Hi John and other Doves....I've had time to read the posts yesterday and today, especially about the question on the "carcase and the eagles" in Matthew 24:28.  So, I went to my "documents" where I could gather material together to figure it out.  I knew what it was in my head, but to explain it is a bit more complicated.  I had searched many of the internet theories, but they were mostly off the beaten path of the truth.  I put it all down as I saw it to be, and when I read it, I didn't change a thing because it's just what I wanted to say.

(Sorry if the print is a little large as I forgot to decrease the size of the letters when I began)

There are so many theories as to what Matthew 24:28 represents.  The only way to figure it out is not by man's theories as to what it means.  What is the Lord trying to tell us by comparing Scripture to Scripture.  (Isaiah 28:10...."For precept must be upon precept and line upon line; here a little, there a little......etc.)

Matthew 24:28..."For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together."

Luke 17:37...."....."Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together."

This is a prophecy for the time of the END.  Jesus, Himself said those things when describing events just before His Second Coming.

Who are the "eagles"?  This is defined in Isaiah 40:31...."But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as EAGLES; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

God is talking to Jacob/Israel from whose descendants are the "body of Christ" in the New Testament.  All who are in Jesus Chris (the "seed") are considered the "seed of Abraham", and they are then spiritual descendants of Jacob/Israel.

This is also telling about the END times.  So, where can two phrases such as "eagles" and  a "body" (which is a carcase) fit into the end times?

I believe this very well fits Revelation 11:11-12...."And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.  (vs.12) And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither; And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them."

So, in my understanding, these Scriptures mean that  part of the "body of Christ" (Laodicean church) is left behind in Rev. chapter 12, and they finish their witnessing to the truth for 3 1/2 years, they will then be called up to join the rest of the "body" which was taken up prior to the Tribulation.  The ones who are left behind are considered "eagles" by the definition of them in Isaiah 40:41....their difficult job during these 3 1/2 years will now be rewarded....and they will "fly up to the Throne of God with "eagles' wings).

I think this fits well for the correct definition.  If anyone has any better ideas, I'd love to hear them.

YsiC,

Arlene