Issue 944 – No Stone – December 28, 2022
Not long before being killed, Jesus’ disciples admired the centre of Jewish worship, the Temple in Jerusalem. Jesus gave them some strong prophetic words.
And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” Luke 21:5-6
Those must have seemed like blasphemous words to His audience. Jesus didn’t stop there…
And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.” Luke 21:5-9
Jesus prophesied that all of Jerusalem would be destroyed.
“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. Luke 21:5-24
We know that Jesus’ prophetic words came true with astounding accuracy. After a temporarily successful but ultimately failed revolt against Rome by the Jews, Rome prevailed. Jerusalem was destroyed, and the temple was looted and burned.
The sacking of the temple was immortalized in the Arch of Titus in Rome (pictured above). On the Arch is a panel depicting the looting and carrying away of the temple menorah and other items.
Not all of the prophecies, however, have been fulfilled to date. Jesus is returning.
“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:25-28
The entirety of the earth shall be in turmoil. People will be living in fear and foreboding. That sounds suspiciously like the world we live in today.
That doesn’t mean Jesus is due back tomorrow. On the other hand, we don’t know when He will return; it could be tomorrow or not for another 1,000 years. His return is imminent, it could happen at any time, and it will be sudden and surprising.
We needn’t fear the events of the world; they are no surprise to Jesus. The sovereign ruler of the world has things well in hand.
Rather than reacting in fear, we can act in love and light. We have the only true hope that there is. Our Lord is returning, and nothing can stop that from happening.
Fear not, my friends. The world around us may be in turmoil, and things may get far worse before they get better, but Jesus prevails.
Through the Risen Lord, we have the ultimate victory.
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2022 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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