Meditation 2

How limited was the knowledge of Jesus? Did He expect to "come in power" during His Disciples' lifetime? Was His Kingdom delayed or postponed just because He admitted not knowing the "day of His return?" Many believe Jesus may come "at any moment." In that case, why did He say we should "watch until He comes as a Thief" at Armageddon? Rev.16:15,16.

Why have debates continued for over a century? Publishers seek to explain the "expectation versus disappointment" complex or tension that filled the minds of men like Albert Schweitzer. Outstanding scholar, missionary and statesman, he wrote "Quest of the Historical Jesus" in 1906.

The NASB reveals the problem by stating: "Some of them will not taste death until AFTER Christ comes in Kingdom Power. Since 1979, the New Living Bible Translation changes the message to: "YOU Disciples will not taste death until after the Son of Man comes." This reflects the popular viewpoint. Did Jesus want them to expect to see Him coming in Kingdom Power before they died? Most Believers think Jesus fulfilled His mandate (that "some would not die by any means" for at least one week) when Peter, James and John saw Him transfigured on the Mount. Many suggest He came in Kingdom Power at Pentecost ... before any of them would die.

These views look upon Jesus as a shortsighted visionary. He had just revealed His Mission to die and rise again and that He would Build His Church. The gates of Hades would not prevail against it before He comes "in glory to reward every Believer"! Matt.16:17-27. He made no suggestion that His Kingdom would be delayed or postponed. It was offered to the Gentiles!

Our Lord was thinking of Endtime Saints since He had already told the Twelve they would not "cover all the cities of Judea before He comes." Explaining this verse was Schweitzer's great problem. He thought these Disciples were to endure to the End at His coming. Jesus saw the Endtime with "children rising up against parents when everyone who kills us (not just the Disciples) will think they are serving God." John 16:2.

Before Jesus predicted that "some would not taste death by any means" (until after the great tribulation), He warned they would be hated of all men for His name's sake. We haven't seen the worst yet. Revelation was intended primarily to prepare Endtime Saints! Every survivor will be worthy of Him.

Only THOSE Believers "who endure to the end (the Lastday) will be saved" from physical death. Matt.10:22; Matt.24:14; Mark 13:13. Surely Jesus had in mind those whose sole prayer will be: "How long, O Master, before you judge and avenge our blood on the earth-dwellers?" Rev.6:9-11.

Only End-timers pray that prayer. He knew their suffering will last a "short time." The only thing Jesus still doesn't know is the exact day when the last Believer "who should be killed ... will be killed." But all those who must still suffer death will be among those who rejoice in heaven on the Lastday! The words in their prayer of Rev.6:10 are echoed in their praise of Rev.19:2!

What did Jesus mean? Some of THOSE Endtime Saints will die, but not many! The few who die for 3 days "AFTER He comes in Kingdom Power" will display the indisputable evidence that they are worthy of Him. “They love not their life unto death by the blood of Jesus and by their testimony.” Even after the Beast kills the two Prophets, every Believer who survives to the end will be "unashamed of Him. At His coming!" That is THEIR proof of being worthy and it fulfills His prayer and Paul's that all might be One and be also worthy of the Father! John 17:22; Eph.4:13; I Thess.3:13.

Jesus' knowledge of the future, except for the day and specially the hour for the last martyr, was unlimited. No one can know ... except that it must be "one of the (three) days immediately after great tribulation." Matt.24:29; Mark 13:24; Rev.12:10-14. Believers will know He must appear at "any moment only AFTER He comes in Kingdom Power" for 1260 days through the Two Prophets. These Two die with less than 3 days remaining until the END ... when chronos-time is no longer operative! Rev.10:6,7; Rev.11:7-15.

God's Kingdom was not delayed; nor postponed. It must "come in Power and Christ's Authority" prior to His coming “in glory." The Kingdom was "given to (Gentile) people bringing forth its fruits. Israel's House was left desolate. Not one stone was left standing." The kingdom will be restored to them when they say: "Blessed is the One coming in the name of the Lord." Matt.21:43; Matt.23:38,39; Luke 21:31.

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