John Milton and Bible Prophecy

As Captain Butterfly was at a Conference (with Butterfly Mark) yesterday, I had to listen in on the phone to the meeting.  So glad I was able to, as the Public Talk was exceptional.  It included such an interesting point about Milton - he of "Paradise Lost"/"Paradise Regained".   Clearly, from the poems, he did know what the Bible says, that it tells how we lost Paradise and how its going to be restored. And that the hope for obedient mankind is "to inherit the earth", not to go to heaven.

Apparently Isaac Newton knew that too.  But the fascinating thing is that Milton knew that the truth - which he spoke of as being fragmented - would not be taught clearly again until the time of Jesus' presence.

Which brings me back to the second question that Jesus' disciples asked him, after he told them that the Temple was going to be destroyed, when they asked:

“When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?”—Matthew 24:3.

So not only did they ask when the Temple would be destroyed (which happened in 70 C.E.) they asked how they would know when Jesus' presence began, and when the end of the present system of things on the earth was imminent.

Among the signs Jesus gave was this:  (Matthew 24:14) "And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come."

So the end of the system would not come until the good news of the incoming Kingdom of God is preached all over the earth. And that is being done now.  Every attempt to stop the preaching work - and there have been many - have failed, because this is the time for it to be done.

John Milton, the poet, must have understood that from his Bible studies. The talk was about how vital and beneficial a study of the Inspired Scriptures is.

A painful day.  Severe arthritis attack in unoperated knee - a frightening reminder of the painful operation ahead - and it makes me worry about how I will cope if I have a severe arthritis attack after the op...     I wish they were more generous with the pain killers.

Can't think what I have done today - felt exhausted, kept falling asleep, realise it was the build up to this attack.  Talked to Audrey who is now back at the meetings so we hope to see each other on Thursday.  Bea rang - always nice to hear her voice. And I got a lovely email from my Bavarian sister-in-law.  Very good timing on her part, as kind words are good painkillers too.

It hasn't rained much today.  STOP THE PRESSES!   It Has Not Rained Much Today.   Thundery showers forecast for tomorrow though.