ISRAEL AT 60
By Christine Darg
Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. (Luke 21: 29-32)
What is the length of a Bible generation? Some theologians say the minimum requirement is 40 years, and it has already been almost 41 years since the Israelis recaptured Jerusalem in June 1967. In fact, the fig tree (the nation of Israel) put forth its shoots, full of resurrection life, in 1947-48.
A Bible generation is more likely to be 70 years.. The generational time line Jesus was referring to in Luke 21: 32 is likely to be a man's average lifespan (70 years or if by reason of strength, 80 years). That means, from the rebirth of the modern state of Israel, 70 years later, the years 2017-2018 could be highly significant. Watch this space!
No one knows the day or hour of the Lord's coming, but we can know the generation if we watch the sign Jesus gave us of the fig tree (Israel). Notably, this generation--the generation that witnessed the return of Israel to the Promised Land-- is begining to pass away. Many great leaders of this generation have been passing off the scene. That should tell us how close we are to the coming of the Lord for his Bride!
From 1897, the time of the first Zionist Congress, until 2017, there will be 120 years--which is the absolute maximum of a Bible generation.. Jesus noted, As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be when the son of man comes. Noah preached for 120 years. God's dealings with Israel are our prophetic signposts.. As a God of divine order and purpose, he is working according to his perfect plan and timing. If we take God at his word, we are literally living in history's closing days. I am crying out to the Lord for mercy on the lost and thus for more time to preach the Gospel. We must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. (John 9: 4)