This Generation 1967 - 2007

12th June 2007, seh, mgh

This Article: (11 Pages)

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.

2) Prediction of the destruction of Jerusalem 70 CE

In Luke 21: 6-7 Yahshua prophesies to the people that the Temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed. When he was asked when this would happen by his disciples, he replies that many would claim to be the Messiah. However, before he would be revealed as their true Messiah and saviour of Israel, many things had to happen, such as wars and natural disasters. (Luke 21: 8-11)

Before these calamities, the Jews in Israel living at that time would face oppression (Luke 21:12-19). Those who trusted him and took heed to his warning would recognise the signs and know that when Jerusalem was surrounded by armies they should flee. Josephus (37-101 A.D) records the lull in the battle that allowed people to flee when the Romans attacked Jerusalem 70CE.

Luke 21: 21 clearly gives the warning that if they are to survive they must flee from Jerusalem when they saw the occupying Roman army moving their forces against Jerusalem. According to Josephus, in the historical records of the time, faithful Jews were really given the signs of impending trouble in 66CE when the Jews rioted against Roman rule, which was forcibly suppressed by the Romans.

Yahshua then reminds them that the prophets of Israel had long ago foretold of the desolation of Israel and fall of Jerusalem (Luke 21:22-23). At that time many would be killed, but those that survived would be scattered among the nations, again as prophesied by their prophets (Luke 21: 24).

Also in Luke 21:24 there is a most significant statement which tells them and us, that from that time, 70CE, Jerusalem would no longer be controlled by Jews, it would be taken over by other nations, the Gentiles, UNTIL the times of the Gentiles was ended, or fulfilled.

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)

Times of the national struggles over Jerusalem

History has proved the truth of this prophecy. Jerusalem has been a scene of conflict, passing from the control of the Romans to the Byzantine Empire, the Muslims and Saracens, the Ottomans and to the British mandate of the twentieth century after WW1 when the Turks were driven out of Palestine as it was then called.

The Jews since 70CE have been scattered throughout the world living in many nations, often under difficult conditions, oppression and persecution. A tiny remnant of Jews have had a presence in their traditional homeland continuously, which was boosted by refugees fleeing Russian pogroms in the late 1800's. Hitler's anti-Semitism and the Holocaust were to create a Jewish refugee problem that had to be addressed by the United Nations.

In 1948 Israel was once again established as a nation in part of their original homeland. In 1967 following attacks by the combined forces of the Arab nations, which greatly outnumbered the Israeli force, Israel gained control of more territory and complete control of Jerusalem including the old walled city.

3) Prediction of Jews regaining control of Jerusalem

In 1967, for the first time in almost 2000 years, the Jews were in control of Jerusalem.

What does Luke 21: 24 state?

It states very clearly that Jerusalem would be “trodden down” of the Gentiles until the time of Gentile control of Jerusalem was at an end. Historically this occurred in 1967. Since 1967 the Jews have had full political control over all Jerusalem. They have allowed free access to all areas of Jerusalem, for all, whether Jew, Arab, Christian or visitor. Arabs in Jerusalem and Israel benefited from Israeli law and humanitarian aid. Education and medical aid became available to Arabs as well as Jews. The Arabs had representation in the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament. The war in 1967 had not only freed Jerusalem and brought it under Jewish control but gave free access to Jerusalem to all denominations.

The prophecy does not end here. The following section has particular reference to subsequent events that are affecting peoples lives today.

How this affects world events today

According to Yahshua, what happens after this 1967 War? He says

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws nigh. And he spoke to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, you see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.

So likewise you, when you see these things come to pass, know you that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Truly I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. (Luke 21:25-32)

The signs that will precede the Messiah's return and establishment of the Kingdom of God are described. There are calamities and great fear or alarm for what is coming on the earth.

The Generation that experiences these events is the Generation that “will not pass” until all is accomplished.

4) This Generation, Our Generation?

A Biblical generation is generally defined as a forty year period. In the opening chapter of Matthew where the genealogies are given, the average for each of the fourteen generations varies between 42 and 50 years. We could conclude that a Biblical generation may be between 40 and 50 years. A generation from 1967 takes us to 2007- 2017.

Is there any reason why we might date “this generation”, as referred to in Luke 21: 32, from 1967 with the freeing of Jerusalem from Gentile domination?

The idea of a 'generation' is an interesting development in modern thinking. Throughout history significant periods have been identified by descriptive titles. For instance we have had the Elizabethan Age, the Age of Discovery, The Reformation, The Renaissance, The Industrial Age, The Space Age, The Computer Age and many others. Beginning in the late 1960's we have a clearly defined and recognisable Generation X . This is the first time society has ever used the terminology “generation” to define a social phenomenon.

Western society has never before defined a period as a “Generation”. This new terminology appears highly significant. Why? It describes a period in which so much of society's norms, morals and values have been almost turned upside down. Beginning with many protest movements in the 1960's, especially in relation to the Vietnam War. the Baby Boomers laid the foundation for the Generation X which has been defined by sociologists as beginning in the period 1965-1967.

Is this new phenomenon of a Generation X appearing in 1967 in the Western nations in conjunction with the liberation of Jerusalem in 1967 just coincidence? That the Luke record of the Messiah's prophecy in Luke 21: 32 specifically states that “this generation” would not pass until the Kingdom of God was in the earth, is indeed a most thought provoking statement that should alert us, who live in the time of Generation X.

There are many available sources that discuss the origin and nature of this Generation X.

5) Generation X

Susan Martin was involved in the protest movement and for an exhibition of posters writes.

“Like hundreds of thousands of my generation, the war in Viet Nam was a seminal event in our psychic and social development. The forces for change that came together to create the antiwar movement were part of a zeitgeist that brought down the carefully constructed myths of a powerful and duplicitous government, and also unleashed an unprecedented revolution in social mores and a tidal wave of cultural production.”

www.iath.virginia.edu/sixties/HTML_docs/Exhibits/Track16.html

The year 1967 however, ushered in a new era in movement protest. For Small, the October 21st rally in Washington in 1967 was,

“the moment that the fever broke in the whole anti-war movement” (Small 1988:110).

Small continues to explain the era of rage and protest.

The movement continued to grow through 1967 into 1968. School demonstrations were becoming increasingly prevalent, especially at Berkeley. In the 1968-1969 school year alone, Berkeley experienced 2,000 arrests, 22 days of fighting accompanied by 22 day of the National Guard’s presence, and 150 suspensions or expulsions (Small 2002:87) www.tcnj.edu/~mazer2/history.htm

Mary Gordon in 1998 examining 100 years of the New York Times says this of 1967,

The years 1966 and 1967 were particularly schizophrenic, marked on the one hand by despair and rage over Vietnam and the poor, and on the other by a sense of carnival brought about by the conjunction of drugs, sex and rock-and-roll. It was a year marked by the assassinations of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, and by the violent demonstrations that tore apart one of New York's most venerable institutions, Columbia University.

Gordon continues and explains the legacy of 1967

The world of the late 60's is still recognizable -- we are still trying to sort out the issues we were fighting over then. But 1958 seems like a distant dream,.. and the 4 years that followed seem wrapped in a cloud of unknowing, a fog violently burned away by the actions of a later violent time. ...We are still, whether we know it or not, fighting the battles whose lines were drawn in those tumultuous years. www.nytimes.com/specials/nyc100/nyc100-7-gordon.html.

Others agree that the impact of the late 1960's was significant and shaped the generation that followed.

WKAR-TV (Mitchigin USA) Looks Back at the Sixties "It was the age of selfishness. It was the age of self-indulgence. It was the age of anti-authority. It was an age in which people did all kinds of wrong things."– Ed Meese III, U.S. Attorney General, ReaganAdministration.It was a time when a generation rebelled and lost its innocence. From the Vietnam War to the struggle for racial equality to the birth of a counter-culture, the 1960s was a decade of change. and the powerful impact forced on an entire generation. ...there has never been a time quite like it. The Sixties: The Years that Shaped a Generation... that continues to have a profound impact on our society today - from American foreign policy to the birth of the environmental and gay rights and women's liberation movements..

The decade had begun on a high note. Initially, Americans accepted the Vietnam War as a larger struggle against communism. Optimism grew as Johnson passed the Civil Rights Act in the mid-60s. ...But frustrations over the class divide were emerging....black communities in other cities were exploding in rage. In 1967, Detroit was engulfed in chaos and destruction... when it was over, 43 were dead, 33 of them black. The images from Vietnam, the first televised war, were inescapable. By 1967 ...Dissatisfaction with the war culminated in Stop the Draft Week, a massive demonstration against the Pentagon.

1968 is often described as "the year that changed the world." The Vietnam War had taken more than 15,000 American lives. .. , rage and violence were now spreading to college campuses across the country and around the world. Student protests at Columbia University raised the scale of these conflicts. In France, workers joined with students in a general strike that nearly brought the government down. In Mexico City, students who challenged the authoritarian government were slaughtered in the worst single disaster of 1968.

The devastating assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. dealt a tremendous blow to the civil rights movement. Riots broke out in more than 100 cities around the country. ...The assassination of Robert Kennedy a few months later dealt a further blow that would further damage what little idealism remained.

Student activism continued through the end of the 60s — this time with the fight centered on identity. At San Francisco State University, students held a 134-day strike...The counter-culture reached its high point with Woodstock..

With the end of Nixon's first year in office, the American death toll in Vietnam continued to mount. Protests took place in every city around the country, calling for the immediate withdrawal of troops from Vietnam. With over two million present, this became the largest one-day demonstration ever in a Western democracy. ...

Barry Melton, guitarist, says at the end of The Sixties, "It's important for the youth of a generation to feel that they can change the world because they really can… that was a time of tremendous change, where youth were tremendously motivated..."

http://wkar.org/enews/story.php?fill=050927/sixties

The western world has used the term “generation” for the first time since the late 1960's. The first “generation” is Generation X.

“Generation X is a term used to describe generations in many countries around the world. The exact demographic boundaries of Generation X are not well defined, .. Typically, people born between 1963 and 1978 are generally considered "Generation X," while others use the term to describe anyone who was in their 20s some time during the 1990s. Generation X is generally marked by its lack of optimism for the future, nihilism, cynicism, skepticism, alienation and mistrust in traditional values. The term was first used in a 1964 study of British youth by Jane Deverson. ..The study revealed a generation of teenagers who "sleep together before they are married, don't believe in God, dislike the Queen, and don't respect parents,"...it was a new phenomenon. Statistics Canada identifies Genration X from 1967 with “Back end baby boomers” or Cuspers from 1960-1966. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_X

Tulgan, Bruce ("Managing Generation X: How to Bring Out the Best in Young Talent" Capstone Ltd, 2003, ISBN 1900961091). Interviewing thousands of people, his definition is of Generation X is those born from 1965-1977 with those born 1946-1953 referred to as "older boomers", 1954-1964 as "younger boomers".

In this definition, Generation X begins 1965. This is the first time that popular culture started to define itself by “generations”. The first defined generation refers to those born from 1946.

University of Maryland defines Generation X as

People born before 1938 are considered ``senior citizens''. People born from 1938 to 1967 are considered ``baby boomers'', and people born 1968 or after are considered ``generation X''. www.cs.umd.edu/class/fall2003/cmsc106/Projects/P2/index.html

What are the most noticeable trends of the Generation X?

The change in social values as described by the writers who defined the nature of Generation X give a graphic view of the moral standards that contrast with that of previous eras.

The Bible also enumerates the features of society before the return of the Messiah, which correspond to those of modern sociologists. Yahshua with amazing accuracy speaks of a time of pleasure, but also that it would be a time of greater cares.

Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with partying, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come when you are unaware. For as a snare shall it come on all those that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Luke 21:34-35

According to Matthew, Yahshua illustrated his point about this generation with an analogy.

As the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ship, and they didn’t know until the flood came, and took them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. (Matthew 24:37-39)

Despite changes in morals and high levels of divorce, marriage is still a celebration generating tabloid attention.

This changing morals of this generation are accurately described by the apostle Paul who says they are a sign of the coming of Messiah. Paul refers to the era of the time of the “coming of the Son of Man”, calling it “the last days” and he says,

But know this, that in the last days, grievous times will come. For men will belovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents,unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding a form of godliness, but having denied its power. (2 Timothy 3: 1-5)

Generation X is also called the 'Me' Generation, where self comes first and self esteem is seen as critical. This generation places a great value on money, possessions and pleasure. All of the characteristics of Generation X were predicted in the prophecies of this era, the era after the end of the Gentile control of Jerusalem – in 1967.

Now 40 years later those born as Generation X are now succeeded by a new generation, they call Generation Y.

6) Two Eras of prophecy

As previously mentioned, history has shown there was approximately a 40 year period from the time Yahshua delivered the prophecy in 33CE to the fulfilment of the first section of the prophecy with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70CE.

The prophecy's first section 33CE - 70CE

We can learn from the history of the period between the crucifixion of the Messiah and the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and the scattering of the Jews. There were evident signs given for the faithful. The signs for the period to the destruction of Jerusalem were:

But when you shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in various places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. (Luke 21:9-12)

There were many wars in this region. In the period to 67CE, out of 29 legions for the Empire, 6 Roman legions were amassed in the Middle East area particularly on the coastal region of Israel. This compared with only 4 in Britain where a major effort was being undertaken by the Romans to take control of Britain. There was a ten year war with Parthia over Armenia close to the Israeli region. In 66CE the Jews rose in bitter revolt against Roman rule and were ruthlessly subdued by the Roman forces (The Penguin Atlas of Ancient History by Colin McEvedy 1967). Other wars brought the nearby provinces of Cappadocia, Mauretania, Thrace and Pontus under Roman control.

There were three earthquakes recorded in the New Testament for this period: at the crucifixion Matthew 27: 51-54, at the resurrection Matthew 28: 2 and at the time of the imprisonment of Paul and Silas. Another earthquake shook Pompei in 63 CE. In 79CE “Pompei a thriving town, (was) still being rebuilt from a devastating earthquake 16 years earlier” (Time-Life International Nederland 1965). This means that the Mediterranean world would have been aware of this earthquake in 63CE and its tremors felt in parts of the Empire. In August 79CE, thirteen years later, Pompei and Herculaneum were buried under the volcanic ash of Vesuvius. There were famines in Judea at this time. In the reign of Claudius Caesar there was famine as shown in Acts 11: 28.

Persecution came when in 64CE Rome was almost destroyed by fire and this gave Nero an excuse for the first persecution of the Christians. This would have been a sign to the faithful Jews and Christians who would have remembered the Messiah's words.

The period 33-70CE was a turbulent time in Israel and one in which there were significant natural occurrences such as earthquake and famine. Wars were being fought in neighbouring provinces, Nero's persecution of Christians was taking place and trouble was increasing between the Jews and occupying Roman forces in Israel. Within a 40 year period, a Biblical generation, from the time the prophecy was given, all of the first section was fulfilled. To the alert Christian the prophetic signs were evidence of the calamity that came. The followers of the Messiah heeded the warning and fled.

The Prophecy's second section 1967 – 2007?

The Messiah's prophecy has two distinct sections: what was to happen until Jerusalem is destroyed, and then, what was to happen after the freeing of Jerusalem, which occurred in 1967. This second section is recorded in Luke 21:25. Both eras imply a time period defined by 'a generation.'

7) Signs in Prophetic 'Sun, Moon and Stars'

The prophecy states there will be signs in the “sun, the moon and the stars.” Symbolically, the sun, stars and moon are often used to represent rulers in the Bible. A case of a clear interpretation is that of the dream of Joseph (of the coat of many colours). He said,

Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. (Genesis 37:9)

His father, Jacob (called Israel) interpreted it,

What is this dream that you have dreamed? ShallI and your mother and your brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to you to the earth? (Genesis 37:10)

The sun is the ruling power, in a family the father, the moon is the consort and the stars are the lesser powers.

The 'moon', which reflects the light of the sun is used sometimes in the Bible to represent ecclesiastical powers.

Stars are rulers of nations. An often misunderstood case is found in Isaiah 14: 4, which introduces the subject of the chapter as the king of Babylon. The king's power has been broken and he has fallen from his position of strength. In figurative language he is described as a 'fallen star'. The term 'Lucifer' in Hebrew is 'heylel' which means 'day star'.

We have a representation of the ruling powers by the use of the word 'star'. The sun itself is a star, from the perspective of earth the sun is the greatest star, with the greatest influence, and would refer to the dominant ruling world power. The interesting phenomenon in our world today in relation to the nations is the use of the symbol of the star. The European economic community is represented by stars and the American flag displays stars to represent each state of the nation. These nations increasingly reflect the instability of the governments of the world and a growing tension among the nations over resources. such as oil, the situation in the Middle East and Iraq. This is particularly evident between the European block and the U.S.A.

Signs in the 'Sun' &'Stars': World Leaders in distress

A 40yr generation after the re-establishment of Israel, in 1989, the Berlin Wall fell and re-established a united Germany, where anti-semitism has been on the rise. In 1990 Communism and the U.S.S.R disintegrated, in a political 'earthquake'. Since 1990 there has been the growth of a United Europe, economically and politically. This was a significant sign, as the USSR 'Sun' was eclipsed to reveal a new constellation of bright European 'stars'.

Luke records Yahshua describing the nations, and by deduction their leaders, as being in a state of 'distress' and 'perplexity'. These two words vividly convey the perceived feelings of many national leaders. 'Distress' has the sense of 'anxiety' and 'perplexity' as 'being no way out' or 'to be at a loss'. The issues facing world leaders today relate to such things as global warming, globalisation, the Middle East question, dwindling resources, such as oil, the threat of nuclear warfare and the war in Iraq. These international issues are in some cases beyond mankind's ability to solve in a peaceful way.

Signs in the 'Moon': The power of Religion

And what do we observe about the ecclesiastical world? The Roman Catholic Church, for many centuries the world's dominant ecclesiastical power, which declined in influence after the French Revolution, has enjoyed a huge resurgence in influence and power since the period of Pope John Paul 11.

Its first evident sign of a revival of power was with the Treaty of Rome on 25th March 1957, a political statement and a precursor to a united Europe which is in evidence today. This treaty of economic cooperation among the signatory nations of Italy, France, W. Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg and the foundations of the European Economic community, was given the title of 'Rome', the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. After his death some Italians believe that Pope John Paul 11 had performed miracles which they call 'signs'. In this way popular European media is once again after many years talking of 'signs' in relationship to religion. In effect Europe is talking of 'signs' in the 'moon'.

8) The era of great distress and fear

There is another class of people also mentioned in Luke 21. There are those who have great fear for what is coming upon the earth.

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. (Luke 21:25-26)

We can identify these people today. While there are those who are concerned only with life's cares, pleasures, a comfortable lifestyle and satisfying their desires, we can identify others who use research, graphs and statistics to explain their fears that our earth and way of life faces great problems.

There are fears about environmental issues such as global warming, pollution, greenhouse gas and dwindling resources. There are constant fears of natural disasters, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, cyclones, volcanic activity, increased weather violence, a melting ice-cap, a rising sea level, worldwide drought, famine, earthquake, bushfires and floods that seem to be increasing in frequency and intensity. Worldwide, natural disasters seem to be at the forefront of the news, and have been for many years. In 1974 on 3rd April an unprecedented 148 tornadoes caused devastation in the U.S on the one day. In December, on Christmas Day, of that same year, Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin in Australia. The world has been increasingly subjected to large scale disasters resulting from storms affecting large numbers of people.

Many fear the growing prevalence of drugs and the drug trade that threaten lives and is increasingly difficult to control and stop.

Terrorism poses constant fears and threats to the nations worldwide with Muslim extremism. We need only to enumerate some of the horrors that have been perpetrated by Muslim extremists such as the Twin Towers and 911 in New York and Washington, train bombing in Spain, the railroad bombings in London, bombings in Indonesia and Bali, constant Palestinian terrorism in the Middle East, the chaos in Iraq and other trouble spots such as Afghanistan. Gatherings of international political leaders are now accompanied by unprecedented security precautions. Air travel now requires far more regulation and security procedures to guard against bomb attacks.

Nuclear weapons pose the threat of nuclear war and there's the constant fear that more nations, such as Iran and Korea, will acquire nuclear weapons that would increase the danger of nuclear attacks.

The ever increasing world population, which now exceeds six billion, produces the fear of intense competition for dwindling resources and increased pollution from growing industrialisation in China and India and other developing countries. Oil production has reached its peak (ABC TV 'Crude' , May, 2007) and this will present enormous problems if the western world and developing nations are to maintain a western lifestyle. Many countries are turning to nuclear power and this also is also feared by some as a threat to the environment as demonstrated by the Chernobyl disaster and the problem of nuclear waste disposal.

Many people fear Globalisation. A lot of manufacturing skills are being lost and transported to countries such as China. With rampart consumerism and huge borrowing of money, the economy of many nations is fragile and collapse could easily ensue. Countries such as the U.S.A and Australia are becoming more and more dependent on imported and inferior quality goods and correspondingly foreign debt increases. The self-sufficiency of many nations is thus put at stake.

Unsustainability. This is the word that sums up so much of the lifestyle of the world in 2007 and beyond. The fear of many scientists and researchers is that huge changes must be made if mankind is to survive on this planet.

9) The roaring sea of people in protest

Yahshua speaks also of a time with 'the sea and the waves roaring'. If we consider Isaiah 17: 12 below there is a statement that clarifies an image which is sometimes used by other writers in the Bible. (See Jeremiah 6: 23; Psalm 65: 7; Jeremiah 51: 55; Ezekiel 26: 3)

Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters! (Isaiah 17:12)

Here it states that many people make a noise like the sea. Crowds at sporting events sound like the sea as they cry out in their excitement. Where else do we hear voices raised in anger and excitement? One would have to agree that the many protest movements, so prevalent since 1967 have been crying out about these same issues that the politicians are grappling with. These people are expressing their fears.

Yahshua's prophecy continues, 'the powers of heaven shall be shaken.' In the Bible the 'heavens' symbolically can refer to rulers as in Isaiah 1: 2. (Also Deuteronomy 32: 1)

Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD has spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. (Isaiah 1:2)

Isaiah is addressing the nation of Israel and warning them. The 'heavens' are the rulers he is talking to and the 'earth' is the people gathered around. This is ascertained from the context of the chapter and the Divine message that he is bringing to the nation.

We could say that the 'heavens' which are the powers or the national leaders, have begun to take notice of the protesters, the scientists and the researchers. There is an element of 'fear' of what is 'coming upon the earth.' There are voices crying out that much has to be done to alleviate the problems that loom before the earth's inhabitants. And for the first time in 2007 there is cosensus amongst all the rulers of the major economic and military powers of the world that 'climate change' is a real problem (though there is disagreement about what should be done about it).

The beginning of Generation X in the late 1960's was associated with the birth of the mass protest movement, with their cries particularly against the Vietnam War. Typical of this is Greenpeace, who since 1971, when they first protested against nuclear testing, have grown to become a worldwide movement (www.greenpeace.org/international/about/history).

Harlem Desir claims that a new era of protest began after the Rio UN Earth Summit in 1992 (2001, www.opendemocracy.net). As we write in the month of the fortieth anniversary of the Jewish victory against its Arab neighbours and its reclamation of Jerusalem, the protest movement appears to be more alive than ever before.

In any given week there are minor protests, such as in Australia a protest against the extension of coal mining. In the past few days as we write, there has been a huge protest movement in South Africa in relation to wages and working conditions, in England on the banks of the Thames there was a major demonstration supported by thousands of people, against global poverty. On the same day, in the city of Rostock there was a violent display in which 146 policemen were injured, 30,000 people demonstrated against the G8 summit to be held in Germany. (Sydney Morning Herald 4th June, 2007). There were more than 160 anti-globalisation groups, left-wing groups, students and anarchists. Their grievances were numerous including globalisation, anti-war, green house concerns and global warming. Throughout the world, large protests now occur regularly.

Today the cry of the people, like the noise of the sea and waves, is rising like an angry 'sea' during a storm to arouse the leaders of the governments of the world to heed their words.

10) Natural Disasters of the 'sea and waves' as Warning Markers

Since 1967 approximately 600 earthquakes of 7.0 or greater magnitude on the Richter Scale have been recorded. As if heralding the 1967 generation, there was an earthquake in Prince William Sound, Alaska, on Good Friday the 27^th March 1964. This dramatic 9.2 earthquake generated a large tsunami. It was a 40 year gap until next quake of a similar size in 2004 in Sumatra.

However, Sumatra's earthquake and tsunami was more devastating. On 26th December, 2004 the largest earthquake since 1964, and third largest since 1900 estimated at 9.2, with its epi-centre off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, in the Indian Ocean, caused the entire planet to vibrate 1cm and triggered earthquakes as far away as Alaska. 1600kms of faultline slipped 15metres generating a tsunami with waves to 30metres, which extended 8,000kms as far as the African coast. Approximately 230,000 people died. On 28th March, 2005, the second largest earthquake since 1964, 8.7 on the Richter Scale, the Nias Earthquake, occurred off the west coast of northern Sumatra, killing 1300 people, mostly on the island of Nias. Eight major aftershocks created fears of another tsunami. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_Sumatran_earthquake).

The whole world noted these events, and they occurred on dates significant for a Christian. In fact the second Sumatran earthquake occurred exactly 41 years after the Good Friday Alaskan earthquake of 1964, also occurring on the Easter holiday, as if emphasising the quake and tsunami the Christmas before. It was in that year, 2004, that the Catholic Church gained a formal place in the United Nations, a minor political earthquake nobody noticed, being obscured by the death of the Pope on 2 April 2005. It is to be noted that on 26^th December at Christmas three times recently a large earthquake has occurred: Bam (Iran) in 2003, Sumatra 2004 and Hengchun (Taiwan) in 2006. In Newcastle, Australia, an odd experience of the earth moving on a smaller scale in 28th December, 1989, matched the unusual political earthquake of the fall of Communism in Europe, instituted by the mass protest movement of people. In the Bible the 'earth' relates to people, as does the water. When the earth moves the 'sea' and makes 'waves' it may be a signifier of the expectation of dramatic political events.

The area, perhaps, which is of great interest in relation to this article, is the Middle East. Turkey has experienced three major earthquakes: 22nd July, 1967 (7.1), 17th August, 1999 (7.8 and 17,000 dead), and 12th November, 1999 (7.2 in the Duze region, 612 died and buildings collapsed in Bolu and Smyrna). Iran has experienced four devastating earthquakes: 16th September, 1978 (7.8 and 15,000 dead), 20th June, 1990 (7.4 in West Iran with 50,000 killed), 26th December, 2003 (6.6 in Bam with 31,000 killed) and again on 22nd June, 2002 when 260 died. (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsus/).

In Israel there was a minor 4.5 earthquake lasting 20 seconds on 15 ^th February, 2004, with its epi-centre north of the Dead Sea. Its impact was felt in Jordan, Lebanon and southern Syria. In 31BCE 30,000 people perished and in 1927 a 6.2 earthquake killed 100's. It created fear in Israel that it could be a precursor of worse to come. (www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/). These fears are justified as this area lies on the Syria-Africa fault line. The prophet Zechariah indicates that the Messiah himself will trigger a large movement of the earth from the very place he delivered his prophecy (Zechariah 14).

11) A Warning to Our Generation

This prophecy of Yahshua's is not a vague couplet of verse, rather in detail it explains that one event will follow another. According to the records left by Josephus, and the later books of the Bible itself, the event order that was predicted before the fall of Jerusalem in 70CE was accurate.

There is a gap in the prophecy from the time of the destruction of Jerusalem until it was prophesied that it be again ruled by Jews. Though unlikely even in the 1950's, this occurred. The gap was nearly 2,000 years. Then he predicted subsequent events. The last 40 years have shown that the conditions Yahshua predicted have eventuated. It is to be noted that the world has never before seen the condition of distress and protest seen since 1967. From the mid 1800's, even through the wars and as late as the 1950's there was a sense of optimism that humans could make wonderful progress through science. Since 1967 and especially the fuel shock of 1973 this optimism has been eroded. Now in 2007 there is only anxiety.

This period, from 1967, begins dramatically with the Six Day war in Israel and the wave of opposition to the Vietnam war. The war in Vietnam was one that the U.S could not win and the U.S army was withdrawn in the mid 1970's. There was a period of quiet with the Cold War. In September 1980 Iraq invaded Iran in order to gain control of the Shatt al-Arab waterway. After a drawn out war with Iran, Iraq invaded Kuwait and, in January 1991, Operation Desert Storm commenced to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. In recent years the U.S with her allies has been increasingly involved in an ever growing unpopular war in the Middle East and Iraq in an attempt to establish a peaceful stable political solution. And just as in 1967-8, there is a new wave of violent protest, as if defining a new era.

The prophecy continues,

So likewise you, when you see these things come to pass, you know that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Truly I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Luke 21:31-32

Here we have two very clear statements. 'This Generation will not pass' and the 'Kingdom of God is nigh at hand.' The signs that relate to the Messiah's prophecy following the freeing of Jerusalem from the Gentiles in 1967 are unmistakably those that are to be observed all around us.

Is the 'generation that will not pass' this Generation X? There is sufficient evidence to say that the parallels are extraordinary. Forty years have passed. Forty amazing years of change socially and politically.

The question is then, how much time remains for Generation X before the Messiah returns to rule this earth, bringing peace and justice? The Bible says Messiah will destroy all those who deny Yahweh as their their God and Creator and those who do not submit to His laws.

Luke 21: 35-36 gives us the warning to heed and consider the Messiah's words,

The Warning

Before the Jews re-gained administrative control of Jerusalem in 1967 this prophecy had no particular relevance. Nobody could have thought that Jordan would be foolish enough to declare war on Israel, or that Israel could win this territory from their more powerful neighbour. In any case the United Nations wanted to make Jerusalem an international city. Since 1967 the prophecy has become relevant. Yahshua, through Luke's record, spoke directly to those alive after 1967. That is, to our Generation.

In the years from 33 to 67CE the words of this prophecy saved the lives of countless people, as they heeded the warning and took the advice. Those who left Jerusalem lived. At that time they saved their life. For this generation, the offer is eternal redemption and a part in the future.