It is common in Scripture to have these “book ends” in the story. You know, the book end things that hold a long row of books up from falling over. When you have 2 of them you usually match them so they look nice. In the story telling of the Bible you have this routinely. The tree of life in the first 2 chapters, and the tree of life in the last chapter. A garden in the first 2 chapters and a garden in the last chapter. Adam and Eve ruling and having dominion in the first chapter, and the bride reigning with Christ in the last chapter. This rhythm is present in more than just Genesis and Exodus. It is also present in the first and second coming of Christ.

The first and second coming of Christ are going to have incredible parallels. Let’s look at a few.

John the Baptist heralded the coming of the first Christ. Jesus said, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” This is as clear as you are going to get. Elijah did come in the spirit of John the Baptist, and Elijah will come (future) and herald the restoration of all things. Here are some other parallels to watch for just from Genesis in their order in Genesis:

1. Tree of life
2. Garden
3. Judgment on the serpent
4. Judgment on the earth
5. Judgment on Babylon
6. The establishment of the priestly order of Melchizedek
7. The destruction of sin cities, Sodom and Gomorrah.

And here in order of timeline from Revelation and others:

1. The establishment of the priests (Rev 1,5)
2. Judgment on Babylon (Rev 17,18, but timeline is early in the tale)
3. Judgment on the earth (Many)
4. Judgment on the serpent (Rev 20)
5. A garden (Rev 21,22)
6. Tree of life (Rev 22)

So what about the destruction of sin cities? Well, let me ask you a question. Do you think certain cities around the world and our nations should avoid judgment for the evil they are and promote? Here is the call to ask God if it is time to go.

The end of the matter will be better than the beginning, as Solomon said, and the end of the matter will reflect the beginning. God never does things without warning his people by Scripture and by herald. Friends, it is time. Be at peace.