Have you ever made that statement before? Almost everyone at some time in their life has said it. The phrase is usually associated with the idea that something is so difficult or hard to believe that we are surprised to find that it is true. A case in point would be the news report back in 2008 of a story of twins separated at birth who inadvertently got married.
The story is one that raises all kinds of questions as to its legitimacy. There are just too many things that had to happen to bring off this unusual occurrence. These people have to have met by chance, got to know each other, discovered that they shared the same birthday and were both adopted, and yet never considered for a moment the possibility that they might be related. When you consider all of the facts necessary for the story to be true, it is worthy of an “I don’t believe it” remark.
That’s the way it is for a lot of people when you speak to them about bible prophecy and end-time events. You point out things that are going to happen according to the Bible and they tell you “there’s no way that will happen.”
One of the biggest road signs of prophecy to be fulfilled has to do with the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. Of course, at the present time, Islam’s Dome of the Rock presides on that site designated for the Jewish Temple. For years speculation has delved for information as to how these two buildings might be reconciled with prophecy.
Interestingly, this week a survey was release where over two-thirds of the Jewish population wants the Temple rebuilt. This is a huge increase in numbers over previous years.
Also, this week, a report was released by The Temple Institute began building a sacrificial altar. They have already built many of the vessels such as the ark and the menorah for when the Temple is rebuilt. Historically, the altar was located in the Temple where priests offered obligatory and voluntary sacrifices as commanded in the Bible.
“Unfortunately, we cannot currently build the altar in its proper place, on the Temple Mount,” Temple Institute director Yehudah Glick said. “We are building an altar of the minimum possible size so that we will be able to transport it to the Temple when it is rebuilt."
Another note of interest is a report that has surfaced of the Jewish Sanhedrin recently met with a man from Turkey that many in the Islamic world speculate could be the Mahdi (Islamic Messiah). Interestingly, he personally believes that the Jewish Temple should be rebuilt. [You can read articles & watch video interview with Christian reporter, Joel Richardson. Links found at www.soundthemidnightcry.com]
All of this brings to mind another saying: “So much to do and so little time to do it!” The heart of this adage rings out in Jesus’ words’ in Luke 2:49: “…I must be about my Father’s business.”
Sounds like good advice especially for those that think we have plenty of time. We should not be surprised and exclaim “I don’t believe it” with all the signs pointing to its coming. It’s time to believe for "time is of the essence"…but that’s another proverb for another day.
Side Note: My wife Amanda and I are celebrating our 35th anniversary this coming week cruising Alaska and seeing friends in Juneau that we haven’t seen in 28 years. Follow us on Twitter!

