©August 11, 2012 Revive Israel Ministries

Why Tribulation?

There will be increasing tribulation in the end times. It is not that God desires difficulties for us; however, there are reasons that these spiritual battles “must” take place.

Revelation 1:1 – things which must take place swiftly
Revelation 4:1 – things which must take place after this
Revelation 22:6 – things which must take place shortly.

The necessary tribulations include even the beast government (17:10) and the release of satanic forces (20:3).  As the plagues of Egypt were an essential part of the salvation of Israel, so must there be plagues in the end times before the Second Coming. The rabbis say that “the last redemption (Messiah – End times) will be like the first redemption (Moses – Exodus).“

Here are five reasons that the tribulations “must” take place:

            1. Persuading people to repent

The final judgment is about to take place. God wants to do everything to cause people to repent before the judgment.  The purpose of the tribulation is repentance. Even so, most people will not repent.

Revelation 9:20 - The rest of mankind … did not repent
Revelation 9:21 - … they did not repent
Revelation 16:9 – … they did not repent
Revelation 16:11 - … they did not repent

Although most of the wicked will not repent, some will.

            2. Proving God’s justice

When believers see the judgments, they will become more convinced of the righteousness of God’s justice. We will break out in songs of worship, praising God, not only for His mercy, but also for His judgments.

Revelation 15:3-4 – Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are your ways… for your judgments have been manifested.

Because the final judgment is approaching, all good and evil must be exposed. While the wicked will be more stubborn, the righteous will be more repentant.

            3. Punishing evil

Rewarding righteousness and punishing evil is basic to justice. Rewarding righteousness is not enough; God wants to punish evil. The plagues are part of that justice.

Exodus 12:12 – Against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment.

God could have brought the Israelites out of Egypt without plagues, but He wanted not only to save the innocent, but also to punish the wicked. His judgment included destroying the power of the demon gods that the Egyptians worshiped.

            4. Panic of the devil

Much of the end-times tribulations are an attack of the devil. That is also a sign of our victory.  The devil is angry and afraid. He knows his time is short and that he is losing the battle.

Revelation 12:12 – The devil has come down to you with great wrath, because he knows that his time is short.

Satan’s anger is a sign of his panic.  Satan is losing.  We are overcoming him by the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 12:10).

            5. Purifying our faith

When our faith holds fast in the midst of trials and tests, it becomes even stronger. Our character and integrity are developed.

Revelation 1:9 – your companion in tribulation and patience
Revelation 13:10 – here is the patience and the faith of the saints
Revelation 14:12 – here is the patience of the saints

End-times tribulations are like a fiery furnace. If we remain faithful, our patience and perseverance will be developed. Our faith will be refined like gold.

Olympic Gold

The whole world is excited about the Olympic competition. It is inspiring how much discipline and sacrifice the athletes dedicate to win a medal. How much more should we dedicate ourselves to serve the Lord!

I Corinthians 9:25 – Everyone who competes for the prize is restrained in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable.

The winner achieves a moment of amazing glory. He/she bites the gold medal on the platform, with millions watching on television. Their home nation is filled with pride as the anthem is played and their flag raised.

I Peter 1:7 – The genuineness of your faith, much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory…

The athletes are motivated to get the gold. However the gold and glory that we will receive for eternity, if our faith is refined through the fires of tests and trials, will be much greater.

Egyptian Dilemma

On Sunday Jihad terrorists stole an armored car, killed 16 Egyptian border guards, and crashed through the Israeli border on the northern Sinai. IDF forces quickly destroyed the invaders. Up to 20 terrorists were killed.

The situation represents a challenge to Egypt’s new president Muhamed Morsi. Morsi is an opponent to Israel, but realizes he must maintain basic agreements with Israel for his government to have legitimacy internationally. In addition, the Jihadists pose a threat to Morsi’s sovereignty within his own nation.

The Egyptian army has been pouring troops into northern Sinai in an effort to contain the terrorist groups. The outcome is uncertain. Pray for honest government in Egypt, for Jihadist forces to be stopped, for the true church in Egypt to prosper and grow, and for those who want to destroy Israel to be divided among themselves.

France

By Anja

Our team was privileged to serve in a week-long conference in Valence, France to teach about Yeshua in the Old Covenant, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and the coming Kingdom of God. We felt a deep connection as we encouraged and challenged the participants.

We were blessed to see the level of purity, maturity, and revelation of these precious saints in France. This is a strategic time in which God is connecting the hearts of His children on a deeper level all over the world. Please pray with us for lasting fruit and relationships resulting from this week.