The Weekly Telescope

Tag: Kingdom of God

  • Storm Over the Shoal: The Philippines, China, and the Future of the West Philippine Sea

    Storm Over the Shoal: The Philippines, China, and the Future of the West Philippine Sea

    Tensions flared again in the West Philippine Sea when Philippine and Chinese vessels collided near Scarborough Shoal on September 16, 2025. According to Manila, Chinese coast guard ships used high-powered water cannons against a Philippine resupply vessel, shattering glass on the bridge, damaging critical equipment, and injuring at least one crew member. China, for its part, accused the Philippines of “illegally” entering its waters and even claimed Manila rammed one of its ships—an allegation firmly denied by Philippine officials.

    This confrontation followed China’s unilateral declaration of a “national nature reserve” at Scarborough Shoal just days earlier. Filipino fishermen and government leaders saw this as an attempt to further tighten Beijing’s grip on a vital fishing ground that lies well within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone under international law and the 2016 Hague tribunal ruling.

    How Nations Responded

    Philippines: Manila lodged a strong diplomatic protest and ramped up patrols in contested waters. At home, protests over corruption added to the sense of urgency in defending national interests.

    China: Beijing justified its moves as “environmental” but in practice deployed coast guard and maritime militia vessels to enforce its claims, warning the Philippines against “provocations.”

    Allies & Partners:

    • The United States reiterated its defense commitments, condemning China’s actions.
    • Australia, Canada, Japan, and the UK voiced concern and pledged continued support for international law.
    • Germany and France are deepening defense ties with Manila. The UK is even exploring a Visiting Forces Agreement to allow closer military cooperation.

    What to Expect in the Next 3–5 Years

    The Philippines is investing heavily in its navy and coast guard, acquiring new frigates, offshore patrol vessels, and long-range missile systems like the BrahMos. It is also strengthening defense partnerships with allies from Asia, North America, and Europe. These steps will improve deterrence, but they cannot fully offset China’s overwhelming naval power.

    The likely trajectory is continued gray-zone conflict: water cannons, rammings, blockades, and the creation of more “facts on the ground” by China. At the same time, broader coalitions—Philippines with the U.S., Japan, Australia, the UK, and even select EU states—will increase naval patrols and exercises. Expect more incidents, more diplomatic protests, and a slow but steady militarization of the West Philippine Sea.

    The Long-Term Outlook: Prophecy and the Coming Clash

    While today the flashpoint is between the Philippines and China, the Bible shows that the stage is being set for something far greater. Prophecy in the book of Revelation describes a time when two great power blocs will dominate the world scene:

    • On one side, a resurrected Roman Empire, a powerful federation that will evolve out of today’s European Union.
    • On the other side, a vast eastern alliance led by powers like China and its allies.

    The South China Sea, a vital artery of global trade and security, could very well be one of the hot spots where these rival blocs collide. Scripture warns that this confrontation will erupt into a catastrophic war threatening the very survival of humanity (Matthew 24:21–22).

    But God has not left humanity without hope. Jesus Christ will intervene to stop world war from annihilating mankind. He will establish the Kingdom of God on earth, bringing true justice, security, and lasting peace—a peace no human power can achieve on its own.

    A Call to Repentance and Preparation

    In the meantime, God is calling individuals to repent, turn from sin, and live in obedience to His laws. The worsening conflicts, corruption, and rivalries we see today are signs of a world cut off from God. Yet for those who listen and respond, these events can serve as a wake-up call—a reminder to prepare for the soon-coming government of God, which will finally bring peace to all nations.

  • The Lion Strikes: How Israel’s Offensive Against Iran Could Pave the Way for Another Power in the Middle East

    The Lion Strikes: How Israel’s Offensive Against Iran Could Pave the Way for Another Power in the Middle East

    In a dramatic development, Israel has launched a targeted and far-reaching strike on Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. The operation—striking key facilities such as Natanz and Fordow, and eliminating several of Iran’s top nuclear scientists—delivers a significant blow to Tehran’s ambition to become a nuclear power.

    These attacks are not only crippling Iran’s scientific and military capabilities but are also signaling a shift in the Middle East’s balance of power. Israel, perceiving a nuclear-armed Iran as an existential threat, has acted decisively to delay or dismantle what it views as an imminent danger. In doing so, Israel has likely bought itself time—perhaps even years—of relative security from a nuclear threat originating from Iran.

    However, these events may have a broader prophetic consequence. As Iran’s ability to wield the ultimate weapon of mass destruction gets postponed, and its ability to project power wanes as Israel brings the war into its doorstep, it could open the door for a new Islamic power to rise—not rooted in Elam (ancient Iran), but in the Arab world. Iran, whose ancient name in the Bible is Elam (Genesis 10:22; Jeremiah 49:34–39), may find its dominance eclipsed by a coalition of Arab nations, leading to the emergence of a different kind of power bloc in the Middle East.

    According to Daniel 11, a “king of the South” will arise south of Israel in the end time—a national or regional power bloc that will challenge the “king of the North”, a revived Roman Empire based in Europe. When this king of the South attacks, the king of the North will launch a swift and devastating counterattack (Daniel 11:40).

    The biblical details in Daniel 11:42–43 tell us more:

    “He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels.”

    This strongly indicates that Egypt, Libya, and possibly other Arab nations will comprise or support the king of the South. These are not Persian or Elamite nations, but nations from the Arab world—suggesting that by the time this prophecy is fulfilled, Iran will no longer be a dominant player in Middle Eastern affairs.

    This fits perfectly with Jeremiah 49, which foretells judgment upon Elam, stating that God would “break the bow of Elam” and scatter its people. Yet the prophecy does not end there. In verse 39, God declares:

    “But it shall come to pass in the latter days: I will bring back the captives of Elam,” says the Lord.

    Though Iran may be humbled in coming years, God will not forget its people. In the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ, the people of Elam—Iran—will be restored to their land and brought under God’s righteous government. They will no longer be instruments of aggression, but citizens of a world at peace.

    The current Israeli-Iranian conflict, therefore, may be far more than a military standoff—it may be a prophetic transition, marking the decline of Elam’s influence and preparing the stage for the final alignment of nations described in the Bible. As one Islamic power fades, another rises. But above all, the ultimate resolution lies not in human alliances or military might, but in the coming Kingdom of God, where all nations—including Iran—will be restored under the leadership of Jesus Christ.