The story of Balaam is recorded in Numbers 22–24 (cf. Num 31:8, 16; Deut 23:4–5; 2 Pet 2:15; Jude 11; and Rev 2:14). It recounts how Balak, king of Moab, fearing Israel’s advance, summoned Balaam—a prophet from Mesopotamia—to curse God’s people. Though Balaam knew the true God and received divine revelation, his heart was corrupted by greed and ambition. Forbidden to curse Israel, he instead counseled Balak to ensnare them through idolatry and immorality. His life stands as a sobering paradox: a man who spoke profound truth and even foresaw the coming Messiah (Num 24:17), yet perished for loving “the wages of unrighteousness” (2 Pet 2:15).
Tag: prophecy
Why and How I Pray for Israel
God’s faithfulness to Israel is rooted in His eternal covenant with Abraham, not in Israel’s performance or worthiness. Though the nation is currently under divine discipline for rejecting the Messiah, Scripture assures that God has not cast them off. His promises remain intact, and Israel’s future restoration is guaranteed by His unchanging character and covenant love (Gen 12:1–3; Rom 11:25–29). The pattern of Moses’ intercession in Exodus 32—appealing to God’s ownership of His people, His reputation among the nations, and His sworn promises—serves as a model for prayer today. Those who understand God’s plan for Israel are moved to pray, not merely for their safety, but for the fulfillment of God’s purposes, the vindication of His name, and the coming day when all Israel will turn to Messiah in faith (Zech 12:10; Rom 11:26).
Israel, Globalism, and the Rapture
The Rapture of the Church is imminent—it could happen at any moment, without warning or prerequisite signs. However, while no event must occur before the Rapture, Scripture does reveal the conditions of the world leading up to the seven-year Tribulation that follows. As we observe present global trends, it appears that the stage is being set for the fulfillment of end-times prophecy. These developments, though not signs of the Rapture itself, may indicate how close the Tribulation—and thus the Rapture—may be.
World Events that Imply the Rapture is Near
While we do not know the day or hour of the rapture of the church (1 Th 4:13-18), we can be discerning of the times and alert to developments that appear to be setting the stage for the coming Tribulation (1 Th 5:4-6). According to Scripture, the rapture will occur prior to the Tribulation, and it stands to reason that we may observe certain precursors unfolding before the Lord calls His church to heaven. In light of this, it seems that several world events and technological advances today align with what Scripture describes as dominant features of the Tribulation period, especially the rise of the Antichrist, a centralized global government, and a unified economic system (Dan 7:23-25; Rev 13:16-17). With this in mind, we identify several trends and developments that may help us see how the world is being prepared for these future realities.
Jesus’ Return for His Saints
The eschatological subject of the Rapture of the church can be related the study of Soteriology because it is regarded as a form of deliverance. When Messiah returns at the end of the church age, He will deliver His church from an evil world and a coming judgment that will last for seven years (Read Revelation chapters 6-18). A distinction is here drawn between Jesus coming for His saints at the Rapture, and Jesus coming with His saints at His Second Coming (Dan 7:13-14; Matt 19:28; 25:31; Rev 19:11-21). Jesus is now in heaven preparing a place for believers to be with Him there (John 14:1-3). Paul revealed Jesus will return for His church and that all Christians will be “caught up” to meet the Lord in the air (1 Th 4:13-18).