The global cry for peace has increased on all fronts and the sounds of this cry is echoed around the world by many world leaders, religious figures, heads of states and presidents. Recently, former Prime Minister Tony Blair stated, "Religious extremism has become biggest source of conflict around the world and could be the defining battle of the 21st centery." Tony Blair's effort to lead the world to promoting religious tolerance is propelled by recent events occuring in places like Syria, Egypt, Nigeria and the Phillipines. Tony believes that "the increased violence and terrorism in most of the Arab world, along with other nations is perpetrated by people motivated by an abuse of religion." Without a doubt, the message of peace has become a resounding cymbal today. (Source)
The promotion for global peace is delivered via many vessels including the Roman Catholic Church. As referenced in a previous blog, the Roman Catholic Church has positioned itself to be forerunners of the ecumenical movement declaring peace should be the goal of all humankind, obtained with tolerance of the differences of others, and that includes tolerance of different religious beliefs.
In scripture, Christ reveals "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Therefore, in no other form, no other source, no other program, no other belief and unequivocally in no other way will any man ever have peace outside of Christ. Now, I rejoice in knowing this because it is certain I will have peace in Him; however, Tony Blair, the Roman Catholic Church and many other world leaders are indicating the exact opposite because they are proclaiming in the world there can be peace.
Recently, in an effort to promote peace concerning the current conflict in the Ukraine, Pope Francis offered up a prayer in front of 10,000 or more at St. Peter. After the prayer, the Pope along with several Italian children decided to release two doves as a gesture to symbolize the movement towards global peace. However, after each dove was released from the window several birds viciously attacked them both. In the first image, you will see a dove attacked by a seagull. The seagull pinned one of the doves' against the wall of the palace and continued to peck at the dove.
The other dove was resting on a windowsill before it was attacked unawares by a crow, which continued to peck at the dove repeatedly.
Now, each gesture is significant as it represents the present age and is a sign of events prophesied in scripture. Let me be clear on what is occuring, Pope Francis, a world-renowned religious figure, is promoting global peace and as a gesture of that peace, he releases several doves at St. Peters. Now, I will review the prophetic words of Paul.
In an epistle to the church at Thessalonica, Paul reminds them the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night. One of the key signs prior to His return will be the proclamation of "Peace and safety!" among the nations. However, he warns the church when this is declared, sudden destruction will come and the workers of iniquity will not escape. He admonishes the church in his epistle to be vigilant because the church is not in darkness. We should be alert during these times, not sleeping in other words we should NOT be content with the circumstances of this world no longer preparing for the coming of the day of the Lord. We are to remain watchful during this hour as lawlessness has increased, always sober in Christ (1 Thessalonians 5).
Just as Paul stated in scripture that sudden destruction would come when they say peace and safety, the attack of the "doves" released by the Pope symbolizes the peace offered is a false sense of peace. The world will not have peace prior to the return of the Messiah; it has already been declared in His word. A time of distress is coming upon this land unlike the world has ever seen before.
We continue to see what the world calls "strange" occurrences as just recently in Washington, D.C., there was an artic snowy owl spotted sitting on a green awning near McPherson Square Park. Indeed this is a strange occurrence because these owls normally live in the treeless tundra of the Arctic. There are many reports of people capturing images of this unique wonder in the capitol of the United States (Source).
Many will simply view this as a coincidence, providing scientific reasoning as to how and why the owl has traveled more than 2,674 miles to the milder climate of North America and landed on an awning located within the capitol of the United States. Let me be clear, I do not maintain any opposition to science, although I believe it has its place, but this occurrence has significant symbolism in scripture that should not be taken lightly.
We find in scripture the owl is associated with ruins – a place that has been destroyed; uninhabitable. Let us take a closer look at the reference of the owl associated with ruins. In Isaiah 34, judgment has come upon the enemies of Israel and the indignation of the LORD is against all nations. He has declared a year of recompense for the cause of Zion (this is heavy and frightening) and declared the land a burning pitch that shall not be quenced. Isaiah 34:11, He asserts "…the owl and the raven shall dwell in it." In this scripture, we clearly see the owl dwells in the city of ruins. It shall become a place, a habitation, where the night creature will find herself a place of rest.
The fact the snowy owl was recently sitting in the US capitol city is significant in meaning as it brings attention to the matter of our Father's wrath upon the wicked, denoting judgment is coming. Considering how the nation is engulfed in iniquity and from D.C. comes the support of same sex marriage, support of abortion, support to legalize drugs, support to liberate women and the most idolatrous practice of all, which is the support of the freedom to worship whatever god you choose - the nation has become an abomination to the Most High.
The hour is late and time is drawing nigh – it is time to make your election sure and decide whom you are going to serve. The Lord will not tarry much longer and as long as you are distracted by the images of this world e.g., Superbowl, Politics, Careers and even the busyness of working in the church, you will be asleep at His return. Let us truly be transformed in His image for the hour is at hand – Peace and Love!
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