming himself to be God. Following that blasphemous event Jesus said “there will be great tribulation, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now and never to be equaled again.” (Matthew 24:20).
After which Messiah will come in power and great glory, seven years after the ruler confirms the covenant with Israel.

One additional important factor must be noted. For the seven-year prophecy of Daniel to be fulfilled there must exist a temple in which the Man of Lawlessness proclaims himself to be God. Today Israel has no temple and has not had one since it was destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70. To allow for the fulfillment of the prophecy, three and a half years after the covenant has been confirmed, a temple must be built.

Now, let’s go back to Senator Mitchell’s declaration, “…there is no such thing as a conflict that can’t be ended.” Suppose that through Senator Mitchell’s efforts combined with the Quartet the United States, the United Nations, Russia and the European Union, a peace agreement (covenant) is made between Israel and the Arabs/Palestinians. Suppose that agreement is “confirmed” by a world leader maybe the President of the United States, or the Secretary General of the United Nations, or the Middle East Envoy from the Quartet (currently Tony Blair). Suppose that “covenant” authorizes Israel to build a temple (this would have to take place in the first three and a half year period). I suggest, if these events occur any time soon we will have seen the seven-year count down begin. Until then we have at least seven years until Messiah comes!

Finally, Jesus said, “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.… Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:28, 36). “Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!”

Jim Hutchens is President of The Jerusalem Connection, International and editor of The Jerusalem Connection Report.