President Trump sent shockwaves around the world with an announcement while standing next to Bibi Netanyahu a few days ago. He announced that Gaza would no longer be for the Gazans and Hamas will have nothing in the future of Gaza. He said the United States would take over the Gaza and turn it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Bibi liked the idea. At least, he liked it for the press conference. Many of the conservative orthodox Jews living in Israel have wanted Israel to take over Gaza permanently for a long time. I understand that sentiment. Over the decades since Israel became a nation once again, they have been constantly attacked by the Arabs. They have given land for peace only to be attacked multiple times, each and every time. Had the Palestinians used the multiplied billions in aid correctly they could have created their own oasis on the Mediterranean coastline. Instead, they would rather kill Jews. Where would the displaced Palestinians then live? The President said that other Arab countries would have to take them. Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar were some of the name’s he dropped. They are all screaming they’re not coming here. Whether or not this actually happens during the next four years, one thing is certain President Trump causes many to say “yeah, that’s right” while he causes others heads to explode.
What would a riviera look like? What do other riviera’s look like? Those all have a beautiful coast line and tourists flock there for fun. They are destinations that people use for a getaway all the while hoping for happy times. The French, Italians and even the Californians all have coastal spots called riviera’s.
Does the Bible have anything to say about a time when there will be peace and prosperity all around the world and especially in the land of Israel? The answer is yes! The Bible speaks about a time when the Covenants God has made with people, think Abraham, David, think the people of Israel themselves. All of these Covenant’s will one day be fulfilled in their entirety. These Covenants demand a literal fulfillment. That time is called the Millennial Reign of Christ. It is during this time that Christ will rule and reign with a rod of iron. If you are curious about the passages that teach these three covenants you can find them in Genesis 12:1-3, II Samuel 7:10-13, and Deuteronomy 30:1-10. There are other covenants along with these but for today’s thought these are the three I chose to mention. Abraham’s Covenant gives the nation of Israel huge swaths of land in the Middle East. The Davidic Covenant proclaim a king from the lineage of David will be on the throne forever. The Palestinian Covenant talks about a restoration and a reoccupation of the land. These Covenant’s God gave are all unconditional. That means they are not dependent on men but on God alone. What will this wonderful time on earth look like? I’ll give you a list along with proof texts. Not much commentary just a list.
1. It will last for a thousand years. Revelation 20:2-7. Six times “1000 year” is mentioned. Sounds literal to me!
2. Jewish people will be regathered. Matthew 24:31.
3. The nation of Israel will be converted to Christ. Zechariah 12:10-14, Romans 11:26.
4. Jesus will rule as King sitting on David’s throne in the capital of the world, Jerusalem. Isaiah 9:3-7, Zechariah 8:3.
5. A time of world peace. Micah 4:2-4.
6. A time of unparallelled joy. Isaiah 61:7-10.
7. A time of comfort. Isaiah 40:1-2.
8. A time of holiness throughout the world. Isaiah 35:8.
9. A time of great knowledge concerning God. Isaiah 11:9.
10. A time for truth. Isaiah 65:16.
I saved the “time for truth” for last. Why? I think we the people are constantly lied to by leaders in all walks of life. CEO’s will fudge numbers with their quarterly earnings, educators will lie to students warping the minds of the malleable. Media will lie constantly pushing agendas and people depending on who they agree with. They aren’t journalist they are activists. In every aspect of life truth seems to be optional. It won’t be optional during the Millennial Reign of Christ.
Will there be a Middle Eastern Riviera brought about by the Presidents of the United States and Israel? I don’t have any idea. If they pull it off it would be a victory seldom matched in diplomacy. But after our leaders have passed off the scene there is coming a day when Jesus, the eternal Son of God, will reign supreme and the whole world will be a Riviera.