Matthew 24:15-28

“(The reader should understand this.)” Matthew 24:14b, CEB.

Signs. We see them every day. All kinds of signs: road signs, banners, ads, nature, etc. And when we see the signs we know something is coming.

Right now, there are signs of Spring everywhere from the temperatures, to the flowers peeking through the ground, the V of geese heading north, and the always faithful robin seeking nest materials and worms. It’s coming…we know. We’ve seen the signs.

Recently, you’ve likely heard that this “thing” happening in Iran and the Middle East may be the culminating event that ushers in World War III, the Apocalypse, and ultimately the return of Christ. The signs are there…well, most likey not.

Jesus shares a warning in the midst of his final sermon that doesn’t set right with modern readers and there is a good reason for that.

It’s not for us…exactly.

In the book of Daniel, he described an “abominating sacrilege” (desolating abomination) set in the Temple. He was referring to a very difficult time for Jewish peoples in Palestine. Jerusalem was taken over by Antiochus IV Epiphanes and he had enacted a decree prohibiting traditional religious practices, persecuted the Jews, and set up in the Temple an altar to Zeus, on which was sacrificed a pig, forcing the high priest to eat its flesh. These events led to the Maccabean Revolt (and Hanukkah).

This is what Jesus is referring to; a past event and a future warning, because in less than 40 years Jerusalem will be destroyed by Rome…something Israel knew all too well in their history.

The point in this story that those first readers understood and one we can learn if we’re listening. It’s not the end. Not yet. But the story? That is wrapping up, just like a chapter in a good book. Then you turn the page and “viola” a new chapter begins.

His encouragement in all of this is not about the end, but of the living through the page-turning. They made it through then. We’ll make it through now. And when the true end does come? We’ll know. Everyone will know. It will be that obvious.

This isn’t that.

This is a chapter that will come to an end. For now, remain faithful. - Chris