Matthew 24:15-28 The Abomination of Desolation

Jesus predicted the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple as the judgment of God upon those who rejected the Messiah. The abomination that causes desolation is prophesied by Daniel (9) and it is the sign Jesus gives for the inhabitants of Jerusalem to start fleeing the city. He also instructs them to pray that their flight would not be during a Sabbath. Unfortunately, his warnings fell into deaf ears.

The abomination that causes desolation was fulfilled during the first Roman War in AD70. Emperor Titus besieged the city during the Passover celebration of that year interrupting the sacrifices and offerings. After ramming the wall, the Romans entered the city and took possession of the Temple. The soldiers offered sacrifices to their pagan gods using the holy altar and implements. Then they sacked the Temple taking all the furniture including the menora, the table of the presence, the cups, etc. These items were paraded through the streets before the execution of the leaders and priests. The gold from the utensils was used to make coins with an inscription "Judea defeated." The Temple was set on fire and over a million Jews were killed during that war - many of them by crucifixion.

Some Jews escaped but many were made prisoners. Those that were not killed, were made slaves and some were forced to fight gladiators and wild beasts for entertainment. The city that witnessed the appearance of the Messiah now was in ruins because of their rejection of him. Many interpreters see this passage as a sign in the future, but the context and the other parallel passages, especially Luke, cannot be construed as something in the future. It is clear that it refers to Jerusalem and its destruction. The fulfillment of this prophecy brings to a close the seventy weeks of Daniel.

The consequences of rejecting Jesus are dire. As I reflect upon the massive killings and destruction of the city it makes me fear and tremble. I cannot ignore God's words and get away with it. My sin will hunt me down and its consequences will follow me unless I repent. An unrepentant heart will pay the consequences of its sin in the long run. I may be able to get away with it for a while, but eventually a time of accountability will come. 

Lord, may your grace and mercy watch over me day by day. Cleanse me from my sin and transform me to obey. May I not ignore your word, but become an obedient child at your service.