[Talking to his disciples about coming conflicts and disasters, Jesus continued:] “The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about — the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place.” (Reader, pay attention!) “Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat. How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. And pray that your flight will not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again. In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones.”
Key Thought
As Jesus talks about the destruction of Jerusalem, he reminds the disciples to be alert to some signs that would signal the time for Jerusalem’s ultimate destruction. Two messages stand out in this passage:
God loves people and does not want them lost.
God still remains in control even during difficult times.
Today’s Prayer
Almighty God, I don’t know when my time of testing will come, but give me strength to face that time and emerge through it as your faithful child, no matter what anyone else says about me or does to me! Please protect my heart from any capitulation to what is evil. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Daniel 11:31-35Isaiah 45:5-7Genesis 19:17Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.