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One important factor for understanding biblical prophecy is what Jesus said in Matthew 11:13, “For all the prophets and the Law prophesied until John.” Since the crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord, we are no longer under the law for righteousness’ sake. However, we must not discard it since it is the primary source of prophetic revelation for the Lord, His ways, and the prophetic unfolding of His plan through the millennium. Therefore, let’s examine how the law prophesied, remembering the first-century apostles preached the gospel of the New Covenant from “the law and the prophets,” as did Paul in Rome in Acts 28:23:

“When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets…”

         Jesus said in Matthew 5:17-18:

“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”

Under the New Covenant, our righteousness is no longer based on keeping the law, yet Jesus said the law will not pass away until “all is accomplished.” We see how the prophecies of the law passed away when Jesus fulfilled the sacrifices of the law on the cross. We also see how the physical temple made with hands, which was a prophetic foreshadowing of the church, passed away soon after the church was born. We will cover more of this later, since this will also help us establish a timeline.

Continuing now with the theme of the parousia, or presence of the Lord, which will precede the Lord’s physical return to earth, let’s begin with one of the most important prophecies of the law concerning this. In Exodus, the Lord described the tabernacle and articles of furniture Moses was to construct for the Lord. The tabernacle of Moses, with all its rituals under the law, could be the clearest prophecy in Scripture of God’s plan. In it, we not only see the details of His plan but also a timeline for this age and for the age to come—the millennial kingdom reign of Christ on this earth.

         Perhaps the most important truth revealed in the furniture of the tabernacle for this present hour is the table of showbread. On this table the priests were to place twelve loaves of bread each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. They were to be placed in two rows called “the bread of His presence” (see Exodus 25:30, 35:13, 39:36; Numbers 4:7). How does this relate to us now?

         In biblical numerology, two is often a symbol of unity, as in the two, Adam and Eve becoming one. That these loaves representing the tribes of Israel were placed in two rows spoke of their unity in the Lord as twelve distinct tribes yet one nation. They were also in unity because the table of showbread was set directly in front of the lampstand, which burned olive oil representing the Holy Spirit. Our unity can only come from the Holy Spirit as we abide in His light and anointing.

         The unity of the body of Christ will be one of the greatest signs and miracles at the end of this age. We can be certain if anyone’s prayers will be answered in the last days, it will be Jesus’ prayers. Since John 17 is Jesus’ last recorded prayer before His crucifixion, this may be the clearest revelation of the deepest things on the Lord’s heart both then and now. If we knew we would be executed the next day, would not our prayers reflect the deepest issues on our hearts? What was the main thing on His heart for His people in that prayer? Unity.   

         We can be sure this prayer of Jesus will be answered before the end of this age. Since this is one of the main things on His heart, should it not also be one of the main things on the hearts of those who are becoming one with Him? Those whose hearts are joined with Him will become part of this greatest of all miracles, and part of His coming kingdom which will put an end to all divisions between man and God, man and man, and man and creation. Thus, a major devotion should be to obey Hebrews 12:14: “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (NKJV).