The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 12

The European Union in Prophecy
taught and healed in the sacred courts. In the presence of Christ, and in this only, did
the second temple exceed the first in glory. But Israel had put from her the proffered
Gift of heaven. With the humble Teacher who had that day passed out from its golden
gate, the glory had forever departed from the temple. Already were the Saviour's
words fulfilled: "Your house is left unto you desolate." Matthew 23:38.
The disciples had been filled with awe and wonder at Christ's prediction of the
overthrow of the temple, and they desired to understand more fully the meaning of
His words. Wealth, labor, and architectural skill had for more than forty years been
freely expended to enhance its splendors. Herod the Great had lavished upon it both
Roman wealth and Jewish treasure, and even the emperor of the world had enriched
it with his gifts. Massive blocks of white marble, of almost fabulous size, forwarded
from Rome for this purpose, formed a part of its structure; and to these the disciples
had called the attention of their Master, saying: "See what manner of stones and what
buildings are here!" Mark 13:1. To these words, Jesus made the solemn and startling
reply: "Verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that
shall not be thrown down." Matthew 24:2.
With the overthrow of Jerusalem the disciples associated the events of Christ's
personal coming in temporal glory to take the throne of universal empire, to punish
the impenitent Jews, and to break from off the nation the Roman yoke. The Lord had
told them that He would come the second time. Hence at the mention of judgments
upon Jerusalem, their minds reverted to that coming; and as they were gathered
about the Saviour upon the Mount of Olives, they asked: "When shall these things be?
and what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?" Verse 3.
The future was mercifully veiled from the disciples. Had they at that time fully
comprehend the two awful facts-- the Redeemer's sufferings and death, and the
destruction of their city and temple--they would have been overwhelmed with horror.
Christ presented before them an outline of the prominent events to take place before
the close of time. His words were not then fully understood; but their meaning was to
be unfolded as His people should need the instruction therein given. The prophecy
which He uttered was twofold in its meaning; while foreshadowing the destruction of
Jerusalem, it prefigured also the terrors of the last great day.
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