by Michael G. Mickey
(6-23-08)
Bible prophecy tells us that a prince (or leader) of Roman descent, the prophesied Antichrist to come, is going to confirm (or make strong) a seven-year covenant of peace in the Middle East between Israel and her enemies "with many", as seen in Daniel 9:26-27, this being the event that will trigger the onset of the prophesied seven-year Tribulation Period which will run concurrently with that covenant.
The Antichrist, who will identify himself by miraculously bringing a seven-year peace agreement to the troubled Middle East, will, if not initially acting in that capacity, go on to become the supreme leader of the revived Roman empire we today refer to as the European Union and, ultimately, a new world order that will encompass the entire globe as we see in Revelation 13:7-9:
And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
If any man have an ear, let him hear.
If Any Man Hath An Ear
For many years now, I've told my readers to keep an eye out for any signals that may emerge indicating that the revived Roman empire - not any single person but the revived Roman empire itself - may be about to step up its efforts where peacemaking in the Middle East is concerned as that is the vehicle by which the Antichrist will, sooner or later, arrive - an event that will be preceded by the Rapture of the Church.
Interestingly, as seen in a Reuters report, French president Nicolas Sarkozy, in a speech given today before Israel's parliament, put himself forward as a possible Middle East peace broker, offering to mobilize French troops if necessary. Sarkozy reportedly said (emphasis added mine), "France is ready to provide its guarantee, ready to mobilize its diplomatic service, its resources, its soldiers."
Revived Roman empire soldiers
In the days when Christ walked upon the earth, Roman empire soldiers were stationed throughout the Middle East. As we look at Bible prophecy it seems that the same is going to occur in the prophetic future as peacekeepers/soldiers, as we see in any number of instances in today's world, is the prescribed method used by governmental bodies around the world to confirm (or make strong) covenants of peace between rival factions that, left to their own devices, seem incapable of reaching peace any other way. I'm not dogmatically stating that this is how Daniel's prophecy of the Antichrist confirming peace will be fulfilled but it is the most likely scenario, in my humble opinion. And here that possibility is being hinted at, precisely as I've theorized it could play out.
This incident represents at least the second time in less than two years that the topic of revived Roman empire troops being placed in the Middle East to keep peace has been skirted, the last time that comes to mind for me being in July of 2006 when the EU considered deploying peacekeeping forces to Lebanon as seen in a Jersualem Post article.
Not only does Sarkozy's offer to negotiate peace and, hypothetically speaking, confirm peace between the Israelis and Palestinians send a chill down my spine as did last year's potential for the EU to get peacekeeping forces on the ground in the Middle East, France takes over the European Union's rotating presidency effective July 1st and we all know that, as the following excerpt from the Reuters report reminds us, President Bush hopes to see Middle East peace agreed upon before he leaves office in January of 2009:
France takes over the European Union's rotating six-month presidency on July 1, and as such will be a member of the Quartet of Middle East peace negotiators, along with Russia, the United States and the United Nations.
It was not clear how any facilitation of talks by Sarkozy would affect the Quartet's envoy, Tony Blair.
During his three-day state visit to Israel, which began on Sunday, Sarkozy has said an Israeli-Palestinian deal could be reached soon, a more optimistic view than most observers, who point to Olmert's weakness at home and divided Palestinians.
Despite deep public skepticism, the United States, the main broker in talks between Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, hopes that a framework statehood deal can be achieved before President George W. Bush leaves office in January.
So Much To Consider, So Little Time?
France is set to accept the presidency of the European Union on July 1, French president Nicholas Sarkozy is offering to negotiate peace and possibly confirm it, fellow member of the revived Roman empire Tony Blair is already serving in a peacemaking capacity of sorts for the international Quartet of the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations, which could well be the "many" of Daniel 9:27 no matter how you slice it and the possibility, no matter how slim, is still being floated that some sort of peace may be on its way to the Middle East, potentially before George W. Bush leaves office in January of 2009! Are you with me thus far?
Surely, our redemption draweth nigh!
As I've documented to the best of my ability since creating RaptureAlert.com in 2003, events foretold in Bible prophecy are both appearing in the news of our world today on a routine basis and taking shape to appear as foretold thousands of years ago to the extent that I and other watchmen trying to document what's going on are often overwhelmed, struggling to get everything we want to get out to a lost and dying world as well as our brethren around the world, recorded on our websites before the trumpet sounds and the Church, triumphant in Christ, is called to meet the Lord in the air!
I often end my commentaries with an admonition for my readers to keep their eyes on the skies because Jesus Christ is coming soon. Today, having worked on the site for many hours and in need of a bit of rest, it's all I can do to slide away from the keyboard. Why? Because I don't know what I'll miss if I do!
The King is coming, Christians! He is coming soon!
Remain at your posts until relieved of duty.
....................................................benny




