For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes

http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/july2011/bruceb726.htm

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Bruce Baber (26 July 2011)
"Hope come for Jesus' soon coming found in Zechariah"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------





I used to read Zechariah a lot, but hadn't gone back and studied it for a while. Today I was reminded of this passage from Zechariah when I read a letter posted on RR.




Zechariah 1:12 Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years? 13And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words. 14So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy. 15And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction. 16Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem. 17Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.




Three score and ten years. Seventy years! If we are meant to be counting from 1948, as I think, then this year we are at 63 years. Believing that the seven years of tribulation are very, very near then clearly the pre-tribulation rapture of the bride has to be close. This passage from Zechariah reinforces the seventy year period that I had previously focussed on from Psalm 90, verse 10. In fact, it is far more promising!


Earthquakes, roaring of the seas, wars and rumors of wars. More and more things are looking like they are lining up. Scoffers...they too are a sign that end is close. Movement towards a one world government, the shaking of the worldwide economy, these also point to the coming tribulation. Prophecies concerning Israel...the nation being born in one day, the regathering, surrounded by enemies, abounding in fruit, reviving of their ancient language, and many other signs pointing to the conclusion I'm drawn to.



If we pay closest attention to the Jewish festivals then we have very few choices left this year. Granted, the rapture of the bride could fall on any day, but the festivals seem to me to be most likely... and here they are: The end of July as it might well be the correct timing for Pentecost (Eliane B. here on the Five Doves sight explained the correct timing of Pentecost better than I could); Tu B'Av in mid-August (my best guess is this festival which at one time was the most important Jewish festival and I've written quite a lot about it); and finally Rosh Hashanah in September (which the majority of Bible prophecy watchers give the most weight to).



Pentecost and Tu B'Av line up best, seasonally speaking, with the story presented in the Song of Solomon. I always thought that the Song of Solomon best pictured the Spring, but it could also fit the Summer. This looks like it as a Fall festival seems too late in the year to line up with the Song of Solomon. That being said, there are still strong arguements that could be made for all three festivals.



I have to admit that I was feeling a bit down and depressed this morning, but when I was reminded of the passage from Zechariah, then I revived my hopes. I know there are lots of interpretations. Many more than I could count or give credence to. But as for myself, I say that the time is close at hand. The waiting must nearly be over. When I was a boy I said that I would be alive when Jesus came. When I was a boy, I would lay on my bedroom floor and read the book of Revelation. In the 1970's I read Hal Lindsey's Late Great Planet Earth and entered seminary to learn more. Might this finally be the time I have watching for? I think it is...I hope it is. Because of past disappointments I am careful not to be dogmatic. Just relying on my own observations and Bible studies, it truly does seem to be the time I have been watching for. Praise God!

YBIC

Bruce Baber



++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Disclaimer: Rapture Forum, does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.

If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at

stevensandiego@ymail.com

I will send you a PASSWORD

Ybic

Steven