Title: Prophecy of Destruction / Matt 24:15-28
Contents
Bible: Matthew 24:15-28
Title: Prophecy of Destruction
In verse 17 and below, which quotes from the book of Joel in Peter’s sermon in Acts 2, “God said, In the last days… … The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes.” The phrase 'great and glorious day of the Lord' means 'the day of the Lord' or 'the day of the Lord', etc. It is expressed in various ways. In the Old Testament, the day of the Lord refers to the first and second coming of Jesus comprehensively, but in the New Testament, the first advent has already happened, so it only means the second coming of Jesus. I'm telling you what will happen.
1. When you see the abomination of desolation standing in the holy place
Verses 15 and 16 say, “Therefore, when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” Daniel 9:27,11:31,12:11), there is a famous prophecy of Daniel, 'The time is coming when the abomination of desolation will stand in the holy place. That is the beginning of the day of the Lord.' In other words, what God hates and hates the most is idols. It is the beginning of the Lord's day when idols, an abomination that brings destruction, stand in a holy place. Needless to say, the holy place is the temple of God, the temple of Jerusalem. is to say
As mentioned in verse 21, it was the most cruel time of death for the Jews in history. Again, it is the fact that these things actually happened when idols stood in the holy temple. And at the second coming of Jesus, The same things will happen. So, the prophecy of Jesus was a prophecy of the great tribulation that would occur at the end of the last days along with the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.
2. What to do when the Lord's Day comes
In the text, it says “(He who reads it)”. The reason I put this in parentheses is because it is a very important message and Jesus’ special request in the face of an urgent event.
(1) Flee to the mountains (verse 16)
Why did I tell you to run away to the mountains? It was only as history passed that people began to understand the meaning. At that time, the Zealots believed and claimed that 'Jerusalem is the city of God, and especially the temple is where God resides, so anyone can live as long as he escapes there.' When it came, the Jews just came to Jerusalem. In the end, they were besieged by Titus and either killed or taken captive. But Christians believe that because Jesus said, “Then let them that are in Judea flee to the mountains.” Everyone fled to the mountains. The Christians who fled to the mountains survived because there are many hiding places in the mountains.
To us, this mountain means the bosom of Jesus Christ. Our rock, fortress, and great fortress in the day of trouble, Jesus Christ, is our mountain.
(2) Let no one on the roof go down to pick up the things in the house (verse 17).
Jewish roofs are flat, similar to our country's Slavic roofs. Usually, we pray and rest on the roof. Then, when it rains, we collect water and use the water. Also, sometimes we climb on this roof and call the next door. If you look at the Old Testament, there is a saying that you should go up on the roof and shout when you evangelize, because the structure of their house is like this. The text says that people on the roof to pray or to take a rest are objects. Do not go into the house to get food. Because you can't go inside the house to get emergency food, you should avoid it as it is and with the clothes you are wearing. I'm teaching you that you can't afford it.
(3) Let no one in the field turn back to get his cloak (verse 18).
Those in the fields and those at work were told not to turn back to get their coats. The Jewish people's outerwear and undergarments are not our concept. The clothes we usually wear to work are called undergarments. It also acts like a blanket that spreads and covers when needed. However, when a difficult situation arises while working in the field wearing underwear, it is to say, 'I have to go get a coat'. This is a message that teaches you the urgency of tribulation, too, and do not try to stop by the house to go out and avoid it.
(4) Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are suckling in that day (verse 19).
Pregnant women cannot run away quickly. They also said that they are angry with those who suckle because adults do not have time to look after children. .
3. Lessons from the text
It tells us to pray so that this does not happen in the winter or on the Sabbath (verse 20). In such an urgent situation, we are told to flee quickly and wisely like a serpent. It is easy to resist it. Of course, there are times when we have to fight it. But sometimes we have to avoid it as wisely as a snake. It is not right for us to just resist instead of avoiding, even though God has given us an opportunity to escape. Sometimes we have to see the opportunity and avoid it. There are times when you need snake-like wisdom.
And in verse 22 it says, “If those days were not reduced, all flesh would not be saved, but for the sake of the elect he would shorten them.” God said that the times of suffering are shortened for those who are specially chosen. This is not just the case at the Second Coming of Jesus, it is always the same. But God doesn't leave us unbearable, but He cuts those days off. It shows how much God loves us and cares about us. is telling
Also, in verse 24, it says, “False Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so that, if possible, they will deceive even the elect.” At this time, various black rumors will abound. Those rumors are worse. It gets even worse in times of trouble. That is, when rumors like this arise, do not believe them as they are. Therefore, you should not follow them recklessly, saying that wherever you go you will be healed. We must live centered on the Word of Holiness. We must not fall for it just because there are some wonders and signs.
Verse 28 says, “Where the carcass is, there shall the eagles gather.” The eagle here refers to the Roman soldiers of that time. It is already being told that Roman soldiers will besiege the fallen Jerusalem with the flag of an eagle. It means that God's judgment must come in this dead and stinky society. Eagles include the eagles we often talk about and eagles called vultures. Eagles don't eat dead bodies, but they are called condors. The so-called eagles always eat dead bodies. So, when the eagle called Condor comes and goes in the sky, it means that someone has died. The gathering of eagles means judgment. Judgment must come.
Now we will end our sermon.
In the last days, lawlessness will increase, so everyone's love will grow cold. In other words, lawlessness is strong, that is, it smells of rot. How much rotten smell is around us now? This tells us that the last days are drawing nearer. Just as the sound of death sentences on death row is being heard, the sound of the pendulum is getting closer and closer. What we need to do is prepare. When the Lord's Second Coming will come. We do not know when it will come. Therefore, for this day that will never come, we must prepare oil like the five wise virgins. We must prepare faith and prepare the Holy Spirit. In this way, we can all be awake, prepare our lamps and oil, and welcome the Lord with joy. bless you in the name of Jesus.