Matthew Chapter 24

There seems to be so much confusion regarding Matthew 24 that I felt the Lord was directing me to sit and ask Him for guidance. Whenever we seek to help others gain understanding, we often find that we too come away wiser and more informed of His truth. It is only when we truly begin to persistently knock is the door is opened to us.

Initially thought this teaching would not be as long or involved but as it turns out, this study is so much like life itself. For if we knew the length of our days or the hardship of our life journey and all that it would entail, few of us would endeavor to take the first step.

During this study of Matthew 24, suddenly a pattern began to emerge!

A pattern began to emerge and it runs through the entire chapter. When there is a conceptual pattern, there has to be a beginning, middle and end. If this pattern truly exists, then certain events should begin to fall into their proper chronological order and it should read almost like a novel. Lastly it should line up with all other Scriptural passages.

Also believe the Holy Spirit has brought to me some fascinating conclusions regarding these events. While I do confess in attempting to define these time lines and periods, it is not my wish to be dogmatic or to set dates.

The time period available to the Church for her ministry, before being removed is as we have heard so many times, “going to be a quick work”. The time frame may will be considerably shorter than we now believe!

The Great Harvest is about to begin. For the Church, this will be the most vital time and function of any prior Church age. Additionally I have also seen another pattern evolve with regard to its length. It is my hope you will glean as much from this study as I.

Blessings to you and your house,
Steve Grable
Jeremiah111.org

Matthew Chapter 24

One of the primary thoughts Believers should strive to develop when reading our Bibles is to be curious not just what is being said but to who were the words directed. After this, it will be necessary to first look at its context as a whole and then begin breaking down a verse into its lowest or smallest translation. Viewing a single word with a mind open to the Spirit can unlock the entire verse. Do not take a known word at face value. Later in this study I give the definition of the word “Heed” and it will be somewhat a surprise and fitting in how it is used. It is far better to read a verse a day and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your final understanding than to read the entire chapter that fails to change you!

We Christians instinctively and sometimes thoughtlessly assume that every biblical promise or prophetic message is equally given to both the Jew and the Christian. This is how Replacement Theology has become rooted into the Church.

And I remind you of Paul’s word regarding certain theologies as “doctrines of demons”. This “replacement theology” would most certainly qualify. If you will read Romans 9, 10 and 11, you will quickly see the plans of God towards His Covenant People, plans for good and for their redemption.

Today many sincere Christians have been taught that Israel has refused Jesus and therefore the Church has replaced them. There are actually “new movements” who share these same views regarding the Jewish people. Unfortunately, the leadership of both the World Council of Churches and the Catholic Church has also promoted this heresy. Today we see the blinding hatred for the Jew being perpetrated just as it was in days past. The devil has not changed his game plan, only the players.

Romans 11:15
For if the casting away (temporary) of them (The Jews) be the reconciling of the world (others being brought to Jesus), what shall the receiving (the Jew receiving their Messiah Jesus)
of them (Jews) be, but life from the dead?

The One New Man Bible says it this way,

For if their (Jews) rejection of Him (Jesus) means reconciliation of the world (others being brought to Jesus), what is their (Jews) acceptance by God if not live from death?

Many sincere Saints attach themselves to promises given in certain passages, which at times are appropriate and other times not.

While there are verses of Matthew that has a wide net meaning that is affects the world, there are portions that are specifically addressed to all Jews and then there are passages directed to a particular group of Jews. And this is a great example of what we see in certain portions of Matthew Chapter 24.

“Much of this Word” (Matthew 24) was spoken for the benefit for those Jews who would be living in the Land of Israel during the Tribulation period. Why else would it be spoken by Jesus and written into the Bible if not to give the Jews some type of direction in the midst of the chaos.

Note
If the print is in Black, it is the verses of Matthew 24
If the print is in Blue, it is my commentary

Matthew 24

1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.

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.

The disciples of Jesus were speaking of Jerusalem and the great Temple and its magnificence and beauty. This was a conversation among Jewish men, the Messiah, his Jewish apostles and the Jewish disciples. The conversation took place within the confines of the Jewish culture. There was no mention of any Gentiles being present or involved in this meeting. So the stage has been set as to those whom Jesus was speaking and the events that would unfold within the Land of Israel.

3 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?

Here we see a continuation of the previous conversation. Obviously the thinking of these Jewish men was most likely that they themselves would see and experience these events! Therefore, they were listening intently and relying upon the words of Messiah to give them the wisdom to possibly escape the suffering and the coming chaos. In their minds, this information was a matter of life and death. But more than this, they desired to see the coming of the Lord and in their hearts felt it to be soon.

4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

The definition of the word “heed” in the Merriam Webster dictionary, Heed as “to pay attention“ or as a “warning”.

In making this statement, Jesus was saying, “pay attention, take warning!” The deception would be so great that a man would have to exercise extreme caution and guard his fear and his emotions. Whenever we fall into a heightened emotional state, we will lose our ability to communicate with the Holy Spirit. The Lord was preparing the Jews for the chaotic deception of that coming day.

5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Take heed that you are not deceived for many will come in my name saying, I am Christ. Keep in mind, He was not saying, that these men would actually say the word Christ but were saying of themselves, I am the Messiah.

America will not be looking for a Messiah, Europe will not be looking for a Messiah and Asia will not be looking for a Messiah!

There is only one nation upon the face of the earth who has been and continues to ”look for and anticipate” the arrival of their Messiah, and that nation is Israel!

6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

These verses 6, 7 and 8 speak to all the nations.

Wikipedia breaks down “wars and rumors of wars ” into 4 classifications and are categorized by the number of causalities. The first is a major war, the second is simply a war, and the third is a major conflict and finally skirmishes and clashes.

As of February 2015, we have 3 “major wars” with over 10,000 + deaths, then there are 7 “wars” with over 1,000 to 9,999, then there are 5 “major conflicts” 100 to 999 and 8 “Skirmishes and clashes” with fewer than 100 deaths. All of these have taken place in the last year for no less than a total of 23 wars and rumors of wars.

7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

In the latter texts of the Bible, the Hebrew word “goyim” was used to distinguish all other nations from Israel. However in the earlier texts the word goyim included Israel. Therefore in this passage it is evident that (unfortunately) Israel will be among these nations mentioned above. Over a billion Arabs surround Israel with the vast majority eagerly awaiting her destruction.

In the Bible it states the following regarding Ismael and his descendants (Islam) in Genesis 16: 11 & 12

11 And the angel of the Lord said unto her (Hagar, the bondwoman of Sarah and Abraham), Behold, thou art with child and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the Lord hath heard thy affliction.

12 And he (Ismael) will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.

The man described in these two verses is named Ishmael. Ismael later has 12 sons or princes. This is the beginning of Islam. Verse 12 calls Ishmael a wild man because his hand would be against all others. He is a man of blood, without compassion or love for any other including that of his own people.

Obvious to say, Christians and Jews are not fighting one another!

Every war and every conflict in the world today is related to Islamic aggression and barbarism. Certainly his hand is not only against non-Muslims but his hand is also against his very own brothers, Shite against Sunni and Sunni against Shite.

8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

“We (the world) have entered into this time of Sorrows”

According to verse 8, the prior 3 verses, 5, 6 with verse 7 being the main passage and these are the “beginning of Sorrows”.

This is important because here the pattern begins to emerge.

Verse 7 is the beginning of sorrows, Then as this chapter continues, we will see an unfolding of other events in their sequential order.

Every 7 verses begins a new and distinct time period.

Verse 7 = Beginning of Sorrows (we have entered this period) (These sorrows applies to all the nations)

We have seen the beginning of droughts that are leading to famines.Today, we are seeing California drying up. Many of our winter crops come from this area. The reason “we do not feel” the shortage effects (other than price) are because we are importing more food from other countries than ever before.

While droughts have settled upon one area, heavy rains, snow and floods will overtake the other. Weather patterns are shifting and changing! We see (despite those who have fudged the numbers with regard to global warming) a trend of extreme cold weather these last few years. This trend will continue because the Sorrows will be made compound. Where the seeds of discord and sin have been sowed, they will produce an unwanted harvest!

The Lord is long suffering but will increase the complexity and severity of every issue facing mankind. All the delightful things, all the things that have just seemed to work will now become a distant memory. We have taken for granted all these blessings. The world will now suddenly discover that was simply the goodness of God! Yet, most will not see this because of the hardness of their hearts.

Ebola and other life threatening diseases are constantly at the door. Measles has made a come back, we will continue to see old diseases reappear and make a resurgence along with the newer superbugs. When public utilities & trash removal begin to fail, disease will become rampant. America has been known for caring for its citizen’s health and wellbeing Unfortunately these things will begin to take a backseat and a sense of survival mode will become the theme. This will be a focus on the life threatening issues such as shelter, food and clean drinkable water. All of this is only the beginning of sorrows.

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.

Only recently have the Palestinians sought their own brand of justice in the International Criminal Court. As time proceeds and the Arab world continues to aggressively push for the Palestinian cause, this International Criminal Court will begin to accept cases involving the Jews. Once this begins, the Jews will become hunted and jailed and eventually this will lead to the beginning of an extermination program. This ICC is only the first stage and it comes from the steps of Hell.

It will make little difference whether the Jew is attempting to defend himself from Islamic terrorism or as a soldier in defense of the Land of Israel. This will become a commonplace event, Jews will find themselves wanted for “hate crimes” (when protecting themselves from terrorism) and for war crimes during national engagements.

Eventually they will find it nearly impossible to travel among the nations because there will be a literal price on their head. Every nation will be pressured to follow this same course of action or that nation will be ostracized politically and sanctioned economically.

Even now, if you are traveling through certain countries and they see an Israeli stamp on your passport, you will suddenly find yourself persona non-grata!

“Hated of All nations” Is there any other nation that is so hated as Israel? They are not hated by one or two nations but by nearly All the nations. They are viewed as the one common denominator of Arab uprisings and terrorism. The United Nations is nothing more than a world platform of hatred directed toward the Jewish people & Israel.

So many do not understand this tremendous hatred for Israel. While there are many different approaches to answer this question, it can really be summed up in a single Bible verse.

Jesus is speaking in Luke 13:35b
and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Jesus (Yeshua) is speaking to his brothers the Jews; they were His people just as He was a Jewish man. He was born of Jewish parents and observed all the Jewish laws. He was speaking these words primarily to them as a nation. He was saying, until you have knowledge and understanding of who I Am, and you call out to me, you will not see me!

The enemy of our souls the devil, is out to place every possible obstacle before the Jewish people. If he can only restrain the Jews from coming to their Messiah and ours, Jesus! While the enemy has many schemes and plans, this has to be the most his most utilized, to stop Israel from existing. His plot is to destroy Israel and every Jew who might invite the Messiah Jesus into his heart!

10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

Unfortunately, when persecution comes, many times it divides. When people become desperate, they will do things, even the unthinkable that they would not normally do. The Lord said He did not come to unite but rather to divide. As the Word states, Father would be against his son and daughter against her mother.

Many will receive Messiah but only 1/3 of all the Jews will accept Messiah according to Zechariah 13: 8 &
9. There will be a great divide in the Land of Israel for the sake of Messiah.

Additionally, This verse just happens to fall in the 10^th verse. The number “10” refers to a Test.

IE the “Ten” Commandments were a “test” to reveal to the Jews they could not work their own righteousness but needed a Messiah.

Also we are commanded to Tithe, a tithe is 10%
(a “test” of obedience) There are many more examples.
Malachi 3:10, KJV translations, prove me, others say, “Test me”.
This verse on Malachi also just happens to fall in the 10^th verse.

11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

Western nations, indeed most nations do not anticipate or look for a prophet! Only Israel has a history of the prophets being sent to them. So it would be natural especially in time of great deception, betrayal and conflict for Jews to seek a prophet. The Jews will be desperate to connect with God. This desperation will open the door wide for both the deception of the enemy as well as their Messiah.

12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Israel has the greatest schism that exists between the religious from the non-religious Jews. Although Israel as a nation is very close because of their history and especially their God, these times will change their hearts and attitudes.

During difficult times, love for family, friends and neighbors will wane. When these times come and the Jews do not have a genuine hope, every man will do what seems right in his own eyes. Then the hardness of the heart will become all too common.

There is a dear pastor friend of mine who once said,
“A man can live for about 40 days without food but then he must eat or die.
A man can live for about 3 days without water but then he must drink or die.
A man can live for about 3 minutes without air but then he must breathe or die.
But a man cannot live for 3 seconds without hope!

This will be time of intensifying sorrow and growing hopelessness, without Him our Messiah Jesus, there is no hope!

13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

This verse is a very profound passage! While we may live a life sanctified and holy, if we do not contend for the Faith until the very end when we are removed, then our Faith is of no affect!

Remember the worker who was found late in the day and was hired and only worked for the owner for one hour yet he was paid the same full wages. This same wordage is stated several times, to the one who endures to the end, he 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.

Here our pattern continues: (about every 7 verses)

Verse 7, The “Sorrows” began, And now
Verse 14 begins the 7-year Tribulation period begins
This Verse 14 contains “all” of the first 3 & ½ years of the Tribulation.

Verse 14, And this Gospel shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations. These are Clues! The words gospel being preached and the word witness in this verse point to the 144,000. These witnesses will carry the Gospel to every corner of the earth.

This one verse 14, is the very beginning & covers the first half of the 7- year Tribulation period!

These 144,000 Jewish men have a ministry that will last for the first 3 years of the tribulation. They are then removed after these 3 years of ministry.

The two witnesses also began their ministry at the same time as the 144,000. They both begin their ministry at the very beginning of the Tribulation period. However the two witnesses’ ministry will last for a total of 3 & ½ years or 6 months longer (than the 144,000) before they are removed.

These two witnesses are Enoch & Elijah. Moses cannot be one of the two witnesses because he has already suffered death once. Man cannot die twice according to Hebrews 9:27

These two witnesses, Enoch and Elijah are the only two men who have never tasted death. Hebrews 9:27, And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

This is what is referred to as a type or shadow. Enoch was the first Gentile to be raptured (removed), Elijah was the first Jew to be raptured (removed). Meaning the rapture of the Church (primarily Gentiles) will occur first and then later the Tribulation period will fully bring all of those who are truly Israelites into the Kingdom and they too will be removed.

Once these 144,000 witnesses and the 2 witnesses are removed,
Then in Verse 15 begins the last 3 &1/2 years of or what is referred to as the “Great Tribulation”.

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:)

Verse 15 is the pivotal verse

Verse 15 is pivotal and reveals the end of the first half FROM the beginning of the last half of the 7-year Tribulation period. This last half begins a time that will be the greatest suffering of all humanity from since the day of creation. The destruction and chaos and loss of life will greatly intensify over this last half of the Tribulation period.

When the abomination of desolation occurs, we know this is the half waypoint or 3 & ½ years into the Tribulation period. The Great Tribulation has now begun!

While it will be entirely possible for those watching the news to observe many of these events in Israel, this verse and the following verse is addressing those Jews living “in Israel” at that time.

When the Jews who are living in Israel are witnesses to the “abomination of desolation”, The Jews will know that they have been betrayed by the anti-Christ. With the signing the 7-year peace covenant having taken place 3 & ½ years earlier, the Jews will now understand they have made a covenant with a man who did not honor the God of his fathers. Daniel 11:37 & 38.

16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

Here we clearly see, this is not for Christian believers or even Jews living in other nations, but only the Jews living in Israel.

17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:

Regardless of the physical location of a Jew, he will know his life is now in great peril, there is no time to go to his home. Every Jew, every man who is very possibly separated in distance from his wife and sons and daughters, every family, all will be fleeing to the mountains. When you life is in danger, nothing else will matter.

Knowing the preparation of the Jews for times of uncertainty, many families will have already discussed possible scenarios. And they will have pre-planned for certain contingencies. While most Jews will be completely overwhelmed by the revelation of the intentions of anti-Christ, still others will not be taken by complete surprise and they will have acted upon that wisdom.

18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.

The One New Man Bible has an interesting interpretation, it states, “Prayer Shaw” in place of clothes. Much of the Jewishness has been scrubbed from the KJV and from many of the modern day interpretations. However, would not the Prayer Shaw be the most prized and important piece of clothing for a Jewish man?

19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

There would be great difficulty for two groups of women. The first who are pregnant and second are those whose baby is reliant upon the mother. When in fear and fleeing for your life, easy to see this is only an added burden.

20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:

But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: This verse seems to imply that by prayer, the season or the day can be re-arranged. While we know the Lord has designed every individual event to the year, the day and the hour, could it be He simply forsaw the prayer of His people?

Why are the words Sabbath used? In Israel, every Friday evening begins the Sabbath at sundown and continues to Saturday evening and is a solemn day set aside. The Sabbath is not a national day of rest in other nation except Israel. This passage were/are directed toward the Jew who is living in the Land of Israel during this period.

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 Pattern continues (about every 7 verses)

Verse 14 began the Tribulation Period and is now completed.
The Great Tribulation (the last 3 & ½ years of the Tribulation) is still raging but is completed in this verse 21.

Summary thus far…
Verse 7, The sorrows began
Verse 14, The Tribulation begins and covers the first 3 & ½ years.
Verse 15 is the pivotal verse, midway point separating the 7 years.
Verse 21, (15-21) these 7 verses cover the period of the last 3 &1/2 years and this period is also known as The Great Tribulation.

These last 7 verses, 15 through 21 have given details. It addresses both men and women and what to do and what not to do. It also addresses their physical locations and where to flee, to pray for weather conditions, and the day not to be on the Sabbath.

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.

Finally Jesus states that this would be the greatest suffering of all time! And that the times would be shortened because of so much death and destruction but also you can feel the love for His “Elect”.

Here in the above verse 22 and also below in verse 24, the word “Elect” is used. The Jews were considered the Elect and not the Gentile believers. Yes, we Christians have been grafted into the vine but we were not originally the Elect. All the righteous things of God beginning with Abraham up until the Lord Jesus have come through the Jew. The Gospel came first to the Jew and later to the Gentile.
Only in the book of Acts did salvation visit the home of a Gentile, Cornelius. Now, the Gentile Church has been given the mandate to entice and to make jealous the Jews with our love of their and our Messiah!

We Christian believers are a people “not of a nation” who were “adopted” into the family of God.

Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says,

“I will make you envious by those who are not a nation; (the Church)

I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding.
(Initially, the church was not given the understanding of the things of God) Romans 10:19 (NIV)

If it were not for the Lord Jesus “temporarily” placing scales or blinders upon the eyes of the Jews for a season, the Gentile Church would have been lost from their salvation. There would be no church age. So while we attempt to claim Jesus as our very own Messiah, do not despise the original branches, the Jews, for you were grafted in and can easily be removed!

In the Father’s perfect plan to include both the Jew and the Gentile that He might make One New Man out of the two. Eph 2:15 For we know God is no respecter of man.

23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.

These 4 verses 23 through 26, are a repetition of the Lord’s previous words, they are a brief summary of His teaching.

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.

Here the words, Christ or “Messiah”, prophets and great signs are all words aimed at the Jew for they are directed at His elect. These words have a much deeper meaning to the Jew than to a Gentile.

The word sign or signs is used 43 times in the Bible and it seems the Lord is extremely interested in showing signs, especially to His elect, the Jews.

For the Jews require a sign and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 1 Corinthians 1:22

25 Behold, I have told you before.

26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert;

Why would Jesus mention the desert?
Again, we Christians seem intent to accept or confiscate what at times are not ours! Indeed, most people around the world would find it somewhat difficult to find a desert within a reasonable distance but not in the Land of Israel.

26b go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.

The “Secret Chambers” or prayer closet could be used by believing Christians except for its context.

The One New Man Bible states it this way,
“Behold he is in the inner rooms” Could this interpretation be translated into the (newly re-built) Temple or one of its inner rooms?

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.

We should be sure to remember, Jesus at the end of the days, will come down and stand on the Mount of Olives. As He comes down to this location, perhaps it is this lighting flash He speaks, as He descends upon the Mount. For the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give off her light, Then shall the Son of Man appear!

28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

The Pattern continues (About every 7 verses)

The scene changes!
The carcase are the bodies of all believers and the eagles are their spirits of these Saints who are gathered. We Saints will be given back our bodies regardless of time and separation by distance. However THEN, we will be given our immortal resurrected bodies.

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2

Summary thus far…

29 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:

When the sun is darkened and the moon will not give off her light, there will be great darkness upon the face of the earth. And since there is such darkness, When the Lord comes; He will literally light up the all the sky and all the earth. And every eye will behold Him!

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.

Jesus, our Messiah will appear as “a sign” from the eastern sky and those who are still living will see with their eyes and mourn because they will finally have knowledge their great sin. And at the same time, they will also see his Undeniable Beauty and His Great Glory!

Notice the word “tribes” is used. This is because the earth has been so devastated by the Tribulation period that the term used 7 other times in various forms; “Peoples, Tribes, Tongues and Nations” is no longer applicable. The word “tribe” is used to signify a smaller group who are either related or have the same cultural background or views.

These Tribes (people) are those who are still alive who did not participate in the rebellion of the Battle of Armageddon. These people are the “remnants of the nations” and they will repopulate the New Earth during the millennium. During this same time period: the Saints will “Reign and Rule with Christ” for a thousand years over these re-populating nations.

A “Remnant” is a very distinct number!
A remnant is 1/6 of the original. Also have a teaching on this as it applies to both Israel having a “double portion” because the Jews have paid double for their sins according to both Isaiah and Jeremiah. Therefore, 1/3 of the Jews will be saved! We see this stated in Zechariah 13: 8 & 9

And also the Gentiles nations as we see will also have a remnant of people who enters into and will live in the millennial Reign of Christ.

Teaching on “What is a Remnant” can be found at:
https://jeremiah111.org/?page_id=480

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.

This is not the Rapture event for that event occurred 7 years prior but this verse is depicting the Angels gathering those who are the Elect, both the Jews and the Church.

32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:

1948, the fig tree, the Jewish Nation was re-born. The Jews were brought from the four corners of the earth into their land just as God had promised them century’s prior. God has jealously guarded Israel from her inception in the days of Abraham about 2,000 BC and will until the very end of this age.

33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

A prophecy in Psalm 48: 4-6 state the following, the year 19”48” is the very year of Israel being re-established among the nations.

For, lo, the kings (Arab nations) were assembled, they passed by together.
They saw it, (Israel being re-established) and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away. Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.

Fear took hold of these Arab nations as they were observing a miracle of the ages, something unimaginable. What is now referred to in Arabic as Nakba, or the “Day of the Catastrophe. The Arabs observed with their own eyes that the God of Abraham was restoring Israel to her proper position among the nations. These Arabs nations have attempted multiple times to destroy Israel but each time they see the mighty protective hand of God watching over His covenant people. And just as in the days of Ishmael, his descendants are determined to this day to destroy His Covenant People, the Jews.

Isaiah foretold that those living in the end time would know when they had entered the last days by seeing Israel being placed back into her rightful Land by the One who made Heaven and earth.

34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

One caveat here, the meaning of the term, “this generation shall not pass”, believe implies that the “entire” generation will not pass, be it 70 years or 80 years.

Of course we understand that many of every generation will pass at an earlier age. However there will be many in their 70s & 80s and they will see the fulfillment of these things and the end of the age.

A generation is 70 years! According to Psalm 90:1 and verses 9 & 10
The very first verse of Psalm 90 is speaking of the Generations.

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.

9 All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan.

10a Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures;

Verse 34 concludes a thought process that began with events after the Tribulation period with the powers of the Heavens being shaken. The Lord coming in the eastern sky, the angels begin to gather from the four corners of the earth. Then in verse 32 a major clue as to the timing, a sign of the Fig tree (Israel) being back in her land. Then most importantly when you see “these things” and then Jesus goes on to the conclusion, All things will be completed and the generation who would witness Israel’s (Fig Tree) rebirth would see the fulfillment of all these things!

35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

The Pattern continues (about every 7 verses)

Summary thus far…

Verse 7, The sorrows began
Verse 14, The Tribulation begins and covers the first 3 & ½ years.
(Verse 15 is the pivotal verse, midway point separating the 7 years)
Verse 21, verses 15-21, these 7 verses give details to the last 3 &1/2 years and are also known as The Great Tribulation is completed!
Verse 28, The spirits of believers (eagles) are gathered to their resurrected bodies. Verses 22 – 28 offer a brief summarization of previously stated events.
Verse 35, This Generation will not pass away. Heaven and earth will certainly pass away however every Word of the Lord will be fulfilled. And there will be a New Heaven but there will be a New Heaven and a New earth.

These verses 35 to 41 are spoken as a warning, to stay alert, not to let these things pass by without the people having understanding of them. His Words will not pass away without being fulfilled.

36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Of that “specific time”, no one knows the day or the hour, not even Jesus or the Angels of Heaven. Having said this, those alive will have the ability to see what is occurring and will have the benefit of the Jewish Bible, the Talmud and they will also will be most curious of the times and seasons and will have acquired knowledge of events.

Unfortunately, some believe the above verse 36 gives them full license to be ignorant. They believe that by not studying and showing themselves approved and to remain in ignorance is a more “sacred” approach! How ridiculous, this is more akin to laziness than holiness.

While we will not know the exact time, we will know the season just (1 Chronicles 12) And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times,

In Matthew 16, Jesus criticized the Pharisees and the Sadducees, while they could discern the weather but not discern the sign of the times.

We established in Psalm 90 the very interesting fact that was given as to the age of a Generation as being 70 years, 80 if by strength.

We know that Israel became a nation in 1948.
A generation as we learned from the above passages is 70 years or 80 years maximum.
1948 plus 70 years equals 2018 and if 80 years then the culmination of all things would be 2028 less 7 years for the Tribulation period which would bring us to 2021. So we would have possibly
4 to 5 years for the Great Harvest to come in to the KIngdom.

Here we see another pattern emerge in “the length of a ministry” period to be around 3 years.

The ministry of Jesus lasted for 3 years
The ministry of the 144,000 witnesses will last for 3 years.
The ministry of the 2 witnesses will last for 3 & ½ years.

This new pattern emerges regarding “the length of a ministry” period to be around 3 years.
It is my belief that the end time ministry of the Church will also last for 3 years. It will begin in September 2015 (around the feast of Tabernacles, an 8 day feast) and culminate in September 2018.
Also believe that possibly the rapture of the Church could occur around this time period.

Then the 7-year Tribulation period will begin. Keeping in mind that not “all” of that generation will have passed but will still be alive to fulfill that verse we read previously in verse 34.

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not (all) pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Some by their strength will make 80 years of age and if they were not believers at the time of the Rapture, will see the Fulfillment of all things.

“If” these things prove to be true, the Church has a very, very short window to bring the Greatest Harvest of souls into the Kingdom! This should be the focus of every Believer, to bring in as many souls as the Holy Spirit calls.

Many have arrived at this same conclusion as I. There was a time when Daniel was told to seal up the book. But in these last days, it is move than obvious the Lord is opening the vision and bringing the anointing to the Saints, for they are the Laborers of the Harvest.

And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. Rev 22:10

There will come a time in the not too distant future, when every Saint will walk on the streets of Heaven. And we will gather and be reminded of the great last day victories and how the Spirit of the Living God guided us. And we would see the results of the great multitudes of the saved souls that now surrounds us and of the Greatness of our God! And all of this will only intensify the rejoicing of the Saints.

37 But as the days of Noah 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.

Verses 37, 38 & 39 speak of daily life, when all everyday living would be moving along in a normal expected way; there was no call for alarm. The World will be filled with unrighteous men; wickedness has prevailed. The people of that time will only consume from the land. They simply went about their business and every many did as it seemed right to him without regard of the things of God.

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.

Be mindful that there will be a time during the 1,000 year Reign and Rule of Christ that there will be a repopulation of the Nations according to the book of Revelation.

Those who are left will be the tribes (people) who were still living after the Great Tribulation and had not experienced death. These are the remnants (tribes) of the nations.

And the one who is taken above, are those who are the Saints who came to Christ during the Tribulation period but had not suffered death at that point. They will be transformed and will not taste of death and they will join the Saints who have already been raptured or have passed on.

During this Millennial Age, Jesus will rule with a “rod of iron” over the repopulating nations. The Saints will also Rule with Christ. We will also be rulers over much because we have been found faithful in the little things.

For these repopulating nations who do not know Christ at the end of the age, there will be a natural ageing process. They will have an opportunity to come to Jesus during their lives and many will join the Saints. Yet we know that after the 1,000 years the devil will again be loosened and many will still rebel against the Lord and His Saints.

42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

The pattern continues (about every 7 verses)

Summary thus far…

Verse 7, The sorrows began
Verse 14, The Tribulation begins and covers the first 3 & ½ years.
(Verse 15 is the pivotal verse, midway point separating the 7 years)
Verse 21, verses 15-21, these 7 verses give details to the last 3 &1/2 years and are also known as The Great Tribulation is completed!
Verse 28, The spirits of believers (eagles) are gathered to their resurrected bodies. Verses 22 – 28 offer a brief summarization of previously stated events
Verse 35, Heaven and earth will certainly pass away however every Word of the Lord will be complete. And there will be a New Heaven but there will be a New Heaven and a New earth.
Verse 42, The command to “watch” is given in each verse 42 above and verse 43 below. However in verse 44 Jesus says to be ready!

43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

These 3 verses, 45, 46 and 47, are directed to the Faithful servant.

This is an interesting phrase in verse 45. “give them meat in due season”. This implies that a “reward” will be given to this wise and faithful servant. Meat in that day meant “Life”, it was essential for living to have a source of protein. This Life that is promised is none other than “Eternal Life” reserved for the one who will have served the Lord.

46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

These verses 45 and 46 and 47 are three verses that are directed to the good and faithful servant who was doing as he was commanded. That servant is blessed and he will be made ruler over larger things. This again points to the Saints when they will Rule and Reign with Christ during the Millennium.

48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;

Here in this verse, it states that “the evil servant will say in his heart”.
We see that “sin” is devised in the heart! Only after the heart has conceived this evil does it demand action! And the demand gives legs to the sin!

49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;

This verse 49, we see the actual sin being demon-strated!

While the Lord spoke 3 verses 45, 46, and 47 to the faithful servant.
Jesus spoke 4 verses to the unfaithful man, verses 48, 49, 50 and 51

The Pattern continues (about every 7 verses)

Summary thus far.

Verse 7, The sorrows began
Verse 14, The Tribulation begins and covers the first 3 & ½ year
Verse 15, is the pivotal verse, midway point separating the 7 years)
Verse 21, verses 15-21, these 7 verses give details to the last 3 &1/2 years and are also known as The Great Tribulation is completed!
Verse 28, The spirits of believers (eagles) are gathered to their resurrected bodies. Verses 22 – 28 offer a brief summarization of previously stated events.
Verse 35, Heaven and earth will certainly pass away however every Word of the Lord will be complete. And there will be a New Heaven but there will be a New Heaven and a New earth.
Verse 42, The command to “watch” is given in each verse 42 above and verse 43 below. However in verse 44 Jesus says to be ready!
Verse 49, Actually the sin of the unfaithful servant is begin demonstrated and this leads to the conclusion of the chapter.

50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,

51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The Lord will come to the unfaithful servant when he does not expect, at an inconvenient time. One in which the demand of the evil heart has come fully to fruition and now that man is appointed his portion in the lake of fire where weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The final verse speaks of the Great White Throne Judgment. This is a time when every person who had chosen to reject the Son of God, the Lord Jesus, will be chained by the demons of hell and removed. Removed from all love and beauty and every pleasant thing that the Lord had given to all men while they lived on the earth.

While considering what to say in the epilogue of this study, believe it necessary to say that regardless of the hard things we have discussed in this Chapter, we know the end of the story, Victory!

The True Church is about to experience the greatest days of her existence. While many would point back to the time of Jesus, yet His entire teaching and purpose was to see the Saints arise and take their rightful place with Him. We are being made into His perfect Image. And we shall rule and reign with Him for a thousand years!

Blessings to you and your house,
Steve Grable
Jeremiah111.org