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

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

[Talking to his disciples about coming conflicts and disasters, Jesus continued:] "The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about — the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place." (Reader, pay attention!) "Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat. How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. And pray that your flight will not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again. In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God's chosen ones."
— Matthew 24:15-22 NLT

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:
  1. God loves people and does not want them lost.
  2. 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 any capitulation to what is evil. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Daniel 11:31-35
  • Isaiah 45:5-7
  • Genesis 19:17

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 24:15-22 NLT — "The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about — the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

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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