Paladin, I withdrew from this thread because I quickly realized I was over my head. I invited Alamo Girl and betty boop, here because I knew they could better appreciate it and make positive contributions.
In my youth my Bible reading was pretty much confined to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, thinking getting as close to what Jesus actually said and did had the greatest validity. I figured, and still do, that if I learn and follow the instructions and examples in those books, take Jesus and the Holy Spirit into my life, therefore being saved by the Grace of God, seek God’s will for my life, then prophecy and the happenings in the future are unimportant. I blissfully allow God to take care of those things. I care not when He comes because I know he is. When is his business.
As a result, I am amused by the efforts to read the tea leaves and solve the puzzle. Who cares?
Maranatha, Jesus!!!