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  PSALMS 102:16
  by Chuck Smith
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Summary: God promised to restore Zion, the land of Israel, after a
period of desolation, and to bring the Jews back to their land, where
they will become God's people and witnesses during the final 7 years of
man's rule on earth.

Topics: "Prophecy", "Restoration"
Scripture References: Psalm 102:16, Isaiah 31:5, Isaiah 60:1-3, Jeremiah 30:3, Ezekiel 36:24-26, Daniel 9:26, Joel 2:23, Zechariah 13:7, Matthew 24:30, Romans 11:25-26

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DESCRIPTION
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Chuck Smith discusses the desolation of Zion as a consequence of
rejecting the Messiah, emphasizing that God scattered His people and
left the land barren. However, he highlights God's promise to restore
Zion, bringing His people back and revitalizing the land, which has seen
a remarkable transformation in recent history. Smith points out that the
return of the Jews to their homeland, despite initial unbelief, is a
fulfillment of biblical prophecy, leading to Israel's rebirth as a
nation in 1948. He concludes with the assurance of Christ's second
coming in glory, contrasting it with His first coming in humility, and
the future role of the Jewish people in God's plan.

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CONTENT
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I. ZION WAS TO BECOME DESOLATE.

A. God said that he would scatter them among all nations.

1. They were to be a curse and a byword.

2. They were to be persecuted & tortured.

B. The former & the latter rains were to be removed and the land lie
desolate.

1. This once fertile land to become arid.

2. Vineyards & groves to disappear.

C. This desolation was to follow their rejection of the Messiah.

1. Dan. "But, the Messiah shall be cut off..."

2. Zech "Smite the shepherd and the sheep shall be scattered."

This desolation to last about 2,000 years.

Il. GOD PROMISED TO AGAIN BUILD ZION.

A. He promised to bring them back into their land.

1. Ez. 36, 37.

2. This was to take place in the latter years.

3. This was the burden of the message of the prophets.

a. Because you have forsaken God, God will for-sake.

b. You are to be taken captive.

c. God will bring you back again.

d. God will then set up His Kingdom.

4. Their first coming back would be in unbelief.

B. God promised to restore the former & the latter rain.

1. That the land so long desolate would blossom & bud & fill the earth
with

her fruit.

C. He promised to give them strength & make them a terror to their
enemies.

D. 100 years ago there were fewer than 10,000 Jews in all the land.

1. At the turn of the Century the modern Zionist movement began. Mostly

in unbelief.

2. 1917 It came under British control. Gen Allenby sent reconoscent
planes

over the city & the defending Turks became terrified & retreated.

b. Isa. 31:5 "As birds flying, so will the Lord of Hosts defend

Jerusalem; defending also He will deliver it, & passing over He

will preserve it."

3. Doors opened for immigration.

a. So many began pouring back - limited, began to smuggle back

into land.

b. They started planting orchards & vineyards & crops.

c. Former & latter rains began in land again.

d. Israel has become- the third largest exporter of fruit in

the world.

4. 1948 nation Israel born (reborn).

a. under UN Mandate - Jerusalem a divided city.

b. surrounding Arab nations twice decided to drive Israel

out of land.

c. Russia shall yet try with an alliance of nations.

1. This will result in Russia's defeat &

Israel's conversion.

III. "HE SHALL APPEAR IN HIS GLORY."

A. His first coming was in humiliation.

a. Zech. "Behold thy King cometh, He is lowly."

b. He was to yield His cheeks to the smites & be despised &

rejected & crucified.

B. His second coming will be in glory.

a. Matt. "Then shall they see the son of man coming in the clouds of

heaven with power & great glory."

C. The Lord is now building up Zion, not much more can be done before
removal

of Church from the world scene. Then the Jews to become God's people &
witnesses

during final 7 years of man's rule on earth. Then Jesus shall reign.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/chuck-smith/psalms-10216/
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