Page 239 - Jesus is coming - Class version

236 JESUS IS COMING.
Jerusalem was to be trodden down until the times of the
9
Gentiles be fulfilled.
But note carefully that a little later Jesus said, "Now
learn a parable of the fig-tree (and all the trees) : when
her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know
that summer is near. So likewise, ye, in like manner,
when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it
is nigh, even at the doors." Mark 13 :28 ; Luke 21-29.
In Ezek. 31 the trees are used as symbols of the nations.
"The fig-tree was THE JEWISH PEOPLE full of the leaves
of an useless profession, but without fruit." Dean Al-
ford.
Now if Israel is beginning to show signs of national life
and is actually returning to Palestine, then surely the end
of this dispensation "is nigh, even at the doors."
This brings us to speak of
Zionism,
the present movement of the Jews to return to the land of
their fathers.
Zionism is a modern term expressing the national hopes
and sentiments of the Jews.
These sentiments, however, are based upon widely differ-
ent views, as held by the most extreme sections of the
parties into which the Jews are divided.
As is well known the Jews have, in the past fifty years,
become divided into three great sections, viz.: the ortho-
dox, the status quo, and the reformed.
The orthodox hold to the Old Testament Scriptures, as
interpreted by the Talmud, as the literal Word of God, and
also to the hopes and heritage of their ancestors founded
thereon. They believe in the oft repeated utterances of the
prophets, that some day they shall return to Palestine and
become permanently settled as a holy and happy nation,
under the sovereignty of their coming Messiah.
(9) Lu. 21:24. And they shall . shall be trodden down of the
fall by the edge of the sword, Gentiles, until the timea of the
and shall be led away captive Gentiles be fulfilled,
into all nations: and Jerusalem