As the wars escalate and we read Y’shua’s prophecies, I hear us being called to watch and pray so that we are not troubled by what ensues. With that in mind, I urge us to press on, even if we find that we’re ready to move on to other studies.
There is a concept in Luke that could be troubling to us as armchair theologians. Those of us who are formally trained might have grasped the significance of it, or chosen to overlook it. It probably gained more traction with those of us who are seriously invested in eschatological concerns. (FYI, eschatology relates to the study and spiritual interpretation of End Time and prophecies about Christ’s return).
I’m not seriously invested in eschatology, but I do believe that as we seek to live with and for Christ, we must interpret the times and seasons in which we live, especially with the preponderance of wars around us. Let’s then reflect on this phrase in Luke, and see whether we can grasp its significance. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Luke 21:20, 22, 24 NIV
[20] “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. …
[22] For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. …
[24] They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
The Times of the Gentiles
No, we are not referring to a journal or social media channel (even if one does exist with that title). The ‘Times of the Gentiles’ is a historical period with origins before Christ’s birth. For the most part, scholars agree that the times relate to the takeover of Israel by the various powers, beginning with Babylon. There isn’t total agreement on the end, as a few scholars suggest that the times have ended. Others believe, in light of our Nougat and other biblical texts, that the times will end when Christ returns.
Point to Ponder
Regardless of how you describe your theological knowledge, what do you think are the Times of the Gentiles, and when does it end?
Application
Without a doubt, the Times of the Gentiles should refer to an era (or several eras) when non-Jews had (and possibly still have) control over Jerusalem. We can infer as much from our Nougat, which tells us that
Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles. Trample suggests unwelcome walking on top of something with an intent to destroy. We surmise therefore that the Times of the Gentiles doesn’t refer to social visits by non-Jews, at least not from the Jewish perspective. (Those of us following or taking sides in the war between Israel and Palestine would most likely agree.)
We know that the Second Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by Gentile forces, confirming Y’shua’suse of ‘trample’. If the Times end with Christ’s return, then it means that Jerusalem is likely to be under siege once again. Current affairs seem to corroborate this.
What thus becomes critical for us, is to make our calling and election sure by living for Christ. It is not for us to judge whether the Jews need to be ‘punished’ by God or to discern what the extent of that punishment should be. We are called, like the Bereans, to understand the times in relation to Scripture. I believe we’re still in the Times of the Gentiles, let’s ensure that we live for Christ in this time. And in the process, we can pray.
Self-Check
Are we taking a Berean approach to the times and seasons by confirming what we see with biblical prophecy?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
