Is this the fulfillment of prophecy?
The country of Nauru in Micronesia is the latest country to announce that it recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of the modern State of Israel.
Nauru, formerly known as Pleasant Island, is an island country in the Central Pacific Ocean. It lies north of the Solomon Islands and east-northeast of Papua New Guinea. With only a 21-square-kilometre (8.1 sq mi) area, Nauru is the third-smallest country in the world behind Vatican City and Monaco.
85% of the nation’s population practice Christianity. Their constitution provides for freedom of religion, but the government has restricted the religious practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Their support for Israel is based on a simple and clear reading of the Bible, which states hundreds of promises to the Jewish people that they would dwell in the land of Israel.
Nauru’s UN ambassador, Marlene Inemwin Moses, recently attended a dinner in Israel thrown in her honor by the honorary consul of Nauru in Israel, David Ben Basat. Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who was also present, asked the ambassador what could be done to help with Nauru’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Inemwin said she’d consult with then-president Baron Waqa (who was ousted from office just last week in Nauru’s national election). Just days later, Moses said that Waqa had instructed her to publish a letter stating Nauru officially recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Following the announcement, Foreign Minister Israel Katz wrote, “I welcome Nauru’s important decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. We will continue to strengthen Jerusalem’s diplomatic position. We will continue to work to bring more countries to the recognition and opening of delegations in Jerusalem.”
Small as the island may be, and insignificant as the world may think, this Christian nation from the “isles beyond” and the “ends of the earth” turning their hearts to the God of Israel and Jerusalem is a significant fulfillment of prophecy in our times.
Here are just a few examples.
Ps 98:3 He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.
Isa. 41:5 The islands have seen it and fear; the ends of the earth tremble. They approach and come forward.
Isa. 42:10 Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them.
Isa. 42 :12 he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”
Isa. 51:5 The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm.
