I may have invented a word -- Gentilazation. What I believe we may have seen in recent church history is the Gentilazation of many of the biblical prophecies.

For example, the Apostle Paul said:

While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape ( 1 Thessalonians 5: 3 New American Standard Bible).

The "they" that Paul was specifically referring to in the above passage was Israel. Nevertheless, in most of our modern evangelical circles, we have applied it to the world in general. In other words, we have applied it to us.

According to this report, gravely ill Prime Minister Ariel Sharon represents the last of the 1948 generation -- the generation that oversaw the rebirth of the nation Israel Read about it here.

The reason this is interesting, as someone pointed out on our discussion board, is because it may add light to something Jesus said about prophecy. Jesus said:

Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place (Matthew 24: 32-34).

Friends, the Greek word that is used for "generation" in the above passage can also mean "race." That being the case, Jesus could be saying the Jewish race will not pass away until all prophecy is fulfilled. But, I don't believe that's exactly what Jesus is saying. I believe He may be saying that the Jewish generation of 1948 -- the one that oversaw the rebirth of their nation -- will not pass away until all is fulfilled.

The Sharon generation.