Common Threads?: Concerning the Coming World Messiah
7 05 2008Today while scanning news I noticed yet another article concerning a coming world leader, who will seek to unite people both politically and religiously, brining peace to the entire world. In this case, it was Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Here is a short bit of the article:
“Iran clerics rebuke Ahmadinejad over ‘hidden imam’”
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=080507094625.zy32hvir&show_article=1
“Clerics have told President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to stick to more worldly issues after he was quoted as saying the “hidden imam” of Shiite Islam was directing Iran. Ahmadinejad has always been a devotee of the Mahdi, the twelfth imam of Shiite Islam, who Shiites believe disappeared more than a thousand years ago and who will return one day to usher in a new era of peace and harmony.
But in a speech to theology students broadcast by state television on Monday, Ahmadinejad went further than ever before in emphasising his belief that the Mahdi is playing a critical role in Iran’s day-to-day politics.
“The Imam Mahdi is in charge of the world and we see his hand directing all the affairs of the country,” he said in the speech, which appears to date from last month but has only now been broadcast.”
What makes this so interesting? Well, for a Believer who keeps track of current events and popular teachings of many world religions this type of information may ring a bell. No?
Well, maybe this will help. Ever heard of ‘Christian’, ‘Evangelical’ leaders call for international policies which align with eschatological, or end time events…looking for Jesus to ‘come back’ and bring ‘peace’? (Still not quite sure what I am getting at? Well…)
How about this one: A Jewish scholar once talked with our class. After I asked a question regarding traditional types of Jewish understanding regarding ‘end times’ events, he responded that many are looking for 2 ‘big, Messiah-type figures’ to come onto the scene to help save Israel: A great political leader to bring physical peace, and a great religious leader to bring revival back to Israel.
(Have you guessed it by now?) What am I trying to get at? Well, do we know Scripture so well that we can tell the difference between a fake and the real thing? Reading from Mark 13 (note:emphasis mine):
“ 14“When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’[a]standing where it[b] does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15Let no one on the roof of his house go down or enter the house to take anything out. 16Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. 17How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! 18Pray that this will not take place in winter, 19because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again. 20If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. 21At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ[c]!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect—if that were possible. 23So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.”
Do we see the groundwork being laid for a fantastic lie…that may even fool ‘Christians’ into following another Messiah? Are we following the clues given by Jesus to give us hope…and guide us through the future? Or is it simply for scholars, debaters, or people who like to show off their linguistic prowess? Aren’t putting events and social trends into the framework of scripture what we are all supposed to do?
What do you think?
Tags : 12th, 13, ahmedinejad, bible, Christians, deceive, elect, hidden, imam, jews, king, leader, mark, messiah, musliams, political, politician, prophecy, religious, revelation
Categories : Uncategorized


Recent Comments