Read: Matthew 24:15-21

“So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.”

Reflect:

It seems that every day brings more upheaval in our country and I’m left to ask how can this be?

Centuries before Jesus spoke with His disciples, Daniel wrote of the “abomination of desolation” and over the centuries some thought Daniel’s prophecy had already been fulfilled, but Jesus affirms that this abomination will not be fulfilled until the end days. In the short term, the temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. and the Jewish state was essentially disbanded, but Jesus’ warning of “great tribulation” is still to come because we have not seen “such as has not been from the beginning of the world.’

Nope, there is more tribulation ahead for sure, but Jesus promised to return to “make all things new” (Revelation 21:4). And what will happen then?

“See! God’s home is with men. He will live with them. They will be His people. God Himself will be with them. He will be their God. God will take away all their tears. There will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All the old things have passed away”(Revelation 21:3-4).

Respond:

So, when life looks troubling, let’s be reminded that God is not surprised and is in control We can depend on Him, because He has our best in mind.