What is the pattern of Israel's first time and second time in relation to Christ?
Israel’s pattern is first rejection, then recognition. Christ came to His people the first time, and they rejected Him; He returned to glory as an exiled King. The second time, Israel will look upon the One they pierced and mourn, reversing their earlier ignorance.
Les explains that Christ came to His people the first time, was rejected, and went back to glory like an exiled king. But He said He is coming back, and He will yet return. Les notes that Israel always has to have a first time to show their ignorance, but the second time they will respond differently. He points to Zechariah 12:10, where God promises to pour out the spirit of grace and supplication on the house of David and Jerusalem’s inhabitants, and they shall look upon the One they pierced and mourn for Him. Les compares this to how Joseph and Moses were treated the second time and describes the mourning as tears of reunion.