[Jesus said] “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that kits desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” (Luke 21:20-24 ESV).
Another prophetic sign of the second coming is tied to Israel’s control over Jerusalem. In our reading today, Jesus said, “And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” (v. 24). This prophecy has been fulfilled. The people had been scattered and returned, but Jerusalem was still under Gentile control. In 1967, the Six-Day War broke out. By the end of the Six-Day War, the Jews had taken back control of Jerusalem for the first time in 2,000 years. This was a major prophetic sign of Christ’s second coming.
What’s more is that when the Jews planned to conquer the city, they recognized that the best military strategy was to go through the Eastern Gate. However, one man stood up and said they couldn’t go through it because it was sealed, and only the Messiah could pass through. Instead, they went to the other side to enter.
Do you see how God circles everything back so that His plans are completely fulfilled? His prophetic signs for the second coming of Christ are so precise, so timely, that they push the boundaries of a doubtful heart. This is God’s intent. The soul might wrestle with the trustworthiness of God’s Word, but the Spirit knows. It is the Spirit who reveals.
Jesus said to not have a troubled heart. It is an indicator that we can believe in His promises and the prophetic signs written in His Word. He has gone to prepare a place for us, His Church, and will come again to receive us (cf. John 14:3). He is coming, and I believe it will be much sooner than later.