Where will God protect His people during the
	Great Tribulation? 

Who will He protect? 

How many will be spared? 

Is Petra the place of safety,
	as so many assume? Is the Worldwide Church
	of God the l44,000 of Revelation 7? 

Will it escape
	the Great Tribulation in the "rose-red city of rock,"
	Petra? Here is VITAL NEW INSIGHT which you
	would do well to think seriously about!

The Rocky Mountains?

Why not? The area is mountainous -- and Jesus said, when we see the right signs, to "flee to the mountains" (Matt.24:l5-l6). His literal words were that those who are in Judea should flee to the Judean mountains! But does not common sense tell us, then, that wherever we are when we see the right signals, we should flee to some LOCAL MOUNTAINS, near where we live? Isn't that the principle Jesus was giving us?

Surely for those of us living in the United States or Canada, or Australia, when we see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, as Luke records shall happen (Luke 2l:20-2l), we should not attempt to FLEE HALFWAY AROUND THE WORLD to a spot near Jerusalem!

That would be ridiculous!

In fact, Jesus clearly said, if we have the wit to see, "And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then KNOW THE DESOLATION THEREOF IS NIGH. Then let them which are IN JUDEA flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it DEPART OUT; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto." In other words, when these things come to pass, don't enter Judea -- leave it! Get out!

Jesus' command is very precise -- and clear! For those living in Jerusalem and Judea at that time, they should doubtlessly flee to the Judean hills to the east and south of the city, the same region where David fled from king Saul 3,000 years ago. One of David's favorite hiding places was En-gedi, the "place of the goats," which had a cave and a fresh water spring, hidden in the crevasses of the wild Judean mountains just north of the ancient Herodian fortress of Masada, adjacent to the Dead Sea. In fact, a mountain just north of that area is called "The Rock of Escape" in Hebrew!

However, there is no evidence that David ever fled to Petra, or that the early Church, during the Roman attack of 69-70 A.D., ever fled to Petra. Rather, they fled to the mountainous and desert region adjacent to the Jordan River, and many fled to Pella, a small town EAST of the Jordan River, outside the boundaries of the Roman invasion!

Is Petra Really the Place of Safety?  No!  Laramie Peak is.

However, for years the Worldwide Church of God, Global, Now Living,   has taught its members that the day is coming when the Church will suddenly flee. In fact, some former members (and perhaps some members, too!) were getting ready to "flee" in spring of l988! One who claimed to be "Elijah" and "Shiloh" and "The Prophet" (the last two titles really refer only to Christ!) even set the date. He predicted that Herbert W. Armstrong will be resurrected in January of l988. Those who were planning on fleeing already knew the dates and names of the ocean vessels they were going to use to escape the United States!

This whole scenario brings to my mind the very important question -- what about the place of safety? Is Gerald Waterhouse right when he calls it a "place of final training"? Are hotels now being built in Petra where the Church will conveniently reside during the holocaust of the Great Tribulation?   I want to stay in the Mariott. (smile)

The 144,000 of Revelation

In his later years Herbert Armstrong wrote that the Worldwide Church of God is the l44,000 of Revelation fame. He also claimed it is the "Philadelphia" Church of God mentioned in Revelation, which will be protected from the Great Tribulation (see Rev.3:l0). The membership of the Worldwide Church of God now numbers about l44,000, I suppose, if you count children. That is about the number attending the Feast of Tabernacles, now.

But there are several problems with this strange interpretation. First, Herbert Armstrong himself admitted in his booklet on Revelation that the l44,000 are composed of l2,000 of each of the tribes of ISRAEL (Rev.7:4-8). But many of the Church members are of Gentile extraction -- black, oriental, and of mixed races. What about them? Will they be protected too?

Would they be IN ADDITION to the l44,000 from Israel?

That is a lot of mouths to feed in Petra, the arid, desolate archaeological ruin in the deserts of southern Jordan!

Also, notice! When John asked the angel who these l44,000 were, and the great multitude from all nation, the angel told him very plainly: "These are they which CAME OUT OF GREAT TRIBULATION, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (Rev.7:l4).

Notice! They did NOT ESCAPE the Great Tribulation -- they came OUT OF IT!

Perhaps, in a unique way, Herbert Armstrong was RIGHT AFTER ALL when he suggested (or rather, "claimed") that the Worldwide Church of God, Global, Now Living, will be the l44,000! But if so, they are NOT the "Philadelphia" Church which has few members, and which is promised protection by God. Rather, they must be the Church which goes THROUGH the Great Tribulation, and must be PURGED and CLEANSED of its sins by great suffering, martyrdom and persecution!

In other words, which Church in the END TIME is told it must "buy" of Christ "gold TRIED IN THE FIRE" (Rev.3:l8)?

Why, the LAODICEAN CHURCH, OF COURSE!

Therefore, it is extremely probable that the l44,000 and great multitude of Revelation 7 could include many current members of the Global, Now Living, who go into captivity, and suffer the abuses and tortures of the Great Tribulation, and SURVIVE, and who by this means finally cleanse their garments and purify themselves, spiritually!

Consequently, the very Church which ASSUMES it will go to a place of safety will find out one of two things:

l) its leaders at a future point in time will BETRAY them, and they will NOT go to the place of safety which they imagine! Or,

2) they will indeed be led to a supposed place of safety, only to find out to their chagrin and horror that they have been tricked -- deceived -- and misled! It is no place of safety at all, but they will have gone straight from the frying pan into the fire!

What, then, does God mean by a "place of safety," anyway?

If 144,000 were taken to a place in a wilderness, like Petra, there very numbers would mean they would have to create a huge city in order to survive. In fact, that would be a relatively large city, today! And it would have to be created "suddenly"! Will God save that many people in one location, supernaturally, today? Is that what Jesus intended by His remarks?

An interesting prophecy in Romans may shed light on this issue. Paul wrote, "Don't you know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah -- how he appealed to God against Israel: 'Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me'? And what was God's answer to him? 'I HAVE RESERVED FOR MYSELF SEVEN THOUSAND who have not bowed the knee to Baal.' So too, in this present time, there is a REMNANT chosen by grace" (Rom.11:2-5, NIV).

Could he be trying to get you to focus on Him or saving your souls?   The Rock, Christ, the Petra.

Even in our present apostate and rebellious world, I find it incredible to think that God will protect and preserve  in places of safety during the Tribulation! Most of the 144,000 will be going through GREAT TRIBULATION, refining their character and purging out their impurities. If, in fact, this is physical.

Very few, comparatively, around the world, will HEED Jesus advice in Luke 21:36, and take His words seriously enough to ESCAPE the Tribulation and to be protected in a place of safety!

Luke 21:36 Keep a constant watch. And pray that, if possible, you may escape these horrors and stand before the Son of Man."

I find no support for the view that 144,000 or more will be protected in a place of safety in the wilderness! No such evidence can be found in the Bible. First of all, it is very doubtful that anywhere near that number will be counted "worthy" to escape the coming holocaust. Secondly, Jesus merely said those in JUDEA should flee to the local mountains to get out of the way of invasion and attack -- not peoples around the world. Frankly, we should see that common sense tells us it is the PRINCIPLE that is important!

The words of Jesus are very important -- but must not be misunderstood or misapplied.

What Jesus Actually Said

The words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 24 imply clearly that in the last days, before His return (verses 2-3), there would be TRUE DISCIPLES -- TRUE CHRISTIANS -- living in the area of modern Israel, The USA, Wyoming,  (smile) and even in the city of Jerusalem itself!

Even today, there are hundreds of "Messianic Jews" living in Israel. They have been bitterly persecuted by their Jewish neighbors and some have endured enormous difficulties imposed by the Israel's government and various government agencies. Some have established kibutzes, and have met with and mastered terrible difficulties and travail and persecution. They are not all in agreement in theology, and some are comparatively "Protestant" in their outlook and belief. Others, who distance themselves from the very term "Messianic Jew," are devout ORTHODOX JEWISH BRETHREN who accept Jesus Christ as the true Messiah and Son of God. They call Him "Yeshua Ha Mashiach" -- that is, "Jesus the Messiah"!  Are they called out ones?

In the future, no doubt the numbers of TRUE BELIEVERS and followers of the Messiah will GROW in Israel -- especially after the Temple of God is built in Jerusalem, as the Bible clearly prophesies (Rev.11:1-2; Matt.24:15-16).

It is my personal belief that MANY of God's true people will seek to emigrate to Tom Pickerills mountains....(Laramie Peak)  and to return to the land of their true spiritual "roots," prior to the coming of the Messiah!

Thus, indeed, Jesus meant what He said -- and just before the Great Tribulation breaks out, there will be a strong, vibrant JERUSALEM HEADQUARTERS CHURCH -- JUST AS THERE WAS IN THE FIRST CENTURY!

And when they see the signs of impending DOOM, and the "abomination of desolation" standing in the Holy Place (Matt.24:15), they will KNOW that that is the "sign" they were looking for, and that the time has come for them to FLEE TO THE JUDEAN HILLS for safety -- even as the first century church did!

Therefore, Jesus' remarks in Matthew 24, the Mount Olivet Prophecy, must be taken literally -- and He specifically was warning the END TIME JERUSALEM CHURCH, and saints in Israel, to flee Jerusalem, and GET OUT, before the dashing blow of indescribable suffering, invasion, and captivity, falls with a resounding boom!

But, in principle, His words would also constitute a key strategy and design for survival and safety for God's people no matter where they live, when similar circumstances arise, threatening them in their own area!

In other words, no matter where God's people live -- when they see the right signs, they also should flee -- but to local mountains, not mountains l2,000 air miles away!

Who Will Go To a Place of Safety?

Jesus said, "Take heed to yourselves, lest at ANY TIME your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you UNAWARES." That day is sneaking up on most in the Church, right now, and they are completely "unawares." Dr. Hoeh and others think the Church has till the year 2020 or so before the "end" will come!

What folderol and nonsense!

Jesus continued, "For as a SNARE shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth." VERY FEW will see it coming!

Jesus warned, "WATCH ye therefore, and PRAY ALWAYS, (that is, be watching and praying), that ye may be accounted WORTHY to ESCAPE ALL THESE THINGS that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man" (Luke 2l:36).

One thing about this verse: It does not mean you should be praying all the time to be accounted worthy to escape. Rather, Jesus said you must be WATCHING and PRAYING CONTINUALLY, in the habit of prayer, praying for the very things Jesus prioritized for us in Matthew 6:9-13 -- and only if you do THAT can you possibly be "accounted worthy of escape." His instruction is not that we must pray to escape, but rather be in the continual habit of earnest, fervent, heart-rending prayer, and close to God -- only then can we hope to escape!

Could he be trying to get you to focus on Christ, or saving your souls?   The Rock, Christ, the Petra?  The way of real escape?

Prayer and careful, vigilant "watching" go together. One without the other is fruitless and hopeless. We must do both!

The PLACE OF SAFETY Described

Now notice. In all the Bible, there is only ONE Scripture that explains any detail about a "place of safety." It is found in Revelation l2. John wrote, "And to the woman (the Church) were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might FLY INTO THE WILDERNESS, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, times, and half a time (three and one half years, see verse 6), from the face of the serpent" (Rev.l2:l4).

What wilderness is this?

Now notice verse 6 for the answer, which has been hidden from students of Bible prophecy, until this very moment!

But notice verse 6! Too often we IGNORE this verse. But why? John wrote, "And the WOMAN (the Church) fled into the wilderness (just like Jesus commanded!), WHERE SHE HATH A PLACE PREPARED OF GOD, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days" (Rev.l2:6).

In both verse 6 and verse l4, the woman goes to the wilderness, to a place "prepared of God." What does that mean?

Historically, verse 6 refers to the fact that the Church of God during the Middle Ages BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE for its very survival!

Could he be trying to get you to focus on Christ, or saving your souls?   The Rock, Christ, the Petra?  The way of real escape?

Using the "day for a year" principle of Bible prophecy, we discover that l260 days equals l260 years in fulfillment. The Church fled the Roman Empire, from the time of its restoration by Justinian in 554 A.D., to mountainous regions outside the Empire -- notably the mountains of southern France and Europe. There it survived and existed for l260 years, until the fall of the fifth head of the revived Roman Empire, Napoleon Bonaparte, in l8l4 -- exactly l260 years later!

Notice carefully!

In this case, the "place prepared of God" for the Church was not in Judea! It was not in Petra! Rather, it was "wilderness" regions OUTSIDE THE CONFINES OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE -- in essence, beyond the reach of Rome!

Could he be trying to get you to focus on Christ, or saving your souls?  The Rock, Christ, the Petra?  The way of real escape?

Thus, historically, all the various places the Church survived during the Middle Ages were "places prepared of God"! There was not just "one" such place! There may have been scores of them!

The point I am making is that there is no valid proof that there is only "one" place of safety for the Church during the coming Great Tribulation. The words of Christ, and the book of Revelation, clearly show that when the warning signs become evident, we should all flee to A  PLACE OF SAFETY, in a mountain (Christ the mountain)  wilderness area -- that is, A PLACE WITHIN REACH!  Christ.

Not some remote location l2,000 miles away!

Perhaps in the end time, there will be many Christians living in modern Israel, although there are relatively few, now. Certainly, the words of Jesus in Matthew 24 tend to confirm this as a fact. Therefore, when Revelation 12 describes "the woman" being borne on eagles' wings to a place of safety in the wilderness, most literally this would refer to THE ZEALOUS SAINTS OF THE END TIME JERUSALEM HEADQUARTERS CHURCH, and environs around Jerusalem! But where would they flee?

In 69 A.D., the Church fled to the desert region around the Jordan River -- and ended up in Pella -- across the Jordan River. They did NOT flee to the remote, desert location of ancient Petra!

Petra, remember, is located in Jordan -- which prophecy shows will in the future become an ALLY of the Beast Power (Psa.83:2-8). Is THAT where you want to flee?

Think about it! Better think TWICE about that one!

Please get my point, very carefully. Although verse l4 of Revelation l2 speaks of "her place," where the Church is to be nourished and provided for, this prophecy is given from the standpoint of JERUSALEM and ISRAEL. However, verse 6 also speaks of "the wilderness, where she (the Church) hath a place prepared of God."

Could he be trying to get you to focus on Christ, or saving your souls?   The Rock, Christ, the Petra?  The way of real escape?

locations where the Church fled outside the boundaries of the Roman Empire after 554 A.D.

Obviously, then, "her place" could very easily and very logically be PLURAL, and could just as well mean MANY PLACES or it probably means "Christ in us,...living".

The very thought of petra is absurd!

Jesus Christ never intended His people to lose sight of their common sense, and to "check their minds" at the door of the Church. He never intended His people to follow some modern "guru" into a parched wilderness, to perish and die, like the fanatical followers of Jim Jones who perished in Guana, South America!

"Two Wings of a Great Eagle"

What, then, does it mean that "to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness"? (Rev.l2:l4.)

What are these "two wings of a great eagle"?

Some think this refers to the wings of modern 747 jumbo jetliners! Such is mere human imaginations and human ideas, however.

The Bible itself interprets its own symbols. This particular symbol is interpreted in the book of Exodus, chapter l9. God says to Moses, "jYe have seen what I did unto the Egyptians (they were punished by plagues, and then their armies perished in the Red Sea), and how I BARE YOU (the children of Israel) ON EAGLES' WINGS, and brought you unto myself" (Exodus l9:4).

Israel left Egypt on foot. They did not "fly" on large airplanes or jumbo jets. Nor did they resort to huge ocean liners or ships to reach a place of safety from the Egyptians. Rather, they went across land, and even across a sea-bed, A few might have had horses, or wagons, but many of them walked.

The "wings of an eagle" is a symbol of the divine protection and deliverance, and tender, loving care and nurturing of Almighty God toward His people.

This fact is further borne out in Psalm 9l, a Psalm which directly refers to the time God will protect and deliver His chosen ones.

In Psalm 9l we read, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (verse l). The places of safety will be "secret places," where God will inspire His people to be -- places in the mountains. Probably Devils Tower. (Not really Tim)

Continuing, "I will say of the Lord, is my refuge and my fortress (not some particular spot, such as Petra!): my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall DELIVER THEE from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence." God Himself will deliver us. He will protect us from "traps" set and sprung by men, and from clever deceptions masquerading as "places of safety."

"He shall COVER THEE WITH HIS FEATHERS, and UNDER HIS WINGS shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler" (Psalm 9l:l-4).

Here again the reference is made to God protecting His beloved children just as a mother eagle protects her brood. His wings, like an eagle's wings, shall cover us, and His feathers, compared to the eagle's feathers, shall comfort us, protect us, and keep us snug and warm, just like tiny eaglets in a nest, high up in the cliffs and crags of the mountains.

Why does the Bible use the expression "two wings of a GREAT eagle"?

Amazing Facts about Eagles

There are 48 kinds of eagles in the world. But the greatest and most powerful are the Golden Eagle and the Bald Eagle. The Golden Eagle became known as the "war eagle." It is found in Europe, Asia, northern Africa and most of North America. It is sometimes called the "king of birds."

The eagle is one of the largest and most powerful birds in the world, ranking second in size only to the California condor. At close range they look fierce and proud.

Eagles are actually careful to avoid unnecessary danger. But eagles are not fearful or afraid. They will attack people who come too close to their nest, and may strike with their talons, or claws. Eagles therefore came to be regarded as a symbol of strength, courage, and bravery.

The great eagles, the Golden and Bald Eagles, weigh about 8-l3 pounds, and have a wingspread of about 7 feet. Other eagles are much smaller. The head is large and covered with feathers. The eagle has large eyes on the sides of its head, but it can see straight ahead. Eagles and hawks are considered to have the keenest sight of all creatures. Eagles can sight their prey, or approaching enemies, while soaring high in the sky.

In "The Miracle of Birds," Alan Devoe writes, "An African eagle, swooping down at a speed of better than l00 miles an hour, brakes with such stunning skill -- spreading wings and tail in an aerial skid-stop -- that it comes to a dead halt in the space of 20 feet" (Our Amazing World , p.59).

The vision of a hawk or eagle is so piercing and sharp that they can see small prey a mile away while perched on a lookout tree.

The wings of an eagle are so long and broad that they easily support the eagle's body while in flight. They can glide long distances while holding their wings out stiffly. The long feathers in their wings are strong and stiff, and shaped so that the air flows smoothly over the surface of the wing. When the eagle soars, the feathers spread out like fingers and bend up at the tips. The Golden Eagle can carry aloft in its talons an animal the size of a small lamb or deer.  I saw them carry a 20 LB salmon on the Kitamat in BC Canada when I was fishing up there.

The powerful wings of an eagle, spread wide, reveals a picture of consummate strength, skill, and beauty.

It is interesting to notice that God says He will bear His people on eagle's wings, to the wilderness. Eagles build their nests far from civilization, in remote wilderness areas, on craggy cliffs. Golden Eagles usually nest on high cliffs in the mountains. Their nests, where they protect their young, are called eyries. These nests, built with sticks and decorated with fresh, green leaves, with new material added every year, become very large. A new one may be only 3 feet across, but an old one may be l0 feet across and 20 feet deep and weigh as much as two tons!

It is with deep reason and significance that God says He will carry His people to the wilderness, to their "nest" of protection, far from the surging conflict of war and nations. And that He says He will do it on "eagle's wings," noted for their awesome carrying power and strength. This whole picture, then, is one of God's amazing providence and care, and concern -- not a commentary about the "mode of transportation" we can expect!

Clearly, when God Almighty sets His hand to save His people, He will do it with force and with power. There will be no danger of falling or failing. The metaphor of the two wings of the great eagle is a sure promise of God's amazing and miraculous and powerful protection!

The entire 9lst Psalm shows how powerfully God will protect those who serve and love Him. Notice! God declares: "A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand, but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. (Doesn't this sound like a journey with Christ through a wilderness area?) Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lions and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. (You would expect to come upon such creatures in the wilderness, along a mountain trail, somewhere.)

"Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him," God says. "I will SET HIM ON HIGH, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be WITH HIM IN TROUBLE ; I will DELIVER HIM and HONOR him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation" (Psalm 9l:7-l6).

What a wonderful promise!

God's Amazing Deliverance

Psalm 37 also speaks of the amazing deliverance and love of God. We read, "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday" (Psalm 37:l-6).

Do you see those promises there? God promises to let us "dwell in the land." He promises that we shall "be fed." But we must "trust" in Him; and "do good." We must delight ourselves in Him, and commit our way -- our path, our journey -- to Him. Then HE will bring it to pass -- He will rescue us, and protect us, and deliver us.

In this same Psalm, God says, "A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked" (verse l6). While we are ensconced and protected in a place of safety, we won't have much. But it will serve us far better than millions of dollars in the long run!

Continuing, God says, "They shall not be ashamed in the EVIL TIME: and in the DAYS OF FAMINE they shall be satisfied. But the wicked shall perish" (verse l9).

David goes on, inspired by God, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand." Can you think of a more loving, caring, concerned, nurturing relationship than that?

David continues, "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread" (Psalm 37:23-25).

David's advice is, "Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are PRESERVED FOR EVER: but the seed of the wicked is cut off" (verse 28).

He continues, "The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. The Lord will NOT leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

"Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it" (Psalm 37:30-34).

Throughout this amazing Psalm we see God's blessing and protection for the righteous.

Could he be trying to get you to focus on Christ, or saving your souls?   The Rock, Christ, the Petra?  The way of real escape?

David concludes, "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace" (verse 37). Not war! Not Great Tribulation! Not horrible suffering and torture and imprisonment! Not slave labor in a German-Nazi extermination camp of the future! But PEACE!

How will this all come about? David declares, "But the SALVATION of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their STRENGTH in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall HELP them, and DELIVER them: he shall DELIVER them from the wicked, and SAVE them, because they TRUST in him" (Psalm 37:39-40).

Wherever God leads us, and whatever refuge He provides for us, wherever we live on this earth, HE is our protection, our Rock, our salvation -- our "place of safety"!

Thank God for His mercy and goodness!