THE WOEFUL END OF A SINFUL ERA

          Typically, when God pronounces a “woe” on something its not a good thing, however, in the case of the fall of Jerusalem it would result in the making of all things new (Rev.21:5).  Some six-hundred years before Christ, Jeremiah prophesied, Behold, days are coming when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah (Jer.31:31).  Those days came when God delivered a severe judgment upon the nation of Israel culminating in Jerusalem’s destruction in A.D.70.  As the home of the temple, Jerusalem was the heartbeat of the nation of Israel.  Within that glorious temple was the holy of holies  - - the very presence of Jehovah God.  But over the course of several hundred years Jerusalem had failed God miserably, becoming so corrupt and vile that God determined that her days were numbered.  Notice the series of awful woes uttered by Jesus when He entered that once-beloved city of God (Mt.23:13ff).  Jesus punctuated His verdict on Jerusalem by declaring:  Behold, your house (temple) is being left desolate (Mt.23:38).  The word desolate implies “abandonment by God”.  In the Olivet discourse that follows (Mt.24:1ff), Jesus details the end of an era - - Do you see these things?  Truly I say to you, not one stone shall be left upon another, which will not be torn down (Mt.24:2).

          Scholars often speak of the Olivet discourse at “the little apocalypse”.  A fuller rendition appears as the book of Revelation (The Apocalypse). An apocalypse is an unveiling.  What is disclosed in John’s “Revelation” is God’s divorce decree against Israel.  Using three ignominious epithets, Sodom, Egypt and Babylon, John divulges God’s vengeance against the city of Jerusalem (where also their Lord was crucified / Rev.11:8).  Describing Jerusalem by calling her Sodom, Egypt and Babylon (the mother of harlots / Rev.17:5) was an unmistakable way of expressing God’s displeasure.

          Yet the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.  What signaled the end for the OLD JERUSALEM also heralded the arrival of a new heaven and a new earth - - the holy city, NEW JERUSALEM, coming down out of heaven from God (Rev.21:1-2).  Here we see God causing all things to work to- gether for good (Rom.8:28)!   A great mystery, previously concealed, is now revealed:  Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men… (Rev.21:3).  Concerning this mysterious turn of events the apostle Paul exults:  Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How un-searchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! (Rom.11:33).  This same mystery is further illuminated in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.  This new body (i.e., the new covenant realm), would become a home and haven for Jews and Gentiles (Eph.3:3-6).  This new creation (i.e., the new Jerusalem), is none other than the church of our Lord.  To Him be the glory IN THE CHURCH AND IN CHRIST JESUS to all generations… (Eph.3:21).