Mark 13:1-23
Matthew 24:1-25
Luke 21:5-24
Mark 13:24-31
Matthew 24:26-35
Luke 21:25-33
Jesus described for His disciples what we now call “the end times” or
“the last days.” The conversation was sparked by a remark Jesus made concerning
the Temple. When the disciples were marveling at its elaborate décor and the
enormity of its stones, Jesus commented, “These magnificent buildings will be
so completely demolished that not one stone will be left on top of another” (Mark 13:1, 2).
Naturally, the disciples wanted to know more. Thus, when they were
resting on the Mount of Olives, across the valley from the Temple (one could
see it from there), Jesus took the time to explain His comments more fully.
This conversation is sometimes referred to as the “Olivet Dis- course” (Matthew 24, 25).
Just as the Old Testament prophecies oftentimes had double fulfillments
(one sooner and one later), so too did Jesus’ prophecy of Jerusalem and the
Temple. Because of political tension between the Jews and the Romans, Caesar
sent his legions to destroy Jerusalem in 70 AD. Included in the judgment of the
city, soldiers leveled the Temple. Therefore, part of Jesus’ predictions have
already come true.
However, Jesus described so much more than the fall of Jerusalem to
the Romans. Evidently, there will be another Temple built in the future, which,
at some point, will be desecrated by a Gentile leader (Matthew 24:15). This event will
take place during a great tribulation, which is marked by natural disasters
(earthquakes, famines, signs in the skies, etc.), destruction caused by
world-wide wars, and a host of false prophets and phony “messiahs.” These
events are all indications that the end is near and Jesus’ return is imminent.
Until that day, “Jerusalem will be trampled down by Gentiles, until the age of
the Gentiles comes to an end” (Luke 21:24).
Since the days of the Roman Empire, Jerusalem has been conquered and
controlled by one Gentile nation after another; but after Jesus returns, He
will deliver them from their enemies and establish His kingdom on earth.
Daily Reflection
Though we have read hundreds of prophecies during our time in the Old
Testament, many of which have already been fulfilled, these prophecies of Jesus
give us some idea of what the people in the Old Testament must have experienced,
hearing and waiting for prophecies to be fulfilled. Describe what you think or
feel when you read these predictions. Do they make you feel confident,
overwhelmed, or uneasy?
Personally, knowing that God sees all of time from beginning to end
and that He knows the future like we know the present gives me great
confidence. It is reassuring to be reminded that God governs in the affairs of
men. While these events may appear to be haphazard or chaotic, they will all
occur under the sovereign eye of God. He is in control today, and He will
still be in control then.
However, as soon as I begin to dive into all that will take place in
the last days and as I try to figure when and how they will occur, I can easily
get overwhelmed and frustrated. The fear of the unknown is quite powerful; but
that fear is quickly squelched by the faith I have in the sovereignty of God,
my trust in Christ, and His promises regarding my eternal destiny. Let us
not be fearful of the end times; rather let us be found faithful to the end.
BiAY.org | Day 300 — 65 Days to Go
No comments:
Post a Comment