“The Day of the Lord: Phase 1 - The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”

Our focus today will be on the first phase of the Day of the Lord, a time frame revealed in detail in Prophecy.  There are three phases of this “day” revealed in scripture, firstly, the seven year tribulation or “the Time of Jacob’s Trouble” (Jer. 30:9), secondly, the Return of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and thirdly, the 1000 year Millennial Kingdom or Christ’s rule from Jerusalem upon this earth after his return.  Today we look at the detailed revelation given in prophecy concerning that seven-year period and especially focus on its purpose regarding God’s own people, the Jews.  As we see, God’s purpose for Israel as a nation and people will be fulfilled in his appointed time.  His elective purpose for a remnant will be accomplished but only through great suffering, even called by this highly descriptive phrase, “the Time of Jacob’s Trouble”.  But, as the prophet Jeremiah states so boldly, “Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.” Jer. 30:7  As it was for our Lord and Israel’s rejected Messiah, first the suffering and then the glory (Lk. 24:26).