Cup of Trembling

Zechariah 12:2 - [And the LORD said] Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.

A cup of trembling. I read this and wondered how this little nation could be that, this nation that is besieged these days by enemies all around her. For some reason this little nation and people has had an unbelievable power behind her preventing her from total annihilation. Yet she will be a cup of trembling upon those that come against her. Where does her power come from? It comes from God. This people is the apple of God's eye. Although it is difficult to briefly explain all the ways Israel and the Jewish people have for so long been disobedient to Him, we know that in the end God will be merciful to her after a time of great tribulation and strife.

What we see happening in Israel today can be substantiated if you dig deep enough in Bible prophecy. I have to admit it can be confusing piecing together a word from here and another from there. I get it to a point but then I need to just trust that I will understand, because I desire to know, in greater detail as the days carry on and we see God's will unfold before our eyes.

Israel is in today's spotlight. There's no doubt it's part of God's plan. Remember, this is the land that was given to them (their Promised Land) thousands of years ago by God Himself. God does not break His promises. Anyone trying to encroach upon it will find themselves being judged one day for their actions when the Lord returns.

There are many who really do not see that the days are creeping in on us. Times change, society changes, it's just the way it is, they say. But I beg to differ. We truly are entering into the last days. The birth pangs are starting (Matthew 24:8). And scoffers will be great. In the past couple years there has been an escalation in turmoil and even natural disasters as spoken of in Luke 21:11 - There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. But we are also told as children of God we need not fear. Psalm 91:7 tells us a thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

It is as in the days of Noah. Jesus Himself made the statement in  Matthew 24:37-38: ...as in the days of Noah, also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark. This is the thought: Jesus has not returned in all these years, what makes anyone think it will happen? What was that song? Let's just party like it's 1999. And that's what many will do. 

Israel has and still is coming to a time in her life written of in prophecy. The people were dispersed around the world: ...but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad (John 11:52). ...Surely I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, wherever they have gone... (Ezekiel 37:21).

Then God talked of a time when they would begin to return. She would become a nation unto herself once again (1948). Isaiah 66:8 - Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the Earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? Amazing.

And finally, all eyes would become focused upon her again, like that which is happening today. The prophetic word to watch for now is the rising up of many nations against her again. She will be surrounded and seemingly have no ally. Behold, the Day of the LORD is coming, and your spoil will be divided in your midst. For I (God) will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:1-2).

She has been a thorn in the sides of many. In order to maintain some sort of future security she will seek peace among these nations but it will only bring destruction. The peace she requires is not earthly but spiritual. She requires the Prince of Peace. But as prophecy states her enemy will kill 2/3 of Israel's population. And it shall come to pass in all the Land (Israel), says the Lord, that two-thirds of it shall be cut off and die (Zechariah 13:8). All on account of her rebelliousness throughout the years.

But God...will show mercy. And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications (Zechariah 12:10a). He will reveal Himself to His chosen people and they will know that which they had been told for thousands of years about Jesus as their Messiah. They have been mistaken in their search for an earthly political messiah. They will see Him and then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. (Zechariah 12:10b).

However, 1/3 will remain to receive Christ in the very last days. In the world it will appear as though this is the end of Israel, much to the joy of those people across the world who have desired this end for years. ...but one-third shall be left in it: I will bring the one-third through the fire, will refine them as gold is tested. They will call on my Name, and I will answer them. I will say, "This is My people"; and each one will say, "the LORD is my God" (Zechariah 13:8-9).

I think of all the Old Testament words that so clearly define Christ and know that the Jews will wonder how they could have dismissed them. Even others today. Oh, how interesting the Bible can be when Jesus shows up in every book.

Yes, their true Messiah is on His way. Israel searches today for a great political leader...a man. They have not looked for the simplicity and humility of the Man, with a straightforward message that He chose to share with not only the Jews but with all the peoples of the world.

This Man, Jesus, shares this same great message of salvation at a much more personal level. It mirrors what transpires for Israel. Just as some day He will once again raise up a great nation, He is saying He can raise up even one individual out of the depths of despair and/or evil and into His perfect peace, love and eternal life. The days are upon us. The day of the Lord draws near. It will creep up without warning. When we think we have it altogether, destruction follows. Heed His words today.

1Thessalonians 5:2-3 -  For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.