Before I begin my news commentary, it's necessary to explain a little about my perspective. And in so doing, I'll be touching on what I believe to be one of the neglected parts in today's teaching of Bible prophecy (Some Neglected Parts). 

When it comes to unlocking Bible prophecy, perspective is an important key. We must learn to see things from both God's and the writer's perspective. This is especially true when attempting to understand the book of Revelation. In fact, without first understanding God's and the Apostle John's perspective, we will never be able to understand the imagery found in this difficult last book of the New Testament.

For example, most of today's prophecy students realize the primary purpose of John's book of Revelation is the revealing of Jesus Christ. That's because this is clearly stated in the very first verse (Revelation 1:1). However, unless we share the proper perspective, even the full meaning of this revealing can pass us by. You see, Jesus quoted much from the Old Testament book of Daniel. The result was His disciples were all expecting a literal fulfillment of Daniel's prophecies -- including the Apostle John.

And I believe here's where the meaning of the revealing comes in. You see, in chapter 10 of the book of Daniel a mysterious person appears to the Jewish prophet Daniel. And, when you compare the description of Daniel's encounter with this mysterious person to John's encounter with Jesus in the first chapter of Revelation, you realize it's the same person. In other words, in the book of Revelation we have the revealing of Jesus Christ as the same person who appeared to Daniel and the other Jewish prophets in the Old Testament.

Now for today's news and commentary. The 25 current and future heads of the European Union began their Inter-governmantal Conference this weekend in Rome. Their purpose is to debate the document that will become known as the Constitution of Rome. In other words, the EU heads have begun deciding the final shape of the foretold revived Roman Empire. 

Yet, here's where the perspective I mentioned comes in. While most are focused on the new, super EU presidency issue, I'm watching the new EU Foreign Minister post that is being created. The reason is, according to the prophecies, the old Roman Empire is to return on the world scene under the leadership of one man and a 10-nation alliance. And, at this historic moment in Europe's reunification and expansion, there just happens to be a 10-nation military alliance. And, according to the reports coming from Rome, this 10-nation alliance appears to be falling under the leadership of one man (Read about it here).

Furthermore, according to the same prophecies, this revived Roman Empire will be used by Satan in his attempt to destroy God's people and Israel. From Daniel we learn that this coming Roman prince and his 10-nation alliance will make a seven-year agreement with Israel -- which he will violate only 3 1/2 years later (Daniel 9:27).

And according to these next two reports, the Bush administration is being forced out of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict because of political reasons on the home front (Read about it here). And, at the same time, the person who could soon become the EU's new super Foreign Minister, Javier Solana, is again voicing his desire to bring Israel into compliance with the new international order he has recently tasked himself with creating for the EU (Read about it here).

Now, let's look at these news reports from Europe again, but this time let's try and see things from God's and the Apostle John's perspective. God, of course, is concerned about His prophecies and keeping His promises to Israel. And John, you may recall, was on the small island of Patmos off the coast of modern Turkey while having his visions. This is what John saw:

"And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems (crowns), and on his heads were blasphemous names" Revelation 13:1 New American Standard Bible).

You see, the seven heads mean this isn't the first time God will have to deal with a godless Gentile kingdom that attempts to interfere with His plans for Israel and His Messiah. There have already been six such kingdoms -- Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome.

As you know, God took care of them all. And, He's going to take care of this 10-horned one too.

Stay tuned!