Holy land keyThere seems to be a incessant fascination showing how world events intersect with the teaching of the Bible.   The Holy Land Key: Unlocking End-Times Prophecy Through the Lives of God’s People in Israel by Ray Bentley reveals how the Bible provides insight into current events.

Bentley writes, “Two concepts revolutionized how I read the Bible and can be especially helpful in reorienting our study of prophecy:  learning to identify and read God’s patterns, and applying the principle of ‘first natural, then spiritual'”  (p. 113).  He applies this principle throughout the book as he discusses the phenomenon of lunar eclipses, “A total eclipse, as opposed to a partial one, causes the moon to appear blood red.  The very rare occurrence of four blood moons in succession in called a tetrad” (p. 190).  When a total lunar eclipse tetrad occurs on Jewish feast days there have been significant events in the nation of Israel (e.g.  the 1967 – Six-day war or shortly after Israel became a nation in 1948).   The next tetrad will occur in 2014-2015.  “After 2015, there are no more tetrads of blood moons on the Jewish feast days for the rest of this century” (p. 192).

Bentley  is not an alarmist as he acknowledges the truth of God’s word that we cannot make specific predictions, we can only know the season,

Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.  (Matthew 25:13)

Bentley writes, “Will something happen in the Middle East in 2014-2015?  I don’t know.  Only God knows” (p. 192).   A cursory glance at the headlines reveals the Middle East is a geopolitical hot spot and a significant event involving Israel is a distinct possibility.

Bentley writes with a pastor’s heart as he points out, “The Bible has 365 verses that whisper, shout, admonish, exhort, comfort, and encourage us:  Do not be afraid.  Fear not.  God has not given us the spirit fear.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  Be anxious for nothing. (p. 187).   It’s a comfort to know that as we look at the events in the world that God is in control and He is working all things out for His good.   If you have an interest in biblical prophecy, then you may find this an interesting book.   (I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.)

RickAssociate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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