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The Word's Eye View is a newspaper column written by
Dr. James Modlish

Is America in Biblical Prophesy?

“Can America be found in Biblical prophesy” continues to be one of the most frequently asked questions of pastors and students of the scriptures. The question presents a measure of difficulty in light of the fact that the four major players on display in end time prophesies do not, at least on the surface, appear to include the USA. Russia and its allies (king of the North), China’s federation (king of the East), a confederation of Africa (king of the South), and a revived Roman Empire (European amalgamation) under the leadership of the anti-Christ are all relatively simple to identify in the book of Daniel.

It is almost unfathomable to imagine that the most powerful nation in the world could be reduced to a position of non-significance. In an attitude of restrained desperation, it has often been pointed out by many that Israel will one day be rescued on the two wings of a great eagle and flown into the wilderness to escape the wrath of her persecutors. (Rev. 12:14) Since our country’s national emblem is an eagle, the assumption has commonly been made that America will be the prince on the white horse. However, the eagle in the text is clearly a metaphor and therefore could embrace a number of different possibilities.

God Himself has repeatedly asserted that much of prophesy is a mystery and like any puzzle, it gains clarity with the addition of the pieces of current events. For example, just one hundred years ago it would have been next to impossible for anyone to comprehend how Israel would be a national entity occupying the land they now possess, but all of the compass headings of revelation pointed in that direction. In similar fashion the winds of present politics appear to be flowing in a predictable trajectory.

Consider:

[1]. Through the lobbying efforts of rabid environmental groups we have largely refused to develop our own oil and coal resources. Recent large finds in Alaska, California, North Dakota and off the Gulf Coast remind us that America has plenty of oil left. Its rapid development would lower our import bill, reduce global prices and take some profits out of regimes that have openly expressed their hatred for us. To ignore this is to surrender incrementally to our enemies.

[2]. Our enemies have money; we are broke. The United States is running a projected $2 trillion annual deficit while adding to an existing $11 trillion national debt. China is our largest foreign creditor, financing our growing budget shortfalls. Only Congress seems to lack the understanding of the crippling effects of massive debt. The rapidly sinking dollar has inspired an international conversation to replace it with another currency – perhaps the European Euro.

[3]. The political divisions in America reveal a sharper contrast in philosophical opinions than any time since the Civil War which tore this country in two. Presently, conservatives are desperately clinging to values and traditions of the past while liberals are clamoring for change regardless of the possible consequences. An identical scenario took place in ancient Israel after the death of Solomon which ultimately led to the destruction of the nation.

[4]. Last, but certainly not least, is the possibility of nuclear attack which, if accomplished in a coordinated effort, could diminish America to a third world nation in moments. There is a first cousin to the Hiroshima effect that is not generally recognized – the EMP. A blue ribbon commission has reported to Congress on what appears to be an Iranian drive to obtain the means to carry out an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) attack. An EMP attack is produced by launching a ballistic missile with a nuclear weapon attached and detonating it high above the earth. This produces a massive pulse of ionized particles that could damage or even wipe out many electrical and information systems. Such an attack would disrupt telecommunications, banking and finance, fuel and energy, food and water supplies, emergency and government services and much more, threatening millions of lives. A short-range ballistic missile could be carried on one of the thousands of commercial freighters that sail U.S. waters every day. Even a modest warhead placed at the right spot over the East coast could take down 75% of the electrical grid. Has anyone in Washington been paying attention to what Iran is testing?

My best guess for the destiny of America (admittedly, a guess but a fairly educated one) is that whatever is left of it will be drawn back into the European theater…a return to its roots, if you please. A group of European liberals awarding President Obama with a Peace Prize predicated not upon accomplishment but only rhetoric was a fishing trip. Why are we constantly being reminded that we should pattern our society more after the folks across the pond? After all, shouldn’t we embrace their type of health care, the cars they drive, the amount they pay for gasoline, their moral decay and socialism? Some would say—what’s wrong with all of that? They are ignorant of who is going to be calling the shots over that whole deal!

Because God factors in the possibility of real change, some prophesies are cloaked in certain ambiguity. He has the ability to manipulate the affairs of nations. He can stall, slow down or hasten events to the advantage of a people who long to seek His face. In the final analysis God says – it’s up to you! It’s the II Chronicles 7:14 factor!