“Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” Matthew 12:25. This verse should pierce the heart of every American at this juncture in our history.
I wasn’t around to see the rumblings and atrocities of the Civil War in the 1860’s. Luckily, I didn’t see “brothers fighting against brothers” in that war. I didn’t witness the bloody battles being fought, but I have ancestors who were part of them. I didn’t witness the slavery of African Americans. I didn’t live through the assassination of a President. But, I can see the shadows of this time in history, taking over the country I love.
During the Civil War it was the North against the South. The nation was fighting itself. A war raged within the borders of our country and the enemy came from within those same borders. The sins of the nation had come to be reckoned with. One side against slavery- the other Hell bent on saving it.
Is it so different right now? We have two groups in our nation right now. Some call these groups the conservatives and the liberals. Others just say the Democrats and Republicans. Call it what you want, but there’s no doubt it’s a great divide. Some would say it’s like “brother against brother”- “sister against sister.” Since the Presidential election, the divide has continued to widen. The expanse growing larger.
America is like the Titanic
Our citizens are seeing the splitting of a nation, much like the Titanic. We’ve hit the iceberg and the gouge in our ship continues to get larger. Natural disasters, school shootings and national scandals are becoming commonplace. The national debt grows at an alarming rate and the stock market continues to wobble back and forth. Truth is becoming muddled and the future seems riddled with doubts.
An iceberg is in the water
How did we get here? How did our nation venture into open waters riddled with icebergs? Well, we have to ask ourselves this question first- who is it that protects us from those icebergs? Who is it that blesses us in the first place? Some would say we make our own success. Others would say it’s just a matter of luck. And then there are those of us who know neither of those answers are true. There is only one reason we are blessed as a nation, and there is one protector over it- Jesus Christ/God. It is God who formed our country and allowed it to prosper as one of the most powerful nations on earth.
The Lord himself has placed a hedge of protection around our country since its foundation. But, in many ways we see that hedge being lifted. Why? Well, let’s ask ourselves if our nation really wants God in control of our country. Many of our laws have pushed him out of the land. Laws are becoming more and more discriminatory toward Christians, and Christian values are being thrown to the wayside. The love of money, sex, porn and idols has become the norm. Just turn on your TV, or walk out your door and you will see the truth.
America has enjoyed comfort and overwhelming riches for almost 250 years. In fact, on April 30, 1789, George Washington was inaugurated as our first President in New York City- the financial capital of our nation. He said, “We ought to no be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and the right which heaven itself has ordained.” What Washington was saying is that if we depart from God as a nation, he will remove his blessings and prosperity from our nation. Truthfully, how can we expect the protection of God when our nation continues to drive him out as if he were an enemy. On April 30, 2012 (223 years after Washington’s speech) Freedom Tower, also known as One World Trade Center, became the tallest building in the United States. This tower was built to replace the original Twin Towers that were destroyed on 9-11. Towers can be destroyed, along with wealth. If our country continues building towers, instead of a relationship with God, we might as well get ready for the next one to tumble.
It’s not like God hasn’t been calling out to us. He even shows signs in the heavens. There were four blood moons- two occurring in 2014, and two more in 2015. On April 15, 2014, a total lunar eclipse (blood moon) occurred on Passover. It lined up with the death of Abraham Lincoln, and the sinking of the Titanic. Next, came a blood moon on October 8, 2014, which occurred on the Feast of Tabernacles. This is also the anniversary of John Hancock’s death- most people know him because his name was the largest signature on the Declaration of Independence- the document that testified to our nation’s freedom. In 2015 there were two more blood moons, with the first one occurring on Passover again on April 4, 2015. This lined up with the assassination of Martin Luther King in 1968 , the founding of NATO in 1949, and the dedication of the original World Trade Center Twin Towers in 1973, to name a few events- all of these events occurred on April 4 in different years. It even lined up with when the United States liberated Ohrdruf concentration camp in Germany during WW2- this would be the first camp liberated by U.S. forces. The next blood moon occurred on September 28, 2015, on the Feast of Tabernacles. This date lined up with the Battle of Yorktown, which began on September 28, 1781. This battle ended the Revolutionary War, with a victory for America. It led to the colonists’ freedom and the establishment of their own country, free from British rule.
Division in America
The part I find interesting is how the dates line up with events that bring “division” to mind. Abraham Lincoln advocated for the freedom of slaves. The South radically opposed this, leading to a division in the country. A war ensued, and the country narrowly missed permanent division. Martin Luther King advocated for equality of the races and brought to light the horrible injustices that were prevalent in America. His message brought division, but it also brought about change that was necessary in a nation still holding freedom back from African Americans. In both instances, the idea of freedom is inherent- freedom from slavery- freedom from injustice. But that freedom came out of great division.
The Great American Solar Eclipse of 2017
Then, there was the solar eclipse on August 21, 2017. This eclipse bisected the United States, passing through 14 states from West to East. It’s interesting to note that the last city the eclipse passed through was Charleston, South Carolina. The first shot of the Civil War was fired in Charleston. This was also one of the biggest ports in the U.S. for the slave trade.
The Solar Eclipse of 2024
There’s another total solar eclipse coming on April 8, 2024. This eclipse will again bisect the nation, going from south to north. The date April 8 has some Civil War history to take note of. It was on April 8, 1864 that the United States Senate took a crucial step toward the abolition of slavery. The 13th amendment was passed in the Senate by a vote of 38 to 6. The 13th amendment, of course, abolished slavery. What is interesting is that on January 31, 2018 we had a triple blue blood moon that occurred on the Hebrew holiday known as Tu B Shevat. It was seen in the U.S. and this lined up with when the House of Representatives passed the 13th amendment! On January 31, 1865, the House passed it. So what we have here are two events (their dates coinciding with celestial sightings- lunar eclipses and solar eclipses) that are tied to the Civil War and the 13th amendment- division and freedom.
What I am trying to point your attention to is the fact that many of these celestial events (blood moons- aka total lunar eclipses, solar eclipses) are occurring on dates that remind us of the division of our nation. But they are also a reminder of FREEDOM. The events of the Civil War and the life of Martin Luther King remind us of how freedom is sought and earned. But, often there is a division that precedes this freedom.
The Hebrew Letter Tav : Solar Eclipses of 2017 and 2024
The paths of the two total solar eclipses that bisect the United States on August 21, 2017, and seven years later on April 8, 2024 form an X when placed on the map. Some would say this reminds them of the X on the Confederate flag. But, more telling is that the X in ancient Hebrew is known as the TAV. The meaning of this Hebrew letter is “a mark, or a sign”. In ancient Semitic languages an X stood for the name of Christ. The numerical value of the TAV or X is 400. The Israelites were in bondage in Egypt for 400 years, but then released at the Exodus so the number itself can be tied to freedom from bondage(Genesis 15:13). Also, there were 400 years of silence from the time of Malachi the prophet, until Jesus was born and revealed to the world. Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament. I do believe the Lord is giving us signs that his son, Jesus Christ, will return and set all this division straight. He is the one who brings freedom. We do not know the exact timing of course.
How do we really achieve freedom? Is it through war? Is it through power and conquest? Perhaps some people would say yes- war is the only way. But, that’s not what Christ says. It is only through Christ that we can achieve true freedom. “For he himself is our peace, who broke down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile.” Aside from Christ, we cannot solve our insurmountable differences, and the division among us will become larger.
New York City in Ruins
A few years back I had a dream that is hard to forget. I was walking along the streets of New York City and I saw a scene that greatly disturbed me. All the buildings were in ruins. I could tell they had been burned because they were smoldering. Their once towering brilliance had faded and turned to rubble. As I walked along the streets I saw a strange, unnerving sight. It was a ship. It was sitting on its stern and pointed straight in the air. It looked like the Titanic! The odd thing is that the ship stood up like a building. It was actually nestled in among the buildings. In the dream I stared at the ship, among the dilapidated skyscrapers. It was the color of the statue of Liberty, with a greenish sheen. I could hear the ship creaking. When I woke up I could sense the dream foreshadowed something about America. Many events have happened since that dream. There have been too many to mention, and each one leaves a mark on my heart for our nation.
After the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglass High School, I was very upset and disheartened. As I read about the shooting a name popped into my mind. I wasn’t very familiar with the name but I had heard it somewhere before through a friend. The name was David Wilkerson. When I looked him up I realized he was a preacher, but he had passed away back in 2011. In 1998 he wrote about a vision he had of New York City. In the vision New York City was burning. There were fires everywhere. He said he saw fires in many major cities in the United States. As I was reading about his vision a word kept coming to mind- INSURRECTION. What is an insurrection? It is defined as a violent uprising against an authority or government. If we look at Civil War history, we will find that it was an INSURRECTION that sparked the war. It happened at Harper’s Ferry in West Virginia on October 16-18, 1859. Abolitionist John Brown led an armed slave revolt. He was hoping to encourage slaves to revolt against their masters and fight for their freedom. Although his insurrection failed, the event itself inspired slaves and abolitionists to pursue their cause for freedom. It has since been remembered as the spark that ignited the fire of the Civil War.
The Pharisees accused Jesus of leading an insurrection. They said he was inciting the people to revolt and destroy the government. But, that’s not what Jesus was doing. He was coming to overthrow their hearts! He did not use violence. He didn’t use force. He used the truth and love. Did it cause some division among people? Yes it did. Jesus did not care about skin color or ethnicity. He was coming to save all. He broke down the dividing wall. Like the Civil War, not everyone liked his ideas. He was literally bringing “freedom from slavery”. This new freedom was radical to many.
Division in America
I certainly do not know the future, but I can see the sparks flying. I see the great division among citizens. Is insurrection in our future? I hope not! That is why I pray for our leaders and citizens alike. Once a fire gets going it can be hard to stop. I was watching a You tube video of a fire in California at an apartment complex. It started with a spark from an outdoor grill. Within 20 minutes the entire apartment complex went up in flames. I watched as it quickly jumped from one building to another. The firefighters came, but by the time they got there the fire had already ravaged the entire complex.
Eye to Eye by William Koenig
There is still yet one more idea to consider with regards to DIVISION. This is the division of Jerusalem. This is one idea we should never act on! Jerusalem belongs to the Jewish people and the nation of Israel. The Bible is very clear that this is the land God gave to them as an everlasting covenant. Read Genesis 12 and 13 and you will see how crystal clear it is. God gives strong warnings about dividing his precious land. I am reading an eye opening book right now called EYE TO EYE, by William Koenig. The book lays out all the natural disasters and major catastrophes that have occurred as a result of our nation trying to pressure Israel to give up land. These natural disasters and catastrophes have occurred within 24-48 hours of when Israel was pressured to give away the land. For example: There were 20 record setting catastrophes or major events that happened during President George W. Bush’s first 36 months in office- George W Bush had an active role in the exchange of Gaza for “peace. This was a deal where the United States encouraged Israel to give away land. This land was eventually given to the Palestinians in 2005. I have done a lot of research on my own and I have found that when the United States goes into negotiations over Israel’s land, bad things happen such as : fires, snowstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions and breaches to our national security. It is a bad idea to mess with Israel’s biblical homeland. Giving away Gaza and parts of the West Bank were supposed to bring peace, but there has been no peace since. There have been rockets fired, violence and constant threats instead. The United States experienced the wrath of Hurricane Katrina after the Gaza land deal was completed. The book Eye to Eye goes into great detail about how asking Israel to give up land is like poking your finger in God’s eye. “I will gather all nations and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will put them on trial for what they did to my inheritance, my people Israel, because they scattered my people among the nations and DIVIDED MY LAND! Joel 3:2
Do not divide Israel’s Land
Recently I saw an article that said the leader of the Palestinian Authority is ready to seek a peace deal with Israel. This comes right after he made a speech saying the Holocaust was the Jewish peoples’ fault! Then he proceeded to make racial slurs about the Jewish people. This was all publicized in the national news. It was no secret! Now, he is saying he wants a peace deal??? His government, and many of the nations that surround Israel do not believe she has the right to exist! MARK MY WORDS- If the United States leadership encourages and participates in asking Israel to swap any land for peace, we could bear horrible consequences in our own land such as natural disasters and who knows what else! According to the word of God, Jesus is the only one who will stop the division in the Holy land- He is the only one who will bring peace. The Bible warns of swift and severe consequences for messing with God’s land. All Americans should be praying our nation’s leaders do not try to broker any land deals in order to make peace.
Just in the last few weeks Iran has fired rockets into Israel from Syria! Why? Israel bombed areas where Iran hid missiles in Syria. Iran is retaliating for this move. Iran continues to bark threats against Israel and the United States. The U.S. just exited the Iran nuclear deal and this has infuriated Iran. You see, the division isn’t just here–it is all over the world. And the biggest issue on planet Earth will be the division of Jerusalem. This is why Jesus will return- to set things straight- first at the Rapture, and then at the Second Coming.
Our nation has a lot of things to consider- we must get our hearts right with God. He holds the key to the survival of our country. We must be on the same page with God as far as Israel. If we seek to divide Israel, he will seek to divide us! We need to remember that the word of God was brought to us by the nation of Israel! We are blessed because we have been grafted into the family of God. We (believers in Jesus- Gentiles) are part of the olive branch with the Jewish people. The Bible also says with regards to the Jewish people- “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you; and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” God said this to Abraham- the father of the Jewish nation. (Genesis 12:3) Anyone interested in dividing Jerusalem, or any of God’s land, should know they are not in charge of the land deed. God owns the land and it would be a big mistake to challenge him on this. That is not to say we should not care for and love the Palestinian people. In fact, millions of Muslims are having visions of Jesus worldwide and coming to know him as Savior. Jesus loves the Palestinian people! Jesus came to save ALL NATIONS, and he’s coming to bring redemption to ALL NATIONS. Therefore we should be praying for the protection and salvation of both Palestinians and Israelis alike. But, we cannot give away land as a way to solve our differences. We must pray for both Israel and the Palestinians to know the peace that surpasses all understanding- Jesus Christ. He is the Prince of Peace.
I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them,” says the LORD your God. Amos 9:15
On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram and said, “To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates– Genesis 15:18
Read all of Ezekiel 37 which prophesies the return of the Jewish people to their land! This came true on May 14, 1948, when Israel was once again reestablished as a nation.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+37&version=NIV
Then read Ezekiel 38 and 39 which describes what God will do to the nations that plunder Israel.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+38%2C39&version=NIV
The Bible says in the last days there will be great division. We are certainly living within that division. A fire is burning, but we have the water that quenches it. We have the living water- Jesus. If we want true healing in our nation, he is the only path to it. God continues to call out to us. He did the same with the nation of Israel. But, if we ignore the call we are going to be subject to a fire we cannot put out. It will ravage our nation and take it down- just like the apartment building I saw. We need our intercessors to pray and bring the truth of the gospel to those who are perishing. This is not a time to sit back and hope everything will be ok. It is a time to jump into the fight and do battle spiritually. We also need to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray that our leaders do not seek to divide Jerusalem. We should also pray for the nations that surround Israel and for them to know Jesus.
A house divided cannot stand. A house divided against God will crumble –
I know not everyone is against God. There are lots of people in our nation that love Jesus, and are awaiting his kingdom. We are the ones who have to step in the gap. We have to share the gospel. We also have to be ready for anything. If our nation should fall, and I certainly do not want to see that- we have to be ready for revival. In the midst of darkness we must be the light. When the Titanic sank witnesses said one of the most disturbing things they saw were the lights on the ship going out. It was pitch black. But, then they saw the stars. Those same witnesses said they never saw so many stars in their lives. And we are those stars- we are the light for his kingdom. No matter what comes, we must keep speaking life and the truth. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father except through him.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+12&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+13&version=NIV
https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/minute/Senate_Passes_the_Thirteenth_Amendment.htm
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/house-passes-the-13th-amendment
Revelations About Israel and the United States 
Your writing skills are improving. I also like how you reference w/hyperlinks at the bottom, the Bible verses you used.
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