In Desecration, the ninth book in the Left Behind Series, Dr. Chaim Rosenzweig takes a major role as a modern day Moses, with Buck along as his encourager. There's even a heart-stopping confrontation between Carpathia and Chaim, patterned after the happenings with the Egyptian pharaoh in the Old Testament. As a result of the confrontation, Chaim receives divine protection from God, and Israeli Jews who believe Christ is the Messiah are allowed to leave with him. He leads them to Petra, a rock fortress in the desert. He also negotiates a place for Orthodox Jews to worship after Carpathia defiles their Temple. And to help the exodus along, the plagues allow cover for the Tribulation Saints and Orthodox Jews to make their escape by debilitating the troops of the Global Community.This episode of the series also highlights a scene where Antichrist Carpathia defiles the temple. He sheds a pig's blood and "cavorts" in the mess for the whole world to see. Though it's becoming increasingly obvious that this world leader is an evil monster, many still would rather follow him than the one true God. This is addressed by beloved teacher Tsion Ben-Judah in the following excerpt . . ."We often wonder, when the truth is now so clear, why not everyone comes to Christ. It is because of . . . deception. People did not . . . `receive the love of the truth.' `For this reason, God will send the strong delusion' . . . Can you imagine it? There are people who know the truth, know their futures are doomed, and yet still they take pleasure in sin!If you are in Christ, you are eternally safe and secure, despite all that we will have to endure these next three and a half years. If you are undecided, I plead with you to make your choice while you are still able."Similar words would be affective in our world today. I love the truths the author's share through Tsion's sermons. I'll end with this one . . ."Of the billions and billions of people who have ever lived, One stands head and shoulders above the rest in terms of influence. More schools, colleges, hospitals, and orphanages were founded because of Him than because of anyone else. More art was created, more music written, and more humanitarian acts performed due to Him and His influence than anyone else ever. Great international encyclopedias devote twenty thousand words to describing Him and His influence on the world. Even our calendar is based on His birth. And all this He accomplished after a public ministry that lasted just three and half years!Centuries after His public unmerciful mocking, His persecution and martyrdom, billions claimed membership in His church, making it by far the largest religion in the world. And when He returned, as He said He would, to take His faithful to heaven, the disappearance of so many had the most profound impact on this globe that man has ever seen."Love that one!I reviewed this book as part of the wonderful Tyndale Summer Reading Program.
I know that the Left Behind series is controversial among Christians and non-Christians alike, but I appreciate it for what it is. First, to address some claims made against the authors that I really don't think are fair. One, they are accused of anti-Semitism. I didn't get that at all, ESPECIALLY in this installment. Chaim is a Jew. Tsion is a Jew. Thousands of converts are JEWS! How can they be anti-Semitic and still have Jews be the most important protagonists in the story? Secondly, they have also been accused of being male chauvinists, in part because of Hattie's character. Without giving too much away, let me just say that Hattie plays an important role in this installment. Meanwhile, Chloe is still the brains behind the co-op.What I like about the Left Behind series is that it makes the book of Revelation easier to understand. I tried reading it, but much of it went in one side of my brain and out the other, mostly because I couldn't make an logical connection between the symbolism and the impact on the earth. Left Behind, even if it isn't the best interpretation of Scripture (and I know it's not), makes it easier to understand. I also somewhat admire the way the authors are able to portray the Antichrist. I wouldn't be able to come up with someone so evil as Nicolae Carpathia. They clearly put a lot of thought behind his character.What I think could be improved is the fluff surrounding the main events of the story. Each book tends to be about 400 pages, and this one is no exception. Many of the details are really unnecessary to the plot, character development, or theology. In sum, enjoying this series, and will continue to read it.
What do You think about Desecration (2002)?
This was my favorite book of the series thus far. Many of my reviews have commented about how the action is getting more and more involved in every book but this one really had the action to drive the story along and keep you reading. I felt like all of the story lines in this book really just exploded with excitement and tension. I didn't really notice anything in specific that took away from this book beyond the normal issue that I have with the prologue repeating what the end of the last book said. All in all, I think this book really pulls the reader into the story and drags them forward in a way that all of the other books should have done so I'm giving it a higher rating than the other.
—Ashton
The Antichrist has risen from the dead three days after his assassination. But now he is indwelt by the beast. The first thing he does is require the citizens of the Global Community (one world government ruled under the 10 appointed kings) to take the mark of the beast. Those who do not get beheaded. He then breaks his covenant of peace with Israel and takes over the rebuilt temple, seating himself on the throne, slaughtering a pig on the altar (considered an unclean and unworthy animal in the Old Testament) He complete desecrates everything the Jews and the Old Testament God holds sacred. The Trib Force is losing more and more friends loyal to God as they refuse to worship the beast.
—Jenie Piccirillo
Nicolae works to make the ultimate mockery of Jesus entering the holy land. Then it is followed by a huge rescue of Jewish people in Israel as many of God's people are sent there under God's protection. But tension arises as the scriptures do not seem to say their lives are going to be intact forever at least on the earth. So time is ticking as the enemy of God takes his throne in the temple.I found this a very interesting read. I was afraid it wasn't going to be good but it has its moments and then near the end slam bangs a crazy event I didn't see coming. It wasn't epic I admit but it was pretty surprising and now I am left in suspense as events hang in the air for the next story.Hopefully it will be like this one as the next book in the series won't disappoint.
—CJ
