December 4 - Abomination

December 4 – Abomination

Matthew 24:15-22, Mark 13:14-20, Luke 21:20-24

From Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11 we can gather information that Jesus wants us to know. The abomination is a ‘desolating sacrilege’ found on the altar of the temple. When this occurs, it is time to run for the hills. In Daniel, this sacrilege signifies the end. Don’t wait, don’t try to gather your things, just run. The time is at hand.

The city of Jerusalem, though fortified, would no longer offer protection – the safest place is in the cover of the hillside among the trees and brush.

Jewish law prohibited flight on the Sabbath, winter would be terribly difficult in the hills surrounding Jerusalem. The effect that all of this has on the listener is one of extreme urgency. There will be great distress for followers of Christ. Luke is explicit in telling us that they will be killed by the sword and taken prisoner.

The time of distress will be unequaled. No one had ever seen anything as awful, nor would they again.

But, throughout this passage, though the distress is horrendous, there are assurances. Jesus says that those days will be shortened because of God’s chosen people, the elect. Because of these people, much like the few in Sodom that Abraham begged God for, the time of persecution will be made shorter so that they will continue through until the final trumpet call.

This passage of scripture is a condensed version of the Revelation given to John. Which we’ll look at in January. But, we see the same recommendation to the people to flee to the hills. I am reminded of Psalm 121, “I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

It is because of God’s gracious love for His people that we will be spared any of the pain that comes to this earth when Christ returns.