Union and Favor / November 1999

Union and Favor

Contents

• Union and Favor
• Y2k: Making Bricks without Straw
• The Prophet Side

An old proverb says, "May you live in interesting times." It appears, brethren, that we are about to learn what that means. The pieces to the end time puzzle are becoming fewer and those remaining are taking their places quickly.

In the last two issues of Yavoh, we have shared about the things converging on the winter of 2000 ranging from Y2k to the Pope's historic visit to the Holy Land. Last month, we drew attention again to the Middle East Peace Accord and the final status talks on Jerusalem. It is now confirmed; the Middle East Peace Accord is a 7-year agreement just as the prophecy said it would be. It now appears that the 70th week of Israel is probably upon us and that we are in the last year. The coming events of 2000 may be the precursor to the start of the Great Tribulation.

Amidst all the confusion of whether there is a 7-year tribulation, how the great tribulation actually starts, and the church's dead asleep perception of world events, another huge piece to the puzzle is beginning to emerge. It is how the antimessiah will come to power.

We know that the great tribulation must begin in a winter time frame during the 70th week. There is one more winter in the 1993 to 2000 7-year set. We know that the false prophet and antimessiah initiate key things near the start of the Great Tribulation. The false prophet must be a religious leader who has the authority on the temple mount to raise an image. The Pope and the Vatican are arguing with Muslims and Israel over the authority of Holy Sites right now. By the time you read this, the Vatican may have controlling authority over many sites. The antimessiah is to arise in the midst of 10 horns (kings) from the remnants of the old Roman Empire, the present European Union. He must be a prince of the people who came and destroyed the temple (the Romans in 70 A.D.). The Pope and his impending oversight role of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem seem to fit the prophecies of the false prophet, but where and how does the antimessiah arise in the midst of 10 kings?

The European Union Flag with 15 Nations

Most Americans are not aware of the growth of the European Common Market and the formation of the European Union. In 1993, the European Union was formed to establish a federalized form of government for all the European nations promoting the European Common Market. In order to compete with the United States, Europe began taking steps to rid itself of tariffs and taxes within the European community. The real need, however, was financial. Europe needed a common currency instead of individual national currencies. The EU (European Union) was formed to do exactly that. Some prophecy teachers began to suspect this European move to be prophetic as there were 10 nations involved for awhile. But then more nations joined and there are presently 15 member nations; this is hardly matching the prophecy of 10 horns. The EU was formed in 1993. The European Parliament was established and the member nations sent representatives to the parliament. A council was formed in 1995 as an executive branch of government. Each member nation sends one ruler to the council and takes turns (6 months each) serving as President of the Union. At present, there is a very good possibility that as many as 5-15 more nations will join the Union. This clearly is the ancient Roman Empire, but how can 10 kings emerge out of this and fulfill the the prophecy? The Union is about to make its most significant change between January and March 2000. By April 1, 2000 there will be a new UNION based on FAVOR.

The new Euro Dollar was introduced last January 1999 in electronic form. It is called the European Monetary Unit (EMU). The currency (paper and coin) is to be introduced in the year 2002. However, between January and March 2000 member nations must make a very important decision. Only those nations that agree to the common currency will receive FAVOR and be members of the council on April 1, 2000. This council will have the oversight of the Euro Dollar. Here is the kicker. Not all 15 member nations are planning to join the EU and be members of the council. Speculation is running high that only about 10 nations will do it. That means that the new EU council will only have 10 rulers with the power to rule for 6 months each. This new council will assume power April 1, 2000 just as the last EU President ends his term (the Italian Prime Minister began his term October 1, 1999). There is more. The President of the Union, Mr. Prodi, is calling for the next President of the Union to have greatly expanded powers to rule, including the authority to dismiss other members of the council.

Now let us review what the prophecy says about the antimessiah coming to power. First, the antimessiah's kingdom must have seven heads and ten horns. The Scripture gives clear interpretation on this matter, however, much speculation clouds the truth. The seven heads are seven ancient kings while the ten horns are ten modern rulers of the same kingdom (the fourth beast in Daniel's vision). The antimessiah's relationship to these strange symbols is that he is the eighth and somehow one of the seven heads. The antimessiah is also to be a little horn (separate from) that rises in the midst of 10 horns, 3 kings are uprooted as the antimessiah comes to power. Daniel describes this beast and Revelation gives us the clear interpretation, but it is Zechariah that describes exactly how he comes to power.

After this I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrifying and extremely strong; and it had large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed, and trampled down the remainder with its feet; and it was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were pulled out by the roots before it; and behold, this horn possessed eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth uttering great boasts.

Daniel 7:7-8

Daniel's first vision introduces a fourth great beast (the Roman Empire) that will be greater than the Medes and Persians, the Greeks, and the four kingdoms out of the Greeks (four generals of Alexander the Great). It is from this last world empire that the antimessiah arises in the midst of 10 kings by uprooting 3 of them.

Then I desired to know the exact meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its claws of bronze, and which devoured, crushed, and trampled down the remainder with its feet, and the meaning of the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, and before which three of them fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth uttering great boasts, and which was larger in appearance than its associates.

Daniel 7:19-20

Daniel never really understood his vision in his day, but his special interest speaks to its importance and relationship to the coming of the Lord. The focus of our day is to identify the "little horn" that rises in the midst of the ten horns.

I kept looking, and that horn was waging war with the saints and overpowering them until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was passed in favor of the saints of the Highest One, and the time arrived when the saints took possession of the kingdom. Thus he said: "The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all the other kingdoms, and it will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it. As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings. And he will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. But the court will sit for judgment, and his dominion will be taken away, annihilated and destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, the dominion, and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One; His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him."

Daniel 7:21-27

You should note that the antimessiah here rules for a 3 ½ year period (a time, times, and half a time). His kingdom ends as a result of the Lord's coming. Some teachers have said that the antimessiah will rule for 3 ½ years in a peaceful or good fashion then rule in a devastating fashion for 3 ½ years. This is clearly error. The antimessiah does not build a kingdom; he steals and usurps the revived Roman Empire in its modern form. Daniel goes on to explain even more.

And in the latter period of their rule, when the transgressors have run their course, a king will arise insolent and skilled in intrigue. And his power will be mighty, but not by his own power, and he will destroy to an extraordinary degree and prosper and perform his will; he will destroy mighty men and the holy people. And through his shrewdness he will cause deceit to succeed by his influence; and he will magnify himself in his heart, and he will destroy many while they are at ease. He will even oppose the Prince of princes, but he will be broken without human agency.

Daniel 8:23-25

The antimessiah will not have power of his own, but will usurp the power of others through political intrigue and influence. This intrigue and influence will be the work of uprooting three kings and the other seven giving their power to him. Daniel finally amplifies this description with the following.

Then the king will do as he pleases, and he will exalt and magnify himself above every god, and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods; and he will prosper until the indignation is finished, for that which is decreed will be done. And he will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the desire of women, nor will he show regard for any other god; for he will magnify himself above them all. But instead he will honor a god of fortresses, a god whom his fathers did not know; he will honor him with gold, silver, costly stones, and treasures. And he will take action against the strongest of fortresses with the help of a foreign god; he will give great honor to those who acknowledge him, and he will cause them to rule over the many, and will parcel out land for a price.

Daniel 11:36-39

The antimessiah will be self-serving and attempt to elevate himself above all others including God Himself. Consider Paul's parallel passage to Daniel's message.

who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.

II Thessalonians 2:4

One point that needs some clarification is the translation "in the temple." A more accurate translation in our American English would be "holy place." Most Christians believe that the temple must be rebuilt with the two inner chambers (the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies) to satisfy this prophecy. This is incorrect. The fact is that the entire temple mount (500 cubits by 500 cubits) is called the temple and the holy place. Any seat on the temple mount will satisfy this prophecy, whether the temple’s two-chambered sanctuary is built or not.

The book of Revelation joins with Daniel in describing the "beast" that emerges with the antimessiah in the last days.

The Heraldic Beast made of a Leopard, Bear, and Lion

The Ancient Dragon of the Romans used by Wales Today

And he stood on the sand of the seashore. And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names. And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; and they worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?" And there was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies; and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. And it was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them; and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.

Revelation 13:1-8

This passage introduces the seven head and 10 horn structure, but gives additional detail as to the three-part structure of the beast (leopard, bear, and lion). The dragon (satan's role) is given. It also repeats the concept of antimessiah speaking boastful things against all and his term of power being 42 months (3 ½ years). Finally, Revelation does the same as Daniel and interprets the seven heads and 10 horns.

Here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits, and they are seven kings; five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; and when he comes, he must remain a little while. And the beast which was and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is one of the seven, and he goes to destruction. And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings, who have not yet received a kingdom, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour. These have one purpose and they give their power and authority to the beast. And he said to me, The waters which you saw where the harlot sits, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues. And the ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the harlot and will make her desolate and naked, and will eat her flesh and will burn her up with fire. For God has put it in their hearts to execute His purpose by having a common purpose, and by giving their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God should be fulfilled. And the woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.

Revelation 17:9-18

So let's review. The fourth great beast is the Roman Empire headquartered in Rome (the city with seven mountains). The Holy Roman Empire has had 7 great historical emperors. By the way, there was nothing holy about the Holy Roman Empire, therefore, it is clearly a blasphemous name. The antimessiah is to be the eighth emperor but originate from the seven. At the same time 10 kings are to emerge at the end of the kingdom and the antimessiah is to arise in the midst of them as a separate horn from them. Once he has usurped and stolen their authority, he will rule for 42 months and cause much harm and destruction. The final part of this description introduces a woman (the apostate church - Babylon, the Mother of Harlots). This apostate church is to ride on this last great kingdom. This also describes the relationship between the antimessiah, ruler of the kingdom, and the false prophet, the religious leader of the woman.

There are other clues about the antimessiah, the number of his name, his symbols, and characteristics. There is one man presently in the world that seems to fit all of these and is well placed to come to power as the antimessiah. His name is Prince Charles of Wales. His name equals 666 in English using the ancient gematria calculation. It also equals 666 translated into Hebrew. The odds of that are staggering. In his coat of arms is every Biblical symbol given for the antimessiah including the beast, a composition of leopard, bear, and lion. The red dragon is also his symbol originating from the Romans and now the elemental symbol of Wales. But more than all these is his personal interest in becoming the king of Europe. He is using intrigue and influence to shape the global definition within the European Union.

The Pope is clearly the head of the apostate church with its great ecumenical movement trying to unite all monotheistic religions. The Pope is headquartered in Rome and clearly is riding upon the ancient Roman Empire and the modern European Union. The most amazing part of these prophecies and their direct relevance to Europe and the Catholic church is not the accuracy of Daniel and Revelation. It is the unbelief and blindness of churchmen and prophecy teachers from the church. They are so befuddled by the symbols and a secret mystical understanding that they can not see the obvious and the literal. Just how the prince comes to power in the European Union is described by the prophet Zechariah.

So I pastured the flock doomed to slaughter, hence the afflicted of the flock. And I took for myself two staffs: the one I called Favor, and the other I called Union; so I pastured the flock. Then I annihilated the three shepherds in one month, for my soul was impatient with them, and their soul also was weary of me. Then I said, "I will not pasture you. What is to die, let it die, and what is to be annihilated, let it be annihilated; and let those who are left eat one another's flesh." And I took my staff, Favor, and cut it in pieces, to break my covenant which I had made with all the peoples. So it was broken on that day, and thus the afflicted of the flock who were watching me realized that it was the word of the Lord.

Zechariah 11:7-11

Zechariah describes the antimessiah as a false shepherd, a shepherd that abandons and gives the flock up to destruction. The antimessiah is called the son of perdition (destruction) because he will kill more people than any man has ever done in the history of the world. But take note of how he comes to power. He carries two staffs: Favor and Union. The European Union is simply referred to in Europe as the "Union." Only those nations that join the European Monetary Unit (EMU) will receive "Favor" and join the European Council. As we said before, not all 15 member nations will receive favor and join the new council in April of 2000. The prophecy also says that this transition process will take one month with the antimessiah expressing impatience and three opposing kings expressing disgust and weariness. The other seven will give their power to him. How much power do they have to give? They each get to rule for 6 months. Therefore, 7 rulers times 6 months each equals 42 months. This is how the antimessiah can come to power and everyone knows he has the power to rule 42 months.

Here is a couple of last minute items about the European Union and its role in the end times. One, the new symbol for the Union is a woman riding a beast over many waters. The woman is called Europa, the ancient Roman goddess Diana originating from Isis. There is a great mythological story (a false gospel) being played out here. Isn't it ironic that John saw a beast coming out the waters with a woman riding it and the antimessiah and false prophet coming forth? Two, there are three ministers in the Union that have emerged very distinctly (Mr. Romano Prodi, the President of the EU Council from Italy; Mr. Jean Luc Dehaene, the former Belgian Prime Minister; and Richard von Weizacker, the former President of Germany) promoting a superstate for the EU. They are affectionately referred to as the "three wise men." The next EU President, whoever he is, will have to deal with them. Isn't it ironic that the antimessiah has his "three wise men" that precede him as well?

The present day European Union and the new Council set for April 2000 match the prophecies of the antimessiah and how he comes to power. We should add these events to the list of key items being watched.

When we consider the present 7-year Middle East Peace Accord and its due date of February 15, 2000, the Pope's visit to the Holy Land in late March 2000, and the new EU Council of 10 kings in April of 2000, we see a clear prophetic scenario that matches the beginning of the Great Tribulation. Pieces are moving into their proper place and sequence.

Consider this. If the antimessiah does come to power April 1, 2000 and rules for 42 months, then his kingdom will end on or about October 1, 2003. The Feast of Trumpets precedes the October date by a few days and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) follows by six days. We know that the Day of Atonement is prophetically the Day of the Lord, the day that the Messiah destroys the antimessiah.

And then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming;

II Thessalonians 2:8

The time prophecies and the pattern set forth in the holidays are stunning in their precision. Let us review the impending prophetic sequence with day counts and holidays.

The Great Tribulation of 3 ½ years begins with the Abomination that makes Desolate in the midst of a 7-year peace agreement concerning Jerusalem. It is annulled and during the winter time frame the altar in Jerusalem is shutdown. Within a short time frame (one month) the false prophet performs miracles and sets up an image. The antimessiah makes his boastful claims and rises to power in the midst of 10 kings with the themes of Union and Favor within a month. The Great Tribulation approximates 3 ½ years. The actual day count is 1,290 days with the blessed day coming at 1,335 days. The antimessiah is to rule 42 months. Each of these measurements have their proper place in the prophetic sequence. The result will be the Messiah returning on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory and the antimessiah and false prophet being thrown into the lake of fire. The dragon is bound and cast into the bottomless pit until the millennial kingdom is completed.

Presently, the Middle East Peace Accord and its final status talks of Jerusalem are scheduled for annulment on February 15, 2000. By the way, February 15 is exactly 1,335 days prior to 15 Tishri, 2003 (the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles). The Pope is coming to the Holy Land and Jerusalem in late March. February 20 is Purim Katan (the Feast of Lots); but, it is a double Purim this year and Purim is also on March 21 (the date of the Pope’s visit in Jerusalem). Purim is the holiday that tells the story of Haman, a type for the antimessiah, setting the date for Israel's death. The new EU Council takes effect on April 1, 2000 with a new President.

Let us conclude these points with the following questions. How can there be ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom for the antimessiah to arise within? Obviously, they are just getting started. How can you have seven heads and 10 horns and the antimessiah be part of both? The past and present history of the Roman Empire answers this with the name "Charles." How can this happen in the next six months and the believing Christians not see it? Only you can answer this last question.

The question that all of you are asking is simply, "When do we escape? When do we leave?" The answer is right there in front of you brethren. When do we leave Egypt and begin the greater exodus? Answer this. When did Israel leave Egypt and no longer answer to the Pharaoh that forgot Joseph? They left on the Passover. Passover, next year, is April 19, Wednesday (the 14th of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar). If we see the annulment on February 15, 2000; the altar shutdown, the false prophet set up the image in March, the antimessiah come to power in April for 42 months, then Passover is our date with destiny. It is the day we begin the greater exodus from this world and enter the great and terrible wilderness (tribulation) heading for the promised land (the Millennial Kingdom).

Therefore behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when they will no longer say, "As the Lord lives, who brought up the sons of Israel from the land of Egypt, but, as the Lord lives, who brought up and led back the descendants of the household of Israel from the north land and from all the countries where I had driven them." Then they will live on their own soil.

Jeremiah 23:7-8

For now, prepare your hearts brethren for the Word of God to come alive.

So it was broken on that day, and thus the afflicted of the flock who were watching me realized that it was the Word of the Lord.

Zechariah 11:11

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The days are being counted down to the new millennium and the year 2000. A weird kind of lull has come over most people about the Y2k computer bug and apathy has replaced concern. Some folks are taking the issue seriously and preparing to live without basic utilities for up to a few weeks. FEMA's official preparation counsel is to be ready for up to 3 weeks without basic services; it had originally been 3 days.

Y2k will cause shortages and outages for various folks. Will it effect every community in the same way? No. Will it effect everyone in some way? Yes. How then do we prepare? Ask God for wisdom.

The God we serve is also a God of common sense. Examine what you depend upon in your home. What source is your heating, cooking, and lighting? Do you have an alternative that you can use? If the water is turned off, how will you flush the toilets or wash clothes? Are you prepared to deal with modified martial law and the resulting restrictions? If family members move in with you, are you prepared for them? If a hurricane were coming you would prepare for it in certain ways. The same applies here. Think it through and be prepared.

The government is definitely preparing; but, it is not fixing computers. They are convinced that civil authority will be challenged. They believe that people will attempt to exploit the confusion and chaos will follow. They intend to be prepared for anything from riots to biological attack. Which brings me to the purpose of this short note.

I believe that Y2k and what follows will be like the children of Israel in Egypt just before the exodus. Pharaoh feared the loss of civil authority in his day. So he forced Israel to make bricks without straw. Israel had to do the same job (making bricks and cities for Pharaoh), but with great restriction and loss of needed essentials.

So the same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters over the people and their foremen, saying, "You are no longer to give the people straw to make brick as previously; let them go and gather straw for themselves. But the quota of bricks which they were making previously, you shall impose on them; you are not to reduce any of it. Because they are lazy, therefore they cry out, 'Let us go and sacrifice to our God.'"

Exodus 5:6-8

In January and February of 2000, we will still be making bricks (your job), but with much greater difficulty. More importantly, those of you preparing late will find it even more difficult to find alternative heating, cooking, and lighting. You won't like the emergency procedures and orders that have been put into place. You will be concerned about the loss of public freedom.

The real problem with Y2k is that it won't go away. Y2k doesn't end on January 2, 2000, nor does it end after one month or two months. Experts agree that the residue and compounding issues of Y2k will carry the greatest consequence. Therefore, once the emergency procedures are in place, caution will prevail and the stand down from those procedures will not come quickly. How do you feel about living in modified martial law for several months? Think about what that means to you and your job.

Consider this scenario. It is the winter of 2000. You are making it okay. You're not happy but you have resigned yourself to some modicum of tolerance. You see an altar in Jerusalem. You see it shutdown. The Pope visits the Holy Land. A statue is set up. You see major alterations in the government of Europe and a certain man emerges at the top of the heap with the authority to rule for 42 months. What will you think and do? Maybe it is just coincidence. Maybe it is not. Let's say that you believe it is the start of the Great Tribulation and there was no rapture. What will you do? How will you prepare with all the restrictions? How will you make bricks without straw?

Is this a fantasy and mere speculation? Consider again. Y2k is a fact; whatever it is, it will be January 1, 2000. The prophecy warns of a "distress upon all nations." The Middle East Peace Accord is a 7-year agreement; it is a fact. The prophecy warns of a great tribulation beginning in a 7-year covenant with Israel. The due date for agreement on Jerusalem is February 15, 2000; it is a fact. The prophecy warns that the agreement will be cancelled followed by destruction. The Pope is coming to the Holy Land in March 2000; it is a fact. The prophecy warns of a false prophet misleading many and setting up an image for the world to worship. The European Union is planning a new ruling council in April 2000; it is a fact. The prophecy warns of a leader rising in the midst of 10 leaders by uprooting three and the other seven giving their power to him. The question is not, "Are you prepared for Y2k?" The question is, "Are you prepared for the start of the Great Tribulation?"

I have a personal request of you. Would you please consider preparing for your family and other brethren now before the restrictions come? Would you consider helping us to help others as well? Now is the time to prepare in freedom; it will soon be more difficult and costly.

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YAVOH - He is Coming is a monthly newsletter published as an outreach ministry of Lion and Lamb Ministries.
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