“When,
therefore, you see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
Matthew 24:15-16
This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Matthew 24 [15.] “When, therefore, you see the abomination of desolation, [a] which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take out things that are in his house. Let him who is in the field not return back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are with child and to nursing mothers in those days! Pray that your flight will not be in the winter, nor on a Sabbath, for then there will be great oppression, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever will be. Unless those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved. But for the sake of the chosen ones, those days will be shortened.
Meaning:
Jesus begins by referencing the "abomination of desolation" spoken of by the prophet Daniel. This term may sound perplexing at first, but it refers to a significant event in Jewish history. In Daniel's prophecy, this abomination refers to the desecration of the Jewish temple by a foreign ruler, an act that was abhorrent to God's people. This historical event found its initial fulfillment during the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes in the 2nd century BC, as recorded in the book of Daniel. Antiochus defiled the temple in Jerusalem by setting up a pagan altar and offering unclean sacrifices upon it.
However, Jesus indicates that this prophecy has a broader application and a future fulfillment. He warns his disciples that when they see the abomination of desolation standing in the holy place, they must pay close attention and take decisive action. This admonition carries profound significance for us today, as it underscores the importance of discernment and readiness in the face of spiritual deception and turmoil.
When Jesus instructs those in Judea to flee to the mountains upon seeing the abomination of desolation, he issues a clear call to action. This directive is not merely a historical footnote but serves as a timeless principle for us to heed. It reminds us that when we encounter spiritual danger or persecution, we must be prepared to take decisive steps to protect ourselves and our faith. Just as the early Christians fled Jerusalem before its destruction in AD 70, we too must be willing to make difficult choices to safeguard our spiritual well-being.
Moreover, Jesus emphasizes the urgency of the situation by urging his followers to flee without hesitation. This sense of urgency resonates with us today, serving as a reminder that we live in a world fraught with spiritual peril and uncertainty. In times of crisis or upheaval, we cannot afford to be complacent or indecisive. Instead, we must be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding our faith and pursuing God's purposes for our lives.
Furthermore, Jesus' warning underscores the importance of understanding the signs of the times. He exhorts his disciples to "let the reader understand," highlighting the need for spiritual discernment and insight. As we study God's Word and seek His guidance, we are better equipped to recognize the spiritual realities at play in our world today. This admonition echoes throughout Scripture, reminding us of the importance of wisdom and discernment in navigating life's challenges and complexities.
Cross References:
Daniel 9:27: "He will make a firm covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the decreed destruction is poured out upon him."
Daniel 11:31: "His forces will rise up and desecrate the temple fortress. They will abolish the daily sacrifice and set up the abomination of desolation."
In summary, Matthew 24:15-16 offers us profound insights into the signs of the end times and the importance of readiness and discernment in the face of spiritual deception and turmoil. These verses serve as a timeless reminder of our need to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding our faith and pursuing God's purposes for our lives.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible