Jesus provided the critical chronological marker for these events in Matthew 24 through the parable of the fig tree, which serves as a divine timepiece for the final generation. He instructs that when the fig tree's twigs get tender and its leaves come out, one knows that summer—and the kingdom of God—is near. In biblical symbolism, the fig tree frequently represents the nation of Israel; thus, its "budding" or miraculous rebirth in 1948 serves as the primary signal that the current age is drawing to a close. This "budding" is the essential prerequisite for the end-times drama, ensuring that the generation witnessing Israel's return is the same one that will see the final transition of power from the human "beast" kingdoms to the everlasting dominion of Christ.
In Daniel 7, the prophet describes a series of four beasts emerging from a turbulent sea, representing a succession of worldly empires that hold dominion until the final establishment of God's kingdom. The fourth beast, characterized by its terrifying strength and ten horns, signifies a final global power structure that existed during the Roman times without ten horns and now, following the restoration of Israel, with the ten horns. The restoration of Israel in 1948 is a pivotal event that restarted the timeline that is set forth in Daniel 7. While Israel did not exist, the end times could not proceed because the beast with ten horns had to rule over Israel. But now, with the restoration of Israel, the fourth beast with ten horns emerges and the end times concludes with the return of Christ. We are in these final days.
