THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 13:14-23
“So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.” (Mark 13:23)
Jesus speaks like a prophet, using strong language to make a point.
Like a prophet, He also blends immediate and ultimate events, for dramatic effect.
He refers to the imminent destruction of Jerusalem (70 AD) and the last days.
He quotes Daniel (Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11) to describe the warning signs.
The ‘abomination’ refers to when enemies profaning the temple.
Like when Antiochus Epiphanes offered pig flesh to Zeus in the temple (167 BC).
When your enemies get bold enough to attack your faith – bad days are coming.
The destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 was indeed terrible (read more here).
Jesus is preparing His disciples for terrible days to come.
He assures them of survival (v.20) but gives no guarantee against suffering.
The enemy will throw every trick in the book at us, to bring us down.
But if we are on guard, if arm ourselves in the Lord, we will be able to stand firm.
Whether Satan’s attacks are subtle or severe, “be on your guard” and “stand firm!”
As Jesus followers, our strength is in our relationship to Jesus — hang on to Him!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, the enemy is shrewd, and I can be stupid. Increase my sense of urgency for the battle, that I may increase my guard against the enemies schemes.