Always Check The Reference

 

 

A lot of people are sharing this picture and passage.

But look how much it is being taken out of context. For one, there is no Luke 81:20. This should have been the first warning sign.

But also, Luke 21:20 says this, "20 But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her..."

Verse 28 says, "28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

Early Christians took what Jesus said here literally and when the Romans started to surround Jerusalem, they fled. They listened to Jesus and were saved from that destruction. The early Church testified to this to show that Jesus’ word was faithful, that the glory had departed the temple and now God’s work had shifted to the growing church, and that the people who fled were saved just as Jesus said they would be, therefore, trust in Jesus and you will be saved. What a powerful apologetic.

What would be the modern application of this today? Tell all those in Jerusalem or not to hope in Jesus. Even if you say there's a second fulfilment of this, which I think Matthew's gospel supports to be fair, the application is still get out of Dodge (Jerusalem) and turn to Jesus.

Remember Jesus spoke this message to Jewish believers in the first century. Shouldn't we be encouraging those in modern Israel to look to Jesus rather than hope in the land? This passage seems to imply that trusting in the chariots of Egypt figuratively (army of America it is today) is a foolish quest.

Hebrews 4 says there's no rest for those who try to claim the land, except in Jesus. Everything happening appears to vindicate that truth, doesn't it? Hebrews 4:8-11,

“8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. 11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.”

If the greatest conquer in the history of the world who trusted in the Lord God could not achieve rest for Israel, how can a modern man who reject God achieve this? God’s word is being fulfilled before our eyes, just maybe not how you have been previously taught. Jesus words were faithful and true, use these words to point people to Jesus.