This series of short lessons attempts to detail Jesus’ Roadmap for the Future. It starts with the last lessons Jesus gave the disciples on the Mount of Olives, and ends with teachings from the Apostle Paul about the Rapture.
As an introduction, the Olivet Discourse was aimed at the consequences of Israel’s rejection of Jesus as Messiah, and anticipated the destruction of the nation (70 A.D.) and the final Tribulation period. Remember that the Church Age is an intercalation—meaning an insertion, like a parenthesis, into the Age of Israel. This means that with the Rapture of the Church, the Tribulation picks up where 70 A.D. leaves off. This is why the Church Age is called a “mystery” (Rom. 11:25; 16:25; Eph. 3:1–13; Col. 1:26–27), which is a graduate course to “the principalities and powers in the heavenly places” (Eph. 3:10).
The Olivet Discourse reveals the consequences of Israel’s rejection of her Messiah (compare Matt. 23:37–39 and Rom. 9:1–5; 10:1–4; 11:25). These consequences are defined by Paul as “wrath … to the uttermost” (1 Thess. 2:15–16).
The outline is actually given by Jesus Himself, by using certain key words as markers of the divisions. Perhaps the most obvious of these words is “Then,” a time-word indicating a sequence of events. We find this in Matt. 24:1, 9, 11, 16, 21, 23, 29, 40; 25:1, 7, 16, 24, 34, 37, 41, 44, 45. With the exception of its use in Matt. 24:1, where it connects Jesus’ departure from the Temple with the following discourse, in all the subsequent times, it is used specifically to refer to the Tribulation period followed by His Second Coming. It is worth quoting Mark, here, for the statement he includes:
“For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be.” Mark 13:19
In Matthew 24, Jesus gives us an outline, speaking of “tribulation” (Matt. 24:9), followed by “the abomination of desolation” (Matt. 24:15, see Dan. 11:31; 12:11), which is then followed by “great tribulation” (Matt. 24:21) and, finally, “after the tribulation of those days” (Matt. 24:29) by the return of Christ to Earth (Matt. 24:30–31). Although both Mark 13 and Luke 21 include portions of this message, only Matthew gives us such a clear picture of the chain of events.
Gene Cunningham - September 11, 2000
Elijah #10
Elijah illustrates the Lord's statements (Mat 10:32-39). Scripture is there for our benefit (Rom 15:4, 1Co 11:10, 2Ti 3:16). Elijah was just like us and afraid (Jam 5:17). Elijah is under more than a physical conflict (1Ki 19:1-3). Satan is behind the scene attacking him. The greatest danger is after a victory. When we give into fear we do stupid things. Elijah prays to die (1Ki 19:4). Though we are faithless, God remains faithful (2Ti 2:13). He provided everything to Elijah. "What are you doing here,Elijah?" (1Ki 19:9-12) When the Lord asks questions we have no answers. God won't deliver us through signs. Don't look for the Lord in strong winds, fires and earthquakes. God asks again. The problem behind problems is sin. Elijah is preoccupied with himself and his importance (1Ki 19:13-14). God has Elijah appoint his successor, who anoints the King of Israel, and his servant (1Ki 19:15-17, 2Ti 2:2). God wants impact for the cause of Christ (Heb 5:12). Elijah was disillusioned making the same mistakes we do (1Ki 19:18).
Scripture References: Hebrews 5:12, James 5:17, Romans 15:4, Matthew 10:32-39
More Messages from Gene Cunningham...
January 8, 2000
The Divine Mentor #2
Gene Cunningham
John 16:12-14, Ecclesiastes 3:11, 1John 2:17, Jeremiah 17:5-9, Jeremiah 42:1-6, Jeremiah 44:16-17, Genesis 28:20-21, 1Kings 13:1-34, 1Corinthians 11:1, Acts 8:1-5, Acts 10:19, Acts 16:7