Thursday, February 19, 2009

The Countdown Continues - by Pastor Scott Richards






When the history of 2009 is finally written, what story will be considered the most important?

It will probably not be the economy.

Or the environment.

Or the new administration.

I believe it will be an event that will take place far away from the shores of the United States that may have a staggering effect all of the above.



Israel, Iran liable to clash in 2009 over nukes, says U.S. intel chief

Israel and Iran are liable to enter into a confrontation or a crisis sometime this year due to Tehran?s progress in its nuclear weapons program and Jerusalem?s determination to thwart it, the head of U.S. intelligence told lawmakers on Thursday.

In a report to the Senate Intelligence Committee on the potential threats as foreseen by the 16 intelligence arms of the United States, Dennis Blair said that Hezbollah, the Lebanese-based Shi?ite group which is backed by Iran, has beefed up its weapons arsenal in preparation for another round of fighting with Israel.

Blair said Hezbollah presents a formidable threat to U.S. interests, particularly if the organization feels Washington directly threatens Iran or acts against the group?s targets, infrastructure, and leadership.

When the inevitable happens and Benjamin Netanyahu is named Israel?s new Prime Minister, his job one will be to deal decisively with the imminent threat of an Iranian nuclear bomb.

A growing consensus among intelligence experts puts the development of such a nuke within the next 8-10 months.

Adding to the pressure is the increasingly cozy military relationship between Iran and Russia, including the installation of state of the art anti-aircraft defenses at key nuclear development sites.

If Israel is to prevent Mahmoud Ahmadinejhad from having the capability to make good on his threat to wipe the Jewish nation off the map, they will have to act and act quickly.

If I may engage in a bit of Scripturally influenced speculation, I believe that no later than this Fall, we will see a successful destruction of a large part of Iran?s nuclear facilities.

Where does the Scripture give insight into this?

In Ezekiel 38-39, the now famous account of the future Gog and Magog invasion of Israel, there are two significant details presented.

Iran is mentioned as a part of this invading coalition of nations, but not in an independent capacity.

Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops?many people are with you. (Ezekiel 38:5-6)

Since a nuclear armed Iran could act independently in its desire to do in six minutes what it took Hitler six years to do, their subservient role in this prediction strongly hints that they will not achieve that capacity.

Since Ahmadinejhad and the mad Mullahs believe that the 12th Imam, their Muslim messiah will only come at the height of world wide conflict, it is in their interest to stir the pot.

In other words, if they have a nuclear weapon, they would not hesitate to use it aggressively in their desire to fulfill prophecy.

So since Israel will be around to be invaded in the Last Days, and will live for a time in a state of security from their enemies, it seems that an Iranian bomb is a non starter.

The only way that their ambitions in his area will be frustrated will not be through diplomatic or economic sanctions.

It will take a military strike.

Israel recognizes that they cannot depend on the US to do this.

Odds are that we will see Israel make such a move. And when it does, the entire world balance will be altered.

To view more Blogs from Pastor Scott Richards visit www.scottrichardslive.com

No comments: