What Jesus Did! 'Make That Time Short!' — Matthew 24:15-22

Thursday, November 9, 2017

"Daniel the prophet spoke about 'the terrible thing that causes destruction.' You will see this terrible thing standing in the holy place (the temple)." (You that read this should understand what it means.) "At that time, the people in Judea should run away to the mountains. People should run away without wasting the time to stop for anything. If a person is on the roof of his house, he must not go down to get things out of his house. If a person is in the field, he must not go back to get his coat. At that time, it will be bad for women that are pregnant or have small babies! Pray that it will not be winter or a Sabbath day when these things happen and you have to run away. Why? Because at that time there will be much trouble. There will be more trouble than has ever happened since the beginning of the world. And nothing as bad as that will ever happen again. But God has decided to make that terrible time short. If that time were not made short, then no person would continue living. But God will make that time short to help the people he has chosen."
— Matthew 24:15-22 NLT
Illustration of Matthew 24:15-22 NLT — "Daniel the prophet spoke about 'the terrible thing that causes destruction.' You will see this terrible thing standing in the holy place (the temple)."

Key Thought

As Jesus talks about the destruction of Jerusalem, he reminds the disciples to be alert to some signs that would signal the time for Jerusalem's ultimate destruction. Two messages stand out in this passage: God loves people and does not want them lost. God still remains in control even during difficult times.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, I don't know when my time of testing will come, but give me strength to face that time and emerge through it as your faithful child, no matter what anyone else says about me or does to me! Please protect my heart from absolute capitulation to what is evil. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Dan. 11:31-35
  • Isaiah 45:5-7
  • Gen. 19:17

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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