The Abomination of Desolation

“But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. - Mark 13:14

Imagine standing on the brink of something catastrophic—something that challenges every fiber of your being.

It’s not hard to imagine, is it? Between the political turbulence in our nation and the wars and unrest rippling across the globe, the air feels heavy with uncertainty.

We hear rumors, whispers of doom, and see people rushing to escape a looming disaster.

But what if, instead of being paralyzed by fear, we could hold onto a feeling of anticipation—anticipation that deliverance is near?

In today’s reading from Mark 13, Jesus warns of a coming time of desolation so severe that his followers must flee to the mountains when they see the signs.

The early Church would have understood this warning in layers.

First, for those hearing Jesus’ words, the history of Jewish suffering would immediately come to mind, especially the desecration of the Temple under the Greek emperor Antiochus IV. He desecrated the Holy of Holies, forcing Hebrew priests to eat unclean swine meat.

Later, as Mark’s Gospel was written, Jesus’ prophecy gained fresh relevance. The Roman destruction of the Jerusalem Temple echoed Jesus’ words about a great tribulation.

But Jesus was pointing to something deeper. Drawing on Daniel 12, He spoke of a time of unparalleled trouble but also hope. In Daniel, we see the Archangel Michael rising to protect God’s people, the dead awakening to “everlasting life” or “shame and everlasting contempt.”

For the Jewish people of Jesus’ day, the hope of resurrection gave meaning to their suffering. Faithfulness to God, even in the face of desolation, carried the promise of ultimate justice.

The early Christians saw Jesus’ prophecy not just as a warning of physical danger but as a spiritual truth: the forces of darkness, spiritual and worldly, would try to thwart God’s redemptive plan. Yet, Jesus’ words encouraged them to remain steadfast, for God’s deliverance was near.

What does this mean for us?

Like the early Christians, we face moments of desolation, loss, betrayal, and unrest.

But Jesus reminds us: tribulation is part of the journey, not the end.

When the pressure builds, when the world feels like it’s unraveling, we are called to remain vigilant, to hold on to hope, and to act wisely.

How do we stay ready?

By anchoring ourselves in prayer, Scripture, and fellowship. By gathering for communion, trusting in Christ’s sustaining power. By remaining watchful, prepared to let go of the things that keep us from trusting God fully.

When Jesus told His disciples to flee, it wasn’t a call to despair but a call to wise action, trusting God to guide and protect them. Likewise, we must seek refuge in God’s Word and find safety in His promises.

Think back to the earlier picture of standing on the brink.

The difference for us as Christians is that we don’t stand there alone.

It’s easy to get swept up in the fear we see in the news or on social media. But we know the truth: Jesus has gone before us. He faced suffering and death, and He rose victorious.

Our Savior walks with us in times of trial, promising deliverance. He transforms our suffering, giving it purpose and hope.

Jesus’ words in Mark call us to a dual focus: readiness and hope.

Jesus warns us that trials will come and our faith will be tested. But just as Daniel’s vision pointed to resurrection and deliverance, we too hold on to the promise that God’s justice will prevail.

This week, let’s not be weighed down by the trials we face. Instead, let’s take Jesus’ words as a call to endure, knowing we are never alone.

When difficulties come, let’s hold fast to the hope of resurrection, the promise of deliverance, and the assurance that God will sustain us to the end.

We stand on the brink not of disaster but of redemption. Hold fast, beloved. Our God is faithful.