As Americans viewed the history channels piece on the antichrist they heard the narrator ask the question, is the re-birth of Israel in 1948 really the ultimate sign of the end of the world as we know it. With full blown skepticism the commentator proceeded to show how it might be, but it could also be an overrated notion of the preachers, theologians and eschatologists.

That Israel is Gods clock is not an obscure or hidden theology it is rather one of the clearest markers in the entire scripture. God doesnt take us by the scruff of the neck and force our faces into the clock, he says only, let him that has ears to hear, let him hear.

Hear this. In the history of this world no nation has endured more than fifty years removed from its own soil and then returned to become a free and independent nation again. Israel endured 2500 years under the rule of other nations and a dispersion or removal from their own soil that has lasted nearly a millennium. When Israel became a nation again under the British mandate of 1948 she broke every record in history.

If only one prophet said that Israels re-birth was the beginning of the last generation that should be enough. But all the prophets have unanimously agreed that this is the marker or the beginning of the great countdown of God.

Since the city of Jerusalem must be included in all of those prophecies than some would say the countdown did not begin until after the result of the six day war of 1967. This point cannot be argued against but it still puts us quite a few years underway on this cruise through what is known as the last generation.

For those who could care less and those who dont trust the Bibles prophecy it is business as usual. For those who see what is happening there is a bit of scurrying to get ready. In the rush some may have over speculated or failed to notice some pertinent facts about Gods time table.

Yes it is true that according to the prophets Israel will be surrounded by her enemies until the end and then finally delivered by God, directly and in person. What is also true is that her enemies will have some measure of success in their endeavors. In fact they will trample all over Israel for a specified period of time although it is a very short time but will end very badly for those who have hurt Israel. Revelation 11:2

Some of the best eschatologists have gotten a bit wild. One preacher says that Antichrist will have the whole world worshipping Allah. In fact the Antichrist wont allow the worship of anything but himself, 2Thessalonians 2:4. Others are encouraging people to stock pile supplies and retreat to the mountains so they can save their lives during the coming calamities. Again this is antithetical to the teaching of the Bible. Christ said not to try to save our own lives but stand against the rule of the Antichrist even at the cost of our own lives. Luke 17:33

We should be keenly aware that all that is going on in the mid-east today is of paramount importance and is the fulfillment of almost all major prophecies. Being watchful and circumspect is more to be desired than getting caught up in wild speculation and panicky disputations.

History is a look at the past and when properly analyzed can be useful to teach us what to avoid in the future. Prophecy is pre-written history and cannot be so easily analyzed. Speculation is not a good substitute for the analytical.

Suffice it to say that for the self indulgent and preoccupied even a loud yell about the fast approaching train will not capture their attention. Only the pain of impact will finally get a reaction. Jesus said it another way. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Matthew 24: 37-39

Rev Bresciani is the author of An American Prophet and His Message, Xulon Press. He has hundreds of articles both online and in print. Please visit the website at http://americanprophet.org