"Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." -Luke 21:24

 

     Let us consider a particular measure of time, appointed by God, concerning the influence of the nations over the earth. We have lived all of our lives through an era that will not, and cannot, last forever.

     The scripture above uses a Greek word, 'Kairos,' which means a fixed period of time, like a season. The word 'Kairos' is often used in the Bible to signify the agricultural season of harvesting. But it also refers to the time of Christ's return, and a change that will occur at that time:

 

     "He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times (Kairos) reach their fulfillment- to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ." -Ephesians 1:9, 10

     

     The word 'Kairos' is not something vague. It refers to a precise period, an exact or crucial time, having a defined beginning and a definite end.

     About 600 years before Christ, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and took its last reigning king captive. That fulfilled a prophecy of Ezekiel-

 

     "Take off the turban, remove the crown. It will not be as it was: The lowly will be exalted and the exalted will be brought low. A ruin! A ruin! I will make it a ruin! The crown will not be restored until he to whom it rightfully belongs shall come; to him I will give it." -Ezekiel 21:26, 27

 

     Jesus Christ is the one to whom the crown rightfully belongs. The angel Gabriel made this announcement concerning Jesus:

 

     "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” -Luke 1:32, 33

 

     Ever since Jerusalem's fall, the nations (the Gentiles) have wielded their authority. There has not been a king of God's throne representing Him on earth ever since the land of Judah was laid waste by Babylon. And like Judah, the entire earth was left desolate. But the scriptures say these times will have their fulfillment. They will come to a finish.

     As the Greek word 'Kairos' indicates, they had a definite beginning and they will have a definite end.