a ministry for hungry saints - wotruth.com · a ministry for hungry saints, series on the book of...

An overview of the Gospel of Luke, by Given O. Blakely

COMMENTARY ON: 17:20-37

Since May, 1993, a ministry instituted for the encouragement of believers in Christ

LESSON NUMBER 54

A MINISTRY FOR HUNGRY SAINTS

Jesus is asked when the Kingdom of God will come. He responds by saying itdoes not come with observation, yet is in their very midst. Neither can menpoint out the Kingdom of God, so that people are able to see it, and know itspresence. He then speaks of a time when they will desire just a single day whenthe Son of Man is obvious, but will not be able to do so. Additionally He saysthere is coming a time when they will desire to see just one favorable day ofthe Son of Man, but shall not be able to do so. He then parallels the destructionof Sodom and Gomorrah to His coming. While the Son of God is not obvious tothem at that time, there is coming a time when He will appear in all of His glory,and every eye will see Him. However, for those who are convinced of Him forthe first time, that appearing will be the harbinger of their eternal exclusion andcondemnation. An eternal separation will take place at that time.

A Ministry for Hungry Saints, Series on the Book of Luke, Lesson #54, Meeting #585 – in its 24th year

INTRODUCTION

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE TEXT Jesus is asked when the Kingdom

of God will come. He responds bysaying it does not come withobservation, yet is in their very midst.Neither can men point out the Kingdomof God, so that people are able to see

it, and know its presence. He thenspeaks of a time when they will desirejust a single day when the Son of Manis obvious, but will not be able to doso. Additionally He says there is cominga time when they will desire to see justone favorable day of the Son of Man,

but shall not be able to do so. He gfoeson to parallel the destruction of Sodomand Gomorrah to His coming. While theSon of God is not obvious to them atthat time, there is coming a time whenHe will appear in all of His glory, andevery eye will see Him. However, for

54 VERSIONS OF THE ENGLISH SCRIPTURES ABP=Apostolic Bible Polyglot m(1992); ALT=Analytical-Literal Translation (2005), AMPLIFIED =Amplified Bible (1965), ABP=ApostolicBible Polygot with Greek Interlinear (2003); ASV=American Standard Version (1901), BBE=Bible in Basic English (1949),BRENT=Brenton’s English Septuagint; CEB =Common English Bible (2011); CEV=Contemporary English Version (1995); DRA=Douay-Rheims (1899), EMTV =English Majority Text (2002); ERV =English Revised Version (1885), ETH = Etheridge Translation (1849); ETRV= Easy to Read (1999), ESV=English Stand Version (2001), GENEVA=Geneva Bible (1599), GNB=Good News (1966), GSNT=Goodspeed (1923), GWN =God’s Word (1995), IE= International English (1973), NIRV=New Int’l Readers Version (1998);ISV=International Standard Version (1967), JPS=Jewish Publication Society (1917), JUB=Jubilee Bible (2003); KJV=King James Version(1611), LITV= Literal Translation of the Bible (1976), LEW = Lewis Translation (1896); LIVING=Living Bible (1971), MESSAGE=TheMessage (1993), MGI = Peshitta Translation (2006); MIT =Idiomatic Version; MKJV= Modern KJV (1962),MONTGOMERY=Montgomery’s New Testament (2001), MRD=Peshitta-James Murdock Translation (1852), NAB=New American Bible(2002), NASB=New American Standard Bible (1977), NAU=New American Standard Bible (1995), NIB=New International Bible, NIV=NewInternational Version (1984), NJB=New Jerusalem Bible (1985), NKJV=New King James Version (1979), NLT=New Living Translation(1996), NOY = George Noyes Bible (1869); NRSV=New Revised Standard Version (1989), PHILLIPS=J B Phillips New Testament (1962),PNT=Bishop’s New Testament (1595), ROT = Rotheram Bible (1999); RPTE = Revised Patriarchal Greek Orthodox New Testament;RSV=Revised Standard Version (1952), TNK=JPS Tanakj (1985), WEB=Webster Bible (1833),WEYMOUTH=Weymouth’s New Testament(1903), WILLIAMS=William’s New Testament (1937), TYNDALE=Tyndale’s Bible (1526), WYCLIFFE=Wycliffe New Testament (1382),YLT =Young’s Literal Translation (1862)

GREEK LEXICON LEGEND

FRIBERG; LOUW-NIDA; LIDDELL SCOTT; THAYER; VGNT GREEK DICTIONARY; GINGRICH, DANKER,

Lesson Number 54The Book of Luke, 3/31/17

A MINISTRY INITIATED INMAY 1993, AND DEDICATEDTO STRENGTHENING THOSEWHO ARE IN CHRIST, BYBUILDING THEIR FAITH,ENHANCING THEIR JOY, ANDSTABILIZING THEIR HOPE, ENABLING THEM TO WORKOUT THEIR SALVATION WITHFEAR AND TREMBLING.

P E R S U A D E D O F T H ENECESSITY OF KNOWING THECERTAINTY OF THE THINGSWE BELIEVE, LUKE MAKESU S M O R E F I R M B YBUTTRESSING OUR FAITH,AND CONFIRMING WE HAVENOT EMBRACED FABLES.

DISCLAIMER: The quoting of other translations is not to be taken as a condoning of them. My purpose is rather to show the remarkable diversity, and sometimes outrightcontradictions that exist among these various versions of Scripture. Our understanding of the Word of God ultimately depends upon our comprehension of the Lord Himselfand His eternal purpose. Where this understanding is not present, we are shut up to scholasticism and conjecture, both of which are of the world, not of God.

“ Luke 17:20 And when He was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, He answered them and said, Thekingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is withinyou. 22 And He said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and yeshall not see it. 23 And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. 24 For as the lightning, thatlighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in His day.25 But first must He suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation. 26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be alsoin the days of the Son of Man. 27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noeentered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, theydrank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; 29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstonefrom heaven, and destroyed them all. 30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed. 31 In that day, He whichshall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let himlikewise not return back. 32 Remember Lot's wife. 33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose hislife shall preserve it. 34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.35 Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shallbe taken, and the other left. 37 And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And He said unto them, Wheresoever the bodyis, thither will the eagles be gathered together." . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke 17:20-37

JESUS DECLARES THE MANNER IN WHICH THE KINGDOM OF GOD COMES, WHEN IT WILL BE UNABLE TO BE ACCESSED, AND WHEN HE WILL COME AGAIN – Given O. Blakely

The Kingdom and the Coming of Christ -- 1 of 14


those who are convinced of Him for thefirst time, that appearing will be theharbinger of their eternal exclusion andcondemnation. An eternal separationwill take place at that time.

THE KINGDOM OF GODThe “Kingdom of God” is a pivotal

subject in God’s purpose and dealingswith humanity – particularly since Johnthe Baptist. Eight hundred years beforeChrist, David prayed, "Thy throne, OGod, is for ever and ever: the scepter ofThy kingdom is a right scepter" (Psa45:6). That is the first mentioning ofGod’s Kingdom in Scripture. The nextdirect mention of this Kingdom wasmade by Nebuchadnezzar. After beinghumbled by God in an epochal

judgment, He said, "How great are Hissigns! and how mighty are Hiswonders! His kingdom is aneverlasting kingdom, and His dominionis from generation to generation" (Dan4:3).

The point is that sin had soalienated man from God, that they werenot prepared to hear about the Kingdomof God. There were hints of it wherethe coming Messiah was spoken of asa King (Psa 2:6; 24:8-10; Zech 9:9),one that had dominion (Dan 7:14), onethat would rule (Psa 110:2; Isa 32:1;Zech 6:12-13), and One upon whoseshoulders the Government would beplaced (Isa 9:6-7). But in those times –the first four thousand years of humanhistory – very little was known about“the kingdom of God,” for very littlehad been revealed about it.

H o w e v e r , u p o n t h ecommencement of the ministry of Johnthe Baptist, and the ministry of Jesuswhich began six months later, thepeople to whom, they preached heardmuch about “the Kingdom of God” and“the Kingdom of heaven” – one and thesame Kingdom. “The Kingdom of God”views it as the One governing it. “TheKingdom of heaven” views it from thestandpoint of its control center.

In the Gospels, where theministries of John the Baptist and Jesusare recorded, “the Kingdom of God” ismentioned fifty-four times, and “theKingdom of Heaven” is mentionedthirty-two times. So far as Divineauthority is concerned, this Kingdomhas no borders. There is no place onearth, above the earth, or under theearth where God does not rule withabsolute and unquestioned power andauthority. There is no personality orgroup of personalities that do notsubmit to Him – willingly or unwillingly.

THE GREATEST KINGDOMThe Kingdom of God is the

greatest Kingdom, the most significantdomain, and the most important reign.It will outlast all other kingdoms,forcing them into oblivion.

Wikipedia lists over 150 kingdomsthat have become ext i nc t(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_empires). Some lasted for for over onethousand years:

- Byzantine Empire, 1,453 years- Caliphate of Córdoba, 1,031 years- Chagatai Khanate, 1,687 years- Chola Dynasty, 1,629 years- Pandyan Empire, 1,858 years

Some lasted several hundredyears:

- Aksumite Empire, 790 years- Armenian Empire, 618 years- Benin Empire, 457 years- Bornu Empire, 506 years- Carthaginian Empire, 504 years- Chera Dynasty, 600 years- Danish colonial empire, 600 years- Ethiopian Empire, 837 years- Frankish Empire, 700 years- Goguryeo, 705 years

The four global kingdoms revealedto Daniel lasted as follows:- Babylon, 606-535 BC, 70 years- Medio-Persian, 200+ years- Grecian, 332-146 BC, 186 years- Roman, 26 B.C.-1453 AD., 1,479 years

By way of comparison, theKingdom of God is an “everlastingkingdom” (Psa 145:13; Dan 4:3; 7:27;2 Pet 1:11). In other words, it isimmediately identified with GodHimself, who is “the Everlasting God”Gen 21:33; Isa 40:28; Rom 16:26).When all other kingdoms have beentotally removed, the Kingdom of Godwill remain.

WHEN SHALL THE KINGDOM OF GOD COME?

“ Luke 17:20 And when He was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, He

` CO NTENTS || INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION || WHEN SHALL THE KINGDOM OFWHEN SHALL THE KINGDOM OF

GOD COME (17:20)GOD COME (17:20)|| THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHINTHE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN

YOU (17:21)YOU (17:21)|| THE DAYS WILL COME 17:22)THE DAYS WILL COME 17:22)|| THEY WILL SAY UNTO YOU (17:23)THEY WILL SAY UNTO YOU (17:23)|| SO SHALL THE COMING OF THE SONSO SHALL THE COMING OF THE SON

OF MAN BE (17:24)OF MAN BE (17:24)|| BUT FIRST HE MUST SUFFER ANDBUT FIRST HE MUST SUFFER AND

BE REJECTED (17:25)BE REJECTED (17:25)|| AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF NOAHAS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH

(17:26-27)(17:26-27)|| AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF LOT AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF LOT

(17:28-29)(17:28-29)|| WHEN THE SON OF MAN ISWHEN THE SON OF MAN IS

REVEALED (17:30)REVEALED (17:30)|| IN THAT DAY (17:31]IN THAT DAY (17:31]|| REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE (17:32)REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE (17:32)|| WHOSOEVER SHALL SEEK TO LOSEWHOSOEVER SHALL SEEK TO LOSE

OR SAVE HIS LIFE (17:33)OR SAVE HIS LIFE (17:33)|| I TELL YOU (17:34-36)I TELL YOU (17:34-36)| WHERE LORD? (17:37]




answered them and said, Thekingdom of God cometh not withobservation.”

HE WAS DEMANDED“And when He was demanded of

the Pharisees . . .”

Other versions read, “He wasasked,” NKJV “having been questioned,”NASB “put questions to him about,” BBE

and “was questioned from thePharisee.” ETH

The word translated in the KingJames Version as “demanded” (it isalso translated that way in otherversions) comes from a word meaning“to accost one with an inquiry, put a questionto, inquire of, ask, interrogate; to address onewith a request or demand; to ask of ordemand of one,” THAYER “as a legal technicalterm interrogate, examine, question,” FRIBERG

“interrogate.” GINGRICH

NOT AN ACADEMIC QUESTIONThis was not a casual question, or

kind of academic pursuit. Furthermore,it was not -primarily prompted by theirknowledge of Scripture.

In Moses and the Prophets verylittle was said about “the Kingdom ofGod.” In fact that expression is notfound from Genesis through Malachi inany standard version of Scripture.There are references to “His Kingdom”(Psa 103:19; 145:12; Isa 9:7; Dan4:3,34; 6:26). In the revealedinterpretation of Pharaoh’s dream,Daniel said, "And in the days of thesekings shall the God of heaven set up akingdom, which shall never bedestroyed: and the kingdom shall notbe left to other people, but it shall breakin pieces and consume all thesekingdoms, and it shall stand for ever"(Dan 2:44). However, for the mostpart, there was not much known aboutGod’s Kingdom.

This question was promoted bythe preaching of John the Baptist andJesus Himself. Both of them camepreaching, “the Kingdom of God is athand” (Matt 3:2; Mk 1:14-15; Matt4:17).

To this point in the Gospel of Luke

Jesus has referred to the “Kingdom”twelve times (Lk 4:43; 6:20; 7:28; 8:1;9:27; 9:60,62; 10:9,11; 11:2,17,20).It is said that He "went throughoutevery city and village, preaching andshowing the glad tidings of thekingdom of God” (Luke 8:1). He hadsent the twelve disciples out "to preachthe kingdom of God, and to heal thesick" (Luke 9:2). When people followedHim, "He received them, and spakeunto them of the kingdom of God"(Luke 9:11). You could not be aroundJesus and not hear of “the Kingdom ofGod.” He spoke parables declaring whatthe Kingdom of God was like, andlikened to (Matt 13:31,33,44,45,57,52; 20:1,22; Mk 4:30; Lk13:18,20).

He spoke of seeking this kingdom(Matt 6:33), and entering this kingdom(Matt19:24; Mk 9:47; John 3:5).

The Pharisees were not asking inorder to really know, but were takingthe position of a lawyer who wasattempting to discredit the Lord Jesus.There was a tone of mockery in theirwords. They had not been teachingabout “the kingdom of God,” and whatJesus said about it was nothing morethan theological rubbish to them.

They further interrogated Jesus asthough He was inferior to them, andowed them an explanation for why Hehad been teaching the people in such amanner.

WHEN THE KINGDOM OF GODSHOULD COME

“ . . . when the kingdom of Godshould come . . .”

Again, this was not prompted bytheir consideration of Daniel’s word ofprophecy, but by the words of John theBaptist and Jesus: “the kingdom of Godis at hand” (Mk 1:15), and “thekingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt3:2; 4:17). Also, after hearing Jesus,the people "thought that the kingdomof God should immediately appear" (Luke 19:11).

How powerful the preaching ofJesus was to move people to think insuch a manner! There was a certain

“expectation” among some of thepeople (Lk 3:15) – a sense they wereon the precipice of some great work ofGod. When Jesus was born, there weresome people in Jerusalem who “lookedfor redemption” (Lk 2:38). When Jesusdied, "Joseph of Arimathaea, anhonorable counselor, which also waitedfor the kingdom of God" (Mark 15:43).

However, none of these thingscould be said of the Pharisees. Theywere not looking for God to dosomething He had promised. Theirreligion was not one that promotedexpectation, anticipation, or hope.

Today, that same type of religionhas developed – one in whichexpectation, and the prospect of Divineworkings are not present. Let it beclear that this kind of condition is notone produced by the Gospel, and isnot the posture of faith.

THE KINGDOM COMETH NOTWITH OBSERVATION

“ . . . He answered them and said,The kingdom of God cometh not withobservation.”

Other versions read, "Thekingdom of God is not coming withsigns to be observed,” NASB "Thekingdom of God is not coming withthings that can be observed,” NRSV “isn'tcoming with signs that are easilynoticed,” CEB “does not come withvisible signs,” CJB “does not emerge intoone's line of vision,” MIT “can't bedetected by visible signs,” NLT and “withsigns to be observed or with visibledisplay.” AMPLIFIED

Even though Jesus is quite clear inthese words, to this very day there areprofessing Christians that are beingtaught the Kingdom of God will comewith observation. Jesus Himself will situpon a physical throne, in thegeographical Jerusalem, and beaccessible to people in the flesh.However, this simply it not true. We areto allow Jesus to shape the manner inwhich we think about the Kingdom ofGod and how it comes.

AN EXAMPLE AMONG USA significant percentage of the




people among us at The Word of TruthFellowship, have experienced asubstantial increase in spiritualunderstanding and comprehension. Theperception of the scope of salvation,

and the depth of spiritual experience,has been realized. Subjects like thegrace of God, spirituality, and the goodfight of faith have been clarified. What

is all of this marvelous increase? It isthe coming of the Kingdom of God,and it is marvelous to behold! Howthankful we are for suchj provision.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN YOU

“ 21 Neither shall they say, Lohere! or, lo there! for, behold, thekingdom of God is within you.”

NEITHER SHALL THEY SAY“Neither shall they say, Lo here!

or, lo there! . . .”

Other versions read, “See here!See there!” NKJV "'Look, here it is!' or,'There it is." NASB The kingdom of God isnot something that can be seen withthe human eye, or touched with humanhands. It is of another order, andcannot be detected with natural senses.It is as impossible to detect thekingdom of God with senses adaptedfor a seen earth and created thingswithin it as it is to see God, whom “noman hath seen at any time” (1 John4:12).

BEHOLD!“ . . . for, behold . . .”

Other versions read, “For indeed,” NKJV “because,” NIV “for in fact,” NRSV and“for lo.” ASV

This is something like saying“Verily, Verily.” It precedes theaffirmation of unquestionable reality.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD ISWITHIN YOU

“ . . . the kingdom of God iswithin you.”

Other versions read, “is in yourmidst,” NASB “with you,” with the footnote,“among,” NIV “is among you,” NRSV “in themidst of you,” RSV “already among you,” CEB

“in the middle of you,” MGI

As used here, the lexical meaningof “within” is as follows: “within, inside;within you i.e. in the midst of you,” STRONG’S

“in the midst of you,” THAYER “among (you), in

(your) midst,” FRIBERG “a position within anarea determined by other objects anddistributed among such objects - 'among,with, 'among you stands one you do not know'(John 1.25),” LOUW-NIDA “among you, in yourmidst,” GINGRICH and “among you, in yourmidst.” DANK

First, it should be apparent thatthe Kingdom of God is not withinindividuals – particularly the enemies ofJesus, to whom He was speaking.Those who are in Christ Jesus haveentered the Kingdom of God (John3:5), but the kingdom of God has notentered them – and that is not whatJesus meant in this saying. Nor, indeed,does any Apostolic doctrine suggestthat the Kingdom of God is actuallywithin us – either individually orcollectively.

Men from early centuries, namelyGodet and Olshausen, followingChrysostom, said that Jesus meant “inyour hearts.” Other commentators saythe following.

- John Calvin says, That restorationof the Church,” he tells us, “whichGod has promised, must be lookedfor within; for, by quickening Hiselect into a heavenly newness oflife, he establishes his kingdomwithin them.”

- Albert Barnes says that it maymean this: “The reign of God is inthe heart.”

- John Gill says, “in the elect of Godamong the Jews, in their hearts.”

- Matthew Poole says, “The latterwords of this verse seem fairly toadmit of a double interpretation, asyou here may signify the disciples ofChrist, who had received Christ as

their Lord, over whom he exerciseda spiritual dominion and jurisdiction,or as it may respect the wholeJewish nation, amongst whom thekingdom of God was nowexercised.”

- The Pulpit Commentary reads, “Thekingdom of God could not be said tobe in the hearts of those Phariseesto whom the Master was especiallydirecting his words of reply here. Itshould be rather understood in themidst of your ranks; so Meyer andFarrar and others interpret it.”

- John Wesley said, “For behold thekingdom of God is within or amongyou - Look not for it in distant timesor remote places: it is now in themidst of you: it is come: it is presentin the soul of every true believer: itis a spiritual kingdom, an internalprinciple. Wherever it exists, itexists in the heart.”

AN EXPLANATIONI have taken the time to share

what others have said, but NOT toassist us in defining what Jesus meant.I have already shown that from theetymological and apostolic doctrinepoint of views there is no reason tomake the text read that the Kingdom ofGod is within the individual, or a groupof individuals. The time I have taken israther to confirm that during difficultspiritual times, when the heart ofpreaching was not always what Christintended, there was a certain blindnessin key areas. Most of those I havementioned had grace, faith, andjustification right. However, there wasnot much preaching or writing about“The Kingdom of God.”

CLARITYLet it be clear, that there is no




clear doctrine in Scripture that statesthe Kingdom of God is set up withinmen. Daniel saw that it would be “setup” (Dan 2:44) – but not within men.It would be set up on the earth like theother kingdoms that it would destroy –which kingdoms were not in the heartsof men.

Again, Jesus spoke of enteringthe Kingdom, not of the Kingdomentering into men.

- He said, "For I say unto you, Thatexcept your righteousness shallexceed the righteousness of thescribes and Pharisees, ye shall in nocase enter into the kingdom ofheaven" (Matt 5:20).

- He said, "Not every one that saithunto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter intothe kingdom of heaven; but he thatdoeth the will of my Father which isin heaven" (Matt 7:21).

- And again Jesus said, "Verily I sayunto you, Except ye be converted,and become as little children, yeshall not enter into the kingdom ofheaven" (Matt 18:3).

- Again, He spoke of it being "easierfor a camel to go through the eye ofa needle, than for a rich man toenter into the kingdom of God"(Matt 19:24; Mk 10:24-25; Lk18:25).

- Again He said, "And if thine eyeoffend thee, pluck it out: it is betterfor thee to enter into the kingdomof God with one eye, than havingtwo eyes to be cast into hell fire"(Mark 9:47).

- Paul taught, "that we must throughmuch tribulation enter into thekingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).

WHAT DID JESUS MEAN?Several of the versions state it

correctly: “in your midst,” NASB “amongyou,” NSRV “in the midst of you,” RSV and“is already among you.” CEB

Jesus meant that the Kingdomof God was right in their presence –under their noses, so to speak, andyet they did not know it. Jesus spokesimilarly of the Kingdom of God whenHe referred to the significance of Himcasting our demons and unclean spirits."But if I with the finger of God cast outdevils, no doubt the kingdom of God iscome upon you" (Luke 11:20). Otherversions read, “the kingdom of God iscome to you,” NIV “has arrived amongyou.” NLT

The Pharisees had “demanded”when the Kingdom of God would come,and Jesus announced to them that theywere standing right in the middle of it,beholding its workings and itsdominance. They had not detected it,because it did not come with

observation.

When Jesus sent out the seventy,He told them, “And into whatsoevercity ye enter, and they receive you, eatsuch things as are set before you: Andheal the sick that are therein, and sayunto them, The kingdom of God iscome nigh unto you" (Luke 10:8-9). Ifthe city did not receive them, they wereto say, "Even the very dust of yourcity, which cleaveth on us, we do wipeoff against you: notwithstanding be yesure of this, that the kingdom of Godis come nigh unto you" (Luke 10:11).

A SOBERING IMPLICATIONWhen Divine workings are taking

place, it is because “the Kingdom ofGod” is in our midst. When the eyesof our understanding are opened, “theKingdom of God” is among us. Wherethere is genuine “righteousness, andpeace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom14:17), “the kingdom of God” isamong us. Where what is beingproclaimed is not in word only, “but inpower” (1 Cor 4:20), “the kingdom ofGod” is among us! Those in Christhave been "translated . . . into thekingdom of His Dear Son" (Col 1:13). The Kingdom has not been put intothem. That should be abundantlyapparent. It is the truth, and eventuallyfaith will take hold of it. I judge fromthe various versions that this subjecthas been glossed. But emphatically, it isnot glossed in Scripture.

THE DAYS WILL COME

“ 22 And He said unto thedisciples, The days will come, whenye shall desire to see one of the daysof the Son of Man, and ye shall notsee it.”

HE SAID UNTO THE DISCIPLES“And He said unto the disciples. . .”

Jesus does not address this wordto the Pharisees, or to the generalpublic that followed Him. He ratheraddresses it to His disciples – those

who were the closest to Him. They hadspent all of their time in His presence.There had been no successful efforts topersecute them. If they were in danger,as in a storm, He had rescued them.

THE DAYS WILL COME“ . . . The days will come, when ye

shall desire to see one of the days of theSon of Man, and ye shall not see it.”

Other versions read, “you willlong to see,” NIV “have a great desire to

see,” BBE “yearn to see.” MIT

For three consecutive anduninterrupted years, they had been inthe presence of the Lord, experiencingHis teaching, expositions, miracles,rebukes, correction, etc. But the timewas fast approaching when Hisimmediate Presence would be “takenaway from them” (Matt 9:15; Mk 2:20;Lk 5:35).

After He died and was buried, and




before Jesus ascended into heaven, thedisciples were in a condition where theydesired that He was with them. Twodisciples on the road to Emmaus, whenthe risen Christ appeared to them “inanother form” (Mk 16:12), said "Butwe trusted that it had been He whichshould have redeemed Israel: andbeside all this, to day is the third daysince these things were done" (Luke24:21). O, how they longed for just aday with Him! The other disciples werein Jerusalem, on the evening of thevery day Jesus rose from the dead, and"the doors were shut where thedisciples were assembled for fear of theJews" (John 20:19). O, how theylonged for just one day of the Lordbeing with them.

On the eve of His betrayal Jesustold them, "Verily, verily, I say untoyou, That ye shall weep and lament,but the world shall rejoice: and ye shallbe sorrowful, but your sorrow shall beturned into joy. A woman when she isin travail hath sorrow, because her houris come: but as soon as she is deliveredof the child, she remembereth no morethe anguish, for joy that a man is borninto the world. And ye now thereforehave sorrow: but I will see you again,and your heart shall rejoice, and yourjoy no man taketh from you" (John16:20-22).

At that time, Jesus was availableto His disciples on a regular basis. Theycould ask Him the meaning of a parable(Matt 13:36), inquire about the end ofthe world (Matt 24:3), and inquireabout the prophet Elijah(Matt 17:10).But the time would come when theywould not have immediate access to

Him. At the time of our text, they didnot know much, if anything, about anIntercessor in heaven (Heb 7:25), oraccess to the throne of grace (Heb4:15-16). They did not yet have anunderstanding of living by faith (Heb10:38). That is why, as Jesus wouldtell them later, they would “weep andlament” (John 16:20).

Jesus said of His disciples, "Butthe days will come, when thebridegroom shall be taken away fromthem, and then shall they fast in thosedays" (Luke 5:35).

What person who is followingJesus has not longed for a moreimmediate contact with Him? Thismatter of living by faith is not asimplistic thing that leaves the hungrysoul thoroughly satisfied at all times.There remains a profound longing asexpressed by Paul: "For I am in a straitbetwixt two, having a desire to depart,and to be with Christ; which is farbetter" (Phil 1:23).

However, the economy of faithdemands that you be deprived of thephysical presence of the Lord’s Christ –even though He dwelt for a time onearth, and His disciples had regularaccess to Him. The “good fight offaith” must be fought (1 Tim 6:12).There is a seeking that requires moretenacity and stamina than was requiredwhen Jesus dwelt among men.

This word of Jesus postulatesthe disciples being in an environmentof persecu t i on , oppos i t ion,imprisonment, and threats of death.None of these had been experienced

while they were walking with theSavior as He went about doing good.The only danger they ever faced waswith the elements – wind and wave –and the Lord immediately resolved thatdilemma.

Years later, when Paul was in astorm, he had to endure it for twoweeks, face the breaking up of theship, make his way to the shore whenthey crashed on a certain island, shakeoff a serpent that bit him, and havecomforts and accommodations ministered to him by others (Acts27:18-28:6).

During these times, the saints ofGod find out the valuable ministry ofthe Holy Spirit. He is the “Comforter”who took the place of the bodilypresence of the Lord Jesus, as He said:"And I will pray the Father, and He shallgive you another Comforter, that Hemay abide with you for ever; Even theSpirit of truth; whom the world cannotreceive, because it seeth Him not,neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him;for He dwelleth with you, and shall bein you. I will not leave you comfortless:I will come to you. Yet a little while,and the world seeth Me no more; butye see Me: because I live, ye shall livealso. At that day ye shall know that Iam in My Father, and ye in Me, and Iin you" (John 14:20).

As for experiencing one of thedays of the Son of Man, when Hecomes again, “we shall see Him as Heis” (1 John 3:2). Until then, we mustlive by faith, being comforted and ledby the Holy Spirit, with Christ dwellingin our hearts by faith (Eph 3:17

THEY SHALL SAY UNTO YOU

“ 23 And they shall say to you,See here; or, see there: go not afterthem, nor follow them.”

MATTHEW’S GOSPEL"Then if any man shall say unto

you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believeit not. For there shall arise false Christs,

and false prophets, and shall showgreat signs and wonders; insomuchthat, if it were possible, they shalldeceive the very elect. Behold, I havetold you before." (Matt 24:23-25)

MARK’S GOSPEL"And then if any man shall say to

you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he isthere; believe him not: For false Christsand false prophets shall rise, and shallshow signs and wonders, to seduce, ifit were possible, even the elect. Buttake ye heed: behold, I have foretoldyou all things" (Mark 13:21-23).




With the physical absence ofJesus, all manner of false teachers will,arise, telling the people where Jesusand the advantages He gives can befound. Like Theudas, and Judas ofGalilee (Acts 5:36-37), they will leadmen to their own destruction. None ofthese arose when Christ was amongmen, for there was no way they couldcompete with His Presence. Nocompetitive leader arose to seducethe people while Jesus of Nazarethwas among them. Following Hisascension into heaven, andenthronement at the right hand of God,false Christ’s and false prophets aresuccessful only to the degree that thechurch is weak and immature.

THEY SHALL SAY“And they shall say to you, See

here; or, see there . . .”

Other versions read, “Look there!Look here!,” NASB “There He is, Here Heis,” NIV “See, it is there! or, It is here!” BBE

“'Look! Right here!' or, 'See! Overthere!’” CJB “'Look, there is the Son ofMan,' or 'Here he is,’” NLT and “Look! [Heis] there! or, Look! [He is] here!” AMPLIFIED

Jesus’ immediate reference is tothe kingdom of God, concerning whichHe has been asked “when the kingdomof God should come.” Ultimately thatdoes have to do with the Son of Manbeing revealed, for when He is fullyseen, then the Kingdom of God is alsofully seen, or revealed.

GO NOT AFTER THEM“ . . . go not after them, nor

follow them.”

The followers of Jesus are not topay attention to those who seek toidentify the kingdom of God or thepresence of Jesus with a geographicallocation, or a particular group of people.God may very well dwell in a particularcongregation, as stated in Paul’s firstletter to the Corinthians: “But if allprophesy, and there come in one thatbelieveth not, or one unlearned, he isconvinced of all, he is judged of all:And thus are the secrets of his heartmade manifest; and so falling down onhis face he will worship God, and reportthat God is in you of a truth" (1 Cor14:24-25).

That presence, however, is not anexclusive one. No body of people cansay God dwells only with them, orclaim they are “the true New Testamentchurch.” Even though some attempt todo so, no denomination, sect, ordivision, can trace their beginning backto Pentecost. There are vast periods oftime when it was exceedingly difficultto find a body of true believers. One ofthose periods is described as a timewhen one referred to as “a horn” that“made war with the saints, andprevailed against them" (Dan 7:21). Itwas revealed to John in these words,"And it was given unto him to makewar with the saints, and to overcomethem: and power was given him overall kindreds, and tongues, and nations" (Rev 13:7).

This is why we cannot afford toallow men to define the borders of theKingdom of God, or tell us where it is.The Kingdom of God is not found bysearching or analysis, but by theparticipation that is realized byentering that Kingdom by means ofthe new birth.

SO SHALL THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN BE

“ 24 For as the lightning, thatlighteneth out of the one part underheaven, shineth unto the other partunder heaven; so shall also the Sonof Man be in his day.”

Jesus now leaps forward to thetime when the Son shall be fullydisclosed – at which time the Kingdomof God will also be fully perceived. Hedoes this because this reality is whatmakes salvation most relevant. Thesalvation of God is not only a remedyfor the past. It is also a preparationfor the future, when Jesus will appearto finalize all that is intended to bedone in “this present evil world.” Atthat time, there will no longer be adeliverance for sinners.

AS LIGHTNING“For as the lightning, that

lighteneth out of the one part underheaven, shineth unto the other partunder heaven . . .”

The entrance of the Son of Godinto this world was preceded by anannouncement of when it would occur(Lk 1:26-38). When the Holy Child wasborn, an announcement was made tocertain shepherds concerning what hadhappened: "For unto you is born thisday in the city of David a Savior, whichis Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Certainwise men from the east were alerted tothis birth, and came to see the HolyChild, taking two years to get there(Matt 2:1-12,16). About forty dayslater (Lev 12:2-4), Jesus wasdedicated, and certain in Jerusalemheard the glad tidings (Lk 2:25-38).

However, this is not how the

coming of the Lord and the appearanceof God’s “everlasting kingdom,” willtake place. The closest thing to therapidity with which Christ’s appearancewill take place is like the flash oflightning from one end of heaven toanother. One cannot perceive theadvancement of that light.

SO SHALL ALSO “ . . . so shall also the Son of

Man be in his day.”

When Jesus returns, there willbe no time to announce His secondcoming, like there was with His firstcoming. If those who asked Jesuswhen the Kingdom of God shouldappear are not prepared for it, that verycoming will mandate their eternaldestruction.




Of course, the complicating factoris that since Jesus has returned toheaven, the norm is that there can beno preparation after death. We dohave an example of souls that died inthe flood, to whom Jesus preachedwhile His body was in the grave (1 Pet

3:18-20). Of course, their situation wasa bit different. The Law had not yetbeen given, and people beyond thereach of Noah had never, so far as weknow, been exposed to a proclamationof the true God and His will. Because of

pervading iniquity, Enoch hadprophesied of the flood directly, and thecoming of the Lord indirectly (Jude1:14-15). He was not, however, aglobal proclaimer, and is not sopresented in Scripture.

BUT FIRST HE MUST SUFFER AND BE REJECTED

“ 25 But first must He suffermany things, and be rejected of thisgeneration.”

BUT FIRST“But first . . .”

This is a Divinely appointed viewof segments of time. This is not aprophecy of something Jesus seescoming. It is an announcement ofsomething God has determined. Assuch, what Jesus now says cannotpossibly be averted or delayed. I wantto emphasis that this is notprescience, or prevision –i.e., anexercise of Omniscience concerning thefuture. This is something Godpurposed, and will initiate, causing it tohappen. If this was not the case, Jesuswould not have submitted to it.

This will be very apparent in whatJesus says. Jesus was in no way avictim of circumstance. The ONLYthings that happened to Him, werethose which were appointed by GodAlmighty. For some, this is difficult toreceive, for the men who carried thisout were charged with the guilt ofChrist’s death. Jesus, however, willestablish that this is, in fact, the case.

HE MUST SUFFER MANYTHINGS

“...must He suffer many things...”

Other versions read, “enduremuch suffering,” NRSV “will have toundergo much,” BBE “must endurehorrible suffering,” CJB and “experienceextreme excruciation [intenselypainful].” MIT

Beginning around this time, Jesus

frequently reminded His disciples of thistreatment (Matt 16:21; Matt 17:21; Mk8:31; 9:12; Lk 9:22; 17:25; 22:15).

On the day of Pentecost, Peterreferred to these events of suffering:"Him, being delivered by thedeterminate counsel and foreknowledgeof God, ye have taken, and by wickedhands have crucified and slain" (Acts2:23). In the Temple court heproclaimed, "But those things, whichGod before had showed by the mouthof all his prophets, that Christ shouldsuffer, he hath so fulfilled" (Acts 3:18).And again, "For of a truth against thyholy child Jesus, whom thou hastanointed, both Herod, and PontiusPilate, with the Gentiles, and the peopleof Israel, were gathered together, Forto do whatsoever thy hand and thycounsel determined before to bedone." (Acts 4:27-28).

A Delineation of His SufferingsWhat were the sufferings Jesus

endured?

- Being in an agony, He prayed in theGarden (Lk 22:44).

- In the high priest’s quarters theymocked Jesus and struck Him (Lk22:63).

- In the high priests quarters “whenthey had blindfolded Him, theystruck Him on the face, and askedHim, saying, Prophesy, who is itthat smote thee?" (Luke 22:63-64).

- "And many other thingsblasphemously spake they againstHim" (Luke 22:65).

- One of the high priest’s officersstruck Jesus with the palm of hishand (John 18:22)

- "Now Annas had sent Him bound

unto Caiaphas the high priest." (John 18:24).

- "The chief priests and the scribescame together, and led him into theircouncil, saying, Art thou the Christ?tell us. And He said unto them, If Itell you, ye will not believe" (Luke22:67).

- "And the whole multitude of themarose, and led Him unto Pilate. Andthey began to accuse Him, saying,We found this Fellow perverting thenation, and forbidding to give tributeto Caesar, saying that He Himself isChrist a King" (Luke 23:1-2).

- When Pilate told the people he foundno fault in Jesus, "they were themore fierce, saying, He stirreth upthe people, teaching throughout allJewry, beginning from Galilee to thisplace" (Luke 23:5).

- Scourged by Pilate (Matt 27:26).- Made a crown of thorns and put it in

His head (Matt 27:28).- The soldiers “smote Him with their

hands” (John 19:3).- Mocked Him (Matt 27:29).- Spit on Him (Matt 27:29).- Struck Him on the head with a reed

[staff, NIV] (Matt 27:29).- "And the chief priests and scribes

stood and vehemently accused Him"before Herod (Luke 23:10).

- "And Herod with his men of war setHim at nought, and mocked Him,and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe,and sent Him again to Pilate" (Luke23:11).

- Herod then returned Jesus to Pilate.- Upon the insistance of the people,

Pilate released Barrabas, a thief anda murderer, and keep Jesus, sendingHim to be crucified (Lk 23:24-25).

- Jesus carried His own cross (John29:17).




- Pilate had Jesus crucified (Mk15:24).

- Others passed by the cross andrailed on Him (Mk 15:29).

AND BE REJECTED OF THISGENERATION

“ . . . and be rejected of thisgeneration.”

Other versions read, “put on oneside by this generation,” BBE “reproved ofthis generation,” GENEVA “will not beaccepted by the people of today,” NIRV

“refused of this nation,” PNT and “bedisapproved and repudiated and rejectedby this age and generation.” AMPLIFIED

The words “THIS GENERATION”are significant. As used here they mean“men of the same stock; the wholemultitude of men living at the sametime.” Jesus was not speaking of theentire nation of Jews, but of thoseliving at that time, and among whomHe had been ministering.

- “But whereunto shall I liken THISGENERATION? It is like untochildren sitting in the markets, andcalling unto their fellows, Andsaying, We have piped unto you,and ye have not danced; we havemourned unto you, and ye have notlamented." (Matt 11:16-17).

- "The men of Nineveh shall rise injudgment with THIS GENERATION,and shall condemn it: because theyrepented at the preaching of Jonas;and, behold, a greater than Jonas is

here. The queen of the south shallrise up in the judgment with THISGENERATION, and shall condemn it:for she came from the uttermost partsof the earth to hear the wisdom ofSolomon; and, behold, a greater thanSolomon is here." (Matt 12:41-42)

- "That upon you may come all therighteous blood shed upon the earth,from the blood of righteous Abelunto the blood of Zacharias son ofBarachias, whom ye slew betweenthe temple and the altar. Verily I sayunto you, All these things shallcome upon THIS GENERATION." (Matt 23:35-36)

- "Now learn a parable of the fig tree;When his branch is yet tender, andputteth forth leaves, ye know thatsummer is nigh: So likewise ye,when ye shall see all these things,know that it is near, even at thedoors. Verily I say unto you, THISGENERATION shall not pass, till allthese things be fulfilled" (Matt24:32-34).

- "And He sighed deeply in his spirit,and saith, Why doth THISGENERATION seek after a sign?verily I say unto you, There shall nosign be given unto THISGENERATION" (Mark 8:12).

Solomon spoke of generations inthis manner – of people of a particularkind being grouped together, eventhough it was over a lengthy period oftime: "There is A GENERATION that

curseth their father, and doth not blesstheir mother. There is A GENERATIONthat are pure in their own eyes, and yetis not washed from their filthiness.There is A GENERATION, O how loftyare their eyes! and their eyelids arelifted up. There is A GENERATION,whose teeth are as swords, and theirjaw teeth as knives, to devour the poorfrom off the earth, and the needy fromamong men." (Prov 30:14).

When Israel refused to go intoCanaan after they had spied out theland, there was an entire generation ofmen that were excluded from entry intoit – over 600,000 men ranging fromtwenty years and upward who were fitfor war (Num 1:3; 26:2). God referredto that whole conglomerate of men as“this evil generation” (Deut 1:35).

Jesus declares that He will berejected by that generation – the oneto whom He was ministering. LaterPeter will affirm Jesus was "deliveredby the determinate counsel andforeknowledge of God, ye have taken,and by wicked hands have crucified andslain" (Acts 2:23).

Later the aggregate church, whenpersecuted, prayed, referring to Christ’sdeath in this manner: "For of a truthagainst Thy Holy Child Jesus, whomThou hast anointed, both Herod, andPontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, andthe people of Israel, were gatheredtogether, For to do whatsoever thyhand and thy counsel determinedbefore to be done" (Acts 4:27-28).

AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH

“ 26 And as it was in the days ofNoe, so shall it be also in the days ofthe Son of Man. 27 They did eat, theydrank, they married wives, they weregiven in marriage, until the day thatNoe entered into the ark, and theflood came, and destroyed them all.”

Now Jesus summons theattention of His listeners to His secondcoming, doing it, so far as we know,

when there was not a person alive whohad a clear idea about that coming.Neither Moses nor the Prophets spokeclearly of Christ’s second coming. Thebook of Job provides a very vaguereference to this climactic event: “For Iknow that my redeemer liveth, and thathe shall stand at the latter day upon theearth: And though after my skin wormsdestroy this body, yet in my flesh shallI see God" (Job 19:26). In Matthew

thru John, Jesus speaks of His secondcoming in 89 verses. The Epistlescontain sixty specific references to thatevent. The entire ministry of ChristJesus centers around three epochalevents:

- His present appearance in heavenfor us: "For Christ is not enteredinto the holy places made withhands, which are the figures of the




true; but into heaven itself, now toAPPEAR in the presence of Godfor us: Nor yet that he should offerhimself often, as the high priestentereth into the holy place everyyear with blood of others; For thenmust he often have suffered sincethe foundation of the world" (Heb9:24-26a).

- His initial appearance in the world:" . . . but now once in the end ofthe world hath He APPEARED toput away sin by the sacrifice ofHimself." (Heb 9:26b).

- His second appearance: "And as itis appointed unto men once to die,but after this the judgment: SoChrist was once offered to bear thesins of many; and unto them thatlook for him shall He APPEAR thesecond time without sin untosalvation" (Heb 9:28).

AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OFNOAH

“And as it was in the days of Noe. . . They did eat, they drank, theymarried wives, they were given inmarriage, until the day that Noe enteredinto the ark, and the flood came, anddestroyed them all . . .”

In Moses’ record of the flood, hedoes not provide any details as to whatthe people were doing when the rainbegan to fall. He only provides somesummary information.

- "And God saw that the wickedness

of man was great in the earth, andthat every imagination of thethoughts of his heart was only evilcontinually" (Gen 6:5).

- "The earth also was corrupt beforeGod, and the earth was filled withviolence. And God looked upon theearth, and, behold, it was corrupt;for all flesh had corrupted his wayupon the earth. And God said untoNoah, The end of all flesh is comebefore me; for the earth is filledwith violence through them; and,behold, I will destroy them with theearth." (Gen 6:13).

Now, ever, Jesus provides moredetails. We find that the world wascaught totally unaware. Thereapparently were not a lot of signs and indicators concerning what wascoming.

- They were eating and drinking untilthe day Noah entered the ark (Matt24:38; Lk 17:27).

- They were marrying and giving inmarriage until the day Noah enteredthe ark (Matt 24:38; Lk 17:27).

AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF LOTIn this destruction four cities were

obliterated from the face of the earth.without anyone or anything remaining(Gen 19). We are told of some of the sins of Sodom. Initially, they werecorrectable transgressions: "Behold,this was the iniquity of thy sisterSodom, pride, fulness of bread, and

abundance of idleness was in her andin her daughters, neither did shestrengthen the hand of the poor andneedy. And they were haughty, andcommitted abomination before me:therefore I took them away as I sawgood" (Ezek 16:49-50).

Finally their sin degenerated intothat of Sodomy, which is at the bottomof the moral ladder. They actuallydemonstrated their sin when twoangels, appearing as men, visited Lot(Gen 19:4-11).

Now, however, Jesus shows howtheir sin and dulled their senses, sothey did not see the severe judgmentthat was coming.

- They ate and drank (Lk 17:28),- They married wives (Lk 17:28)- They bought and sold (Lk 17:28).- They planted (Lk 17:28).- They builded (Lk 17:28).

SO SHALL IT BE IN THE DAYS OFTHE SON OF MAN

“ . . . so shall it be also in thedays of the Son of Man . . . ”

When "For the Lord Himself shalldescend from heaven with a shout,with the voice of the archangel, andwith the trump of God: and the dead inChrist shall rise first" (1 Thess 4:16).

When Jesus returns, the world isgoing to be living as though it was justanother day to feed their lusts, and dowhat they desired.

AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF LOT

“ 28 Likewise also as it was inthe days of Lot; they did eat, theydrank, they bought, they sold, theyplanted, they builded; 29 But the sameday that Lot went out of Sodom itrained fire and brimstone fromheaven, and destroyed them all.”

AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF LOT“ 28 Likewise also as it was in the

days of Lot; they did eat, they drank,

they bought, they sold, they planted,they builded; 29 But the same day thatLot went out of Sodom it rained fireand brimstone from heaven, anddestroyed them all.”

Jesus is confirming that sin andtransgression has an anaesthetizingeffect upon the soul. It so lulls thesoul into sleep that is totally incapableof detecting warning signals of the

approaching wrath of God andimpending doom. This was confirmed inthe flood, and in the destruction ofSodom, Gomorrah, Adma, and Zeboim.Right up until Jesus returns with ashout, graves are all emptied, and theheavens and the earth pass away,sinners will think it is just anotherday. Like Sodom, they will be eating,drinking, buying, selling, planting, andbuilding. Sin shall have lulled them into




a deep sleep that shall be abruptlyinterrupted by the blast of a heavenlytrumpet, the shout of the Lord Himself,and the ”voice of the archangel” (1Thess 4:16). “The earth shall, cast outer dead” (Isa 26:19), and “the earth

and the heaven” shall be fleeing fromthe face of the glorified Christ. Therewill be no place for the sinners to hide,as the time of God’s wrath "is come,and the time of the dead, that theyshould be judged, and that thou

shouldest give reward unto thyservants the prophets, and to thesaints, and them that fear thy name,small and great; and shouldest destroythem which destroy the earth." (Rev11:1)

WHEN THE SON OF MAN IS REVEALED

“ 30 Even thus shall it be in the daywhen the Son of man is revealed.”

When Jesus is revealed, He willbe seen for what He is right now. He isnot coming to set up His kingdom andcommence a reign on earth. God’sKingdom has already been set up, andis being governed by Jesus with a strictfocus upon the brethren He is bringingto glory (Heb 2:10). He presently isexalted, and is appropriately describedas "the blessed and only Potentate,the King of kings, and Lord of lords" (1Tim 6:15).

There are several texts that speakof Jesus being “REVEALED” in all ofHis glory.

- "For the Son of man SHALL COMEin the glory of his Father with Hisangels; and then He shall rewardevery man according to his works." (Matt 16:27)

- "And then shall APPEAR the sign ofthe Son of Man in heaven: and thenshall all the tribes of the earthmourn, and they shall see the Son ofMan coming in the clouds of heavenwith power and great glory." (Matt24:30)

- "And He shall send His angels witha great sound of a trumpet, andthey shall gather together his elect

from the four winds, from one endof heaven to the other." (Matt24:31)

- "When the Son of man SHALLCOME in His glory, and all the holyangels with Him, then shall He situpon the throne of His glory." (Matt25:31)

- "But in those days, after thattribulation, the sun shall be darkened,and the moon shall not give her light,And the stars of heaven shall fall, andthe powers that are in heaven shall beshaken. And then shall they see theSon of man coming in the clouds withgreat power and glory." (Mk 13:24-2)

- "For whosoever shall be ashamed ofMe and of My words, of him shallthe Son of Man be ashamed, whenHe SHALL COME in His own glory,and in His Father's, and of theholy angels." (Luke 9:26)

- "And there shall be signs in the sun,and in the moon, and in the stars;and upon the earth distress ofnations, with perplexity; the sea andthe waves roaring; Men's heartsfailing them for fear, and for lookingafter those things which are comingon the earth: for the powers ofheaven shall be shaken. And thenshall they see the Son of mancoming in a cloud with power and

great glory. And when these thingsbegin to come to pass, then look up,and lift up your heads; for yourredemption draweth nigh." (Luke21:28)

- "In flaming fire taking vengeance onthem that know not God, and thatobey not the gospel of our LordJesus Christ: Who shall be punishedwith everlasting destruction from thepresence of the Lord, and from theglory of his power; When HE SHALLCOME to be glorified in His saints,and to be admired in all them thatbelieve (because our testimonyamong you was believed) in thatday." (2 Thess 1:8-10)

- "That the trial of your faith, beingmuch more precious than of goldthat perisheth, though it be triedwith fire, might be found unto praiseand honor and glory at theAPPEARING of Jesus Christ." (1Pet 1:7)

- "But rejoice, inasmuch as ye arepartakers of Christ's sufferings; that,when is glory shall be REVEALED,ye may be glad also with exceedingjoy." (1 Pet 4:13)

- "And when the Chief Shepherd shallAPPEAR, ye shall receive a crown ofglory that fadeth not away." (1 Pet5:4)

IN THAT DAY

“ 31 In that day, he which shall beupon the housetop, and his stuff in thehouse, let him not come down to takeit away: and he that is in the field, let

him likewise not return back.”

Here the Lord describes theposture that must be taken when Jesus

comes, paralleling it to the eminentdestruction of Jerusalem. Peter,Andrew, James, and John had askedHim three questions. Jesus had just




told them of the destruction of theTemple, which would take place at thedestruction of Jerusalem: "See ye notall these things? verily I say unto you,There shall not be left here one stoneupon another, that shall not be throwndown" (Matt 24:2). They then askedHim “privately,” saying, “Tell us, whenshall these things be? [destruction ofthe Temple], and what shall be the signof Thy coming, and of the end of theworld?" (Matt 24:3; Mk 13:4).

Jesus does not answer thequestions one at a time. Instead, Heblends the answers together, for theyall have these traits:

1. They are the end of one thing, andthe beginning of another.

2. They have to do with a final

dissolution.3. In order to survive, one must be

watchful and ready.

This verse is particularly speakingof the destruction of Jerusalem. Lukerecords some detail in the instructions:"And when ye shall see Jerusalemcompassed with armies, then know thatthe desolation thereof is nigh. Then letthem which are in Judaea flee to themountains; and let them which are inthe midst of it depart out; and let notthem that are in the countries enterthere into. For these be the days ofvengeance, that all things which arewritten may be fulfilled." (Luke 21:21-22).

Jesus then ties that with Hissecond coming: "And then shall they

see the Son of man coming in a cloudwith power and great glory. And whenthese things begin to come to pass,then look up, and lift up your heads; foryour redemption draweth nigh" (Luke21:28).

Whether you are speaking of thedestruction of Jerusalem, the end of theworld, or the coming of Christ, there isno time for making an adjustment. Hisdisciples were to apply that fact to thecoming destruction of Jerusalem, thedetermined end of the world, and thescheduled coming of the Lord. They hadto be ready for all three of those events.The reason for this is that all three camefrom God, and were His judgments anddeterminations. Their lives could not belived by a mere routine. They had to bealert and vigilant.

REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE

“ 32 Remember Lot's wife.”

When Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah,and Zeboim were destroyed by a fieryholocaust, Lot and his family were told,"Escape for thy life; look not behindthee, neither stay thou in all the plain;escape to the mountain, lest thou beconsumed" (Gen 19:17).

Lot’s wife apparently found it toodifficult to leave, and therefore disobeyedthe word delivered by a holy angel. It is

written, "Then the LORD rained uponSodom and upon Gomorrah brimstoneand fire from the LORD out of heaven;And he overthrew those cities, and all theplain, and all the inhabitants of the cities,and that which grew upon the ground.But his wife looked back from behindhim, and she became a pillar of salt."(Gen 19:24-26).

Whether it is the Jews fleeingfrom the destruction of Jerusalem, orpassing through the demise of the

world at the coming of the Lord, it isuseless and senseless to look back.Why? Because there really is nothingmore to look back to!

Now, the saints must learn to livewhile forgetting the things that arebehind (Phil 3:13). If you can do that,you will be able to pass through theend of the world, and the coming of theLord, to obtain the inheritance that isreserved in heaven for you. There isgrace for this to be done.

WHOEVER SHALL SEEK TO SAVE OR LOSE HIS LIFE

“ 33 Whosoever shall seek tosave his life shall lose it; andwhosoever shall lose his life shallpreserve it.”

Here is a principle of Kingdom life.It is something that cannot be violatedwith impunity. The individual whodesires Jesus must deny himself.

WHOSOEVER SHALL SEEK TOSAVE HIS LIFE

“Whosoever shall seek to save hislife shall lose it . . .”

Other versions read, "Whoeverseeks to keep his life shall lose,” NASB

"Those who try to make their lifesecure will lose it,” NRSV and “If youcling to your life, you will lose it. NLT

Those who seek the means bywhich they can maintain their old life –life in this world – have set themselvesup for a fall. Why would any personmake this choice, knowing that theworld and the lust thereof is going topass away, while there is a realm thatis forever blest, and filled with glorious

advantage.

What of the person that has asmall taste of the world to come, butdefers to accept what this world has tooffer? He will lose what little he had!What a senseless loss that is!

WHOSOEVER SHALL LOSE HISLIFE

“ . . . and whosoever shall losehis life shall preserve it.”

Other versions read, ”whoever




“Grinding in the East was performed, as it isnow, chiefly by hand. The mill-stones were abouttwo feet in diameter, and half a foot inthickness. The lower one was fixed, and theupper one was turned by a handle, or crank. Thiswas done by two persons, who sat opposite toeach other. One took hold of the mill-handle, andturned it half way round; the other then seized it,and completed the revolution. This was done bywomen; by servants of the lowest order; and wasa very laborious employment.” BARNES NOTES

loses his life shall preserve it." NASB “,but those who lose their life will keepit," NRSV “and if you let your life go, youwill save it.” NLT

It is generally true in the Kingdomof God that the lower is sacrificed inpreference for the higher; the temporalfor the eternal; the seen for the unseen.

That is because the higher is better.The eternal is satisfying. The unseensurpasses anything that can be seen. Ifmen do not make the proper choice,God will make their choice for them.Those who do not want Him shall nothave Him. But for those who desire Himabove all else, and are willing to losetheir lives to have Him, the end of thisworld will mark a glorious beginningthat will never end.

I TELL YOU

“ 34 I tell you, in that night thereshall be two men in one bed; the oneshall be taken, and the other shall beleft. Two women shall be grindingtogether; the one shall be taken, andthe other left. 36 Two men shall be inthe field; the one shall be taken, andthe other left.”

There will be a separation of thetwo classes just mentioned those whochose to save their lives, and thosewho chose to lose them. To put itanother way, those who chose to haveeternal life, and those who chose not tohave it.

In this world, it is somethingchallenging to identify these twogroups. But it will not be difficult toperceive them when our Lord, comesagain – even if they are together.

TWO MEN IN ONE BED“I tell you, in that night there shall

be two men in one bed; the one shallbe taken . . .”

The point here is not a particularsin that was being committed, likesodomy. Rather, it is that the differencebetween these two persons was nearlyindistinguishable to men. But not toGod. One, and only one, is taken, andthe other is left.

TWO WOMEN GRINDINGTOGETHER

“ . . . Two women shall begrinding together; the one shall betaken, and the other left . . .”

Whereas some were sleeping, andyet the distinction was discerned, and aseparation made, here we have twowoman at work, doing the same thing –grinding. But these two women were notalike. One was taken, and the other left.

TWO MEN SHALL BE IN THE FIELD “ . . . Two men shall be in the

field; the one shall be taken, and theother left.”

Here again we find two men, butthese are in the field. They are about anormal task, apparently workingtogether. But they are not the same, forone is taken, and the other is left.

WHO IS TAKEN?Jesus spoke elsewhere of the

taking of some. It is not at alluncommon for men to think therighteous are the ones who are taken – raptured out of the world to avoid thegreat tribulation. Is this really whatJesus meant?

Let us briefly examine threeseparations. Those taken away in theflood. Those taken away in thedestruction of Sodom and Gomorrah,And the separation of the wheat andthe tares.

- THE FLOOD. Who were the onestaken away, and who were the onesleft? The wicked were taken away,and the righteous were left. "For asin the days that were before theflood they were eating and drinking,

marrying and giving in marriage,until the day that Noe entered intothe ark, And knew not until theflood came, and took them allaway; so shall also the coming ofthe Son of man be." (Matt 24:39).Noah and his family were left.

- SODOM AND GOMORRAH."Likewise also as it was in the daysof Lot; they did eat, they drank, theybought, they sold, they planted,they builded; But the same day thatLot went out of Sodom it rained fireand brimstone from heaven, anddestroyed them all." (Luke 17:29).Lot and his daughters were left.

- THE WHEAT AND THE TARES.The “wheat” are defined as “thechildren of the Kingdom,” and thetares as “the children of the wickedone” (Matt 13:38). When theharvest came, the reapers were told"Gather ye together first the tares,and bind them in bundles to burnthem: but gather the wheat into mybarn." (Mat 13:30). In explainingthe parable Jesus said, "The Son ofman shall send forth his angels, andthey shall gather out of Hiskingdom all things that offend, andthem which do iniquity; And shallcast them into a furnace of fire:there shall be wailing and gnashingof teeth" (Matt 13:41-42).

The ones who are taken away arethe wicked, not the righteous. Thewicked have been the intruders, not therighteous. They will be gathered out




Our next Hungry Saints Meeting will be held on Friday, 4/14/17. In our next lesson, we will continue our seriesin the Gospel of Luke. The fifty-fifth lesson will cover verses 1 thru 17 of the eighteenth chapter: “PERSISTENTPRAYER, SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS, And INFANTS.” Jesus addresses the matter of prayer – persistent prayer. He did this by delivering a parable intending to teach men that they always should persevere in prayer, and notfaint, or give up. He then spoke to the matter of self righteousness, which stops a person from being justified.Then He gives the disciples a sterling lesson on little children, and how they are to be received. We will beginour meeting at 6:30, which will be followed by a time of refreshments and fellowship.

first, as Jesus plainly taught – just asthey were in the flood, and in the fiery

destruction of Sodom AND Gomorrah.Before God gathers “together all things”

(Eph 1:10, He is going to thoroughlypurge the house of all contaminants.

WHERE, LORD?

“ 37 AND they answered ANDsaid unto Him, Where, Lord? AND Hesaid unto them, Wheresoever thebody is, thither will the eagles begathered together."

WHERE LORD?“And they answered and said unto

Him, Where, Lord? . . .”

The word translated “where” means,“as of place; what locality,” STRONG’S “where?in what place?” THAYER AND “in a certainplace.” FRIBERG

The New Living Translation isworded correctly: “Where will thishappen, Lord?” NLT

That is, where will all of this occur– not where will the removed ones begathered. The answer of Jesus makesclear that this is the meaning.

WHEREVER THE BODY IS “ . . . AND He said unto them,

Wheresoever the body is, thither willthe eagles be gathered together." Otherversions read,"Where the body is, therealso will the vultures be gathered." NASB

"Where, Lord?" they asked. He replied,"Where there is a dead body, there thevultures will gather,” NIV “Where, Lord?"they asked. He replied, "Where there isa dead body, there the vultures willgather.” NRSV

In other words, the judgment ofGod will fall where the greatestiniquity is found – and, in this case,that would be Jerusalem. It had beengiven the greatest amount of truth andblessings, and yet had treated it withcontempt.

This is the manner in which the

Lord judges. Greater sins receivegreater judgment. All sin does not havethe same weight.

Therefore, Jesus told Pilate thatthose who delivered him to the rulerwere guilty of the “greater sin.” "Thensaith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou notunto me? knowest thou not that I havepower to crucify thee, And have powerto release thee?" Jesus answered,Thou couldest have no power at allagainst me, except it were given theefrom above: therefore he that deliveredme unto thee hath the greater sin" (John 19:10-11).

Such sins will receive greaterjudgment. It behooves us to perfectholiness in the fear of the Lord, workinglout our own salvation.



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