In our study of Matthew 24-25 we have seen the importance of recognizing the signs that will usher in the Day of the Lord. Some of those signs are already apparent in the world today. Some have not yet taken place, like verse 15, “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel – let the reader understand.”
For that to happen it requires for there to be “the holy place” in the temple. It will clearly be evident to the Jews who know about in their history between the Old and New Testament what happened during the time when the Syrian king, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, struck Jerusalem’s temple, profaned the sacrificial system, massacred thousands and took thousands more captive, selling many of them off as slaves.
When this happens again in the future, they were told, “If anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect – if that were possible.”
Then, at the time appointed by the Father, the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. This event will have a profound effect on all the people of the nations. Jesus says in verse 33, “Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.”
Whatever our understanding of the specific timeline for some of these signs, we are to be on the lookout and take note when any of them appear on the scene. They are tell-tale for us to make sure we are ready for that great day.
