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.

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.