Abomination That Causes Desolation (Oct 30)

"When you see the 'abomination that causes desolation' standing where it does not belong--let the reader understand--then let those in Judea flee to the mountains...So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time."
                              Mark 13:14-23 NIV

The title for this section of today's reading is Signs of the end of the Age.  This 'abomination that causes desolation' was spoken of in Daniel, a book that is to be sealed, and in Revelation, a book that is to be open.  False prophets, dreadful days, distress, and deception by false Christs are mentioned.  A time of war, famine, earthquakes and death are the "beginning of the birth pangs."  This is certainly a time of trial that has not been previously seen and we read of the promise that such trial will not be seen again.  Thanks be to God!

My dictionary advises that an abomination is: an action that is vicious or vile; an action that arouses disgust or abhorrence; a person who is loathsome or disgusting; or hate coupled with disgust.  Additionally disgust is:  a strong feeling of dislike, distaste, or to cause aversion.  Certainly, in reading the above, there is not an abundance, but rather a lack or absence of Spiritual fruits like:  joy, peace, love, self control, and unity.

What could make the concept of the abomination that causes desolation more understandable?  Perhaps by framing in your heart the abomination as anything that takes God, Christ, and The Spirit out of the highest and best place, or focus of your heart.  An idol, a bad habit, gossip, negative feelings, and other items might come to mind.  Remember what we are to seek first, the kingdom of God.  Anything that takes us off of that path is an abomination that causes desolation.

Keep your eyes focused on Jesus and what He has done for you.

Can you name a few abominations in this world that affect communities, families, and individuals?

What kinds of actions could you, in love, take to shed light on those items?

Pray that you are guided by the Spirit to show love and yield much Spiritual fruit.

In Christ,

David P