Israel (6) - How Long

The destruction of Jerusalem marked the beginning of a new season called the Times of the Gentiles.

There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 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 21:23-24).

Jesus warned that people of Israel that their house would remain desolate throughout this season. Jesus’ listeners probably did not expect this season to last that long, but two thousand years have gone by since he gave his warning. That leaves a big question.

How long will this house remain desolate?

Jesus answer was very clear.

Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord' (Matt 23:38-39).

The house will remain desolate, until the people of Israel bless those who come in the name of Jesus. This still has not happened yet.

Many Christian prophet’s use a different test from Jesus, and assume that Time of the Gentiles have ended, because some Jewish people have returned to their land. These end-time prophets are welcomed in Israel, because they say that everything is okay, but they are not real prophets.

They lead my people astray, saying, "Peace," when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash (Ez 13:10).

The real prophets who preach Jesus are still rejected, just as they were in the days before Jesus. The Holy Spirit cannot return to the house until Jesus is welcomed. Until that happens, their house remains desolate.