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desolation

Mark 13:14-23
"14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:
16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.
17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things."

In today's verses Jesus issues a prophetic warning of intense tribulation marked by the “abomination of desolation” (from Daniel) a sacrilegious act in a holy place that signals urgent flight.

Immediate flight required
When it appears, those in Judea must flee to the mountains without delay or concern for possessions. The crisis will be especially hard for pregnant women and nursing mothers; believers are to pray it does not come in winter, when travel is more dangerous.

Unprecedented distress and divine protection
This tribulation will be unmatched since creation. Unless the Lord shortens the days for the elect’s sake, no one would survive. False Christs and prophets will arise with signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, so stay vigilant and trust Jesus’ prior warnings.

Interpretations

Historical: Many see fulfillment in the Roman siege of Jerusalem in AD 70, when legion standards desecrated the holy city.

Future: Others view it as a still-coming event involving the Antichrist and a rebuilt temple, marking the final tribulation before Christ’s return.

Both can be true.

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