Mark, what people or what entity do you think is suppose to go through the Tribulation? You're still thinking in terms of "Church" and "Israel" aren't you? Or the Church has usurped Israel (and Judah?), right?
I think your prophetic-paradigm would profit much from this article: The Hidden Irony of Christian Replacement Theology.
What is a Tribulum used for? It was/is a farm instrument that presses, rakes over, and separates the wheat from the chaff.
If the wheat has been "raptured" out before the tribulum is used, what purpose is there for the tribulum?
In Luke 21, Yeshua is talking to believers and says tribulation will come upon all those upon the earth. The chaff is burned in the fire, not the wheat.
Hi MarnieKate,
Understanding the difference between Israel and Jew-dah is foundational knowledge (IMHO)... especially when trying to make sense of prophetic texts. The modern Jewish nation of Israel is not the "Israel" in the Hebrew Scriptures, although they are Israelites of course. The Jewish nation is the restored House of Judah.
Read my article: 10 Proofs the Jews are from Judah to better understand this reality.... which is critically important in my view.
Furthermore, 10-Israelite nations should bless Jew-dah, but more importantly... they should bless the Father and bless the Place He chose to put His Name forever i.e., Jerusalem. 10-Israelite peoples, nor non-Israelite gentiles for that matter, need approach the Jewish people with blind trust and blind support out of fear that they may offend the Father. Jew-dah has done much warranting praise, but they have also done things worthy of criticism. Both can and should be talked about without fear or disdain.
Regards,
Hanok