There are signs that point to places, give directions,
and announce things. That is what a sign is meant to do. Jesus did signs,
miracles, and wonders, and the Jews demanded more signs. Signs were given by
Jesus before the Holy Spirit came to indwell humans; now that the Holy Spirit
lives within us, we do signs, miracles, and wonders. Today, signs are for a
witness to the gospel and kingdom of God. The redeemed are caught up before the
tribulation, the seals will open which is the beginning of sorrows. The
disciples asked Jesus four questions, two questions regarding what signs would
precede the day he would come to earth and when the heavens and earth would
pass away. The day that Jesus would come to earth after his ascension is the
Day of the Lord. From the time Jesus left earth ten days before Pentecost, to
the day Jesus comes back with his armies, he doesn’t come to earth where people
will see him. And that seems to be Jesus’ biggest warning, not to believe those
who say he is here or there. We are not to chase signs, but Jesus tells us what
signs will happen before he comes with his armies.
Jesus tells the people of a sign regarding himself, he
will be like Jonah. At first glance this might seem odd as Jesus tells them
this is their only “sign”, when a short time later the disciples ask Jesus for
signs and he gladly gives them the run down. The Pharisees and scribes were
asking Jesus to prove himself. The disciples already believed he was the
Messiah and they are asking for signs regarding his return. Let’s explore.
Matt 12:38-42 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said
to Him, Teacher, we desire to see a sign or miracle from You [proving that You
are what You claim to be]. 39 But He replied to them, An evil and adulterous
generation (a generation morally unfaithful to God) seeks and demands a sign;
but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For
even as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster,
so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the
earth. [Jonah 1:17.] 41 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with
this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah,
and behold, Someone more and greater than Jonah is here! [Jonah 3:5.] 42 The
queen of the South will stand up at the judgment with this generation and
condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of
Solomon, and behold, Someone more and greater than Solomon is here. [1 Kings
10:1; 2 Chron 9:1.] AMP
Jesus says an evil and adulterous generation seeks and
demands signs. The word adulterous is
someone who is a paramour, an illicit lover. What Jesus is saying is
that these people treat God poorly by having other gods. In other words, they
love multiple gods, and they are seeking signs for God to prove himself to
them. God doesn’t have to prove himself to humans, it doesn’t matter what
humans think, people can’t un-do God by their unbelief. This demand for signs
is like a man who has a wife and a lover, and asks his wife to prove herself to
him by doing something for him. The man then uses this manipulation to control
these two women. God doesn’t have to prove himself to humans and he certainly
doesn’t have to do anything nice for people. Humans can’t manipulate God. The
height of arrogance is in the way these Pharisees and Scribes thought they
could demand signs from God. Would they demand signs from the devil as well?
Jesus says the only sign you’ll get is the one like
Jonah, when I die I’ll get up after three days and three nights. Not to take
too much of a rabbit trail here but one simply cannot get three days and three
nights out of Friday afternoon to Sunday morning. Jesus died on a Wednesday,
and arose before Sunday morning. This sign was the conclusion of Jesus’ signs
until his coming. Ezra points out that even with all the signs, the Israelites’
hearts were so hard that God was going to give their houses to people that
believe without signs. Just by hearing about God these other people will repent
and turn their hearts to God. That is exactly what the nations have done.
2 Esd 1:33-37 Thus saith the Almighty Lord, Your house is
desolate, I will cast you out as the wind doth stubble.34 And your children
shall not be fruitful; for they have despised my commandment, and done the
thing that is an evil before me.35 Your houses will I give to a people that
shall come; which not having heard of me yet shall believe me; to whom I have
shewed no signs, yet they shall do that I have commanded them.36 They have seen
no prophets, yet they shall call their sins to remembrance, and acknowledge
them.37 I take to witness the grace of the people to come, whose little ones
rejoice in gladness: and though they have not seen me with bodily eyes, yet in
spirit they believe the thing that I say. KJV
A short time later, Jesus reiterated his point about the
Pharisees and Sadducees being wicked and unfaithful to God.
Matt 16:1-4 NOW THE Pharisees and Sadducees came up to
Jesus, and they asked Him to show them a sign (spectacular miracle) from heaven
[attesting His divine authority]. 2 He replied to them, When it is evening you
say, It will be fair weather, for the sky is red, 3 And in the morning, It will
be stormy today, for the sky is red and has a gloomy and threatening look. You
know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the
signs of the times. 4 A wicked and morally unfaithful generation craves a sign,
but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. Then He
left them and went away. [Jonah 3:4,5.] AMP
Jesus reminds them that they can interpret the weather,
but they can’t interpret his being on earth. Yet many of the regular people
believed Jesus was the Messiah.
John 7:31 And besides, many of the multitude believed in
Him [adhered to Him, trusted in Him, relied on Him]. And they kept saying, When
the Christ comes, will He do [can He be expected to do] more miracles and
produce more proofs and signs than what this Man has done? AMP
The regular people could recognize all the miracles Jesus
did, and understood that no one else had done those things. The religious
leaders couldn’t see it, but the people also knew that no one else would be doing
any greater type miracles. Jesus told us that those who believe in Him would be
the ones who show signs to others.
Mark 16:17-20 And these attesting signs will accompany
those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in
new languages; 18 They will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything
deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they
will get well. 19 So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken to them, was
taken up into heaven and He sat down at the right hand of God. [Ps 110:1.] 20
And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord kept working with
them and confirming the message by the attesting signs and miracles that
closely accompanied [it]. Amen (so be it). AMP
Signs by the believers are to confirm the message of
Jesus. Considering Jesus is the meaning of life, he is also the reason for the
signs being done by his people. This is the time to inspire people to receive
Jesus as Lord, therefore signs point the way to Jesus. Jesus told people the
works he did they would do because he was going to the Father. John 14:12.
Signs are a pointer to the Messiah. Signs, miracles, and
wonders are not the end result but simply something to give direction. The Jews
demand signs from God, while the Greeks philosophize about God.
1 Cor 1:21-24 For when the world with all its earthly
wisdom failed to perceive and recognize and know God by means of its own
philosophy, God in His wisdom was pleased through the foolishness of preaching
[salvation, procured by Christ and to be had through Him], to save those who
believed (who clung to and trusted in and relied on Him). 22 For while Jews
[demandingly] ask for signs and miracles and Greeks pursue philosophy and
wisdom, 23 We preach Christ (the Messiah) crucified, [preaching which] to the
Jews is a scandal and an offensive stumbling block [that springs a snare or
trap], and to the Gentiles it is absurd and utterly unphilosophical nonsense. 24
But to those who are called, whether Jew or Greek (Gentile), Christ [is] the
Power of God and the Wisdom of God. AMP
Both signs and philosophy only lead people so far. For
the one who believes, the doors of understanding open wide and salvation can be
received. Jesus Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. Today, if we
are still seeking signs before we believe, we will not get them. Instead we
have to believe first, then we will “get it”. Jesus warns people about this for
the future. If anyone tells you Jesus is on earth and doing signs, miracles,
and wonders, do not believe them. Jesus will not come to earth until the Day of
the Lord, which is the day Jesus comes with his armies at the end of the
tribulation. Technically, Jesus will gather the 144,000 during the mid-tribulation,
but he will only be on Mt Zion. It does not say any of the people on earth will
see him with the 144,000. Also, Jesus will not be staying on earth. At this
time of gathering of the 144,000, Jesus will have been crowned as King in
heaven while the devil will now be bound to earth for the last half of the
tribulation. If you are among the redeemed before the tribulation, you will not
be on earth. Therefore whoever is left on earth can potentially be deceived by
someone claiming to be the Messiah.
Matt 24:23-24 If anyone says to you then, Behold, here is
the Christ (the Messiah)! or, There He is! — do not believe it. 24 For false
Christs and false prophets will arise, and they will show great signs and
wonders so as to deceive and lead astray, if possible, even the elect (God's
chosen ones). AMP
The key to understanding the scriptures is in timing.
Time is linear, it moves forward in one direction, but unless we make a
timeline of sequential events, we could also be misled. Once Jesus died on the
cross, he spent three days and three nights in the grave witnessing to the
imprisoned spirits, then taking back the keys to hell and death he set the
captivates free. He then came back to earth for forty days. Once he left, just
prior to Pentecost, he will not be seen on earth until the end of the tribulation.
He will meet the redeemed in the air on the day of redemption, he will not come
to earth, and people on earth will see him in the air, not on earth. When the
sixth seal is opened, everyone will see the wrath of the Lamb, but again Jesus
will be in the air, not on the earth. After Jesus’ coronation he will come to
Mt Zion for the 144,000, but he doesn’t stay on earth and it is not clear if
earth people can see him at this time. After the wrath of God, Jesus comes back
to earth with his armies. That is when Jesus will be back on earth. If one has
actually lived through all of the tribulation up to this time, rest assured
Jesus will not be performing miracles and signs for anyone. Jesus will be in
fight mode and will be on earth to subdue the enemy, not to try and convince
anyone about salvation. Therefore if one is chasing after signs from someone
claiming to be the Messiah, they will not be from Jesus, as the next time Jesus
spends any amount of time on earth will be the Day of the Lord. Jesus gave the
disciples some insight about the beginning of sorrows. Let’s build our
timeline.
Matt 24:8 But all these things are only the beginning of
the birth pains.” ISV
Matt 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. KJV
Matt 24:8 All this is but the beginning [the early pains]
of the birth pangs [of the intolerable anguish]. AMP
There is an interesting parallel here. While on the one
hand the things Jesus tells them in this context of Matthew 24 have a double
application. The first thing to look at is the time period that occurred after
Jesus died. Jesus was warning them of what would happened in 70 AD. Let’s
explore the beginning of sorrows.
Matt 24:2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these
things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon
another, that shall not be thrown down. KJV
Jesus just told everyone how he would love to gather them
but they refuse. Jesus says they would not see him again until they say
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”. He then says that everything
will be brought down to rubble. That is the context. Firstly, Jerusalem will
not see Jesus until they call for him. When will Jerusalem call for Jesus? Just
before Jesus comes back with his armies at the end of the tribulation. Secondly,
when will every stone from every building be thrown down? It happened in 70 AD,
but it will also happen a second time during the tribulation. Now the disciples
ask, when will these things happen?
Matt 24:3-7 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the
disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be?
and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?4 And
Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.5 For many
shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.6 And ye
shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all
these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.7 For nation shall rise
against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and
pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. KJV
The disciples ask four questions. When will Jerusalem
call on Jesus? When will all the stones be thrown down? What will be the sign
of Jesus’ coming (parousia)? What will be the sign of the end of the world?
Jesus responds with ‘don’t let anyone deceive you’. How will people be
deceived? Some people will say that they themselves are the Christ. Some will
say that Jesus is in fact the Christ, but… Josephus records other people of the
first century who claimed they were Christ. The second aspect is slightly more
interesting. People will agree that Jesus is the Christ, but they will add to
that, such as: Jesus is the Christ but you have to keep the law. Jesus is the
Christ but you have to listen to me because I am the leader and I hear directly
from him. Jesus is the Christ and I am his miracle worker on earth so you must
do what I say. Jesus is the Christ therefore sing these songs to show how you
love him. Jesus is the Christ and if you want to go to heaven you must tithe. People
will merchandise others in the name of Jesus Christ as well. Don’t be deceived.
Next, Jesus says there will be wars and rumors of wars,
but don’t be troubled. There have been wars since the time of man, and many
times people threaten war. There is nothing unusual about war, one group is
always interested in dominating another group, this is an unfortunate
by-product of our fallen world, and men influenced by the devil. Jesus says
this is not the end of the world. Then Jesus gives a list of things that will
take place but they will not be an indication of the end of the world, just
normal world problems. This is what Jesus calls the beginning of sorrows.
I want to point out our study from last week. As the
seals start to open several things start to happen. There are wars, famines,
pestilences, people being martyred, and earthquakes. We see that the same thing
happened in 70 AD that will again happen at the start of the tribulation.
Remember, it is only the opening of the seals, then as each is opened peace
leaves the earth. The wrath of the lamb starts right after the seals open, when
the trumpets sound. Next, Jesus talks to his followers.
Matt 24:8-22 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Compare 2 Ezra
2 Esd 16:17-19 Woe is me! woe is me! who will deliver me
in those days?18 The beginning of sorrows and great mournings; the beginning of
famine and great death; the beginning of wars, and the powers shall stand in
fear; the beginning of evils! what shall I do when these evils shall come?19
Behold, famine and plague, tribulation and anguish, are sent as scourges for
amendment. KJV
Great mourning’s, famine, death, wars, evils, plagues,
tribulations and anguish are sent as scourges for amendment. The opening of the
seals starts the time of people being tormented for the purpose of repenting.
Again keep in mind the ones who believe Jesus is Lord, the redeemed, have
already left the earth. Those who did not believe in Jesus before the harpazo are left on earth.
Matt 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted,
and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.10
And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate
one another.11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.12
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.13 But he
that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.14 And this gospel of
the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations;
and then shall the end come.
Jesus says to his disciples that they will be delivered
up and afflicted and killed. He says they will be hated of all nations for
Jesus’ name. Yes, the disciples were all martyred except for John, they were
all hated by the Jews and Romans, but also by the people in every other nation
they went to. Yet this all happens again when people will be killed under the
altar. The temple will be rebuilt, but remember what the earth people would
have already witnessed? Every eye will see Jesus in the air and the dead and
living redeemed meeting him there. By the fifth seal being opened, many who now
confess Jesus as Lord will start being killed for his name’s sake. While the
two witnesses are on the earth, many are believing their witness. That is why
the witnesses are hated and the people celebrate when they die after 42 months.
Not everyone will believe the ruler that will rebuild the temple and enforce the
covenant, so there will be many dying for their faith. Many people will again deceive
others as false prophets, lawlessness will abound, and people’s hearts will
become hardened. However, those who endure to the end of their lives will be
saved. This is an interesting point. In 70 AD people were already saved by
faith in Jesus, but they had to hold to their confession until their death. One
cannot change his own confession of Jesus under pressure or threat of death and
still be saved. In the tribulation the same holds true.
In 70 AD the gospel could not have been preached
everywhere as people didn’t travel that far or have efficient communication
systems; today we are still in the process of preaching the gospel of the
kingdom. This is not only a human mission. Angels will help achieve this in the
tribulation. Remember, three angels witness to the whole world. In Revelation
14 after the 144,000 leave earth, the angels go out, this is when the whole
earth will hear the gospel of the kingdom. The angels preach in all the world
for a witness to all nations, then the end comes. After the angels preach, the
wrath of God begins. That is the last 42 months of the tribulation before the
millennial kingdom begins.
Matt 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of
desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso
readeth, let him understand:)16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the
mountains:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing
out of his house:18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take
his clothes.19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give
suck in those days!20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter,
neither on the sabbath day: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.22 And
except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for
the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. KJV
There have been several abominations and desolations of
Jerusalem since it was established by Melchisedek. However, Paul tells us in 2
Thessalonians that in the future the leader who is the man of sin will sit in
the Holy of Holies and claim to be God. That is a sure sign that something is
wrong and it will happen half way through the tribulation, which is when most
people will recognize it. Daniel says that after the Messiah is cut off, the
city and sanctuary will be destroyed. That happened in 70 AD. The time period
from the temple’s destruction, will last until the end of the war of
desolations is determined. We know that this time period is not over yet as the
temple has not been rebuilt. When the determined time of desolations are over,
the anti-Christ, the man of sin, will confirm a covenant for one week. He will
break the covenant mid-week and put an end to sacrifices. He will then sit in
the Holy of Holies, claiming to be god. That will be the last abomination.
In 70 AD the believers had been warned, and many had sold
property and possessions, and moved out of Jerusalem before the Roman army
invaded Jerusalem and destroyed the temple. This will be the warning again.
Once the temple is built and daily sacrifices resume, get out of Jerusalem. While
many got out in time in 70 AD, some did not. Yet here is a clue to the future.
This will be great tribulation such as
was not since the beginning of the world to this time, nor ever shall be. Remember
how many will be martyred during the tribulation. One third of the Jews were
killed during WW2, but in the tribulation time period Zachariah tells us that
two thirds of the Jews will be killed. For the elect’s sake those days shall be
shortened. It would be wise, when those on the earth see the temple being
built, for them to quickly confess Jesus as Lord, because even if one can
physically get away, martyrdom is the only option for salvation at that point.
Stay faithful until the end of your life and you will live.
Matt 24:23-28 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo,
here is Christ, or there; believe it not.24 For there shall arise false
Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch
that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.25 Behold, I have
told you before.26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the
desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.27
For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so
shall also the coming of the Son of man be.28 For wheresoever the carcase is,
there will the eagles be gathered together.KJV
Again, at that time, during the time of the tribulation,
people will want to tell everyone that Jesus is back on earth. That will not
happen. Jesus does not come back to earth and hang around until he comes with
His armies. Jesus will come to Mt Zion to gather the 144,000, but it does not
say everyone on earth saw him gather his people. Jesus does not come back onto
the earth to witness, or to do miracles, or to show signs. He already did that,
and now those who believe without seeing are the ones who are entering the
kingdom. The word coming in verse 27
is parousia, the same word used in the disciples’ question. No one will be able
to miss the Day of the Lord as it will be like lightning, visible from east to
west. Now there is another clue as to when this is. Where the corpses are, the
eagles convene.
Revelation 17:16-17 tells us that the beast kills Babylon
which is God’s intention. While the whole world is mourning Babylon’s fall
Revelation 18:21 tells us an angel takes a huge stone and throws it into the
sea. That is something cataclysmic. While heaven is rejoicing over Babylon’s
destruction, the beast gathers his armies to war with Jesus. An angel calls out
to all the birds to come and eat. There will be dead bodies from Babylon’s
fall, and there will be dead bodies when Jesus comes with his armies. This
timing is the end of the tribulation just before Jesus comes back. The next
sentence tells us after the tribulation of those days, the days of Babylon’s
fall, the sun and moon are not light and stars fall from heaven. A stone
falling from heaven to the sea would cause this type of chaos on earth.
Matt 24:29-31 Immediately after the tribulation of those
days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the
stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:30
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all
the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the
clouds of heaven with power and great glory.31 And he shall send his angels with
a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the
four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. KJV
After the angel throws a huge stone to the sea, and the
sun and moon are dark, then Jesus comes to earth with his armies. Just a side
note here, the moon being dark could allude to what we call a dark moon or a
new moon. Therefore, this could be an occurrence that happens during the phase
of a dark moon/new moon. The angels will gather any believers that were left on
earth. This is the third gathering at the end of the tribulation. This word for
gathering is episunago (#1996), an “above
collecting” similar to episunagoge (#1997), which is the “above congregation”.
The episunagoge is the above gathering that is pre-tribulation. The episunago
is the gathering from the earth at the end of the tribulation. Then all the
martyred people during the tribulation will be judged and reign with Jesus for
1,000 years. Jesus then uses an example of understanding the times.
Matt 24:32-35 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When
his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is
nigh:33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is
near, even at the doors.34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not
pass, till all these things be fulfilled.35 Heaven and earth shall pass away,
but my words shall not pass away. KJV
The idea Jesus is putting forth is that as a fig tree
goes through the process of “coming alive” after winter; you know that summer
is coming when the leaves come out. Watch for these things and you will have
the answer to the disciples’ four questions. If you are watching, you will know
when Jerusalem calls on Jesus, when the destruction of Jerusalem’s buildings
occurs, when Jesus will come with his armies, and when the end of the world
will be close. So, just like we recognize one season leading into another by
the trees around us, pay attention because you know that Jesus will be near.
This age will not pass away until these things happen. Jesus continues.
Matt 24:36-42 But of that day and hour knoweth no man,
no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.37 But as the days of Noe
were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.38 For as in the days that
were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in
marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,39 And knew not until the
flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man
be.40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other
left.41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and
the other left.42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth
come. KJV
No man knows what day and hour? The day and hour the
heaven and earth will pass away. While we might know the season of summer is
approaching, we will not know the specific date of the passing of the heavens
and earth, therefore we know that this age will not pass away before all these
things happen first. Only the Father knows that. Here Jesus compares the days
of Noah with the Day of the Lord. Again verses 37 and 39 use the word parousia.
Jesus is continuing to answer their questions about the day he comes. Some have
taken this example to extremes, declaring the Nephilim will be back on earth. I
might point out they really never left, there are genetic traits of Nephilim on
the earth today. That isn’t Jesus’ point. What he is saying is that everyone is
going about life as they always have, eating, drinking, marrying, and having
families. When Noah and his family went into the ark, the world was continuing
on as usual. The beast will be gathering an army that will fight the Lamb, just
like Nimrod, but there will still be regular people doing regular things just
as in Nimrod’s day. Then the angels will come gather the elect from the four
corners of the earth. Some will be gathered and some will be left. Notice,
people are working during this time. There is still some order and semblance of
normalcy on the earth during the time of the beast’s rule; people eating,
working, marrying.
While Jesus pointed out the beginning of sorrows, and
explained the four questions the disciples had, Paul talks about it as if we
should know all these things. Sadly, in almost 2,000 years, we have confused
the entire issue. Paul pointed out in 2 Thessalonians the episunagoge and the
parousia. Today we glaze over words and think they are all the same thing, but
the words are different and have different connotations. In 1 Thessalonians
after explaining the harpazo, the catching up of the redeemed on the day of
redemption, Paul points out we have no need of knowing precise dates, times, or
seasons.
1 Thess 5:1-9 BUT AS to the suitable times and the
precise seasons and dates, brethren, you have no necessity for anything being
written to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the
[return of the] Lord will come [as unexpectedly and suddenly] as a thief in the
night. 3 When people are saying, All is well and secure, and, There is peace
and safety, then in a moment unforeseen destruction (ruin and death) will come
upon them as suddenly as labor pains come upon a woman with child; and they
shall by no means escape, for there will be no escape. 4 But you are not in
[given up to the power of] darkness, brethren, for that day to overtake you by
surprise like a thief. 5 For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we
do not belong either to the night or to darkness. 6 Accordingly then, let us
not sleep, as the rest do, but let us keep wide awake (alert, watchful,
cautious, and on our guard) and let us be sober (calm, collected, and
circumspect). 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk,
get drunk at night. 8 But we belong to the day; therefore, let us be sober and
put on the breastplate (corslet) of faith and love and for a helmet the hope of
salvation. 9 For God has not appointed us to [incur His] wrath [He did not
select us to condemn us], but [that we might] obtain [His] salvation through
our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) AMP
The key here is the timing. The Day of the Lord is
unexpected, the Day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. The Day of the
Lord will not overtake the redeemed, because the redeemed are returning with
the Lord. The redeemed don’t need the details because the redeemed are not
appointed to wrath. The Day of the Lord comes after the wrath of God on the
earth. Now let’s think, who is this information important to? Anyone left on
the earth during the tribulation. When will they be saying peace and safety?
Once there is a world ruler that has eliminated Babylon and the beast tells
everyone there is peace and safety. Remember those left on earth will believe
the beast is a far superior spiritual being and the world rulers will be
willing to fight for the beast.
In a time line fashion, we first have the temple
destroyed in 70 AD. The temple will be rebuilt and sacrifices will start. After
or during that time the beginning of sorrows begins, when the seals are
opening. At the time the man of sin sits in the Holy of Holies, people will
finally recognize they have been deceived. The beast will kill Babylon. People
who finally recognize the signs will say “Blessed is he who comes in the name
of the Lord”. The Day of the Lord will start by gathering the elect while
defeating the beast. The birds will eat the corpses. No man knows the day the
Heavens and Earth will end but this age/generation will not end until all Jesus
said comes to pass.
While signs are important to understand the future
tribulation, they are not important for the redeemed. However, thinking ahead,
it may be our obligation to teach those who refuse to make Jesus their Lord
about the signs of the end times so that they are aware of the coming Day of
the Lord. Signs for this day and time are to point people to Jesus. Jesus’ last
sign to the people of the first century was the sign of Jonah. No more proofs
were given to that generation. When the seals start to open, the beginning of
sorrows will be the sign that the tribulation is under way. Then watch for the
signs Jesus gave the disciples to understand the times. No one will see Jesus
again until Jerusalem cries out to him, therefore do not be fooled by false Christ’s,
and false prophets.
