|
Notice how Henry has attempted to prove the literal fulfilment of Joel's prophecy, yet the literal events which he cites are quite unlike those spoken of by Joel. Other commentators have argued that 'the sun shall be turned into darkness' refers to the 'darkness' that fell 'over all the land' when Jesus was crucified (Matt. 27:45; Luke 23:44-5). However, these attempts to establish such literal fulfilment of Joel's prophecy during the time of Christ do not seem very persuasive. There appear to be no historical records of such literal signs. If they existed, the people found them too unimpressive to remember, although surely at least the Apostles, or later Christians, would have wanted to record them. (113:1) If these signs did not occur literally, then Joel's prophecy was symbolic ,and we therefore have good cause to interpret Matthew 24:29 symbolically also. If Joel's prophecy was fulfilled in an outwardly literal way, then we know that the signs will be so unremarkable as to be unrecognized or easily forgotten. If this is the case, then we should not expect everyone to recognize them or to know what such signs signify. (113:2) Another similar prophecy can be found in the Book of Daniel where it is written:-- I was watching in the night visions, And behold, one like the Son of Man, Coming on the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. (Dan. 7:13) (113:3) Here, Daniel may be speaking of the Second Advent. However, during His ministry, Jesus already indicates that He came from heaven (see John 3:13;6:38-42). Moreover, Baha'u'llah's explanation of the symbolism of the tribulation and the signs, such as stars falling, describes circumstances equally evident at the time of Christ - that is, the light of the Mosaic Revelation had become obscured, the true meaning of the Scriptures was not understood (2 Cor. 3:14), and corrupt religious leaders had authority over the congregations (Matt. 16:1-12; and ch. 23). As Baha'u'llah says, these signs occur in every dispensation before, and accompany, the appearance of a Prophet or Manifestation of God.
(113:4)
|