14 “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19 For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 21 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
In the middle of the tribulation period, the abomination of desolation will occur. The antichrist who will have made a covenant with the Jewish people will break that covenant, stop temple sacrifices and desecrate the temple as he proclaims himself to be God. At this time the persecution of the Jews will become so severe that they will need to flee so quickly that they shouldn’t try to take anything with them, just run. Jesus shows concern for the women who are pregnant or nursing at that time because fleeing will be difficult. He also tells them to pray that it doesn’t happen in winter because the conditions will also make it difficult to flee. The conditions they will face will be so severe it will rival anything that has preceded it since the creation of the world. Thankfully God has already determined to keep that time short for the sake of the elect, His chosen people, Israel so that they can endure to the end. If God had not determined to keep that time short, all would die. During that time people will be desperate for deliverance that they will be more susceptible to the deception of false prophets and false Christs who will try to lead them astray. That is why Jesus gave this warning.
When times of trouble and strife arise, we tend to be more susceptible to being led astray. It is important that we fill our minds with God’s word so we can avoid error when we so desperately need the solid foundation of God’s truth.