We could choose dozens of references to the second coming to show that these are the times predicted just prior to the second coming. For example Jesus spoke of wars and rumors of wars. It is no secret that most of the wars fought throughout history have been fought in the last seventy five years. Or that most of the earthquakes ever recorded have taken place in the last twenty five years. But it is not these general signs that give us the greatest insight into the timing of the second coming. It is the four pillars of prophecy that place us smack in the middle of the last generation before Christs return. The four pillars are as follows. The re-birth of the nation of Israel. The Jewish people will possess the same general area as ancient Israel and be in full possession of the city of Jerusalem. Hosea 2:14:23, Ezekiel 16:58-63, Ezekiel 37:27-27 The birth of a nation in the same general geographic area as the old Roman Empire. Daniel 2:lf. Daniel 7:lf. Rev. 17:lf The building of a new temple in Jerusalem where oblations and burnt sacrifices will be offered daily by the Jewish priesthood. Ezekiel 40: 1f The rise out of the European continent of the worlds last, and worst dictator. He will present himself to the world as its very savior in the new Jewish temple, which causes the final judgments to fall on the earth, Gods wrath, Armageddon and the physical and literal return of Jesus Christ to the earth. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4. 1John 2:18-27.2, John 1:7, Daniel 7:8- 20, Daniel 8:23-25, Mt. 24:24, Rev.16:lf, Rev.13:11-18 No way is ever given for any believer to name the exact date on which the Lord will return. Likewise there is no means of telling when all of the events surrounding the second coming will happen. At this point we can safely say that we are between two major prophecies that are fulfilled and two that apparently will soon he fulfilled. Dozens of connecting events are in the entire scenario but these four pillars are major and definitive events. These prophecies could never be said to have been fulfilled in any other period of time. One generation of time will bring everything to an end when theses things begin to happen. Superbly universal in nature, the first sign alone could give us the clue as to when the last generation begins. Israel has not been a free an independent nation since 586 BC. The promise is that Israel will be a nation, and be in possession of Jerusalem before the clock can start ticking. Even though the span of one generation has always been in dispute, it is reasonable to use a median figure of between forty and seventy five years. The city of Jerusalem was re-captured by the Jews in the six day war of nineteen sixty seven, even though they were outnumbered by forty to one and had many Arab nations on the march against them. Can we safely start the last generation from this time? Since the European parliament is only about one year away from their hopes of their new constitution being signed, the answer is an unequivocal, yes. Many books, web pages and teaching ministries are now addressing the matter of the second coming of Christ. The total affect, however, seems to be that the whole subject has gotten bogged down in endless conjecture and minuscule dissecting of every jot and title. I am under the greatest sense of duty and compunction to both refrain from entering the fray, and of warning those who are helping to create the fray. I cant dictate the perfect method to approach the entire subject. What I will do is suggest that we look at the response made by someone in the Bible who was given a great and deeply disturbing direct revelation from God. Mary the mother of Jesus was approached by the angel Gabriel, and told she would bear a son that would he a product of the Holy Spirit overshadowing her. That alone could have sent her into an emotional tailspin, but she remained submissive and stayed on course until her child was born. Just after he was born she was met by others, namely Shepards and travelers, who had also been visited by angels, and told her of the great things these angel messengers said would come of her child. Luke 2:8-19. Remaining steady as a rock, she took in the reports that seemed to put her child in a place that would affect every man, women and child on the planet, one way or the other. Her response was so remarkable that it begs to be examined. Her response should be the hallmark of all those who will ever receive any direct or indirect revelation from God, but especially the millions of second coming enthusiasts that are now emerging in this present day. Her response is spoken of in one simple and succinct verse that is impossible to disregard. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19 Mary has shown us an entirely different way to deal with revelation, a way that is not found anywhere else in scripture. With second coming doctrine it would also serve us well to engage a great deal less pontificating and a whole lot more pondering. Wisdom may truly cry aloud from the streets Proverbs 1:20, but we might want to wait until we are within earshot of the voices before we proclaim what weve heard. |
