Facing Tribulation: Hope and Urgency in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: The Abomination of Desolation—A Warning of Coming Tribulation

Jesus warns of a future event called the abomination of desolation, a detestable act that will take place in the holy place, marking the beginning of the greatest tribulation the world has ever known. This event, prophesied by Daniel and reiterated by Jesus, will involve the desecration of the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem by the Antichrist, who will set up an idolatrous image and demand worship. The warning is clear: when this sign appears, it signals a time of unprecedented suffering and judgment, and those who witness it are urged to respond with urgency and discernment. [33:34]

Matthew 24:15-21 (ESV)
“So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.”

Reflection: If you knew a clear warning sign of coming trouble was given by God, how would you prepare your heart and life today to respond in faith and obedience rather than fear or complacency?

Day 2: God’s Sovereignty Over History and Evil

Throughout history, God has revealed that even the most terrifying events—like the rise of the Antichrist and the desecration of the temple—are under His sovereign control and unfold according to His prophetic plan. The Scriptures in Daniel, 2 Thessalonians, and Revelation show that evil will reach its peak, but only for a set time, and God’s purposes will ultimately prevail. Even as Satan seeks worship and unleashes fury, God limits the duration of tribulation and promises deliverance for His people, demonstrating that no power can thwart His redemptive plan. [44:52]

Daniel 11:31, 36-37 (ESV)
“Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate... And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done. He shall pay no attention to the gods of his fathers or to the one beloved by women. He shall not pay attention to any other god, for he shall magnify himself above all.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust that God is sovereign, even when evil seems to be advancing or circumstances feel out of control?

Day 3: Urgency in Responding to God’s Warnings

Jesus’ instructions to flee without hesitation when the abomination of desolation appears highlight the urgency and seriousness with which we should respond to God’s warnings. The call is not to delay, gather possessions, or debate, but to act immediately in faith. This sense of urgency is a reminder for all believers to live alert, ready to obey God’s direction, and to prioritize spiritual readiness over earthly attachments, knowing that obedience can be a matter of life and death. [54:12]

Luke 21:20-21 (ESV)
“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it.”

Reflection: Is there an area where you sense God calling you to immediate obedience or repentance? What would it look like to respond without delay today?

Day 4: The Hope and Assurance for Believers in Christ

While the coming tribulation is a warning, believers in Christ are assured that they are not destined for wrath, for Jesus has already taken God’s judgment upon Himself for their sake. This hope is not just for the future but shapes how we live now—with gratitude, confidence, and a longing for Christ’s return. The promise of being with the Lord and the certainty of His righteous reign should fill us with joy, perseverance, and a desire to share this hope with others who have yet to believe. [01:03:25]

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 (ESV)
“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.”

Reflection: How does the assurance that you are not destined for wrath through Christ change the way you face trials, fears, or uncertainties today?

Day 5: Living with Purpose—Praying, Watching, and Warning Others

Knowing what is to come should not lead to apathy or fear, but to a life of prayer, watchfulness, and active engagement in God’s mission. Jesus’ teaching calls us to pray for His kingdom to come, to study and understand God’s Word, and to warn others to flee from the coming wrath by trusting in Jesus. Our hope in Christ’s return should fuel our passion to make disciples, share the gospel, and intercede for those who do not yet know Him, living each day with a sense of urgency and purpose. [01:05:58]

Matthew 6:9-10 (ESV)
“Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’”

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the hope of Christ today, and how can you intentionally pray for and seek an opportunity to share the gospel with them this week?

Sermon Summary

Today’s passage from Matthew 24:15-21 draws us into the heart of Jesus’ Olivet Discourse, where He warns of a coming time of unprecedented tribulation, marked by the “abomination of desolation” spoken of by the prophet Daniel. Jesus describes a future event in which the temple in Jerusalem will be desecrated by the Antichrist, who will set up an idolatrous image in the holy place, demanding worship and unleashing a period of suffering unlike any the world has ever seen. This event, at the midpoint of the seven-year tribulation, will signal the beginning of the “great tribulation”—a time of intense persecution, especially for Jews and those who come to faith in Christ during that era.

The abomination of desolation is not just a historical curiosity or a cryptic prophecy; it is a clear warning from Christ about the reality of evil, the seriousness of rebellion against God, and the certainty of God’s coming judgment. Jesus’ words are not only for those who will live through these future events, but also for us today. They remind us of the urgency of faith, the necessity of being reconciled to God, and the call to live with a sense of mission and hope.

Jesus’ instructions to “flee to the mountains” when this event occurs underscore the severity and immediacy of the danger. The tribulation will be so great that survival will depend on heeding His warning without hesitation. Yet, even in the midst of this dire prophecy, there is hope: God will preserve a remnant, and the reign of evil will be limited. Ultimately, Christ will return, evil will be defeated, and God’s kingdom will be established in righteousness.

For us, these truths should not lead to fear or apathy, but to a deeper commitment to Christ, a longing for His kingdom, and a passion to share the gospel. We are called to be people of prayer, to know God’s Word, and to warn others of the coming judgment while holding fast to the hope of Christ’s return. The reality of what is to come should fuel our urgency to live faithfully and to invite others into the refuge found in Jesus.

Key Takeaways

1. The “abomination of desolation” is a future event in which the Antichrist will desecrate the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, setting himself up as an object of worship. This act will mark the beginning of the greatest period of tribulation the world has ever known, fulfilling prophecies from Daniel and Revelation. It is a sobering reminder of the depth of human rebellion and the reality of spiritual deception in the last days. [33:34]
2. God’s warnings are acts of mercy, not just predictions. Jesus’ detailed description of the coming tribulation is meant to awaken us to spiritual reality, to call us to repentance, and to urge us to take refuge in Him before judgment falls. Ignoring these warnings is perilous, but responding in faith leads to forgiveness and eternal life. [59:36]
3. The sovereignty of God is evident even in the darkest times. Though the Antichrist’s reign and the suffering of God’s people will be severe, it is strictly limited by God’s decree—three and a half years, no more. Evil will not have the final word; God’s purposes will prevail, and Christ will return to establish justice and peace. [57:49]
4. The call to readiness is not just for a future generation, but for us now. Whether or not we live to see these events, we are not exempt from trials and tribulations. Our hope is not in escaping hardship, but in being found faithful—knowing God’s Word, praying for His kingdom to come, and living with urgency and purpose in the present. [65:58]
5. The reality of coming judgment should fuel our mission. Knowing what is at stake, we are entrusted with the gospel and called to warn others to flee the wrath to come by trusting in Jesus. Our anticipation of Christ’s return should move us to prayer, compassion, and boldness in sharing the hope we have in Him. [67:52]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[29:18] - Review: Birth Pains and Tribulation
[31:00] - Transition to the Great Tribulation
[32:26] - Reading Matthew 24:15-21
[33:34] - The Abomination of Desolation Explained
[35:32] - Antichrist and the Desecration of the Temple
[38:17] - Daniel’s Prophecies and the Future Temple
[39:49] - Timing and Significance of the Event
[41:05] - Modern Preparations for the Temple
[43:14] - The Antichrist’s Rise and Satan’s Role
[44:52] - Satan’s Desire for Worship
[46:29] - The Pinnacle of Satanic Rebellion
[48:26] - Persecution of Israel and Believers
[49:50] - Jesus’ Warning: Flee to the Mountains
[51:17] - Petra and God’s Provision
[53:21] - The Coming Holocaust and Martyrdom
[54:57] - Hardships of the Great Tribulation
[56:44] - The Unprecedented Suffering
[57:49] - God’s Sovereign Limits on Evil
[59:36] - Why This Matters for Us Today
[61:14] - The Urgency of Faith and Warning
[62:25] - Assurance for Believers
[63:25] - The Call to Respond to the Gospel
[64:35] - Living with Hope and Purpose
[65:58] - Praying for God’s Kingdom
[67:52] - Our Mission: Warning and Witness
[73:19] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 24:15-21 (ESV) — “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.”

Observation Questions

According to Jesus in Matthew 24:15, what is the “abomination of desolation” and where does it take place?
What instructions does Jesus give to those in Judea when they see this event happen?
What details does Jesus mention that show the urgency and severity of the situation for people living in that time?
In the sermon, what does the pastor say about the length and intensity of the “great tribulation”? [[57:49]](#)

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus refer back to the prophet Daniel when talking about the abomination of desolation? What does this connection tell us about God’s plan and the reliability of prophecy? [[33:34]](#)
The pastor said that God’s warnings are acts of mercy, not just predictions. How does seeing warnings this way change how we respond to them? [[59:36]](#)
The sermon mentions that the tribulation will be “unlike any the world has ever seen.” Why do you think God allows such a time of suffering, and what does it reveal about the seriousness of rebellion against Him? [[56:44]](#)
Jesus’ instructions to “flee to the mountains” are very specific. What does this teach us about the importance of listening to God’s warnings and acting quickly? [[49:50]](#)

Application Questions

The pastor said that the reality of coming judgment should not lead us to fear or apathy, but to a deeper commitment to Christ. Is there an area of your life where you have become apathetic or fearful about the future? What would it look like to respond with faith and urgency instead? [[59:36]](#)
Jesus calls us to be people of prayer and to long for His kingdom. How often do you pray for God’s kingdom to come, and what would it look like to make this a regular part of your prayer life? [[01:05:58]](#)
The sermon emphasized the need to know God’s Word so we are not deceived. What is one practical step you can take this week to grow in your understanding of Scripture, especially about the end times? [[01:04:35]](#)
The pastor challenged us to warn others and share the hope we have in Jesus. Who is one person in your life who needs to hear about the refuge found in Christ? What is one way you can reach out to them this week? [[01:07:52]](#)
The message talked about God’s sovereignty even in the darkest times. When you face trials or uncertainty, how can remembering God’s control help you trust Him more? Can you share a recent example? [[57:49]](#)
Jesus’ warning was not just for a future generation, but for us now. What does it mean for you personally to “be ready” and live with a sense of mission and hope? [[01:04:35]](#)
The pastor mentioned that ignoring God’s warnings is perilous, but responding in faith leads to forgiveness and life. Is there a warning from God’s Word you have been ignoring? What would it look like to respond in faith today? [[59:36]](#)

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