In the “Lord’s Great Prophesy” of Matthew 24 & Luke 21, our Lord outlined both the historical events that would lead up to his return as well as the signs that would indicate he was here. He also referred to the book of Daniel in Matthew 24:15. Hence, more corroborating prophecies about Jesus’s return may be found in Daniel. The following are some highlights of Jesus’s second presence:
1. The nation of Israel restored. Matthew 24:32, “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near……Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away till all these things take place.” The fig tree is symbolic of the nation of Israel. The nation of Israel was cast off by our Lord at his first coming, and the passage indicates they will be regathered and restored at his second coming. (See Jeremiah 24:4-7.)
2. Jerusalem no longer occupied. “Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled,” Luke 21:24. The capital of Israel, Jerusalem, is now in the hands of the Jews after centuries of foreign occupation.
3. A time of trouble never before seen. “For then will be great tribulation such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been shortened, no human being would be saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.” Matthew 24:21-22 With the advent of the nuclear age, man is now in the position to completely destroy himself. Thank God we are promised that this will not be permitted although the trouble will be unparalleled in human history.
4. Many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased. The events of Daniel 12:4 take place when Michael the archangel stands up in the time of the end. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 also mentions “the voice of the archangel” which is heard at the time of Jesus’s return. Thus, Thessalonians links the prophecy of Daniel with the return of the Lord. Two signs of Jesus’s return would be great knowledge and travel. Remarkably, no other time in human history has seen exponential increases in knowledge. Today, mankind’s knowledge doubles every five years. Additionally, man’s ability to travel, traverse the globe, and venture into space is astounding.
5. Most humans will not have any faith in God. Luke 18:8 says, “Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?” We live in a time when blind creedalism steeped in superstition and arrogant higher learning reject the Bible. People want concrete evidence. Or people behave according to “what feels right.” (See also 2 Timothy 3:1-8.)
As was said, these are just a few highlights.
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