The Disappearance

“This is a historical fact. But, why would this convince us that we are the last generation? All end time prophecy is centered around the nation of Israel. Since the nation of Israel did not exist except as dispersed throughout the nations, then the return of the Lord could not have happened as described by the Bible. The last generation will see the final restoration of Jacob begin the return to the land.

Isaiah spoke of a day when the nation would be born in one day. Historically, nations have formed over a period of many years. Most have taken a full generation or a protracted war. This generation saw something extraordinary in 1948. A nation came forth in one day. It was Israel and it came forth just as the prophet said.

Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she gave birth to a boy. Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once? As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons. ISA 66:7-8

The last expression is about the last generation, As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons.@ It is while Israel exists and tribulation (travail) occurs that the ASons of the Living God are transformed into the Kingdom saints. This prophecy is really about the last generation, but it is connected to the birth of the nation of Israel. If this is the first evidence of the restoration of Jacob in our generation, then we know all things (the end time scenario) must come quickly in one generation just as the Lord said.

Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. MAT 24:34

This is a simple concept to understand, but this verse has befuddled many prophecy students. Some have tried to define the length of the last generation. Looking back in Scripture, prophecy students have tried to define a generation as 40 years, 50 years or 70 years. They agree that the last generation must begin with Israel’s birth in 1948, but they chase rabbit trails to define our length. The prophecy is not numerically specific; it is specific to you and me. It simply says that the last generation will not pass away before ALL things take place. This begins with the birth of Israel in one day and concludes with the Day of the Lord. This is why pretrib teachers formerly projected 1988 as a rapture date. (It was 40 years after the birth of Israel.) They looked at 1998. (It was 50 years after.) I agree that Israel’s birth is significant, but let the Lord accomplish the other things He has planned. We are still here. We have not passed away yet.

These misunderstandings have been particularly disappointing to many believers today. Many brethren expect things to happen on their timetable. God seems to be saying, Hurry up. I’m coming quickly! We scurry about for awhile and then we find ourselves waiting again. We are like frightened birds of a flock taking flight together only to land again waiting. Listen to words of the Messiah. Faith comes by hearing and believing His promises. Israel exists today; the last time that happened was when a generation saw the Messiah the first time.”

Source: Escape All These Things