Discerning the Signs of the Times: Footsteps of the Messiah

In this installment of the Weekly Scroll, we are still waiting to see whether or not Iran will back up its pledge to strike at Israel in response to recent assassinations of key terror figures. The world seems to believe that it is not an idle threat. For instance:

The US Defense Department has ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, equipped with the latest F-35 fighters, to the Middle East, thus adding to the capabilities already provided by the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. In addition, the Defense Department announced that a guided missile submarine, the USS Georgia, was also ordered to the Middle East. All of this activity, says the Secretary of Defense, is to reinforce the commitment to “take every possible step to defend Israel” 

European powers, France, Germany and the UK, issued a joint statement on Monday of this week, warning Iran and its allies to “refrain from attacks that would further escalate regional tensions” in the Middle East as they appear to be heading toward a breaking point. 

As for Iran, along with its proxy in Lebanon, Hezbollah: they have threatened to launch a coordinated attack against Israel that, they claim, will last for days. In response, Israel has vowed to go all out to defend itself and eliminate the threat. If that were to happen, it could — and I repeat could — launch events that have Biblical ramifications.  

For instance, many eschatologists feel the stage is being set for the war described in Ezekiel 38 & 39, the war of Gog of the land of Magog. However, as I see it, there may be other wars fought before that battle. Personally, I believe that is what is revealed in Ezekiel 35 & 36, Isaiah 17 and Obadiah — a decisive war against Edom which might include strikes against Lebanon and Syria. — might precede the other. In turn, if that were to happen, this event (or series of events) could incite the confederation of nations that are listed in Ezekiel 38 to invade the mountains of Israel. 

As a reminder, the nations led by Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal are Persia (Iran), Ethiopia (some say Sudan) Libya, Gomer (believed to be part of modern Turkey and the surrounding region), and the house of Togarmah (also believed to be referring to Turkey). Speaking of Turkey’s possible involvement with this future invasion, the president of Turkey has recently threatened to use military force against Israel. Speaking to members of his governing party on July 28, 2024, President Erdogan said, aEoeWe must be very strong so that Israel canaE™t do these things to Palestine. Just as we entered Karabakh, just as we entered Libya, we might do the same to them. There is nothing we cannot do.aE As a footnote: Currently, Turkey is a member of NATO, and consequently, considered to be an ally of the United States.  

The Bible says the invasion comes from the far north, which is why many eschatologists believe that Russia is involved — in fact, some translations describe Gog as being the prince of Rosh. Again, we’ll have to wait and see but it is evident that Putin of Russia has made his position known — he will stand alongside of Iran in this conflict. And let’s not forget that Russia is embroiled in a war with Ukraine who, by the way, recently made an incursion into Russia sparking evacuations of close to 200,000 people along a 25-mile front. And why are these two nations at war? Because Putin obviously wishes to expand and solidify his power and influence in the region — perhaps beyond.

As I said, I don’t expect the Gog of Magog war to be the next event — I could be wrong. Rather I am of the view that other conflicts in the region may be the next big war, which in turn sets the stage for the bigger conflict. I could envision how the current tension could lead to the destruction of Hezbollah and Hamas — i.e. the most immediate threat to Israel: the one on their doorstep. If Israel moves against Hezbollah in strength, Iran may decide to let Hezbollah to take the brunt of an Israeli offensive. We’ll see.

At any rate, this is an interesting scenario considering that 1) when the invasion described in Ezekiel 38 & 39 comes, Iran is definitely a part of it, and 2) Syria and Lebanon — regions that provide shelter for the immediate threat to the north — are not mentioned at all. Whether or not the ongoing developments in the Middle East are the opening stages of what is described by Ezekiel, whether in chapters 35 — 36, or 38 & 39, only time will tell.

And if that wasn’t enough, there are other threats where Israel is concerned, at least in the minds of some Israelis. For instance, the editor of the Jerusalem Post, speaking of the upcoming election in the US, said:

aEoeThis election is not just another political choice; it is a life-or-death decision that can literally affect the existence of the Jewish state. The stakes could not be higher. Harris’ presidency could lead to policies that embolden Israel’s enemies and weaken the US-Israel alliance, posing an existential threat to the Jewish state.aE

Summing it all up, clearly, the world is transitioning from one season to another. We are leaving behind the age that was and entering into a different season which will produce its own unique situations and developments. As Solomon said: 

Every season is for a reason; there is a purpose tied to that season that advances God’s agenda in the earth. And as we enter into a different season, it is important that, as God’s people, we discern just what that season is. If it is the season to plant, we shouldn’t be plucking up, and visa versa.

If it is the season to gather stones, we shouldn’t be scattering. If the time has come to break down certain things in this world, we shouldn’t be trying to prop them back up. If the season is meant for war, then it will not be a season of peace. And if we have lived in a season when we were to be silent, perhaps the season has come for us to speak. We must discern the season and work in tandem with the purposes of God and be as the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). It is implied that they correctly advised the people of God in what to do based on what they observed from the Word of God, coupled with the understanding of the principles and patterns established by past events. As Solomon also said: 

It is recorded in Matthew’s Gospel that certain religious men came to Yeshua to test Him and asked for a sign from heaven that would prove He was the promised Messiah. His answer:

My translation: anyone who is insightful enough to forecast tomorrow’s weather should be wise enough to look at what is going on around you and determine what it means in terms of what God is doing in the earth. Furthermore, as we observe and discern, we should prepare for what it portends. If the signs are threatening, we should consider that perhaps the season is not meant for peace and should prepare accordingly, both physically and spiritually. Most importantly, as Messiah inferred, when we observe certain tell-tale signs, we should realize that the Messianic Age, and the birth pangs that precede it, are at hand. 

As we see these things — things that Messiah foretold of as the days of redemption draw nearer — we should conclude that these events are the footsteps of the Messiah. He is nearer today than yesterday, and the closer we get, the more intense and more frequent will be the birth pains that declare His soon return.

Of course, we’ve heard all of this before; every generation interprets events as signs of the times and as harbingers of Messiah’s immediate return. And so, why should we think that now is any different than 10 years ago? 50 years ago? 80 years ago? I can hear some of the scoffers saying:

First of all, take note that this issue was first raised by Peter 2,000 years ago, and yet, he warned God’s people in every generation not to adopt this mindset. A skeptical attitude toward prophetic indicators — signs given to provoke us to wake up and be alert — sets a trap for those unwilling or hesitant to believe that God will, at the appointed time, require an account from men and nations. Skepticism is the snare that wicked and lazy servants stumble into believing that, aEoeMy master is delaying his coming,aE and then are caught carousing with drunkards in a day when they did not expect the Master’s return.

To sum it up, those who mock and ignore the promise of His coming are deceived, which is exactly what Yeshua said we were to be aware of in the last days. In fact, of all the different signs that would point to His coming, He said, chief among them is the deception, falsehood and lies that would infest mankind.  As He said:

To be clear, He wasn’t saying that men would come claiming to be the Messiah — as many have certainly done — but that many would come saying that Yeshua is the Messiah but would, nevertheless, deceive many people. And why would this not be the primary issue in the last days? Deceit is why Eve ate the forbidden fruit in the beginning. It is the most effective tool the Adversary has in his arsenal and, because it has been so successful throughout history, he will continue using lies, falsehood and deception to the destruction of countless numbers of people. 

In fact, Daniel prophesied that the one we refer to as Antichrist will arise in the last days and aEoeCast truth down to the groundaE (Daniel 8:12). Not only will he do this, but he will prosper in it. Paul said that, with lying signs and wonders, many will be deceived and perish, aEoebecause they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be savedaE (2 Thessalonians 2:10). Let’s put it this way: while many will remain focused on the prospect of war, the rumors of war, etc, Messiah clearly stated that some of these issues were only the beginning of sorrows. The greater and far more deadly threat, was the deception that many would fall victim to. This being understood, I can’t help but mention the almost unbelievable demonstrations of blatant and obvious falsehood and misinformation that is part of our world today. 

Everything from men can have babies, there are an infinite number of genders, murder of the innocent is a right, Hamas is not a terror organization, and on and on. It is mind boggling. Even worse is the fact that so many people buy into it, consume it, decide to live with it and, even worse, propagate it. I’m of the opinion that, even some who don’t really believe these ridiculous fables, repeat them anyway for their own personal benefit — you know, like certain politicians and those who hold positions of power and influence. 

It amazes me to see the litany of lies that are being presented to Americans by many of those who currently seek political office. I realize this has always been the case to some extent, but never have I witnessed the brazenness that is on parade today. Telling lies when the liar should know good and well, that the lie will be disproven very quickly. I guess it could be because, they’ve told the lie so often that they believe it themselves. They told so many people that they carried a weapon into war for so long, that somehow the lie dislodged reality from their memory. A purely hypothetical example, of course.

Yet, even when these people are caught in their lie, they will stonewall or try to convince others that believing their lying eyes is a sign of ignorance or that they themselves are deceived; or that they are just aEoelow-information voters.aE On one hand, it is shocking to see that so many people will quickly believe things that are simply not true. On the other hand, you and I shouldn’t be surprised — it is a sign of the day we live in, when strong delusion is sent upon those aEoewho did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness,aE and consequently, believe the lie and are condemned (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12).

There is one other element of this end-time deception that I want to revisit and highlight. Remember, Messiah said that many would come claiming that He — Yeshua — was the Messiah but would, nevertheless, deceive many people. In other words, there would be those who claim to follow Him but would lead others to believe things that weren’t true, and even worse, bring the listener to destruction. 

In that vein of thought, it is very important that we not be led astray, in any way, by those who, claiming to be a follower of Messiah out of one side of their mouth, propose to advance wicked agendas out of the other side. Perhaps what I’m about to share is apples and oranges when compared to what Messiah was referring to, but this is the scenario that came to mind as I read an article just recently. The writer’s position and argument presented, at least in my view, an example of what we must guard against.

A New York Times columnist, who identified as being pro-life and an aEoeevangelical conservative,aE wrote that a Democratic victory was the only way to aEoesave conservatism.aE In other word, supporting radical progressivism and out-of-control liberalism — to give them the reins of power — was the only way to preserve the nation’s future. Ironically, he also stated that:

aEoeLying is wrong. IaE™m not naA¯ve; I know that politicians have had poor reputations for honesty since Athens. But I have never seen a human being lie with the intensity and sheer volume of Donald Trump.aE

Okay so he believes that Trump lies, and maybe the man has lied about some things — I won’t deny that. He has certainly said things that, in my view, should not have been said. But in this writer’s mind, he, the writer, is taking a moral stand against lying by voting for Harris and Walz, who are what — bastions of truth? Really? As far as I’m concerned, this man is deceived and, because of his potential influence, is positioned to deceive others. Again, while it may be apples and oranges in terms of specifics, I do believe this is the principle issue Yeshua told us to be aware of — to take heed that we are not deceived. Put simply, just because someone claims to be a believer doesn’t mean they won’t participate in the deception.

As a citizen of this nation, if you want to cast your ballot in the election and if you decide to vote for Harris/Walz, that’s your business. For the record, I will not. If you don’t want to vote at all, that’s your business. But if you do vote for Harris/Walz, don’t tell me you’re doing so in order to put Biblical principles above all other issues. Don’t tell me that voting for them is not an endorsement of — or at least a willingness to tolerate — ungodly principles and radical positions. 

Don’t tell me that enabling their defense and celebration of abortion, so-called LGBTQ+ aEoerights,aE their preference for anti-Israel organizations (some of them with terrorist sympathies) and their propensity for lawlessness and the chaos that goes with it — is justified by Biblical standards. Don’t tell me that, somehow, you are taking the moral high ground because you believe their opponent to be crass and prone to lie. Ridiculous! 

In effect, this writer is saying he wants to save the house by throwing gas on a kitchen fire so as to hasten its destruction. How ludicrous and how misguided is that? And then to suggest that such a position is motivated by a desire to restore what is good is simply bizarre and, in my opinion, wicked in and of itself. To propose, that people who desire to see goodness and some semblance of righteousness restored, can accomplish the goal by supporting what is obviously and blatantly evil is non-sensical and misguided, at the very least. At its’ worst, it is a lie. As believers, we should never influence others to embrace evil in order to advance good. Paul said:

Frankly, if we have an opportunity to take a stand against abortion, that is good. If we can take a stand against lawlessness, that is good. If we can promote and enforce the notion that boundaries bring order to chaos, that is good. If we can attempt to promote peace through strength, that is good. If we can have the unrestrained liberty to advance the logic and common sense that is the Truth, that is good. To think that we can attain these things by supporting those who actively work against against these values is foolish.

Some will interpret this to mean that I’m trying to convince you how to vote, I’m not. If you don’t want to vote for Trump or the Republicans, so be it. If you want to vote for Harris and the Democrats, have at it. I hope I’ve made it clear, in times past, that my vote is for His righteousness, His standards of holiness and for advancing the Kingdom of Heaven. And so that being said, I will continue to repeat that, I don’t believe any man, woman, party or political philosophy can save me or this nation. Salvation is of the Lord. The only righteousness is His righteousness. The only truth is His Truth. As it is written: 

Men have lied and deceived from the beginning — Cain is the first on record. But as we approach Messiah’s return, falsehood will abound, along with lawlessness because they go hand in hand. To transgress the Law of God is to oppose the truth, and in a sense, cast truth to the ground, where its opponents hope to trample it underfoot. And so that being said: Truth and those who stand for it, stand on it, and proclaim it, will be amplified in these last days. Just as darkness accentuates a light, so too does an abundance of lies and deceit accentuate the truth. And so if we are going to be able to resist the falsehood in the last days; if we are committed not to be deceived, then we must know the Truth.

I’ll close with this thought and a familiar passage: Just as certainly as the unrest in Europe, the Middle East, and even here in America, is evidence that we are living in the days Messiah spoke of, so too is the ever expanding reach of falsehood and deception. That so many willingly, foolishly, perhaps ignorantly, embrace the lies is further proof that the coming of the Messiah is at hand. As a friend of mine likes to say, aEoeIf we listen, we can hear Messiah’s footsteps as He approaches.” And in light of this fact, as His ambassadors — as those who are commissioned to prepare the way of the Lord — we must be guided by the Spirit of Truth, for our sake and for the sake of so many others who are imprisoned by the web of deceit. As Yeshua said:

Bill Cloud was raised in a traditional Christian home in South Georgia. Yet it was a trip to Israel to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, in 1990, that truly provoked him to become more interested in his faith. It was during this aEoeappointed timeaE that God gave him a deep love for the land, the people and the language.

Soon thereafter, Bill began learning Hebrew under the tutelage of a local rabbi and has since spent many hours studying, not only the Hebrew text, but the Hebraic roots of Christianity as well. This interest in the language is tied to BillaE™s desire to unlock the hidden treasures within the Word of God and to teach them, along with our Hebraic roots, to believers in Messiah. Furthermore, this insight has allowed Bill to better understand the prophetic element of Scripture. As a result of this study, Bill has developed a variety of media resources dealing with prophetic themes as well as teachings related to our lost Hebraic heritage.

Bill is a featured speaker in venues throughout the country and has appeared with notable teachers such as Perry Stone, Jonathan Cahn, Joel Richardson and Hal Lindsay. He has also made several appearances on a variety of television broadcasts seen on different Christian networks throughout the world. Recently Bill, along with his wife, Beth, and their children started a fellowship in the Cleveland TN area.

Through Shoreshim Ministries, Bill and his family strive to re-introduce Christians to the Jewish Yeshua and to educate believers in the Hebraic roots of their faith. As a result of this information, disciples of the Messiah can more accurately interpret end-time events and better discern our role in these last days.
Bill and his family reside in Cleveland, Tennessee.

These are the same men of whom He said: