In studying the signs that our Savior gave us, I want to go to a scholarly source so for today's study we are going to read from this source and see what we get from it. By the grace of God we will have truth opened to us, truth that we need as we live in these very important, dare I say, last days.
Does it hurt to call them the last days?
Perhaps people back in 70AD after witnessing the army destroying the city they fled from believed they were living in the last days too, did it hurt them? Seriously, did it harm their walk with Christ in any way? No. The belief of living in the last days is a good one, good because the hope that is in you is alive and real, you are living for Christ and His return. You are living for the gospel of the kingdom that Jesus came and preached, eternity in Him, through Him.
So, while I dare to call our days the last days, know this-- there WILL be a people for which that is true and yes, it COULD be us.
Please read this prayerfully, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance into all truth, always.
*
This excerpt is from the paper-
An Hour and An End
Written by Elder William Grotheer
*
'p 5 -- Chapter II -- Luke 21:24 in Context
Part of Jesus' Prophetic Legacy to His Church -- The prophecy of Luke 21:24 is a part of a prophetic outline which Jesus gave to His disciples on the Mount of Olives, Tuesday prior to His great sacrifice on Calvary. What Jesus said is recorded in all three of the Synoptic Gospels - Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21.
The day following His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Monday, He cleansed the temple the second time. He charged the Jewish leadership with making His house "a den of thieves." (Matt. 21:13) On Tuesday, upon His return to the Temple, He was met and challenged by the chief priests and elders of the people as to His authority to do what He had done the day before. (Matt. 21:23) After putting them to silence, Jesus spoke in the hearing of the multitude, the most scathing denunciations of the religious leaders of Israel they had ever heard. (Matt. 23:1-36) Then He declared - "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. ... and Jesus went out." (Matt. 23:38; 24:1)
This pronouncement and act of Jesus shocked the disciples. Hurriedly following Him from the Temple precincts, they sought to bring Him to reality as they perceived reality to be. One of the disciples - speaking the sentiments of all - said to Jesus: "Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!" (Mark 13:1) What were they saying? "Jesus, you spoke too hastily. Look here. See these great buildings. Look at the massive rocks which have been used in the building of the Temple. How can You say, that this Temple, the center of all our religious worship is now desolate? Is it going to be set aside? Jesus, not backing down one inch said in response - "Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." (Mark 13:2) This stunned them. Silence reigned during the entire walk from the Temple to the Mount of Olives where they would spend the night.
While sitting together on the Mount, four of the disciples ventured to ask Jesus "When shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?" (Matt. 24:3) To the disciples, if the Temple was going to be destroyed, that had to be the end of the world. So to them, it was just one question. In answering their question, Jesus mingled the signs marking the two events. But in giving general signs which would apply to both events, He outlined three specific signs which would mark major epochs from the time of the Apostles to His second coming. Note these events as given in Luke 21:
1) And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which be in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the country enter thereinto. (Luke 21:20-21)
2) And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars. (Luke 21:25) ["The sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven." - Matt. 24:29]
3) Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (Luke 21:24)
It is important to understand that these three prophetic signs were not given in
p 6 -- symbolic representation. They were given in literal language so that when the event did occur, one could look back upon the historical happening and say - "Look what has taken place. This fulfills what Jesus said." Then the one recognizing the event would need to ask further - "Since this has happened, what is Jesus saying to me now?"
By understanding this prophecy of Jesus in Luke 21:24 in its literal sense, we are but following a principle used by our spiritual forefathers. In A Symposium on Biblical Hermeneutics, Don F. Neufeld wrote a section on "Biblical Interpretation in the Adventist Movement." One principle which was paramount to these students of the Bible was - "The Bible must be interpreted according to the plain, obvious, and literal import unless a figure of speech is employed." Then Neufeld comments - "This rule was a recurring theme at a time when critics attempted to demolish the positions taken by the Adventists." (p. 119)
Some Definitions -- It should be clearly understood in the study of Luke 21:24 that when Jerusalem, or the nation of Israel, is referred to in its present historical setting, it is not that the city of Jerusalem is to be considered as the holy city of God, or the nation of Israel as once more God's chosen people. This relationship is no more, and never will be again. The times of the Jewish nation as the people of God ended in AD 34 in harmony with the prophecy given to Daniel (9:24). However, this fact does not exclude an equally important fact; that is, events in the history of Jerusalem can still be in fulfillment of Bible prophecy. For example, Jerusalem was no longer the holy city of God in AD 66, yet the surrounding of that city by Cestius fulfilled a sign given by Jesus. It was so understood by the Christians, and when Cestius withdrew from the city, they fled from the coming destruction which Jesus prophesied.
We find in the Greek language, the word translated - "Gentiles" - is the same word for "nations" - ta eqnh (ta ethne). In Old Testament times, the inhabited world was divided into two groups - the Gentiles or nations, and the people of God, which was Israel. In the New Testament, it is again the nations, and the New Israel of God, the Church. As God committed His message of grace as revealed in the sanctuary model to Israel to give to the world, so also to the Church, God has committed the message of Christ, the Word made flesh - the New Tabernacle - to be given to the nations. But in giving the events which were to serve as signs to His people, Jesus connected two of those signs with historical happenings in the history of the city of Jerusalem.
Because of this parallel relationship between Israel of old and the New Israel of God, it is mandatory that we clearly understand the use and meaning of "Jerusalem" in both prophecy and history. In the Old and New Testaments when Jerusalem is referred to, it is primarily in a very historical setting - the literal city. Such is the case in Luke 21:24. The same city which was to be surrounded by Roman armies is the same city which was to be trodden down of the nations until the times of the nations or Gentiles be fulfilled. The term, "Jerusalem," is also used to represent the Church. It is so used in the Writings of Ellen G. White in connection with Ezekiel 9. (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 267) Paul uses the term to refer to "the mother of us all," but in so doing assures that this "mother" is above, and is not an earthly entity. (Gal. 4:26; Heb. 12:22)
It also needs to be kept in view that even though the question about the end times arose over the discussion as to what was to take place in regard to the Temple, Jesus did not say that the Temple was to be trodden down of the nations till the times of the Gentiles (nations)be fulfilled. He clearly indicated that the same city which was to be surrounded by the alien armies was to be the city whose history would give the sign by which Christians could tell when the times of the Gentiles would be fulfilled. '
End Excerpt.
So far from what we've read we can comprehend that the signs we read about yesterday in Matthew, Mark, and Luke all go together some with more details than others.
There are three main prophecies- well, I'm not going to just go over all we've read, but I guess I just want to confirm what we've read. We're looking at Luke 21:24 in this study, but all the other signs will be discussed as well. Signs we have to know. Signs we have to be aware of. Signs that show us the times we are living in.
Please, if you want truth keep reading the studies, keep praying.
Read and re-read. Look up ALL the Bible verses, KNOW the truth! Seek the truth, seek the word of our Savior.
Jerusalem- the city God has give us for SIGNS.
We all know there is a lot of conflict in that city, tremendous conflict. Our eyes are still to be on that city, may God guide us as we watch for all of His signs.
More tomorrow by the grace of our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST!
All in HIS LOVE.
Does it hurt to call them the last days?
Perhaps people back in 70AD after witnessing the army destroying the city they fled from believed they were living in the last days too, did it hurt them? Seriously, did it harm their walk with Christ in any way? No. The belief of living in the last days is a good one, good because the hope that is in you is alive and real, you are living for Christ and His return. You are living for the gospel of the kingdom that Jesus came and preached, eternity in Him, through Him.
So, while I dare to call our days the last days, know this-- there WILL be a people for which that is true and yes, it COULD be us.
Please read this prayerfully, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance into all truth, always.
*
This excerpt is from the paper-
An Hour and An End
Written by Elder William Grotheer
*
'p 5 -- Chapter II -- Luke 21:24 in Context
Part of Jesus' Prophetic Legacy to His Church -- The prophecy of Luke 21:24 is a part of a prophetic outline which Jesus gave to His disciples on the Mount of Olives, Tuesday prior to His great sacrifice on Calvary. What Jesus said is recorded in all three of the Synoptic Gospels - Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21.
The day following His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Monday, He cleansed the temple the second time. He charged the Jewish leadership with making His house "a den of thieves." (Matt. 21:13) On Tuesday, upon His return to the Temple, He was met and challenged by the chief priests and elders of the people as to His authority to do what He had done the day before. (Matt. 21:23) After putting them to silence, Jesus spoke in the hearing of the multitude, the most scathing denunciations of the religious leaders of Israel they had ever heard. (Matt. 23:1-36) Then He declared - "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. ... and Jesus went out." (Matt. 23:38; 24:1)
This pronouncement and act of Jesus shocked the disciples. Hurriedly following Him from the Temple precincts, they sought to bring Him to reality as they perceived reality to be. One of the disciples - speaking the sentiments of all - said to Jesus: "Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!" (Mark 13:1) What were they saying? "Jesus, you spoke too hastily. Look here. See these great buildings. Look at the massive rocks which have been used in the building of the Temple. How can You say, that this Temple, the center of all our religious worship is now desolate? Is it going to be set aside? Jesus, not backing down one inch said in response - "Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." (Mark 13:2) This stunned them. Silence reigned during the entire walk from the Temple to the Mount of Olives where they would spend the night.
While sitting together on the Mount, four of the disciples ventured to ask Jesus "When shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?" (Matt. 24:3) To the disciples, if the Temple was going to be destroyed, that had to be the end of the world. So to them, it was just one question. In answering their question, Jesus mingled the signs marking the two events. But in giving general signs which would apply to both events, He outlined three specific signs which would mark major epochs from the time of the Apostles to His second coming. Note these events as given in Luke 21:
1) And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which be in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the country enter thereinto. (Luke 21:20-21)
2) And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars. (Luke 21:25) ["The sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven." - Matt. 24:29]
3) Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (Luke 21:24)
It is important to understand that these three prophetic signs were not given in
p 6 -- symbolic representation. They were given in literal language so that when the event did occur, one could look back upon the historical happening and say - "Look what has taken place. This fulfills what Jesus said." Then the one recognizing the event would need to ask further - "Since this has happened, what is Jesus saying to me now?"
By understanding this prophecy of Jesus in Luke 21:24 in its literal sense, we are but following a principle used by our spiritual forefathers. In A Symposium on Biblical Hermeneutics, Don F. Neufeld wrote a section on "Biblical Interpretation in the Adventist Movement." One principle which was paramount to these students of the Bible was - "The Bible must be interpreted according to the plain, obvious, and literal import unless a figure of speech is employed." Then Neufeld comments - "This rule was a recurring theme at a time when critics attempted to demolish the positions taken by the Adventists." (p. 119)
Some Definitions -- It should be clearly understood in the study of Luke 21:24 that when Jerusalem, or the nation of Israel, is referred to in its present historical setting, it is not that the city of Jerusalem is to be considered as the holy city of God, or the nation of Israel as once more God's chosen people. This relationship is no more, and never will be again. The times of the Jewish nation as the people of God ended in AD 34 in harmony with the prophecy given to Daniel (9:24). However, this fact does not exclude an equally important fact; that is, events in the history of Jerusalem can still be in fulfillment of Bible prophecy. For example, Jerusalem was no longer the holy city of God in AD 66, yet the surrounding of that city by Cestius fulfilled a sign given by Jesus. It was so understood by the Christians, and when Cestius withdrew from the city, they fled from the coming destruction which Jesus prophesied.
We find in the Greek language, the word translated - "Gentiles" - is the same word for "nations" - ta eqnh (ta ethne). In Old Testament times, the inhabited world was divided into two groups - the Gentiles or nations, and the people of God, which was Israel. In the New Testament, it is again the nations, and the New Israel of God, the Church. As God committed His message of grace as revealed in the sanctuary model to Israel to give to the world, so also to the Church, God has committed the message of Christ, the Word made flesh - the New Tabernacle - to be given to the nations. But in giving the events which were to serve as signs to His people, Jesus connected two of those signs with historical happenings in the history of the city of Jerusalem.
Because of this parallel relationship between Israel of old and the New Israel of God, it is mandatory that we clearly understand the use and meaning of "Jerusalem" in both prophecy and history. In the Old and New Testaments when Jerusalem is referred to, it is primarily in a very historical setting - the literal city. Such is the case in Luke 21:24. The same city which was to be surrounded by Roman armies is the same city which was to be trodden down of the nations until the times of the nations or Gentiles be fulfilled. The term, "Jerusalem," is also used to represent the Church. It is so used in the Writings of Ellen G. White in connection with Ezekiel 9. (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 267) Paul uses the term to refer to "the mother of us all," but in so doing assures that this "mother" is above, and is not an earthly entity. (Gal. 4:26; Heb. 12:22)
It also needs to be kept in view that even though the question about the end times arose over the discussion as to what was to take place in regard to the Temple, Jesus did not say that the Temple was to be trodden down of the nations till the times of the Gentiles (nations)be fulfilled. He clearly indicated that the same city which was to be surrounded by the alien armies was to be the city whose history would give the sign by which Christians could tell when the times of the Gentiles would be fulfilled. '
End Excerpt.
So far from what we've read we can comprehend that the signs we read about yesterday in Matthew, Mark, and Luke all go together some with more details than others.
There are three main prophecies- well, I'm not going to just go over all we've read, but I guess I just want to confirm what we've read. We're looking at Luke 21:24 in this study, but all the other signs will be discussed as well. Signs we have to know. Signs we have to be aware of. Signs that show us the times we are living in.
Please, if you want truth keep reading the studies, keep praying.
Read and re-read. Look up ALL the Bible verses, KNOW the truth! Seek the truth, seek the word of our Savior.
Jerusalem- the city God has give us for SIGNS.
We all know there is a lot of conflict in that city, tremendous conflict. Our eyes are still to be on that city, may God guide us as we watch for all of His signs.
More tomorrow by the grace of our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST!
All in HIS LOVE.
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