A BOOK YOU CAN TRUST

Sorry about there not being  a blog this morning, but the Internet was down until now.  

Trustworthy Prophecy

The Bible also contains remarkable prophecies that were written  and fulfilled in Roman times. For example, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem, he wept and foretold how the Roman armies would destroy the city.  "Days will come upon you when you enemies will build around you a fortification with pointed stakes," Jesus said. "They will not leave a stone upon a stone in you, because you did not discern the time of your being inspected." -Luke 19:41-44.

Jesus' followers, however, would have opportunity to escape. How so? Jesus gave them specific instructions ahead of time. "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies," he warned, "then know that the desolating of her has drawn near.  Then let those in Judea begin fleeing to the mountains, and let those in the midst of her [Jerusalem]withdraw."  (Luke 1:20, 21) Jesus' followers may well have wondered. 'How will we escape from a city under siege?' 

Josephus recorded what happened.  In 66 C.E., when a Roman governor seized from the temple treasure taxes that were in arrears incensed Jewish rebels slaughtered Roman forces and, in effect, declared themselves independent. Later that year, Cestius Gallus with 30,000 troops, arriving at Jerusalem during a religious festival. Gallus penetrated the suburbs and even began undermining the wall of the temple, where the rebels had taken refuge.  Then, for no apparent reason, Gallus withdrew!  Excited Jews attacked his retreating army. 

Faithful Christians were not deceived by this turn of events. They realized that they had seen Jesus' amazing prophecy come true:  The city had been surrounded  by encamped armies! And now, because these armies had retreated, faithful Christians took advantage of this window of opportunity to flee. Many went to Pella, a politically neutral  Gentile city located in the mountains across the Jordan.

What happened to Jerusalem?  The Roman armies returned, led by Vespasian and his son Titus-this time number 60,000 soldiers.  The advanced on the city prior to the Passover of 70 C.E., trapping both residents and pilgrims who had flocked there for the celebration. Roman troops denuded the district of trees and built a wall of pointed stakes, just as Jesus had foretold. After about five month, the city fell.  

Titus ordered that the temple be preserved; but a soldier torched it, and the place was torn down by stone-precisely as Jesus predicted.  According to Josephus, some 1,100, 000 Jews and proselytes died, the majority from starvation and pestilence, and another 97,000 were taken prisoner. Many were sent to Rome as slaves. If you visit Rome today, you can tour the famous Colosseum, which was finished by Titus after the campaign in Judea. You can also see the Arch of Titus, which commemorates the conquest of Jerusalem. Yes, Bible prophecy is trustworthy in every detail. How important, then,  that we take to heart what it says about the future!

Next time: A BOOK YOU CAN TRUST - A Hope You Can Trust

From the AWAKE! magazine, 2011