We’re studying an exciting prophecy (Daniel 9:24-27), aren’t we!  And it is a critical prophecy if we are to fully understand God’s plan of the end.   Let’s charge ahead!

 

On the day Jesus was rejected as the Messiah, God pressed the pause button on His program for Israel.  The time of the Gentiles, the Church Age, began and we are living in that prophetic pause right now!

 

To begin our study today, let’s return to the 6 objectives from Daniel 9:24 we touched on a couple days ago.  As you read the verse, make a mental note that 3 have already been fulfilled and 3 are yet to be fulfilled.

 

There may be theological debate, so it’s best not to be dogmatic.  However, when one considers the purpose for which Jesus came to earth, a strong argument may be made that Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection accomplished the first three objectives for us!  It is also clear that everlasting righteousness has not been achieved, prophecy has not been sealed (it is still happening!), and the most holy place has yet to be re-built, much less anointed!  God’s plan is laid out, but it will not be finished until God releases the pause button!

 

We’ve learned that 69 of the 70 weeks of years have been fulfilled, culminating with the cutting off of the Messiah.  God’s stopwatch has been turned off as we await the 70^th week of years.  But is there Biblical precedence for other pauses?  Yes!  Take a quick look at these passages:

 

Isaiah 9:6                             Zechariah 9:9-10                               Isaiah 61:1-2

 

In Isaiah 9:6 we find that, indeed, a child was born and a son was given.  However, the government is yet to rest on His shoulders.  But that day is coming!   The prophet Zechariah accurately prophesied that a king endowed with salvation was coming and that He would be mounted on a donkey.  That happened!  However, did he miss the boat when, in verse 10, he promised that the king would speak peace to the nations and that His dominion will be from sea to sea?  Of course not!  The time for fulfillment of those prophesies has simply not come yet.  So, what about Isaiah’s familiar prophecy in Isaiah 61:1-2?  Yes, the Spirit of the Lord was upon Jesus, and He was anointed.  But have all the afflicted, brokenhearted, captives and prisoners been set free?  Not yet, but the time is coming.  We are in the “pause” of each of those prophesies as well.

 

So, when will God release the pause button and finish His plan for the Jews?  Good question…glad you asked!  When the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled, God will resume His plan for His chosen people.  The Church Age will end at the Rapture, when all believers are snatched away to meet Jesus in the air.  Let’s see how the apostle Paul describes that event.  Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

 

That will be phase one of the Second Coming.  Those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus will be raptured and will enjoy a wedding feast with our Lord.  Soon after the Rapture, the Lord will release the pause button and the 7-year Tribulation, the most horrific time in history, will occur on earth.  Daniel 9:27 explains how that event unfolds.  That verse refers to the antichrist.   What do you think will happen, based on that verse?

 

Indeed, the antichrist will make a covenant of peace with Israel for 7 years, but will betray that covenant after only 3 ½ years.  Things on earth will go from bad to worse, and the second half of the Tribulation will be known as the Great Tribulation.  Jesus describes this time in Matthew 24:15-22.

 

For certain, the Great Tribulation will be unbelievably horrible and extremely difficult for the Jewish people.  But this is the culmination of the 70^th week of years, the final week of God’s plan for the Jews.

 

Remember, Daniel wrote this prophecy while in Babylonian captivity, and we learn several things in that regard:

1. Though they were in captivity, God did not forget His chosen people.  He will finish the plan He started.
2. God had a purpose for the captivity of the Jews.
   1. Up until captivity, Jews were idolaters, but never again did they go after foreign gods after their release from captivity.
   2. While in Babylon, the idea of synagogues came into Jewish culture and became the center of worship.
   3. The Old Testament canon was completed.  Ezra began collecting scrolls while in captivity.
   4. While in captivity, the Jews began using the name YHWH.  Jehovah became approachable!
3. God was personally involved with His prophet and His people.  He didn’t communicate in some distant, cold way.  Notice how God ministered to Daniel while in captivity:
   1. Daniel 8:18-19: God touched Daniel to make him see.
   2. Daniel 9:21-22: God touched Daniel with understanding and insight.
   3. Daniel 10:10-11: God touched Daniel to make him stand.
   4. Daniel 10:16: God touched Daniel to make him speak.
   5. Daniel 10:18: God touched Daniel to make him strong.

 

Do you think God cares about His beloved people?  Absolutely!  He will once again show Himself to be their God and they will be His people forever!  This comes to fruition once God releases the pause button!  End your study today by praying for the peace of Jerusalem, and praying that the Jewish people will recognize their Messiah!

 

Shalom!