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Dec 30, 2013

Dear Esther
I feel in my spirit we REALLY ARE the last generation. My family is prepared for that from an eternal perspective, but from an earthly perspective how do we balance what we see going on around us and Bible principles of working hard and saving for our future? We’re in our late forties and are good stewards of our money - - tithing, saving thru a 401K, pay all our bills on time, we live modestly, donate where we can, etc., etc.

But I guess the question really is...how can we know what a “generation” is? I believe a generation can span anywhere from 70 to 120 years which means we could be outta here between 2018 to 2068 based on the 1948 birth of Israel as a nation.

My retirement date would be around 2030. If I stopped saving, we’d be in trouble seventeen years from now. But from all that is going on around us, I find it very hard to believe the Lord can continue holding back much longer due to all the sin going on and fulfillment of Bible prophecy unfolding at this very moment. Seems heavenly kingdom building is more in order than earthly retirement building these days. I often feel like I should cash it all out so that I don’t lose it all in the impending financial collapse (what I “might” need) and/or start supporting more ministries and save less for the future.

Am I the only one having these crazy concerns?

God Bless you!

Michelle


Dear Michelle,

You ask some good questions which I am sure many other believers ask themselves. First, let’s talk about what a generation is, based on Psalm 90.

Considering the intensification of prophetic signs we have observed since Israel became a nation in 1948, it is apparent that all signs point toward this generation as the generation that will see Messiah’s return; the Second Coming of Christ.

The majority of scholars agree that those who were born around the time modern Israel was reestablished can expect to see all prophecy, including the return of Messiah Jesus come to pass. The soon return of the Lord is directly tied to the return of the Jews to the land of Israel and the rebirth of the nation of Israel. Israel’s problems will escalate, but Messiah Jesus will faithfully intervene at the end of the seven-year Tribulation, defeating Antichrist and his armies, and restoring Israel forever.

“The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years” (Psalm 90:10a).

A generation, according to Psalm 90 is seventy years─or eighty for those who are exceptionally able-bodied. The rebirth of Israel as a nation came about in 1948. We are now nearly into the year 2014. Those who were born around 1948 fall into this life-span category. If you do the math based on this Scripture, you will see there isn’t much time left before the Lord returns. In the book of Matthew chapter 24:32-34 Jesus said:

“This generation will not pass away until all these things take place.”

“This generation” is in reference to those who will witness the things Jesus described relating to the end of the age in Matthew 24, including the restoration of the nation of Israel in one day (May 14, 194 .

An Awesome Fulfillment of Prophecy

“Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she gave birth to a boy. Who has heard of such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day?Can a nation be brought forth all at once?” (Isaiah 66:7-8a, emphasis added).

The previous Scripture shows that the prophet Isaiah foretold the rebirth of Israel, which came about “in one day” (on May 14, 194 . We are living in the generation pictured by the Jewish boy in Isaiah 66:7-8a. The Jewish boy portrays how Israel will grow-up as a nation, and by the time he is eighty (202 , the Millennium could very well begin. I think this is an interesting and a probable analysis, but the bottom line is that no one can say for sure when the Lord will return.

The Lord’s return may happen sooner or even sometime past the eighty-year mark. Scripture is not exactly precise on where within or around these life-span years (70-80) the Rapture and Tribulation will take place. Although, if we watch for the foreshadowing signs we can have a general idea when these critical prophetic events will come to fulfillment, and when the millennial reign of Messiah Jesus will begin. The important thing is to stay vigilant and share the gospel at every opportunity while there is still time.

If we calculate a generation according to Psalm 90 (to the maximum eighty-year mark for a generation) and take off seven years for the Tribulation—that takes us to around 2028 for the Second Coming and 2021 or sooner for the beginning of the Tribulation and fulfillment of the Rapture prophecy.

Even with this type of calculating we cannot be sure so we must always be wise stewards. I don’t give financial advice but we can be guided by Scripture and by reaching out to the Lord in prayer. If we don’t have peace about something we can be sure we are on the wrong track when making any type of decision.

“And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to givethem their portion of food in due season? Blessedisthat servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has” (Luke 12:42-44).

Hundreds of Scriptures in the Bible mention money. One major Scripture to keep in mind is not to covet (Exodus 20:17). It sounds like you have a very good balance in your life about that by not living extravagantly, and by giving to others; our Lord loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34).

Michelle, your retirement date is a long way off, and a great deal can change by then. You are right to say that so much of Bible prophecy is being fulfilled today making you wonder if planning so far into the future is wise. But we cannot be sure how long the Lord’s return will be even if we pay close attention to the many signs.

Heavenly kingdom building is always more important than earthly retirement building. You already know that. When we trust the Lord to meet our needs as He has promised, no matter what happens we will be all right, even if there is a financial collapse. We might lose some money but He will provide for us somehow. When we faithfully reach others for Him, we are reaping eternal benefits by being obedient to the Lord’s command to spread the gospel.

Trusting the Lord completely—is the bottom line in all of this. If you feel very strongly to give or save in a particular way after seeking the Lord, then you must follow those promptings. When we are walking in-step with the Lord every day, we can discern the leading of the Holy Spirit. We should always pray for wisdom in all we do.

A positive balanced approach is always the best way to deal with any issue. We should be heavenly minded with a sensible attitude saving for our earthly future—however long that may be. From reading your letter I can tell you are mature enough spiritually to be able to make the right decisions for your life.

As long as you stay focused on the Lord, Michelle, you cannot go wrong. God always has a way of getting us to where we need to be if we are sincerely devoted to Him. He is very merciful and gracious and wants us to be fully dependent upon Him for everything in our lives.

The entire book of Ruth is great to read as a reminder of how God blesses those who take refuge in Him. God has sovereignly planned what shall come to pass and He sovereignly carries out His plans. By trusting Him we can be sure our future will be taken care of. So no matter what, with God all things are possible and He will never abandon us. Rest in His love Michelle, and He will guide you and give you the wisdom to make the right financial decisions about your future.

“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11).

In God’s love,

Esther

“I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved” (Psalm 16:7- .

Endnotes
Olsen, Kit, A Better World Is Coming Soon - Don’t Miss It (2013 Edition), pages 54, 55.

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Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
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