Discerning the Signs of Our Times: Key Prophetic Insights
Introduction: When the Messiah spoke to his disciples in Matthew 24, he provided a condensed overview of the events leading to his return and the establishment of his Kingdom. Now, nearly 2000 years later, not all aspects of this prophecy have been fulfilled. Thus, we must approach this text with caution, recognizing its brevity.
1. The Great Tribulation: Is it past or future? Answer: Future. See number 5 below.
2. Where did Daniel mention the Abomination of Desolation? Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:31; Daniel 12:11. However, the Messiah referred specifically to Daniel 9:27. We know there was a Seleucid king who desecrated the temple and sacrificed pigs on the altar. This descretion took three years then the temple was cleansed (Daniel 8:13-14; 11:31 & 12:11). This happened in the year 167BCE. AND we know Messiah in 33CE was referring to something in the future. Yes, the temple was destroyed by Romans led by General Titus in 70CE. However, some Jews continued sacrificing at the temple site. After more 600 years later, at the exact temple site, stood a Muslim mosque called the Dome of the Rock, built by Caliph Omar around 691CE. So, that marked the ultimate end to sacrificing at the temple. Till the end. Read Daniel 9:27 again.
3. Does the Messiah know when he will return? When the Messiah spoke in Matthew 24, he did not know the exact time of his return (see Matthew 24:36). However, according to Revelation 1:1, the Father has revealed it to him.
4. Who will fare better, the taken or the left? The allegory indicates that, as the wicked were taken by floods in Noah’s time, so will the wicked be taken during the second coming of the Messiah. Being taken equals being destroyed. It’s better to be left, like Noah and his family, who were spared.
5. Will there be peace or turmoil at the Messiah’s return? The prophet Amos warns against desiring the day of the Lord (Amos 5:18-20), emphasizing it will be a day of darkness and turmoil. The world may currently appear peaceful, but this façade will soon be shattered. The suffering witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic will pale in comparison to what lies ahead.
Be blessed.
Compiled by Bro Mutonga
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