2 Responses to “April 29, 2009”

1. Doug MacLean
   May 2nd, 2009 @ 8:24 am

   Dear Dr. Brown,

   I agree that Israel’s existence is a mark of God’s faithfulness. I think you raise good points in your opening remarks that improper understanding of prophecy can result in disillusionment both for the believer and unbeliever alike. I remember back in the the late 1970′s there was a quite a stir that the nation of Israel was the fig tree in Matthew 24:32 – “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.” And the Scripture almost immediately following was inspiring Jesus states in Matthew 24:34 that -”I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. ”

   I was encouraged and inspired. But to sustain being encouraged and inspired one must understand the key issue is correctly dividing the Word of God. Jesus also said in Matthew 24:36 – “No one knows about that day or hour….” I am sure both you and your audience are familiar with these passages. But simply because common knowledge of Scripture exists does not mean common understanding also exists.

   Let me offer what I believe are important points in coming to an understanding. But also I would like to hear your perspective and comments on the following observations.

   1. It is still possible to correctly interpret the phrase “this generation will certainly not pass away” to mean this generation because you are measuring the time span of this generation. It could mean a time as long as 120 years. Therefore, that is a correct time frame.

   2. God was very good at concealing Christ’s first return even though there was plenty of Scripture. Our understanding is intentionally limited by God.

   3. The additional time is part of God’s grace to allow all to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus before his return.

   4. Any interpretation must consider Mathew 24:15 “‘the abomination that causes desolation.” In 167 B.C.of Antiochus Epiphanes set up an altar to Zeus over the altar of burnt offerings in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem.

2. Joshua Harris
   May 4th, 2009 @ 9:38 pm

   There was only 3:20 of this clip so I missed the rest, but i do have a response.

   Is Israel of prophetic significance? Absolutely!

   Does Israel represent a prophetic time table, or prophetic clock? No, at least not based on Mt 24:32-34. That teaching is based on hastily arrived at conclusions that must ignore the immediate context and parallel passages of Luke 21 and Mark 13. The hasty conclusion is that the “Fig Tree” is the restored state of Israel; but the problem with that is the state or existence of Israel is implied in the prophecy as a whole, but the point of the ‘Parable of the Fig Tree’ has to do specifically with the details of the prophecy coming to pass that are likened to the fig tree putting forth leaves. The parable has to do with the ‘when’ of a timing. It does not have to do merely with the State, but what is happening to that state. So I think we have shouted ‘hurrah’ according to an understanding that the statehood itself was the thing Jesus said “when you see these things, it’s near” Let me demonstrate:

   Mt 25:32-34 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things (come to pass Mk 13:29, Lk 21:31), know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

   The meaning to the Parable of the Fig tree cannot be separated from the rest of the passage. The meaning of the parable then is one of nearness of time due to the observation of specific events. Those events being things that happen to Israel:
   -the abomination of desolation Mt 24, Mk 13
   -Jerusalem being surrounded with armies Lk 21
   -Israel falling by the sword and being led captive into all nations Lk
   -Jerusalem trodden down of Gentiles
   -signs in the sun, moon, and stars

   When you see THESE THINGS come to pass, know that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand… this generation (the generation who sees these things) shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.

Leave a Reply