This Article: (11 Pages)
- 1. The Year 1967
- 2. Prediction of the destruction of... Jerusalem 70 CE
- 3. Prediction of Jews regaining... control of Jerusalem
- 4. This Generation, Our Generation?
- 5. Generation X
- 6. Two Eras of prophecy
- 7. Signs in Prophetic 'Sun, Moon and... Stars'
- 8. The era of great distress and fear
- 9. The roaring sea of people in protest
- 10. Natural Disasters of the 'sea and... waves' as Warning Markers
- 11. A Warning to Our Generation
1) The Year 1967
Why would we be concerned with the year 1967?
There were very significant and worldwide changes that were taking place at the end of the 1960's. These changes were wide ranging, being related to social, political, moral and cultural issues. A new generation was emerging demanding rights that were hitherto unknown to the western world.
World War 2 had ended, but new conflicts had erupted in Korea and Vietnam. The Cold War was a very real source of fear and tension until 1990. It was the background to movies such as the Bond series, which helped to spread the fear of further conflict among the nations on a huge scale, and also the threat of nuclear annihilation. Russia, by now the USSR, was extending its influence and Communism through the countries of Europe and even beyond. The space race and arms race further created worldwide tension and competition.
The fear of Communism was to be found among the Western nations. Western governments sought ways to destroy a political dogma that could infiltrate and destroy democratic societies. An example was the McCarthy era in the U.S when there developed a witch hunt for Communists in America in the 1950's. It was also this fear of the spread of Communism that contributed to the causes of the Vietnam War.
At this time of worldwide tension, in June 1967, a very small and independent nation, established for only nineteen years, became the focal point of a war that has had great significance to the present time. It still generates serious conflict. This war will yet have greater significance, as it will affect the future of all mankind.
In 1967, Israel, a re-established nation since 1948, gained significant territory in the Middle East after defeating in six days the combined forces of its Arab neighbours. Israel, after almost 2000 years was once again in control of its traditional homeland and the city of Jerusalem. The re-gaining of the control of Jerusalem was the source of dramatic tensions, as it displaced people and had become the focus point of three major world religions, Judaism, Islam and Christianity.
The Bible Gospel of Luke Predicts this 1967 War
It is here we pause to consider what the Bible records in Luke. The gospel record of Luke is a historical treatise. Of the four gospel records, Luke's is the one that most closely resembles an attempt to record a detailed chronological history of the Messiah's life and events in his ministry.
We have in Luke several important prophecies given by the Messiah.
And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (Luke 21:24)
Before examining this verse, read the preceding verses which prophesy of the horrific destruction of Jerusalem in 70CE by the occupying Romans, the slaughter of many Jews and the scattering of the remaining Jewish population among the nations, which is recorded history.
And when you shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter into it. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child... in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. (Luke 21:20-23)
The expectation of the Jewish nation at that time was of a saviour, or Messiah, who would come to save them from their oppressors and restore the land to its rightful owners. A few recognised Yahshua (Jesus) as their Messiah, but most of the people refused to acknowledge Him, as prophesied by their prophets.
The New Testament makes many references to the Kingdom of God. The Jews rightly expected this kingdom to be an earthly kingdom, but the first century CE was not the time. Many things long prophesied in the Scriptures had to happen, including the invitation to the Gentiles, a term which refers to all people who are not Jews, to become part of a glorious hope of life and redemption.
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