It's comming to the U.S.A. - Soon very Soon

Mark 13:14-23

Mark is telling us that this is something new and different than anything you have ever experienced.  What He is referring to is the “Great Tribulation,” the Christ understood tribulation.  They had already been cut off from family, kicked out of the temple and socially were seen as cult people, but Mark is saying this is going to be much worse.  Unlike the Church in the USA, these early followers of Christ expected to be hated because of the name of Christ, and they endured faithfully.

This is how he began;  “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”  Mark does not give clarity on what he meant by standing where he ought not to be, but Matthew 24:9-14, tells us what leads up to this event.  Let me share;  “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away^[a and betray one another and hate one another.  And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.  And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.  But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

It's apparent to all that it is the time we are living in, we have a significant falling away and hate for the followers of Christ is on the increase.  But for the first time in the history of this world, the gospel of Jesus Christ is reaching the whole world and Jesus has this to share with us in Matthew 24:23-27; “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it.  For false Christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.  See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.  For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” 

But one thing that we left out in Matthew’s account is that we are told where this will take place and it is in the temple, Matthew 24:15.  And that is a problem, for the temple is gone, but to my amazement while in Jerusalem visiting the sights, Jan and I were told that everything is in place to rebuild the temple.  We were told it could be back in months; all the items are in place, the priests are trained, and in place, they are waiting for the right time to build it.

Shall we end this with a quote from Jesus found in Mark 13:22-23, “For false Christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.  But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice