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. Luke 21:24, NIV
We all have our favorite Bible verses, and rightly so. We see them posted on billboards in front of churches. John 3:16 is very popular. There are even John 3:16 churches.
But there is a verse spoken by Jesus that is not ever so posted. In fact, in some churches, it is never read at all. I was in such a church. I taught Bible there. It was my joy to read it aloud each time I taught Daniel chapter two. For even the second part of Luke 21:24, though never ever read aloud in some churches, is very, very, important.
Jesus spoke it near the end of his earthly ministry. Poor, faithful Jews were puzzled. Where was the promised Kingdom of David?
The church I was a member of taught that the Kingdom of David had been transmogrified, taken over by the church. After all, they said, His kingdom is not of this world. This strategy works for most people. That is, those who do not take the time to read the verse that contains these words. The church--and they--leave out the all-important word NOW (John 18:36). For when it comes to time, these churches are as blind as mole rats.
His kingdom is not of this world NOW. You would think they could get the meaning of a three letter word! But they choose not to. So while Jesus supposedly has His heavenly kingdom, these guys will run the only one they really care about--the world- and its money, property and prestige.
But the times of the Gentiles are coming to a close. Jesus will take His beloved church out of the world, judge the disobedient Jews, and then return to re-establish the kingdom of David.
Gabriel promised Mary and Joseph (Luke 1:32) that their virgin-born son would sit on the throne of his father David. This is to be an earthly throne. It will be of this world. But not until Daniel 2 is fulfilled. Just not NOW!
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