Prophecy - 3

Matthew 24:21   For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

 

The tribulation period – According to Daniel there are yet seven years that are unfulfilled in God’s direct dealings with Israel (Dan 9:24-27). This also included Jerusalem which is a thorn for many people. Jews, Christians and Muslims all consider this city to be important in their beliefs. Jerusalem will be trodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. God has predicted that Jerusalem will be a burden to people (Zech 12:2-3). The Six Day War was a pivotal point in history regarding prophecy. Until that time Jerusalem was in the hands of Muslims but now it has been captured by the Jews. Even though it is under Jewish control the Mosque of Omar still resides on the temple mount making it difficult to re-build the Jewish temple. Prophecy concerning the anti-Christ confirms that the temple will be re-built at that time (Dan 9:27; Matt 24:15).

 

The battle of Armageddon as well at the battle in Ezek 38 & 39 will take place around Jerusalem. The re-building of the temple does not necessarily have to take place prior to the rapture; reports are that all the materials are prepared and ready to be put in place so that it could be re-built within a few months.

 

When Jesus answered the disciples’ questions He did not seem to speak of the church directly in His answer in Matt 24 but verses 4-14 could also be applicable to the church age. Some believe that He cannot come for the church until the entire world has heard the gospel; they confuse verse 14 with the gospel of grace that we preach today. After the Gospel of Mark the phrase Gospel of the Kingdom is not mentioned. In all of Paul’ writings he does not speak of the gospel of the kingdom, but phrases such as my gospel, gospel of grace, gospel of Christ, etc. The Gospel of the Kingdom is what Jesus preached as well as John the Baptist. During the tribulation the 144,000 will preach the Gospel of the Kingdom that will be coming soon after the tribulation period and the wrath of God. This kingdom will be ruled by Christ and those of His church will reign and rule with Him (2 Tim 2:12).

There seems to be a gap between verses 14 and 15 in the order of events, but this is not an uncommon thing in prophecy. The pause in between the verses of warning and the time when the abomination appears is similar to the pause Jesus used when he first appeared on the scene to begin His ministry (Lu 4:18-19 cf Isa 61:1-2). There is also a pause in Scripture Peter used on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:16-20). Often in prophetic passages there is not always a clear continuance in the thought presented, so we must do as Paul says and compare Scripture with Scripture and spi