Randy,

I think you may have hit upon it.  As I read your posting, a good number of thoughts "gelled" in my mind.

Have you read David Daughtrey's "Vision of 1996" here on Fivedoves?  I've considered it a lot, especially what I call "mini-vision" of the baby with the birthmark coming true, as pointing to the "trueness" of the other vision.  That confirmation just sounds like something the Lord would do.  Anyway, I think David's dream fits quite well with scripture's "strong delusion" that is sent upon the world, possibly about aliens planting the human race, and the round, reddish UFO.

Note that the vision took place in 1996.  Now, part of his vision was a white football-shaped object with the number 21 on it, with a light-blue background, or something like that.  So, add 21 years to 1996 and you get 2017, which just so happens to be 69 years from when Israel became a nation.  Look at that 69.  Now where is that in scripture?  It's right there talking about the 7 weeks and 69 weeks, for a total of 70 weeks. 

Maybe it's just me, but if Jesus came the first time after the 69th week, perhaps he's coming the second time after a similar "type" in this pattern?  That would put in 2017.  David's vision said the rapture would occur right after the appearance of that UFO.  Hmmmm.

If you'll recall, something big happened with Israel in each of the following years:  1917, 1947, 1967, and even 1987.  How about 100 years after 1917, which is 2017?  Could be very significant.

More and more, I'm beginning to see it as very possible that Jesus' 3.5 year ministry on this Earth was the first half of the 70th week.  I know many debate about this, but it just makes sense to me.  Could the latter 3.5 year period begin in 2017 or 2018?  Of course, I suppose one could say the 7-year 70th week starts in 2017.  Either way, it could be that the rapture is in 2017 by the timeline above.

But wait, that's not all.  I'm thinking comet I-SON showing up as possibly the brightest comet of all time in November of this year, is related to all this.  Could it be signaling the final 7?  Add 3.5 years to Nov 13 - Jan 14 and one comes right up to 2017.  When Jesus came on the scene of ministry at 30 years of age, was he not the brightest light that the world had ever known, figuratively?  The countdown may begin during the end of this year/first of next year.  (3.5 years until the Great Tribulation, but we shall be rescued first.  Sounds kind of mid-trib, I know, but not really, if one considers the final tribulation as the second half of the seven that Jesus already started with his ministry and death.)

Recall in Isaiah 61 and Luke 4 the passage Jesus quoted, where he left out the part "and the day of vengeance of our God."

Perhaps you, or others can see more in this.  Either way, I'm excited about Jesus' magnificent return.

Me He be blessed forevermore!

In Christ,

Mike