Today’s Reading:
Matthew 24:15-22
“So, when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION [the appalling sacrilege that astonishes and makes desolate], spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the Holy Place (let the reader understand), [Dan 9:27; 11:31; 12:11] 16then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains [for refuge].” Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things that are in his house [because there will not be enough time].” Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his coat.” And woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!” Pray that your flight [from persecution and suffering] will not be in winter, or on a Sabbath [when Jewish law prohibit travel].” for at that time there will be a great tribulation (pressure, distress, oppression), such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will [again] [Dan 12:1; Joel 2:2].” And if those days [of tribulation] had not been cut short, no human life would be saved; but for the sake of the elect (God’s chosen ones) those days will be shortened.” (Matthew 24:15-22 AMPV)
Today’s passage is an example of prophecy with more than one fulfilment. Jesus was talking about the end times and he telescoped near future and the far future events as did the Old Testament prophets. Many of the persecutions have already happened to the early church, and more are yet to come. But God is still in control of even the length of persecutions. He will not forget his people. This is all we need to know about the future to motivate us to live the right way now (vv 21-22).
Abomination of desolation refers to the defilement of the temple, especially the altar of sacrifice (vv. 15-16). Rather than a particular object, event, or person, the abomination that caused desolation, could be seen as any deliberate attempt to mock and deny the authenticity of God’s presence. The altar stands for the sacrifice of Christ as the only atonement for sin. The abomination would cast aside what represented Christ and offer sacrifices to other gods. Some of the events that pointed to abomination of desolation:
Daniel’s prediction happened in 168B.C. when Antiochus Epiphanes sacked the temple, erected a statue to Zeus above the altar, and sacrificed pig which is an unclean animal on it.
Jesus words were remembered in A.D. 70 when Titus place an idol on the site of the burnt temple after destroying Jerusalem.
At the end of age, the antichrist will set up an image of himself and order everyone to worship it (2Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:14-15). All these are abominations that mock God.
Jesus also predicted the siege of Jerusalem which was characterised with great viciousness. He warned that those who were wise would have headed his advice and fled the city before it was sealed off. (vv. 17-22). People were to flee to the country side because their safety and survival is more important than their comforts.
Although the Jews would think that God being their Refuge would protect His city and the magnificent temple, but they are wrong; when God removes His favour from people, all protection is gone. Religious symbols cannot protect the people against what God has decreed. But the fact is still there that, even in times of trial where godlessness has a hold on lives, the faithful God takes care of his own and puts in place measure that will lead to their salvation and deliverance (v. 22). What do you do with the prophecy of God? Prophecies are warnings against event that would happen, whether good or bad. Do you believe and act? or do you discard it as not important? When God gives warnings, it is good to take heed, check our ways and see that we are doing the will of God.
A lot of prophecies in the Bible, especially the book of Revelation points to the fact that Jesus Christ is coming back! When he comes where will He find you? And what will you be doing? You need to be a friend of God and surrender your life to Jesus Christ, as your Lord and Saviour. You need to forsake your ways that are not pleasing to God. So that in the evil days, you will be able to stand fire in your faith.
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
Prayer:
Father, thank you for giving us our Lord Jesus Christ and that you for your Holy Spirit to stay with us till the end, in Jesus’ name.
Thank You for the salvation of our soul, in Jesus’ name.
Thank you for you will never leave us nor forsake us, in Jesus’ name.
Every Christian marriage that has been re-arranged by the enemy, thank you for correcting it, in Jesus’ name.
Father, thank You for frustrating the desires, plans, devices and expectations of the enemy over our land, in Jesus’ name.
Comments