Pundits these days are ready and willing to interpret this cultural moment. "It’s the end of democracy! A (new) gilded age has arrived! These are desperate times for the environment! These are great days for the economy!"

Few pundits dare to make predictions about “what time it is” in the advance of the Kingdom of God. God’s Spirit is moving to reconcile all things to himself—all things in heaven and on earth” (Col 1:19-20)—through the gospel of Jesus’ death and resurrection,, one carried in words and displayed in the deeds of a true and faithful church.

Is progress evident? What are your metrics? In today’s passage, Jesus makes a prediction. It’s hard. It’s bold. It’s true. You ready?