[Jesus speaking]
When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’ standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the housetop go down or enter the house to take anything out. Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that this will not take place in winter, because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again. If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them.

Jesus is clearly speaking about the last days before Jesus comes in the second coming to gather his followers here. There is a warning to flee to the mountains, when you see “the abomination that causes desolation”. The idea here is that this will be placed in the temple of God.

We must understand that this prophecy is written in an apocalyptic-style of writing that is using symbols and pictures to describe future events. This could be due to the lack of appropriate words for things and events this far into the future. For example, how would someone in Jesus’ time have described an airplane or a smartphone?

It could also be that he wants us to be on alert and trust him with imperfect descriptions, to build our faith. Regardless, we will see an abominable item placed in the temple. This is clearly a literal reference, as the temple of our hearts, where the Holy Spirit dwells, is off limits to evil control if we follow God.

The bad news is these days will be horrible. They will be an all-out culmination of wars and natural disasters, of judgement and evil ruling. But the good news is Jesus comes back to save his elect and cuts these days short. We must be prepared and alert. We must follow our Lord closely so we can see clearly the truth in these times and not be deceived by false prophets.

Lord, help me know your heart, your word, and be obedient to your commands so I will have a pure heart. Then I will see clearly the signs you speak of here and act in your will to help and save those who you have called.