Some years back, a Messianic Jewish leader focused on the concept of hastening the appearance of the Messiah. I could not wrap my brain around it – because my impression of the Latter Days (Acharit hayamim) was – judgement, death, wrath, and distress; and why would I want the most difficult circumstances in history to come soon and in my day?

“The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back until He has performed and accomplished the intent of His heart.  In the LATTER DAYS you will understand this.” (Jeremiah 30:24 NASB)

“WOE, for that day is GREAT. There is none like it; and it is the time of Jacob’s distress, yet he will be saved from it…” (Jeremiah 30:7)

Suddenly, I notice this translation captures a contrast that is present in the Hebrew. Something can be “Woe and Great” – both “Hoy and Gadol,” both terrible AND monumental at the same time. Perhaps we can start to make a case for hastening after all.

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