The time of the Gentiles.
When Jesus’ disciples asked Him about “THE END” He said, “Flee!” “Leave!” “Do Not Enter Jerusalem!” What do you think they were asking Jesus? They wanted to know about “THE END” and Jesus answered them. Jesus reminded them to read the prophets, because “all things which are written will be fulfilled.” These would be “the days of vengeance” that would last “until the time of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” (Luke 21:20-24
According to king Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, world kingdoms have come and gone. (Daniel 2:31-41) Kings now jockey for their destined place in God’s plan. We, who believe, wait upon our Lord and King who will one day return to rule. Our lives are in nations which will be used by God to afflict His rod of judgement upon the children of Israel. As the evil of the Assyrians was used to bring judgement against God’s people, so will He use the evil of our nations. Can you sense that you live in an evil nation? Many know that they do.
This photo of a manhole cover is a reminder to me that Christians in many nations are restricted to the lowest places in the minds and hearts of their neighbors. Pray for them.
For then shall be great tribulation.
The prophets explained the reason God’s rod of affliction will fall upon His people. This fiery trial will be like no other that has been or shall ever be. “And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” (Matthew 24:21-22)
“It will come about in all the land’ Declares the LORD, ‘That two parts in it will be cut off and perish; but the third will be left in it. And I will bring the third part through the fire, refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on my name, And I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are My people’, And they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.'” (Zechariah 13:8-9)
“As I live,” declares the LORD GOD, “surely with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm and with wrath poured out, I shall be king over you. I will gather you from the lands where you are scattered, with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm and wrath poured out; and I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there I will enter into judgment with you face to face. As I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will enter into judgment with you,” declares the LORD GOD. I will make you pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant; and I will purge from you the rebels and those who transgress against Me; I will bring them out of the land where they sojourn, but they will not enter the land of Israel. Thus you will know that I am the LORD.” (Ezekiel 20:33-38)
Is it just me, or are you too struck with some similarities in these words? God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt and His appearance on Mount Saini was a shadow of this final scene. The wrath of God will pour out as two-thirds of Jacob’s descendants perish in “the wilderness of the peoples.” The third who live are “refined” as silver and “tested” as gold in this furnace of God’s wrath.
To be continued.
His Family Table 