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May 23, 2003
Sharon
Accepts U.S.-Backed Peace Plan
(AP) - After weeks of hesitation, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told the United
States on Friday that he accepts a U.S.-backed peace plan that would create a
Palestinian state within three years. Sharon said he will present the plan to
his Cabinet for approval as early as Sunday. Sharon's statement came just hours
after the Bush administration pledged to "fully and seriously" address
Israel's concerns about the plan — though Secretary of State Colin Powell said
Washington did not intend to change the road map.
Question
Dear Pastor Malone,
I am surprised at the lack of interest in Israel's possible bid for the EU. Wouldn't
that be a perfect setup for the antichrist to deliver a false peace treaty? Going
so far as to station E.U. troops in Israel to eliminated Palestinian violence.
I would think this would be high up on the prophetic radar chart. Perhaps,
I am wrong.
John
Answer
John:
I really can't comment on any other prophecy
site as to what they may feel is important, but personally, I'm with you on
this. This is a big development and is a perfect fit for what the Bible
has to say about the future of Israel.
The funny thing regarding this, most all
prophecy experts are focused on the Israelis and the Palestinians making a peace
agreement, but it maybe a peace agreement between the E.U. and Israel that
starts day one of the tribulation period. It is generally believed
that the E.U. will turn out to be the group of nations the antichrist will lead.
But don't get me wrong, peace with the
Arab's may also be achieved as a condition of entrance into the E.U. There
are still a lot of things that need to be accomplished...one being the
rebuilding of the temple, which most believe will be built on the original
temple site. This location, of course, is controlled by the Arab
world. So there will have to be a degree of peace between them for this to
happen. I trust the antichrist will be behind it when it happens.
The Bible states, "And he shall confirm
the covenant with many for one week" (Daniel 9:27). The Arab world
could just be one of the many that he makes peace with, but Israel is the focus of
this passage no matter how many others maybe included.
I think the future peace plan with the
antichrist may need to be reexamined. I
have to admit, I have been focusing on the peace treaty with the Palestinians
and the Israelis with the antichrist brokering the deal.
But now I think the scenario needs to shift to Israel actually joining
the E.U. and the antichrist taking responsibility for protecting them. I'm
still a little vague on how the seven years will come into play. It might
be a trial period for them to meet E.U. expectations.
Regarding the lead story. I'm not sure what part the Israeli/Palestinian peace plan will play in the final outcome. Ultimately, it may just be a part of the overall plan of the antichrist. This may lead to Israel being allowed to rebuild their temple, but the ultimate peace agreement may come in the form of membership into the European Union.