I have long believed that the cataclysmic account of the Flood has parallels to or foreshadows of another cataclysmic event, the Great Tribulation. As stated earlier, you might call these events the First Tribulation and the Second Tribulation.

If my understanding of the eighteen occurrences of “waters” in the Flood narrative is correct, it confirms the Pre-Millennial view of the End Times. And if so, it makes Revelation chapter nineteen the penultimate chapter of the Bible. In this chapter the Bride of Jesus, the Church described here as the “Saints,” is given fine linen, white and clean (Revelation 19:8). A few verses later Jesus is returning as King of kings and Lord of lords, with the Church following Him. The Church, or Saints, are described as the Armies of Heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and clean (Revelation 19:14). Glory to God!

The Prophet Zechariah describes the reign of Jesus in Zechariah 14:16-21, the conclusion of his book of prophecy. During the reign of Jesus there will not be even a bell on a horse or a cooking pot that is not inscribed, “Holy to the Lord Almighty.” All things will be holy to the Lord.

We know from other prophets that the Temple will be rebuilt, Jerusalem will be the pre-eminent city of earth, and the Lord’s chosen people, the Jews, will be honored.

Somehow, when we picture these things we expect them to happen immediately. The Lord Jesus will snap His omnipotent fingers and the Temple will be built, etcetera. I do not think this will happen. The Lord always uses the agency of human endeavor. Isaiah says that foreigners will rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Isaiah 60:10).

Have you seen pictures of Germany right after the conclusion of World War II? Consider the worldwide devastation of the Great Tribulation as described in prophecy. It will take time for infrastructure and cities to be rebuilt. I would think the Temple would be priority number one. How long would it take to build an edifice worthy of the King of kings and Lord of lords when everything has been destroyed?

When the Disciples last spoke with Jesus, they asked Him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons . . .” But we do know that all things prophesied will take place. It will take time, but the Lord will have one-thousand years, the Millennium, in which to complete all things. And the Church will be there to see it all! Praise the Lord!