“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee” (Isaiah 60:1 KJV). Grab all of that meaning to light up your understanding for the burdens of today! You cannot handle or overcome present circumstances without God’s light. God’s Word is the Language of the Heart. We, who know Him, rejoice in such language. Isaiah also prophesied of a future time for Israel consistent with the upcoming Millennium. This would be preceded by the Messiah’s Second Coming and Israel’s sudden, miraculous spiritual rebirth — a transformation eclipsing its secular rebirth of 1948. “Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children” (66:8). Our Light is Messiah Jesus, who is the “light of the world” (John 8:12; 9:5), which Isaiah had earlier predicted for the Gentiles. “And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it” (Isaiah 40:5). So much packed into a Good Morning Reveille! Father, we are so blessed to have been chosen to become part of Your people! Truly, may Your Kingdom come quickly! And, may Your will be done on this earth, in the meantime. Cause all that to be so. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Prophecy Subject to Your Estimation
How to Be Ready for the Rapture
“We which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1Thessalonians 4:17 KJV). In the Second Coming of Christ, if the Rapture represents Christ’s “caught up [Greek, harpazō, snatched away]” (4:17) saints, who meet Him in the air before they return with Him, then a ready state of heart must be present in the disciple, as represented in the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), where “oil” (25:3) represents the Holy Spirit. Perseverance or readiness is not simply an assumed theological condition based upon ‘praying Jesus into your heart’ or ‘baptism,’ though you need to do both. Rather, readiness understands it is “God which worketh [Greek, energeō, is working] in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). You can tell if the Holy Spirit is inspiring you “to do of His good pleasure,” (2:13), because you are presently walking in loving obedience. “And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him” (Acts 5:32). Obedience is not the forced act of a fearful slave under an overbearing tyrant, but it is the sweet submission of a trusting child to a Loving Father.
[This is the short version, but scan ahead to see a more developed explanation. The following will disappoint those desiring a discussion of the Mark of the Beast, who is the Antichrist, the Battle of Armageddon, etc., but it may surprise those who have not been inclined to study prophecy.]
Simeon and Anna: Ready for Christ’s First Advent
What story speaks of those who were ready for Christ at His First Advent, because it will instruct us about our being ready for Christ at His Second Advent? Remember the story of Simeon and Anna from the birth of Jesus and His dedication in the Temple? “There was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him” (Luke 2:25). He was “just and devout” (2:25), while he waited for the “consolation of Israel” (2:25). He knew from the OT Scriptures that Israel was promised a “Messiah” (Daniel 9:25, 26); but, it required the teaching of the Holy Spirit for Simeon to connect Daniel’s prophecy with Isaiah’s “light of the Gentiles” (Isaiah 42:6; Luke 2:32) and to conclude this was the one prophesied by Isaiah, who would later cite Isaiah’s prophecy in Luke 4:18-19, stopping short of the phrase “and the day of vengeance of our God,” since that would be for the Messiah’s Second Coming: “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified” (61:1-3). Would we have been like Simeon, walking with justice and devotion awaiting the Messiah? Simeon had oil in his lamp like the Five Wise Virgins (Matthew 25).
And, “Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four [84] years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:36-38). She “served God with fasting and prayers night and day” (2:37), indicating complete devotion, which we all can do from an upright heart. “Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in His commandments” (Psalm 112:1). “Stablish Thy word unto Thy servant, who is devoted to Thy fear” (119:38). Anna immediately recognized Jesus as the Promised Messiah, because she was looking for Him, i.e., “And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). Anna, walking in complete devotion, had oil in her lamp like the Five Wise Virgins (Matthew 25).
The Holy Spirit’s Righteous Restraining Influence Removed
The biggest difference we can make for the world of those around us, is for the Spirit’s righteous restraining influence to be felt, when we are removed at the Rapture. Obviously, our righteous actions in holding back or restraining wickedness has significance, for we do not and should not contribute to the wickedness around us. “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” (Matthew 5:13). Both intentionally and unintentionally, our righteousness influences or effects those around us. “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid” (5:14). Even inadvertently, our righteousness has an effect upon the world around us. Jesus said that “it cannot be hid” (5:14) by the most introvert disciple. And, all of this is foundational and comes prior to our obedience in spreading the Good News of Salvation and building the Kingdom of God through the Great Commission. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Why Righteousness Is So Important Yet Misunderstood
Or, Am I More Into Being Right or Righteous?
First, righteousness is right action or doing right, which means Almighty God is the source of all righteousness. We intuitively know this, but look at the Scriptural evidence to anchor that in our understanding.
- “That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from Thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25).
- “The LORD is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works” (Psalm 145:17).
- “O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto Thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither Thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against Thee” (Daniel 9:7).
- “In His [Messiah’s] days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is His name whereby He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jeremiah 23:6).
- “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1John 2:1).
- “If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him” (1John 2:29).
- “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous” (1John 3:7).
Second, righteousness or right action was possible in the beginning, and must still be possible today, or it would be unrighteous of God to require it, on penalty of sin. However, though righteousness may be possible, it is unlikely without the help of the Holy Spirit. And, now we have the comfort and aid of the Holy Spirit to inspire obedience and accomplish righteousness. Consider the Scripture:
- “All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death” (1John 5:17).
- “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:4).
- “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).
- “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27).
- “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:13-14).
- “Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:21).
- “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently” (1Peter 1:22).
Third, righteousness is most commonly misunderstood as a checklist of right actions, e.g., keeping the Ten Commandments, instead of continually maintaining a right relationship with our Righteous God. A right relationship primarily with God will always give you secondarily a right relationship with “your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 19:19 NET). Our righteous conduct with our neighbor is the result of our rightly relating to God. To be clear, righteousness is primarily a right relationship with God, and any relationship demands the active participation of both God and you. The Pharisees prided themselves in the keeping of the Law, and even added traditions or embellishments, that no one could ever keep. However, they ignored practical examples of righteousness: Enoch (walked with God), Noah (walked with God), Abraham (friend of God), David (man after God’s own heart). Whenever we see the word “righteousness” in Scripture, if we substitute “right relationship,” we will possess a better appreciation of righteousness.
- “And he [Abraham] believed in the LORD; and He [the LORD] counted it to him [Abraham] for righteousness [as a right relationship with Himself]” (Genesis 15:6 KJV).
- “By faith Enoch was translated [raptured] that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony [walking with God in a right relationship], that he pleased God” (Hebrews 11:5).
- “These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God [in a right relationship]” (Genesis 6:9).
- “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you [not walking in a right relationship], that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2).
- “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of [a right relationship with] God” (Romans 10:3).
- “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself [restoring a right relationship with Himself], not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2Corinthians 5:18-19).
- “For through Him we both have access [of a right relationship] by one Spirit unto the Father” (Ephesians 2:18).
In conclusion, our Blessed Hope is Jesus Christ, but the hope of His Return and our soon Rapture is legitimately, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). If we understand righteousness to be primarily a right relationship with Christ, and further comprehend our relationship must relentlessly be pursuing Christ, i.e., “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14), then we will be continually looking for Him. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). With that persistent heart attitude, we will be ready for the Rapture. Even so, come Lord Jesus, amen.
For more about Why Do We Not Study Prophecy?
My Best Friend Is God
“Abraham believed God, and it was imputed [Greek, logizomai, credited, reckoned, counted] unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God” (James 2:23 KJV). What greater title can we have than to be identified as a friend of the Greatest Being In Existence [G.B.I.E.]? Without surprise, Lucifer demands worship for himself as the Great Architect of the Universe (G.A.O.T.U.). May the LORD rebuke him! “They perish at the rebuke of Thy countenance” (Psalm 80:16). Friendship with the Almighty starts with faith from the heart and is perfected in our obedience. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you” (John 15:13-15). In the beginning, obedience was possible for Adam, or God would not have required it. Old Covenant saints were obedient. “The fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning” (Exodus 20:20 NIV). In this New Covenant age, even better than the fear of the LORD, the obedient disciples of Yeshua possess God’s indwelling Spirit. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27 KJV). And, the crowning action of God, in addition to our fearing Him and He dwelling in us, Yahweh will secure our eternal obedience, where no rebellion will ever again touch, when the Greatest Being in Existence will forever dwell and walk among us. “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God” (Revelation 21:3). Father, You are the Great I Am, who loved us so much You sent Your Son to die to restore us from our sinning self, and resurrected Your Son, who sent us the gift of Your Spirit. May Your kingdom come and may Jesus return quickly to fulfill all righteousness and deliver His people. In Jesus’ name, we ask it. Amen and amen.
Nobody Knows How Long
Why Do We Not Study Prophecy, If It Is So Important?
How Long? (4:34) is a song expressing what every child vocalizes to their parent about the future, but isn’t that the essence of Bible prophecy?
Didn’t see it coming, and when the calamity of the invasion of Judah happened, no prophet was at hand giving words of understanding, comfort, and deliverance, at least, as far as this Psalmist could see. “We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long. O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme Thy name for ever?” (Psalm 74:9-10 KJV). Of course, we live in different times, but you can see how knowing what has happened, is happening, and is going to happen, practically benefits the people of God. It is intrinsic to human nature to ask, “How long?” Children want to know on a trip, “Are we their yet?” More than a dozen times in the Book of Psalms alone, the Psalmist raises the question, “How long?” In the wisdom of God, He has provided prophecy to answer this question; again, why are we not studying prophecy?
But, you say, “Anybody can make a wild prediction about the Terminal Generation, when Jesus is supposed to rapture His Church and come back. What happens, when nothing happens? Doesn’t it do more harm than good for the cause of Christ? Shouldn’t we be more encouraging people how to live for Christ than giving them confusing instructions that might not take place? Wasn’t all prophecy practically fulfilled with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, anyway? Besides, didn’t Jesus say no one knows when He will return? Shouldn’t we just emphasize there will one day be a New Heaven and New Earth and let it happen whenever it happens, no matter how long it takes?”
[Scan ahead. This is a longer entry, but not too long.]
First, Predictive Prophecy (prophecies that predict a specific outcome) are found in 8,352 verses of the Bible (27% of Scripture), according to J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy. 256 verses (63%) of the Book of Revelation, written by the Apostle John about 96 AD (long after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD), were predictions. “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come” (John 16:13).
Second, God is indisputably the source of all true prophecy. “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure” (Isaiah 46:9-10). Prophecy proves the veracity of God and His Scripture. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2Peter 1:21).
Third, prophecy, like all the other Scripture, testifies of Christ. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me” (John 5:39). The purpose of prophecy is to bear testimony to Jesus, which then is the “revelation of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:1), so then the “testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (19:10).
Fourth, prophecy must have a purifying effect upon the Church of Christ, or it is being studied for the wrong reasons. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).
Fifth, prophecy must be proven to each disciple by the Holy Spirit from personal examination of the Word of God. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1Thessalonians 5:21). Never take anyone’s word about Scripture without proving it to your own satisfaction. “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).
Sixth, if the Devil knows Jehovah’s predictions for the future, won’t he oppose God’s plans and work to keep us ignorant of what God is trying to accomplish in human history? Yes, our adversary does not want us to know God’s prophecies, because he doesn’t want us opposing his diabolical plans. If Satan knows the physical seed of Eve would produce Christ, then he will oppose the physical lineage that produced Jesus Christ, and will work to establish his own physical seed, potentially in the Antichrist. A prophecy concerning Christ and the Antichrist: “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). The devil would not have crucified Jesus, if he understood God’s plan. “Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1Corinthians 2:8).
For example, how would the Wise Men of the Christmas Story even know of a Promised Messiah, if Daniel, the chief of “all the wise men of Babylon” had not told them (Daniel 2:48; 5:11)? And, how could Daniel know about the physical birth of a Messiah had not Micah earlier predicted it (Micah 5:2)? And, why would Micah be prophesying of the physical birth of a coming deliverer, if he did not think there was truth to Yahweh’s pronouncement of a future physical seed and lineage from Eve (Genesis 3:15; Psalm 132:11)? Why were Simeon and Anna even looking for the birth of a Hebrew male child unless they believed the Predictive Prophecy of Daniel (Luke 2:25-38)? And, if it took the understanding of Predictive Prophecy to appreciate, cooperate, and coordinate with the Messiah’s First Advent for the purpose of our salvation (“but not for Himself” Daniel 9:25-26), how can we not study prophecy to pray (Ezekiel 36:37), prepare, cooperate, and coordinate (Matthew 6:10) with Yahweh for the Second Advent of the Conquering Messiah to set up His earthly Millennial Kingdom (Daniel 7:14)?
Seventh, no one is allowed to set dates, when Christ is supposed to return, i.e., “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power” (Acts 1:7). Even if we think we know anything about the time of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, we cannot absolutely know it, for even the Son has divinely covenanted with the Father not to know. “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father” (Mark 13:32).
Eighth, it is fruitless not to study prophecy because misunderstandings, contentions, false prophets, and the False Prophet will come anyway. “It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come” (Luke 17:1).
Ninth, without a proper understanding of prophecy, the Church will not have a clear understanding of how to set the battle in array for the End Times. Who is on the LORD’s side, and who is the enemy? “He that is not with Me is against Me; and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad” (Matthew 12:30).
Tenth, without the ability to distinguish between ‘taking God at His word’ as opposed to ‘taking God literally, as opposed to figuratively,’ the Church will build prejudices and obstacles to understanding Prophetic Predictions. “God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19).
Eleventh, but still, without the ability to appreciate figurative or poetic language, the Church will lose the ability to make Spirit-filled applications of God’s Prophecies, which results in legalism and loveless service of God. “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” (Revelation 2:4).
Twelfth, but doesn’t Jesus’ Olivet Discourse plainly indicate Christ’s prophecies were referring to the upcoming destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD by the Romans, i.e., “when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies” (Luke 21:20), thus bringing to a practical conclusion all the prophecies? True, Luke’s account of the Sermon on the Mount may lend itself to that interpretation, but Matthew’s account of the Sermon on the Mount gives us the additional understanding “when ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place” (Matthew 24:15), indicating a double fulfillment and future time, yet to come.
Father, You are the God of all prophecy, and You know we want to know how long, so we can cooperate with the return of Your Son. May our prayer, Thy kingdom come, be accompanied by our heartfelt, Thy will be done, that there would be great gain for Your kingdom. Help us to block off all means of the enemy taking advantage of us and using us against You. We need Your Spirit’s intervention. Through You, we shall do valiantly! Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen and amen.
For a more developed discussion of Christ’s Olivet Discourse, the difference between the Preterist view that prophecy was fulfilled essentially by the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD and the Futurist view of a yet to be prophetic fulfillment of the Seventieth Week of Daniel, see our article, Two Olivet Discourses?
Two Olivet Discourses?
No, but the Holy Spirit communicated different messages (Matthew 24-25; Mark 13; Luke 21) by the emphasis and focus He gave the Gospel writers’ choice of words in their reporting. The difference can be as great as the Preterist insistence that all prophecy was practically fulfilled in the 70 AD Roman destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 21), and the opposing Futurist insistence that the Seventieth Week of Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27) is coming and soon to be fulfilled (Matthew 24).
Matthew’s Gospel was directed more to the Jewish mindset with the identification of Jesus as King, Messiah, and Savior of the Jews. Hence, Matthew points out the Abomination of Desolation (Daniel 9:27 cp. Matthew 24:15) and Luke does not. Written in 63-68 AD, Luke foretells the upcoming 70 AD destruction of Jerusalem, where Jesus warned Christians to flee “when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies” (Luke 21:20 KJV). Christ made possible the escape from the Roman destruction of Jerusalem of all those who believed the Gospel of Luke’s warning. In similar fashion, Christ will make possible the future escape of all those who believe His warning about the prophetic “abomination of desolation” (Matthew 24:15), when it finally occurs.
The crucial flaw of the Preterist position, i.e., essentially all prophecy was fulfilled in the 70 AD destruction of Jerusalem, is the lack of the Abomination of Desolation fulfillment at a time future to Christ’s pronouncement on the Mount of Olives, i.e., “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation” (Matthew 24:15), and certainly not an already occurred fulfillment, i.e., Antiochus Epiphanies (“God Manifest”) sacrificing swine flesh on the Jewish Temple altar between the OT and NT eras. “3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin [Antichrist] be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God” (2Thessalonians 2:3-4).
Luke’s Gospel had more the Gentile readers in view, not mentioning the Abomination of Desolation (Daniel 9:27), yet, both Matthew and Luke mention a crisis with Jerusalem, causing any faithful inhabitants to flee: (1) 70 AD, “when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with [Roman] armies,” then “flee” (Luke 21:20, 21), and (2) prophetic future, Tribulation Week, Seventieth Week of Daniel, “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel,” then “flee” (Matthew 24:15, 16). Matthew, Mark, and Luke foresaw “nation shall rise against nation” (Matthew 24:7; Mark 13:8; Luke 21:10). All the Synoptic Gospels recorded the betrayal of friends and family by those who do not share your loyalty to Christ (Matthew 24:10; Mark 13:12; Luke 21:16). If this turmoil took place within Christ’s Twelve Apostles, should we be surprised it would take place prior to Roman’s destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, or that it would characterize a future time in the Tribulation Week shortly before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?
The confusion of Biblical interpreters amounts to whether we take the obvious message of Christ’s Sermon on the Mount (Olivet Discourse) and find fulfillment solely in the 70 AD Roman Destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 21), or whether we can also discern the deeper implication of a future Abomination of Desolation (Matthew 24:15) and the Seventieth Week of Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27).
Failure to see the Futurist View of an upcoming Tribulation Week separates much of the Evangelical Church, where Israel practically has been replaced by the Church, and Israel has no future role in the Kingdom of God, but an asterisk or footnote to the future glory of the Church. Of note, this liberalization of OT prophecy is due to a distaste of taking God’s Word at face value, literally, and in my opinion, contributes to the overpowering antisemitism permeating secular society. The Church cannot restrain secular society from antisemitism because it does not view antisemitism as any worse than any other hatred. To be clear, Antisemitism is the focus of Satan’s hatred upon God’s chosen people. “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance” (Psalm 83:4). Remember, only “through their [Israel’s] fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles” (Romans 11:11), but it is “for to provoke them [Israel] to jealousy” (11:11) that Israel finally would be saved. “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” (11:25). Luke’s Gospel instructs us, the times of the Gentiles is about to end. “And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled” (Luke 21:24).
LORD, certainly this discussion is like so much noise that must be blocked out because of the more pressing matters of day to day survival. But, Spirit of God, use this understanding to remove the blinders from our eyes, which have held us in our respective theological traditions. May the day come again where there is “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism” (Ephesians 4:6), but especially, “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and in you all” (4:7). Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen and amen.
For a more developed discussion, see our article, Do You Believe There Will Be New Heavens and New Earth?
Spiritual Israelites
Christians are fellow citizens with True Israel making them Spiritual Israelites. Israel is not the Church, and the Church is not a replacement for Israel. For modern Israelis to become fellow citizens with the True Church, they must recognize and receive Jesus as their True Messiah. The comprehension of the Christian’s spiritual ancestry unlocks the power of unseen forces at work unappreciated but encouraging when better understood. OT prophecy has especial significance to the NT disciple, since it affects “how should we then live” (Ezekiel 33:10 KJV). “12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:12, 19). LORD, teach us to number our days according to Your Word and who You say we are. Make us to be a well pleasing people, more concerned about Your good pleasure than man’s approval. Grant us Your help and mercy to overcome until Your soon return. “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1John 4:4). In Jesus’ name , we pray. Amen.
Seven Feasts of Israel
Jesus is the bedrock of all truth. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (John 14:6 KJV). Anyone who attempts to reveal truth to you must do so with Jesus as the key. Accept no substitutes. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me” (5:39). Israel’s Seven Feasts are fulfilled at Christ’s First and Second Comings, each revealing different roles, aspects, and relationships we have with Him. After all, everything is all about Him — not us. But, that is how we learn as much as we do about ourselves — through learning about Him.
The Seven Jewish Feasts (Desktop View)
Come Out of Her (Revelation 18:4)
Babylon the Great’s upcoming judgment is certain, but God’s deliverance of His people is just as certain. “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me” (Psalm 50:15 KJV). Even those who will come to faith in the midst of BABYLON THE GREAT, Jehovah delivers, as witnessed by His audible warning to them, “Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4). God delivered or will deliver: (1) Noah and family from the judgment of the Flood (Genesis 6), (2) Lot from the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), (3) the OT Jewish captives in Babylon, by warning them to flee Babylon’s coming judgment, i.e., “My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD” (Jeremiah 51:45), (4) all the Christians residing in Jerusalem, who escaped the 70 AD destruction of Jerusalem by Vespasian’s Tenth Roman Legion, i.e., “And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea 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” (Luke 21:20-21).
And, (5) all future faithful watchers, i.e., “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, 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 21:36). “There is no other God that can deliver after this sort” (Daniel 3:29), and He will deliver now and forever. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1Corinthians 10:13).
Father, Your deliverance of Your people from Your judgments upon this world is a trademark of Your continual faithfulness to those who are faithful to You. Magnify Yourself in the upcoming Rapture of Your Church. May these words be a small testimony to Your enduring faithfulness. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Your name, we pray. Amen and amen.
Seven Heads Are Seven Mountains (Revelation 17:9)
Revelation is an understandable story, where the angel explains the vision of the woman sitting upon the beast (Revelation 17:7 KJV). The following only highlights aspects of the description of the Whore, who represents the False Prophet, and the Beast, who represents the Antichrist. “And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth” (17:9). The mountains represent kingdoms, i.e., like the “great mountain” (Daniel 2:35) of Daniel’s vision. “And there are seven kings: five are fallen [Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece] and one is [the Rome of John’s day], and the other is not yet come [Revived Roman Empire]; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space” (Revelation 17:10). “And the beast [Antichrist] that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition” (17:11). The Antichrist political system existed at one time, disappeared, and reemerged. “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings [Ten regions of the world, not just the European Union], which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive no power as kings one hour [possibly only 15 days] with the beast [Antichrist]” (17:12). “These shall make war with the Lamb [Battle of Armageddon at the end of the Seventieth Week of Daniel], and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful” (17:14). “And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire [the religious system of the Great Whore will be destroyed by the Antichrist, who got tired of taking directions from the Great Whore]” (17:16). The chapter ends identifying the whore with Rome. “And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth” (17:18).
Wondered With Great Admiration (Revelation 17:6)
John’s vision of the Great Whore caused him great astonishment of what he saw. “And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration [Greek, thauma, amazement]” (Revelation 17:6 KJV). Watching False Christianity martyr the True Saints is difficult to watch, unless it is understood, not everyone is Christian, who claims to be Christian. Who is friend, and who is foe? “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him” (1John 3:15). Murderers kill True Saints; hence, the False Prophet will be “drunken with the blood of the saints” (Revelation 17:6). Never tolerate hatred of True Saints in your own heart, for the enemy never truly loves the saints in their own heart. Question? Which brother or sister do you not truly care for? If it is not sin in them, then there is sin in you. Repent, or you will be siding with the Great Whore. Father, You are the Judge of our Hearts. May any sense of lacking of love for our brothers and sisters cause us to respond with alarm. May we repent and reevaluate our understanding of Your truth, which would allow such unjust opinions and hatred of Your Body. Convict by Your Spirit those parts of the Body that need convicting. Restore to Yourself a Sound Body. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
We Need A Miracle 
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