After the destruction of the temple, the next event which we are waiting for is described in Matthew 24:29–31. The sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall and the powers of heaven will be shaken. The return of Christ will affect the whole cosmos. As for the tribes on earth, they will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with glory. Mourn because they have rejected Christ. Mourn because they will realise their mistake. Mourn because now is the end of all hope, the beginning of an eternity of regret, anger, self-pity and hostility to God. A day of wailing and gnashing of teeth. For those who belong to Christ things will be different. All God’s people will be gathered from the ends of the world; not one of them will be lost. And they will enjoy the Kingdom of God in all its fullness. Life in a world that is perfect, a world where there is no hate, where men and women work together as partners. No lies, no grumbling: transformed by Christ we will be humble, generous, forgiving and confident. It will be a wonderful day for Christian believers.

There are two stages then when it comes to judgment. First the temple will be destroyed, then Christ will come in glory. If you see one you know the other is coming, just like when you see figs you know summer is near. And when he does come, he will change everything. That is the future we are looking forward to as Christians. Until then however, there will be no big changes.