The Reporter     Volume 47 # 30,  --  July 27, 2007

 

The Destruction Of Jerusalem

And The End Of The World

– Matthew Twenty-Four –

 

   Jesus, foreseeing the terrible destruction that would come upon Jerusalem lamented, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate." (Matthew 23:37-38) He knew that the city and the temple would be destroyed. This destruction came in AD 70. Some questions in Matthew twenty-four relate to that destruction while others relate to the end of the world.

 

   Questions about the destruction of Jerusalem – Matthew 24:1-14: As Matthew twenty-three ends Jesus laments the terrible things which would come upon that generation. (Matthew 23:36) He knew that even the temple would not be spared. As the disciples were standing and commenting on the magnificence of the the Temple, Jesus told them that there was coming a day when "...not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down." (Matthew 24:2.) This prediction of destruction brought grief to the disciples hearts. This event happened when the Roman General Titus came against Jerusalem in 70 A.D., and destroyed the city completely.

 

The questions asked by the disciples were "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3) They assumed that what Jesus was talking about would be at His second coming. They asked about "when" and "what signs would be given?" We will later see that the things before Matthew 24:34 would take place in the lifetime of those in that generation. “Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.”  

 

   Jesus warned them of the possibility of being misled. This is our Lord's number one warning! "Take heed that no one deceives you." (Matthew 24:4) How can you make sure you are not deceived? You check it out in God's Word and carefully study for yourself. Jesus said that there would be false Christs, wars, famines, earthquakes, and the gospel would be preached to the whole world. All of these would be things people would try to use as signs but these things would not pinpoint the destruction of Jerusalem or the end of the world, "but the end is not yet."

 

   Sign concerning the destruction of Jerusalem – Matthew 24:15-33: Jesus gave a real sign for the Jews to look for as the destruction of Jerusalem approached. The real sign Jesus gave was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Daniel (Daniel 9) -- "Abomination of desolation." The destruction of the Temple spoken of by Jesus was the same as the "Abomination of desolation" predicted by Daniel. Jesus explained all of this with the words of Luke 21:20, "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near." A foreign army would come to make Jerusalem desolate. When the army came they were to flee to the mountains without going back into the city. They were to leave from the field where they were. Do no go back to your house. This quick departure will be difficult if you have small children, or if it is winter or on a Sabbath. All of this fits perfectly the coming of the Roman army to destroy Jerusalem in AD 70. So far, all of this depicts a local, escapable judgment. It certainly does not fit a worldwide, inescapable judgment! All of this fits perfectly about what we know of the Roman army coming to destroy Jerusalem in A.D. 70. None of these things would fit the end of the world and final judgment. Those Christians understood this teaching and as a result many escaped Jerusalem.

 

   Many think these things refer to the end of the world. But, this cannot be because these things would happen "immediately'' and these things are before Matthew 24:34. Remember, in Matthew 24:34 Jesus starts His discussion of the end of the world.

 

   Some say this has to be the end of the world because of the natural disasters described in the text. These natural disasters were used commonly in the Old Testament to talk about the fall of nations. (1) Babylon, Isaiah 13:1, Isaiah 13:6-13, (2) Egypt, Isaiah 19:1-2, Ezekiel 32:2-9, (3) Tyre, Isaiah 23:1, Isaiah 24:21-23, (4) Edom, Isaiah 34:4-6, (5) Nineveh, Nahum 1:1-5, (6) Israel, Amos 8:9, and (7) Judah, Jeremiah 4:5-6, Jeremiah 4:23-28.

 

   Here they are used to talk about the destruction of the Jewish nation. The destruction of Jerusalem was "the sign" Jesus had given. All of these things took place immediately after the fall of Jerusalem and during that generation.

 

   This Generation Shall Not Pass – Matthew 24:34-44: Jesus said you can use leaves coming on a fig tree to know that summer is near. He used that illustration to let the people know that the desolation was coming when the saw the sign (foreign army surrounding Jerusalem). Those that observe that sign could know. "...This generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place." (Matthew 24:34)

 

   Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." (Matthew 24:35-36) "That day" is used to refer to the final day of Judgment, Jesus said (1) no one knows when it will be, (2) no signs will be given, and (3) no fleeing from this event. "That day" will be a day of separation. Christians will certainly prepare themselves for "that day." "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (Matthew 24:44)

 

   The faithful must watch and prepare – Matthew 24:45-51: The servant who watches for the Master's return will have a great motivation to faithfulness and will be blessed. "Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing." (Matthew 24:46) A failure to focus on "that day" will cause one to be unfaithful. (Matthew 24:48-51) Jerusalem was destroyed as the Lord promised.

 

   The final Judgment will also come as the Lord promised. The precise time of Judgment Day is not revealed for us to know, so that we must at all times be watching for it. Therefore, we as Christians are obligated by the Lord's Word to watch for His coming. Are you ready for the Judgment day? (Amos 4:12, Acts 2:38, Matthew 10:22)

               

   The seriousness of judgment and eternity says that sinners should come to Christ and live for Him. Purify your heart by faith (John 8:24), change your life through repentance, (Acts 17:30), change your relationship with God through baptism. Then, from that watery grave of baptism arise to a walk in newness of life in Christ. (Romans 6:3-4) Are you ready for the Judgment day? If not prepare now. “For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (II Corinthians 6:2)

 

            - - - - Charles Box

 News & Notes

 

1. Prayer List: In Need Of Prayers: Mae Beverly, Cindy Edgar, Roy Goodwin, Nicole Griffin, Montine Hardin, Evan Hartsell, Billy Heartsill, Mary Jo Hoffman, Jerry Johnson, Wanda Kyser, Mary Lawrence, Joanna Moore, Mary Powell, Jack Queener, Ottey Simno, Ralph Sims, Nell Shanklin, Brenda Stallings, Earl Walden, Leroy Waller (surgery), Mary Williams and Melissa Woodruff. Crowne Health Care: Kathy Johnson, Myrtle Perdue, and Iva Lou Wright. Homewood Greenville: Marie Walton. Pine Needle: Mary Lou Phelps. Georgiana Nursing Facility: Helen Autrey and Doris Pierce. Shut-Ins: Emma Lee Gafford, Jean Hayes, and Doris Taylor.

 

2. Sympathy Expressed: Our love and sympathy is expressed to Brenda Herring, Marie Owens and Kyle Sexton and their families in the death of their grandmother, Fannie Lee Sexton.

 

3. Please Pray For: The following people are serving in Iraq: Sam Sanders, Jason Godwin, Michael Howell, Kimberly Williams, Taylor Bodie, Lynn Kervin, Paul Findley and Richard Shows (brother of Terri Bagents). Pray for them often!

 

4. Fifth Sunday Meal: We will enjoy a meal together following worship on Sunday morning, July 29^th. Visitors are especially invited to stay. Bread & Beverage committee will clean-up after the meal.

 

5. Margaret Munro’s Birthday Party: Everyone is invited to a birthday party to celebrate Margaret Munro’s 90^th birthday on August 11^th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. The party will be in the multi-purpose room of the Walnut Street Church of Christ. No presents.

 

6. Finger Foods/Bridal Shower: There will be a bridal shower for Kimberly Hittell and Adam Garlock on Sunday, August 26^th after the evening service. Ladies are asked to bring finger foods.

 

7. Mail For Jason Godwin: The only way to communicate with Jason Godwin is through his e-mail, jason.e.godwin@us.army.mil. This will be used until he comes home. The mailing address is no longer any good.

 

8. Birthdays: Celebrating birthdays this week are: July 31^st Marie Curlee, Patricia Harrell, and Susan Murphy, August 1^st Marie Owens, August 2^nd Tyler Nall, and August 4^th Vickie Clark.

 

9. Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary: In honor of the Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Byron L. Benson their children and grandchildren request the pleasure of your company at a reception Sunday, the fifth of August two thousand and seven at half past one in the afternoon, The Atrium of the Harris-Parker Building Faulkner University 5345 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, Alabama. No gifts please

 

10. Thank You: (a) Dear Walnut Street, Just a note to say a BIG thank you to all of those who assisted us in our successful move Saturday and all those who played a part since we found out we had to move 30 days ago. We appreciate all of those who came to help. Lisa, for keeping the kids occupied all day, Mr. Bobby for the use of his trucks and equipment and all the guys with trucks and trailers, and others who worked hard all day. There were so many people who showed up at 8 a.m. and stayed till the last piece of furniture was in place. I will not name them all but you know who you are and please know you are greatly appreciated for all your hard work! It turned out to be one smooth move and hopefully the last! It couldn’t have happened without all of you. We are so grateful to have such great friends like you. Thanks again. In Christian Love, Larry & Christine Lucas ** The new address for Christine and Larry is: 5140 South Mt Zion Road, Greenville, Alabama 36037. (b) Thanks so much for the beautiful spray of flowers you sent for our loss of Florence. Keep us in your prayers. In Christian Love, James Alford, Peggy Deavers & Families ** James Alford will be going to Golden Living Center in Montgomery (formally Tyson Manor) just off Carter Hill Road. (263-1643)

 

11. Wiregrass: Jamey Thomas attended a second session of Wiregrass Christian Camp. There he received the highest achievement award, The Bible Award. Congratulations!

 

12. Guyana School Supplies: This is a great time to purchase school supplies for Guyana. Either bring them in yourself or give extra money and they will be purchased. We need to do this NOW!

 

Have Courage

 

   While Israel was at war with Syria, Elisha, the man of God prophesied. He informed the King of Israel that the Syrians would be in “such and such a place,” so that the Israelites could set up an ambush. This he did more than once, and it began to vex the Syrian king. So the king found Elisha and sent horses, chariots, and a great army there. The army encompassed the entire city of Dothan, and Elisha’s servant arose early and went out where he was taken aback by what he saw. He hurried inside to inform his master and said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” Then, confidently Elisha made this statement of faith, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then He prayed that his servant’s eyes would be open. Then the Lord opened his eyes and he saw the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (II Kings 6:8-17.) 

 

   It is time that we fearful servants open our eyes and see that those who are with us are more than those who are with them. No, we are not assured that a great physical army will protect us from harm, but this should not discourage us.  “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood…but against the rulers of the darkness of this age.” (Ephesians 6:12) We are at war with the Devil, but we should not fear, for we have been given an arsenal of armor and powerful weaponry. (Ephesians 6:13-17.) Have faith in this, and there is no reason why we should not be brave just as Elisha was when he stared death in the face. Believe as Paul did when he said in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

 

   I challenge you today to open your eyes and see the power you’ve been given. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation.” (Romans 1:16.)  Believe in it, obey it, and share it!

- - - - Darrell Powell

 

“Love One Another”

 

Don’t just own a Bible; read it!

 

Walnut Street Church of Christ

P.O. Box 551

Greenville, Alabama 36037-0551

(334-382-3001)