So far, we have learned that there is coming a day when the great tribulation will begin and will eventually end. What can we expect? How will we know the times and seasons? God has not left us without any information, but has not given us an exact day or year. We must therefore, we vigilant, ready, and continually in prayer. It will be preceded by strife, persecution, and even death for many true believers.
Last time we studied some general signs and some troubling warnings.
Matthew 24:15 Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand).
First, as we get closer to the end, we see Jesus referencing the prophecy given to Daniel some 600 years earlier. This is a very specific sign that should not be overlooked by the true believers.
24:16 Then let those in Judea flee into the mountains.
24:17 Let him on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house; 24:18 nor let him in the field turn back to take his clothes.
24:19 And woe to those who are with child, and to those who give suck in those days!
24:20 But pray that your flight is not in the winter, nor on the sabbath day;
Notice where this prophecy is occurring. It is in the land of Israel. For the abomination to enter into the holy place, it must be seen in Jerusalem.
So, it begins with those in the area, i.e. Judah, to flee into the mountains. It is not a general warning for everyone in the world to flee into their local mountains. However, there is a very real sense of urgency, a desperate emergency. No looking back or going back! Much like with Lot’s wife, you are fleeing for your life.
This doesn’t mean God is not sovereign or not looking after His people, but we all must be obedient to His warnings and commandments.
24:21 for then shall be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world to this time; no, nor ever shall be.
This is a terrifying event that signals the end of the world as we currently know it. The 1000 year reign of Christ on earth is close to commencing. But, the turmoil and evil that attends this end, will be very hard to endure.
24:22 And unless those days should be shortened, no flesh would be saved. But for the elect's sake, those days shall be shortened.
24:23 Then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ! Or, There! Do not believe it. 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders; so much so that, if it were possible, they would deceive even the elect.
At this time of stress and terror, false prophets and false Christs will try to keep many deceived unto their eternal damnation. Satan will basically pull out all stops with great signs and wonders to gather support for his great battle against the Lord. The only ones who will be able to resist these deceptive signs, will be spirit-filled believers.
24:25 Behold, I have told you beforehand.
24:26 Therefore if they shall say to you, Behold, He is in the desert! Do not go out. Behold, He is in the secret rooms! Do not believe it.
People will falsely claim sightings of Jesus everywhere and false Jesus’ will indeed be everywhere.
24:27 For as the lightning comes out of the east and shines even to the west, so also will be the coming of the Son of Man. 24:28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gatherer.
Here, we end for today with a very important truth, all will know when Jesus does indeed return. He will be seen by all and no one will be able to deny His appearing. It will as visible as lightning. All the other false Jesus’ will be seen for who they were.
There is no one like the real, glorified King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, no one!