Jesus specifically taught about his return in what is called the Olivet Discourse, and it is recorded in three Gospels: Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. In these teachings he lists certain signposts that can alert us. Sometimes the signposts are specific events, and sometimes they are trends. Some of the signposts are identified as "the beginning of birth pains." This implies these events will be happening over time in ever increasing frequency and severity.
Sign Posts referred
to by Jesus
These sign posts not only have occurred over the last 2000 years, but also with increasing frequency and intensity in the 20th century.
"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door." - Jesus
"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive for what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." - Luke 21:25-28
Jesus listed powerful signs of nature -
- Anomalies in the heavens
- Roaring and tossing sea waves such as tsunamis
- Increasing terror because of natural calamity
- Increasing fear in man and resulting apprehension
Many of these symptoms are beginning as natural disasters are increasing world-wide. Raging fires, hurricanes, tornados, tsunamis, earthquakes, and floods are almost a monthly occurrence in today's news. All that seems to be missing so-far are the heavenly signs.
Israel is often referred to as a fig tree: God said, "When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your fathers, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree." - Hosea 9:10. I believe Jesus was referring to the nation of Israel being re-established.
"And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth." - Isaiah 11:12.
The re-gathering of Israel is a sign to the nations. They went into captivity as two peoples - Judah and Ephraim, but they will return as one nation - Israel. After they return they will "fly upon the shoulders of the philistines ..." (Isa. 11:14), which speaks of the series of wars they have had since 1948. Each time the Arab nations attacked them, they won more land, coming closer to the borders promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
There are signs of revival in Israel. They have re-established the Sanhedrin. They are training Priests to minister in the Temple and are producing their ceremonial robes and ministry utensils. There now some 60 Messianic congregations throughout the land. They are preparing to re-build the Temple.
The fig leaves are getting tender.
"Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." - Jesus
June of 1967
Israel captured the old city of Jerusalem after being barred from it for
nearly 2000 years. The famous 'western wall', the last retaining wall that
surrounded Herod's Temple, marked the closest Jewish people could come to
the Temple Mount, for fear of treading on the Holy of Holies.
Israel now controls the Temple Mount, bringing to an end Gentile rule over Jerusalem. Jesus taught, "This generation will certainly not pass away until these all things have happened." - Luke 21:32.
The common calculation for a generation is about 40 years. The question is, what does the phrase "all these things" refer to?