I’ve always sought to ground my life in faith, finding strength and guidance from the Bible. Over the years, I’ve often reflected on the incredible prophecies in Scripture—how the disciples of old witnessed firsthand the fulfillment of events foretold centuries before their time. For example, the prophet Jeremiah predicted the end of the Babylonian exile after 70 years, and sure enough, Haggai and Zechariah lived to see that prophecy fulfilled. Similarly, Psalm 22 prophesied Jesus' crucifixion, and His disciples witnessed it in their time.
I used to think, "If I had lived in those days, surely my faith would have been unshakable. If I had seen Jesus with my own eyes, I would be as steadfast as the apostles, like Paul." But you know what I’ve learned? We don’t have to wish we lived in biblical times because we are living in an era where we can witness the fulfillment of prophecies today! Isn’t that incredible?
God's Promise to Abraham: A Prophecy for Our Time
In Genesis 12:1-3, God makes a profound promise to Abraham: that his descendants would become a great nation and that through them, "all peoples on earth will be blessed." This blessing was fulfilled with the arrival of Jesus Christ, but even today, we can see this promise unfolding. Israel's existence, against all odds, is a testament to this ancient prophecy.
In 1948, Israel was miraculously re-established after nearly 2,000 years of the Jewish diaspora. This event was foretold in Ezekiel 36:24, which says, "I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land." Isn’t it amazing how we can look at Israel today and see prophecy in real-time? It's like we are witnesses to the pages of Scripture coming to life!
The Role of Christian Nations in History
When I think about how the promises of Genesis 12 were also fulfilled in nations like England and America, it’s clear that God's blessings have far-reaching effects. During the 18th and 19th centuries, England, a stronghold of the Christian faith, led the Industrial Revolution. Their economic prosperity paralleled their fervor for sending missionaries across the world, a powerful demonstration of how following God's Word brings blessings to both individuals and nations.
Likewise, in the 20th century, America became a beacon of Christian faith, with widespread revivals and movements like the Second Great Awakening. This strong foundation of faith propelled America to become a global leader in economic and social development. Churches flourished, and Christian values deeply influenced society, fostering an environment of generosity, hard work, and charity.
But as of 2024, these nations are facing a decline in Christian faith. England's church attendance has plummeted to just 1.7%, while in America, weekly church attendance is below 20%. This sharp decline in faith raises an important question: Are these nations drifting away from God's promises in Genesis 12:1-3? And if so, what can we, as believers, do about it?
Korea's Remarkable Christian Growth and Decline
I was also thinking about my own homeland, South Korea. During the 20th century, South Korea experienced tremendous economic growth, coinciding with a period of vibrant Christian faith. At one point, Korea became the second-largest sender of missionaries worldwide! We, too, were experiencing the blessings outlined in Genesis 12. However, like the West, Korea is now seeing a sharp decline in church attendance, particularly among younger generations.
It breaks my heart to see the dwindling number of young Christians in Korea. Could it be that we are witnessing a spiritual battle, not just in Korea, but globally, as nations that once thrived on Christian values now face an erosion of faith?
Israel: A Nation of Prophetic Fulfillment
While England, America, and Korea have seen declines, Israel tells a different story. Against all odds, Israel's population continues to grow. Today, the nation has a birth rate of around 3.0, significantly higher than most developed countries. What's more, Jews from around the world continue to return to Israel, fulfilling the prophecy of "Aliyah" — the ingathering of the Jewish people from around the world (Isaiah 49:22).
While nations like England and America face challenges in maintaining their Christian roots, Israel remains a vivid example of God's prophetic timeline moving forward. It serves as a reminder that God’s promises are enduring and that we, as Christians, should keep our eyes on Israel as a symbol of His faithfulness.
What Can We Do as Believers?
So, what does this all mean for us? As Christians living in this time, we are called to stand firm in our faith and share the Gospel with the world. As Genesis 12:3 says, "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." The blessing of Abraham is not just for Israel but for all who believe in Christ and follow His ways.
It is my prayer that we, as modern believers, continue to witness the fulfillment of these ancient prophecies, remaining strong in our faith even as the world changes around us. Let’s keep our lamps burning, like the wise virgins in Matthew 25, always ready for the return of our Lord. May we be diligent in our faith, actively participating in God's plans by praying for Israel, supporting missions, and living out our Christian values daily.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever wondered whether we are living in a time of prophetic significance, the answer is a resounding yes! The restoration of Israel, the decline of Christian faith in the West, and the growth of anti-Christian sentiment worldwide are all signs that point to the fulfillment of biblical prophecies.
As a mother, I often share with my daughters how important it is to stay grounded in faith. Just as I guide them, I encourage you to look around and see how God's promises are being fulfilled even today. Now more than ever, we must hold onto the Word, live out our faith, and be ready for the incredible things God is doing in our time. We are blessed to witness it!