Is the nation of Israel beginning to long for the Messiah's coming now?
Yes, the nation of Israel is beginning to long for the coming of their Messiah. The prophecy shows they are getting closer, seeking His face in affliction. However, they do not yet realize that He has already been here and left.
Les teaches that the nation of Israel is getting closer and closer, and they are beginning to long for the coming of their Messiah. He points to Hosea 5:15, where Christ says He will go and return to His place until Israel acknowledges their offense—having crucified Him—and seeks His face. In their affliction, they will seek Him early. Les notes that Israel does not yet realize that He has already been here and left. Hosea 6 shows Israel speaking, saying, 'Come, let us return unto the Lord,' for He has torn them for almost two thousand years, but He will heal; He has smitten, but He will bind them up.
I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.