24.185 | The Great Tribulation | Mark 13:14-23 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

God’s Word For Today

- Mark 13:14-23 ESV

THE GREAT TRIBULATION

Jesus mentions of the tribulation such as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. The ‘desolation’ will happen at such time. This refers to a foul, detestable, blasphemous thing, such as an idol. "Desolation" is from the Greek root word ‘eremosis’ and means something that has been stripped or laid waste. Some versions translate the phrase as "the abomination that causes desolation." An example of this occurred about 200 years earlier, when Antiochus Epiphanes sacrificed a pig to Zeus in the temple.

Did this happen during the time of the Zealots' revolt? According to the Jewish historian Josephus, from late AD 67 to early AD 68 the Zealots occupied the temple area and criminals entered the Holy of Holies. They even committed murders inside the temple. Some say it is the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem as a whole in AD70 by the Romans. Others think it refers to the way the Jewish leaders used Judaism to make money and gain power.

When are these to happen? The key in understanding this is the masculine form of ‘standing’ in the original language. In other words, this abomination is a man. Those who believe the Zealots incited the abomination say this refers to the new high priest, Phanni. But a literal approach of Revelation and the end-times prophecies in Daniel identifies this man as the Antichrist.

According to Daniel’s prophecy, in the middle of the tribulation, the Antichrist will put an end to the sacrifices in the temple. An idol will be set up in his honor that people will be required to worship (see 2 Thess 2:3–4; Rev 13:13–15). The Antichrist and his entourage will make Jerusalem desolate (Dan 9:27). Although it is possible that the prophecy has several layers of fulfillment and was perhaps fulfilled both prior to the destruction of the temple in AD 70 and will again be fulfilled during the end-times tribulation. The hint of its future fulfillment is the clause ‘let the readers understand’.

Jesus establishes that at this moment, He does not know when He will return. He does not know the timing of the end of the tribulation (v.32). It follows that He does not know the mid-point of the tribulation when the Jews will have to flee. This makes Him concerned that it will happen in winter when the rainy season will swell the streams and the mountains may see snow (v.18). People will have time to gather money, IDs, or passports. They are going to run to the nearest exit. But sadly, it will be very slim for them to escape with their lives, especially for the pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Thankfully, Paul has assured us that “God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” [1 Thess 5:9] As David Jeremiah says, the second coming of Christ is both certain and uncertain. It is certain that we will be with Him [ see John 14:1-3] but uncertain as to the timing. His coming is imminent which means it can happen anytime. Thus, don’t be caught unprepared. Otherwise, it would be too late like the unrepentant people during the time of Noah. Be ready now. Repent of your sins and put your trust in Jesus.

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram