Matthew 24:15
The real key here is to be careful to understand, just as the verse says. This reference to the abomination of desolation goes back to the prophecy of Daniel. In order to understand what exactly that means we need to remember what the disciples had asked. They wanted to know when the Jerusalem temple would be destroyed. But, they also asked about Jesus’ coming, and the end of the age. It is very crucial to keep that in mind here.
Though the abomination of desolation that Daniel describes could find its fulfillment in the destruction of the temple by the Romans in AD 70, it could also have found fulfillment before the time of Christ when Antiochus Epiphanes desecrated the temple. So, what we have here is catastrophic events tied to a prophecy that will be fulfilled in an apocalyptic event. The desecration before Jesus’ time, as well as the one after it, are both just a shadow of the horrible events outlined for us in The Revelation of Jesus Christ. So, though these Jewish disciples could find an answer to their immediate question in Jesus’ long answer, Jesus’ answer is like so many other prophecies of scripture. It has both a closer, and a farther, fulfillment.
Let me interject this fair warning. If you are just beginning to learn your Bible and are immature in Christ, do not park in the middle of prophecy and expect to get fed. A good understanding of Daniel, Revelation, ancient history, and other passages of scripture is required to really understand what is going on here. This is why the verse says, let him that reads understand.
Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 35:1-Ezra 1:11
Scripture Memory: James 2:26 “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your wonderful Word! It is so exciting to read about the future! It is great to know that You know it all ahead of time. May we never grow tired of studying Your book. May we always depend upon You for truth. Thank You for Your plan for the ages! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Requests: Pray for my Dad. Pray for a woman having complications after surgery. Pray for a couple travelling this evening.
Journal Entry #14237