Word@Work 155 - Mark 13:14-16
Published: Mon, 06/30/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 13:14-15 "When you see 'the abomination that causes desolation' standing where it does not belong - let the reader understand - then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no-one on the roof of his house go down or enter the house to take anything out. Let no-one in the field go back to get his cloak. (NIV)
Prophecy in the Bible can be as puzzling as viewing distant mountain ranges - it is difficult to work out if the peaks are close together or far apart. Today's passage starts in Daniel (Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11). The 'abomination' is a person who destroys the holy place. Its first fulfillment was in 167 BC when the Syrian ruler, Antiochus Epiphanes, offered pig sacrifices to the pagan god Zeus over the Temple altar. Jesus now used the same expression to point forward to AD67 when Jewish Zealots would profane the temple; and to AD70 when the temple would be razed to the ground by General Titus.
However, Jesus is also predicting the end of the Last Days when the Anti-Christ will come (also predicted in Daniel 9:25-27 and reinforced by Paul in 2 Thess. 2:3-4). So, readers in different times would need to interpret the signs in a contemporary way. The message remained the same - in contrast to the persecution that would herald gospel opportunity, it was a time to get out ... to evacuate without any delay. Such opposition has no appetite for listening to anything, especially the gospel.
It is so important to understand that God sees the entire future timetable, and will tell us how to respond. Between the 'stand firm' of v13 and the 'flee' of v14 is a big decision - what shall we do? But we are not left alone, to work it out for ourselves: the Holy Spirit, who caused the Bible to be written, will also show us how to apply it - so that we will understand God's will. Then we will be able to respond rightly to any persecution, up until the day that Jesus comes again.
Prayer: Ever-wise God. Thank You that You know everything about the future, and that You have planned both the gospel strategy and security of Your people. Please give me daily wisdom to know how to apply Your Word in my circumstances - so that when the biggest tests come, I will be well tuned in understanding how to do Your Will. For Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Prophecy in the Bible can be as puzzling as viewing distant mountain ranges - it is difficult to work out if the peaks are close together or far apart. Today's passage starts in Daniel (Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11). The 'abomination' is a person who destroys the holy place. Its first fulfillment was in 167 BC when the Syrian ruler, Antiochus Epiphanes, offered pig sacrifices to the pagan god Zeus over the Temple altar. Jesus now used the same expression to point forward to AD67 when Jewish Zealots would profane the temple; and to AD70 when the temple would be razed to the ground by General Titus.
However, Jesus is also predicting the end of the Last Days when the Anti-Christ will come (also predicted in Daniel 9:25-27 and reinforced by Paul in 2 Thess. 2:3-4). So, readers in different times would need to interpret the signs in a contemporary way. The message remained the same - in contrast to the persecution that would herald gospel opportunity, it was a time to get out ... to evacuate without any delay. Such opposition has no appetite for listening to anything, especially the gospel.
It is so important to understand that God sees the entire future timetable, and will tell us how to respond. Between the 'stand firm' of v13 and the 'flee' of v14 is a big decision - what shall we do? But we are not left alone, to work it out for ourselves: the Holy Spirit, who caused the Bible to be written, will also show us how to apply it - so that we will understand God's will. Then we will be able to respond rightly to any persecution, up until the day that Jesus comes again.
Prayer: Ever-wise God. Thank You that You know everything about the future, and that You have planned both the gospel strategy and security of Your people. Please give me daily wisdom to know how to apply Your Word in my circumstances - so that when the biggest tests come, I will be well tuned in understanding how to do Your Will. For Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Why not share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
W@W155 | Word@Work 2008 © Dr Paul Adams | Provided by BeaconLight
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on