KOSOVO & THE BEAST

 

What on earth is happening in Kosovo?

                To comprehend today’s events, the best source available is none other than the Bible.

                The ancient prophets received tremendous insight into the future. My book titled, “Revelation of the Beast” provides more detail than space provides but I will hit a few highlights of what the prophets have to say about a latter-day alignment of nations. We will compare scripture with scripture to obtain a proper interpretation of the pictorial language involved.

 

Revelation 13:1	Daniel 7:3 & 17
And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea	And four great beasts came up from the sea...These great beasts...are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth

 

In prophetic usage: The Sea equals The Earth

               

Revelation 13:1	Daniel 7:3 & 21
And I stood upon the sand of the sea and saw a beast	The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth

 

In prophetic usage: The Beast equals A Kingdom

 

                Thus the passage could be understood as such:

 “And I stood upon the sand of the earth, and saw a kingdom rise up out of the earth” (Rev. 13:1).

It should be noted that the latter-day beast (or kingdom) of Revelation has the characteristics of a leopard, a bear, and a lion. What do these animal symbols depict? John was referencing the O.T. prophecy of Daniel. Thus, we must refer to that prophecy to determine the Biblical intent.

 

Revelation 13:2	Daniel 7:4-6
And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard   And his feet were as the feet of a bear   And his mouth as the mouth of a lion	After this I beheld, and lo another like a leopard   And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear   The first was like a lion

 

LION = BABYLONIAN KINGDOM

 

Babylon was the most ancient of Bible kingdoms (Gen. 10:10) and though Nebuchadnezzar was not its first king, he was the “first to conquer both the Jews and Jerusalem” (Dan. 1:1) - the focal point of Daniel’s prophecy. This began the long era dubbed “the times of the Gentiles.” Babylon is characterized in scripture by the lion (Jer 50:44,45).

 

BEAR = PERSIAN KINGDOM

 

                The bear (Dan. 7:5) depicts the Medo-Persian Kingdom which succeeded the Babylonian in the conquest of the Jews and Jerusalem (Dan. 5:28). The symbol of a bear is descriptive of the Persians cruelty, thirst after blood and their robberies and love of spoil (Isa. 13:16-18, Jer. 51:48-56).

 

LEOPARD = GRECIAN KINGDOM

 

                The leopard (Dan. 7:6) depicts the Grecian Kingdom under the leadership of Alexander the Great it gained control of the Jews and Jerusalem after defeating the Persians (Dan. 8:21; 10:20; 11:2). The “four heads of the leopard” (Dan. 7:6) refer to the four divisions of the Grecian Kingdom after the death of Alexander. Thus the animal symbols depict the following:

 

Leopard = Grecian Kingdom

Bear = Persian Kingdom

Lion = Babylonian Kingdom

 

                Therefore, John the Revelator predicts that the future kingdom of the beast will consist of the geographic regions that originally made up the Babylonian, Persian and Grecian Empires (Rev. 13:2). People today that live within the borders of these ancient regions are predominant Islamic in faith.

                It should be noted that the Grecian Empire, in contrast to the others, extended into the eastern region of Western Europe.

The U.S. currently has troops stationed in both Bosnia and Kosovo (southern Yugoslavia). 

Should watchful Christians be alarmed by the fact that God is beginning to align the kingdoms of the world ethnically and religiously in preparation for the “kingdom of the beast”?

 

KINGDOM OF THE BEAST – WORLDWIDE?

 

                Will the future “kingdom of the beast” encompass the entire world? According to many prophetic scholars – yes. But, according to the Bible – no!

                Near the end of the future “great tribulation,” the fifth angel pours out his vial upon the “seat of the beast” (Rev. 16:10). The “beast kingdom” will not include the entire world because the following vial (the 6^th) concerns the calling of the “kings of the east” (Greek - “the kings from the rising of the

sun”) to the Middle East. Here they will participate in the battle of Armageddon where the “kingdom of the beast” is firmly established.

Notice that unclean spirits go forth from the beast unto the kings of the entire earth to gather those nations to the battle of Armageddon. This would hardly be necessary if the “kingdom of the beast” already included the “kings of the east” (Rev. 16:13-16).

                Thus, the “beast kingdom” proper will include only those regions that were anciently symbolized by the “leopard (Grecian), bear (Medo-Persian), and lion (Babylonian)” kingdoms (Rev. 13:2).

Below is a picture of the Grecian Empire and of the southern part of twentieth century Europe, mainly concentrating on the region around the Black Sea. It should be noted that the extent of the northwest borders of the Grecian Empire is near the regions of Bosnia and Kosovo (southern Yugoslavia).

Is God aligning the prophetic borders by driving the Moslems southward into the regions prophesied to become a part of the Moslem “Kingdom of the Beast”?

Admittedly most prophetic scholars teach that the “kingdom of the beast” will be worldwide, but why?

If given more than the 3-½ year designated allotment (Rev. 13:5), the “beast kingdom” under its appointed head would probably seize control of even the farthest points of the globe. However God intervenes just prior to the time of the sixth vial by bringing the nations located outside of the “kingdom of the beast” to the valley of Megiddo where the two will meet. This doesn’t suggest that every nation outside the geographic borders of the “beast’ kingdom” will not experience some chaos during the time of “great tribulation.” Certainly with today’s interdependence in addition to the increase of earthquakes, plagues, and famines in various places (Matt. 24:7), all nations will suffer trauma of some type during the “Great Tribulation.” Of course, when the wrath of God is poured out at the end of the 3-½ year “Great Tribulation” era, then the nations outside of the borders of the kingdom of the beast will suffer severe punishment (Rev. 11:15-18; chapters 15 & 16- the wrath of God).  

Admittedly, a casual look at several scriptures gives one the impression that the “kingdom of the beast” engulfs the entire globe even though such passages as Revelation 13:2 and 16:10-16 teach differently. Most of the confusion is the result of a misunderstanding of the Bible language. Let’s compare what is said of the “Babylonian Kingdom” with what is said of the “Kingdom of the Beast”. Both certainly read as if they include every nation upon the face of the earth.

 

ANCIENT KINGDOM OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR

FUTURE KINGDOM OF THE BEAST

And wheresoever the child-ren of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all...Therefore at that time... all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebu-chadnezzar  the king had set up...when all the people...the nations and the languages fell down and worshipped.... Nebuchad-nezzar the king...unto all people, nations, and lang-uages, that dwell in all the earth... (Dan. 2:38, 3:7, 4:1)

And all the world wondered after the beast...and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations...And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him...And that no man might buy or sell save he that had the mark (Rev. 13:3, 7, 8, 17)

 

                From a twentieth century perspective, the statements by Daniel concerning the Babylonian Kingdom certainly seem to imply every nation and person around the globe without exception. To rule everywhere that “men, beast, and fowls reside”  (Dan. 2:38) seems all-inclusive.

Yet, it must be acknowledged that Nebuchadnezzar’s Kingdom only encompassed a portion of the global world although people did inhabit regions outside of the Babylonian Kingdom. Nebuchadnezzar never governed such regions as Western Europe, North America, South America, Australia, far-east Asia, Russia, South Africa, etc.

The Grecian Kingdom symbolized by the brass of Nebuchadnezzar’s Image is also said to “bear rule over all the earth” (Dan. 2:39b). Nevertheless, Alexander never ruled many parts of the globe.

Even in the New Testament era, Caesar Augustus is said to have mandated a decree that “all the world should be taxed” (Luke 2:1). Yet, Caesar only ruled the Roman Empire region of earth, not the entire globe. There existed an empire around India at the time that was as large as the Roman Empire but Caesar never ruled that particular region.

If such inclusive language is used concerning the Babylonian, Grecian and Roman Kingdoms (although none of them ruled every nation upon earth,) then why should similar statements in Revelation include the entire globe? This is especially the case since several scriptures, including Revelation 13:2, limit the geographical boundaries of the future “kingdom of the beast”?              

I gave reason in my book why the kingdom of the beast will consist primarily of Moslem people and basically concerns their severe oppression of the Jews.

It should be noted that Yugoslavia has a mixed religious make-up. According to World Almanac – ‘99, the chief religions are Orthodox Christian (65%) * Catholic (4%) * and Muslim (19%). The Croats are Catholic and the Serbs are Orthodox Christian. The Muslims are being driven south into Macedonia and Albania where both have a strong Islamic population, the latter being 70% Islamic.

                In accordance to the geographic boundaries of the Grecian Empire, it would appear that modern Macedonia and Albania will make up a part of the future “kingdom of the beast,” whereas, Yugoslavia will not. Does this explain why the Muslims of Kosovo are being massacred and hundreds of thousands are fleeing southward into Albania and Macedonia?

                Similar can be said of Bosnia, which is 40% Muslim, 31% Orthodox, and 15% Catholic. It too is along the borders of the old Grecian Empire.

                Is it possible that God is shifting the people of these troubled regions by their respective religious persuasion into their prophetic, geographic region?

                Isn’t it ironic that traditional-Christian-America is fighting against the orthodox Christian and Catholic communities and are siding with the Moslems in the Kosovo conflict? What strange bed-fellows!

Indirectly, one could assume that NATO and the U.S. is seeking to appease the OPEC-World by joining the Moslems since oil is so vital for the industrial strength of both. This may be man’s reasoning but the divine reason for the conflict may be that God is beginning to align the geographic borders of the Grecian kingdom into the alignment demanded by the prophets.

This may explain why the conflict is focused on Kosovo at a time when other parts of the world are suffering similar human atrocities that both the U.S. and NATO have ignored.

Truly the Most High rules in the kingdom of men (Dan. 4:17) and His divine word will be fulfilled promptly even if America, NATO, and the Moslems are forced to sleep in the same bed.

It reminds one of the allegiance that the ten kingdoms will soon commit to the beast even though numerous of the same ten kingdoms have been traditional enemies. When God moves, every nation and king will fall in line with His decrees, like it or not!

“These (the ten kings) have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast...For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled” (Rev. 17:13 & 17).

 

KOSOVO & ETHNIC CLEANSING

 

Unless one has his head buried deep in the sand he has probably heard the term “ethnic cleansing” recently. The primary reason given by the President and the leaders of NATO for military intervention into Kosovo is to prevent such human atrocities. In other words, “ethnic cleansing” is the act by one religion or race of seeking to annihilate an opposing religion or race. In fact, over ½ million “ethnic-Albanians” have already been driven from their homes in Yugoslavia and many have died because of the crisis.

Amazingly, only a decade ago Yugoslavia was a communist state closely allied with the USSR. Yet, in 1991 the mighty USSR collapsed and God began to bring this part of the world into the alignment decreed by the prophets. Says the Lord:

“I will shake the heavens and the earth; And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms” (Haggai 2:21, 22).

My how quickly things change.

                It is ironic that the world is just beginning to hear the term “ethnic cleansing” being shouted from the housetops by the news media. However the greatest prophet of all time warned nearly 2000 years ago that this exact thing would occur just prior to His return to earth?

 

”ETHNIC AGAINST ETHNIC”

 

                The disciples came to Jesus and asked Him what would be the prevalent signs of His return?

                “And as he (Jesus) sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world (age)?...And Jesus answered and said unto them...And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars...but the end is not yet” (Matthew 24:3, 4, 6).

                During the twentieth century mankind has experienced some devastating wars such as World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict, Vietnam, etc. But, wars have sprung up throughout history. Jesus said when you see these things that “the end is not yet”. Then our Lord continued:

                “For nation (Gr. ethnos) shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (Matt. 24:7).

                The Greek word for nation is ethnos (Strong’s - # 1484 – meaning a race or tribe, specifically a foreign (non-Jewish) one. It is from the Greek word ethnos that we derive our English word ethnic.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary says that the word means: racial, originating from the cultural traits shared by members of a group or a member of a minority ethnic group.

Thus the warning by Christ could read as such in contemporary English.

                “And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?...For ethnic shall rise against ethnic.” (Matt. 24:3, 7).

                In other words, when you begin to see “ethnic cleansing” or religious and racial conflicts, then will be the era of Messiah’s return!

                The racial and religious conflicts in “divers (different or various – Matt. 24:7) places” such as Bosnia, Kosovo, Sudan, Lebanon and even the racial strife in America is no doubt the fulfillment of our Lord’s prediction. These are conflicts that tear a nation apart. This is kingdom against kingdom or a kingdom divided against itself (Matt. 24:7).

                One of America’s darkest moments is the racial riots of the 60’s that pitted black against white. Unfortunately racial conflicts surface even today and with the sudden influx of Hispanics into America it seems that racial tension is again seething under the surface.

If only folks could realize that Jesus died for all races and that all of mankind is in a hopeless state without the redeeming blood of Christ

Yet, like it or not, Jesus told us that a sure sign of His return would be when mankind experiences ethnic against ethnic – i.e, racial hatred. Amazing to say the least!

               

THIS YEAR PALESTINE?

 

                Most are probably aware that Yasser Arafat, the PLO chairman, has threatened to declare a State of Palestine within the borders of Israel on May 4^th. This is when the current five-year interim autonomy period expires under peace accords signed in 1993 in Oslo, Norway.

                You are aware that the Bible predicts that ten kingdoms will arise at the end of the age and that the rulers of these kingdoms will agree to give their power unto the beast (Rev. 17:12-17).

                “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet (i.e., at the time of John’s writing in the 1^st century); but receive power as kings one hour with the beast” (Rev. 17:12).

                I feel that the ten kingdoms are listed by name in Psalm 83. It should be noted that one of the ten is the Philistines, or Philistia (83:7).

                The creation of a State of Palestine will complete the confederacy since Philistia is the only one of the ten that isn’t currently located outside of the borders of Israel.

When will Arafat declare a State of Palestine?

                In March of ’99, Jordan and Egypt backed the Palestinian National Authority’s right to proclaim statehood but shied away from the May 4^th ’99 date. Instead, they have opted for a year extension that would place the declaration of a state in the year 2000.

                On March 25^th ’99, the European Union foreign ministers adopted a declaration supporting the Palestinian “right to self-determination,” but called for a limited extension of one year for final-status negotiations. It said that the EU “declares its readiness to consider the recognition of a Palestinian state in due course.”  

The EU’s idea was to make as clear a statement as possible, but not have it so far-reaching that it impacts negatively on the Israeli elections which are scheduled for May of ’99.

                The following is from The News Herald – Mentor, Ohio – April 22, ’99.

“Palestinians want a written assurance that the United States will back Palestinian statehood in exchange for a delay in its declaration, a diplomat said Sunday. The Clinton administration is seeking a one-year extension of the Oslo peace accords out of concern that a unilateral declaration of statehood on that date would sink the fragile peace process.”

Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, has threatened to annex parts of the West Bank in response to a unilateral declaration of statehood on May 4.

On Wednesday, April 22, ’99 a senior adviser to Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat said that the Palestinians may delay their decision on whether to declare independence until after Israel's May 17 election.

                Will Arafat extend the deadline for one year in order to garner the support of the European Union, Jordan, Egypt, and hopefully the U.S., or will he declare statehood after the Israeli elections? Only time will tell.

Some may be shocked that the U.S. is even considering supporting a Palestinian State over Israel’s objections. Yet, the lesson of Kosovo with America supporting the Moslems against the Eastern Orthodox should serve as a reminder that traditional friendships can crumble quickly when God’s will needs to be fulfilled.

Christians should watch the middle-east scenario closely. God is moving in a mighty way among the world’s leaders even if most aren’t aware of it.

                A far more explosive problem with establishing a Palestinian State is that Arafat has declared repeatedly that East Jerusalem must be the capital of a new Palestinian state. That spells trouble!

                Zechariah prophesied over 2000 years ago that Jerusalem would become the focal problem of the world’s politics near the end of this present age.

                “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people...For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle...” (Zech. 12:2-3 & 14:2. Thankfully, the prophecy continues:

                “And his (Messiah’s) feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem...” (Zech. 14:4).

                It certainly appears that God is not only aligning the “kingdom of the beast”, but that Jerusalem is being readied for its key role in the scenario.

                “For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle” (Zech. 14:2-3).

                Jerusalem will suffer a temporary, 42-month defeat in the near future but when Messiah returns and repentance is shown, she will become the capital of the world! (Jer. 3:17)