1. What did Jesus mean?

“34…..This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.”

Remember. Who is Jesus talking to? Israel or the Church? The answer is to His disciples who were questioning Him when will the end be…

“3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (Matt. 24:3).

Introduction: A Pastor friend sent me a text this morning at 6:00 AM asking a great question, “what is a generation?” Here’s my brief answer.

Bottom line: It depends on HOW & WHERE the word “GENERATION” is used in Scripture. Normally it is used for all the people living at the same time or around 30 years. But in some passages it can mean a longer age or an extended period of time.

1. The Hebrew word “generation” is in the following:

In Exo 1:6 the word “generation” (dor) seems to refer to those who died during the time Joseph & his brothers lived.

In Num 32:13, this is a reference to the Israeli’s over 20 years old & older.

In Psalm 78:8, this passage stretches beyond 30 years and seems to refer to all of history of Israel who rebelled against God.

1. a begetting, birth, nativity:

2. that which has been begotten, men of the same stock, a family..( Matt 1:17)

3. the whole multitude of men living at the same time: Matthew 24:34
“Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.”

I believe in this eschatological passage Jesus meant those living when He returns in His second coming …this “generation.”

Conclusion: As you know and can see, the word “generation” in the Bible can have different meanings according to how it used in its CONTEXTUAL and GRAMMATICAL setting.

Introduction: Are you distracted? Does your mind wander? Is it difficult to concentrate? When PRAYING do other things consume your thought processes? Why? What can you do? Is there help? How can this lack of concentration be overcome? Have you ever tried PRAYER and FASTING? If this was not important, then Jesus would not have
emphasized it. Do you agree?

1. For starters, WHAT did Jesus teach about FASTING in the context of PRAYER? (Matt 6:16)

“16Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”

Speaking to His disciples about “HOW” and “WHAT” to PRAY, Jesus gives similar instructions on FASTING. Notice He said, “WHEN you FAST,” not IF you FAST!

This is in the context of that great model PRAYER:

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. ” (Matt. 6:9-14)

It becomes abundantly clear that PRAYER and FASTING go together. Check out all the biblical saints who practiced PRAYER and FASTING including our Lord Jesus. My conclusion… it must be important.

2. Next, HOW did JESUS instruct His disciples to FAST? (Matt 6:17,18)

“17But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”

Introduction: Red heifers have arrived in Israel as of the first of September 2022. Could one be the one Israel is looking for? Time will tell. But what does this mean not only for Israel but for the Church? When the next RED HEIFER is found what will be next? This devotion will discuss this biblical prophecy.

1. What does the next RED HEIFER mean for Israel? (Num 19:2) 

“This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke.”

According to history, Israel has only had 9 RED HEIFERS. The significance of finding the next RED HEIFER is huge. Finally a temple can be rebuilt and purified. Moses wrote further:

“And ye shall give her unto Eleazar the priest, that he may bring her forth without the camp, and one shall slay her before his face: 4And Eleazar the priest shall take of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle of her blood directly before the tabernacle of the congregation seven times: 5And one shall burn the heifer in his sight; her skin, and her flesh, and her blood, with her dung, shall he burn: 6And the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer. 7Then the priest shall wash his clothes, and he shall bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp, and the priest shall be unclean until the even. 8And he that burneth her shall wash his clothes in water, and bathe his flesh in water, and shall be unclean until the even. 9And a man that is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and lay them up without the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water of separation: it is a purification for sin. 10And he that gathereth the ashes of the heifer shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: and it shall be unto the children of Israel, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among them, for a statute for ever” (Num. 19:3-10).

This means that the next temple can be rebuilt. The last one was destroyed in 70AD by the Romans. However, not only will the ANTICHRIST inhabit the next temple, but Jesus Christ will build His Millennium temple according to Ezekiel 40-47. Just how close are we?

2. What does the next RED HEIFER mean for the Church? (1Thess 4:16-18)

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

The next event on God’s calendar is called the RAPTURE of the CHURCH! It appears that “catching away” will take place before the confirmation of the JEWISH COVENANT made with the ANTICHRIST. This all fits together with the finding of the next RED HEIFER and the rebuilding of the next Temple.

Introduction: “Joy comes in the morning”! I love that verse (Psa 30:5). Our Lord Jesus reminded His disciples that their SORROW would be turned into JOY! Why would they be sorrowful? Perhaps the same reason that we face grief and sorrow. Jesus was talking about leaving. Check it out, and see if your SORROW will not be turned into JOY.

1. The NOT KNOWING can bring SORROW! (John 16:17,18)

“Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father? They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.”

Actually, Jesus was preparing His disciples for what was ahead. Note… He does the same for us today in regards to Bible prophecy. They did not understand “a little while.” Neither do we sometimes understand when Jesus seems to depart (although He does not) for a little while.

2. The REASSURANCE can bring JOY! (John 16:19-22)

“Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me? Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.”

Interesting that Jesus used the illustration of a mother in labor eventually giving birth to her baby. Afterwards, she forgets the anguish. Today our world is experiencing “birth pains.” The word “sorrows” is used in Matthew 24:8, which means birth pains. “All these are the beginning of sorrows.”

Certainly, we are feeling the birth pains now but they will intensify as we get closer to Jesus Christ’s Second coming (not the rapture). Can you feel them?

Introduction: Immediately after Queen Elizabeth II died, Prince Charles began reigning as the KING of England. Why? The answer is because he was an heir; i. e. the oldest son. His responsibilities will span over 14 countries including Canada, and some in the Asia Pacific, as well as the Caribbean. It appears he is a friend to Israel and one who pushes the global warming agenda / climate change. By contrast and comparison, those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ are HEIRS as well… to another KINGDOM to come. A KINGDOM that cannot be shaken!

1. Joint HEIRS with Christ! (Rom 8:16-18)

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

The word “heirs” is κληρονόμος: (klay-ron-om’-os), which means an heir, an inheritor.

We inherit both eternal life and abundant life. Why? The answer is because Jesus Christ has fulfilled His mission on earth to come and live a perfect life – without sin, to lay down His life for the penalty of sin, and ultimately to take up His life from the dead. Through His sacrificial death and substitutionary blood, our sins are forgiven and we are JOINT HEIRS with Christ, as we put our FAITH and TRUST in HIM.

The word “joint heirs” is συγκληρονόμος: (soong-klay-ron-om’-os), which means a co-inheritor, a joint heir, participant.

After receiving eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer has the privilege of becoming a PARTICIPATOR. We are partners with Christ. Through His resurrection power made possible by the Holy Spirit, we JOIN Him in His work here on earth. What a privilege, even though some suffering comes along with this inheritance (see Rom 8:18).

2. Joint HEIRS on a throne in heaven! (Rev 21:7)

Imagine. A throne in heaven. Wow!

Introduction: Unexpected attacks on American soil should not surprise anyone. After Pearl Harbor and 9/11, it is obvious that we are on the hit list of radical Muslim terrorists and others who would love to take down this country. This includes Iran, Syria, and even Russia, as well as China. These nations along with Turkey seem to be forming alliances with each other. Other nations are joining forces with these because of America’s weakening status in the world.

Think about how our country is under attack. Cyber warfare which could shut down our computers and communications, evil governmental leaders which seek to undermine our national securities, and economic threats that devalue the American dollar are some ways subtle enemies can attack our nation.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance” (Psa 33:12).

1. Colonel Bob McGinnis works with the Pentagon. He also trains soldiers for combat situations. He has suggested in an interview that instead of focusing on the best preparation for war, the military today is torn between walking on egg shells trying to be politically correct.

The “gender” friendly movement has seeped into our combat forces. Men who want to be women and women who want to be men has brought psychological confusion into the camp. Besides that, we now have a government that is giving the “green light” to accelerate the curse. Needless to say, we are experiencing an IDENTITY crisis!

Friendly Reminder – what’s on our birth certificate is what we will stand before Jesus as, even though surgeries and drugs have attempted to change that.

2. Iran has labeled America as the BIG Satan!

Ezekiel foresees this nation forming an alliance with other nations with the intent of attacking Israel from the north. However the Lord will defend His covenant people. Since America has been a friend of Israel, if Iran continues to attacks Israel through proxies, then America may be drawn into war. The so called “nuclear sanctions” have been a failure, and it appears Iran, who is supported by both Russia and China, is building a power house. A slap on the wrist has not worked albeit, it may have slowed down the process. Time will tell how dangerous they’ve become.

The Word of God has foretold us of what is to come of these countries.

3. Powerful billionaires from within are being used by the devil to sink America.

Big money, back room politics, and greed for power can be witnessed in Government and those seeking control. 

Conclusion: America’s only Hope is in JESUS! Do you agree?

1. Paul is driven to PRAYER because of his EXALTATION! (2Cor 12:7)

“… And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations.”

Experiencing what no mortal man had, Paul was raptured up into the third heaven. He could have shared his TESTIMONY from that point and written best seller books about it and made a movie.?
Our Lord knows what we can handle.

2. Paul prays because he is Humbled through his AFFLICTION! (2Cor 12:7,8)

“…there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.”

Isn’t it interesting that our Lord Jesus would allow Satan to buffet (means to cuff, to slap with fist) Paul? What about me and you?

3. Paul prays with strong INTERCESSION for the thorn to be removed, but is declined his request instead he experiences a TRANSFORMATION because of God’s GRACE! (2Cor 12:8-10)

“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

Even though Paul prays (entreated – begs) earnestly for the thorn to be taken away, it doesn’t happen.
While refusing to remove the thorn (eye disease, malaria, etc.. and a host of other speculations), Jesus gave him His AMAZING GRACE! His GRACE is for the RACE!! It’s in PLACE!!!

Introduction: Here is a letter about 3 men in the Church. See which one you would like to be like.

1. Demetrius (3John 1:12)

“12Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.”

Demetrius was a credible and faithful man. You could depend on him!

2. Gaius (3John 1: 1-8)

“The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth….

..Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; 6Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: 7Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. 8We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.”

Gaius was a blessing! He had a heart for other people. I know some men and women like him!

3. Diotrephes (3John 1: 9-11)

“9I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 10Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. 11Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.”

This man is one who wanted all the ATTENTION! Do you know any like him?

Introduction: While America is NOT the New Israel, we can learn from their example. In fact, one reason the Bible was written is for that purpose. Are we learning the lesson? It appears we have not!

1. Israel’s Fall! (Joel 1:6)

“6For a nation is come up upon my land, strong, and without number, whose teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion.”

God allowed Israel’s enemies to defeat them. In essence, the Assyrians invaded the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC and led them away into captivity. Would our God allow another nation(s)- China, Russia, etc. to chastise America? He did Israel. But remember that our Lord has a GOOD intention (corrective) when He chastises (Heb 12:5-11). Are you being chastised? Praise the Lord for His great LOVE, even during disciplinary actions.

2. The Prophet Joel’s Call! (Joel 2:12-16)

“12Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. 14Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God? 15Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: 16Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.”

Jesus is CALLING us back to Himself. Like He urged the Church of Ephesus to return to their first love, He calls His children today.

3. The Enemy’s Wall! (Joel 2:18-19, 3:1-2)

“18Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people. 19Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen….

1For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, 2I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.”

God always has the final say so. We must trust His judgment. His will is supreme. Are you going to rely upon His wisdom for your life?

Conclusion: God is in CONTROL! Listen to these words,

“16The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel” (Joel 3:16).