Midweek Message from the Archive

Posted on March 12, 2024 9:06 am by janjoybell@yahoo.com

Jesus’ Last Week: Part Five

Jesus didn’t simply speak of faith and forgiveness during His last days on earth, but also gave warnings; true prophets warn God’s people of coming judgment.

One day as He left the city with His disciples they remarked on the awesomeness of the Temple (Luke 21). Jesus captured their attention with the first warning; their beloved Temple and city will be destroyed. Some saw that prophecy fulfilled by the Romans in 70AD and some, Jew and Christian alike, experienced the Diaspora as they were scattered to all nations. 600,000 Jews perished, but one wall prophetically remained: the Western (Wailing) Wall. Jewish people returning to Israel since 1948 are still reminded of that predestined day.

He discussed signs and wonders, since they’re evidence of God’s power, consequently, the second warning focused on those mega signs of the end times in religious, political, and natural realms.

Religiously, Jesus prophesied of false messiahs, an intense hatred of believers, even in families, leading to persecution. He encouraged us to ‘let it sink into our inner man’ (Luke 21:14) and depend on the Holy Spirit: He’ll tell you how to answer. These signs will come like birth pains: beginning slowly and increasing in frequency and intensity.

Politically, the signs are international wars and unrest, but again, like birthing, beginning with less frequency and intensity, but increasing.

In the natural realm watch for supernatural signs: famines, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Devastation or tribulation is imminent.

The third warning has a far-future fulfillment, a reminder of the unfulfilled prophecy of Daniel. During the Babylonian captivity (586BC) an evil, political leader named Antiochus Ephiphanes scornfully sacrificed a pig in their Temple. This was a foreshadow of the final abomination causing desolation in Israel, however, on a future day Satan will strike the final blow. He will fulfill Daniel’s prophecies (9,11, and 12) and inaugurate the time of tribulation, but the elect, believers, will be saved.

That glorious rescue, our hope and confident expectation, is the Second Coming of Christ. He’ll arrive on the clouds with mega-power and mega-glory for all to view, the trumpet call will be heard, and we’re advised to:

… straighten up and raise your heads because your redemption is drawing near. Luke 21:28b

Using another parable Jesus told to watch for the ‘sprouting’ of these signs as leaves on a fig tree.

So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Luke 21:31

… you know that He is near, at the very gates. Mark 13:29b

As believers we wonder when Jesus is coming back, but that’s the wrong question. Since only the Father, not even Jesus or the angels, know when That Day will arrive your question should be, “What do You want me to do? How can my life glorify Your name until You return?” His words are true and dependable: He’s coming back.