The Great Tribulation: A Time of Trial and Persecution
In our daily mediations over the last 2-3 weeks, we have been focusing on the events prophesied to occur in the Last Days before Jesus returns. The Great Tribulation (KJV), also called the Great Distress (NIV), in Matthew 24:21, will be a period of persecution for believers in Christ who refuse the Mark of the Beast and will not worship his image. What will sustain God's people during this time of trial?
How Biblical Prophecy Sustains the Church
It will be our understanding of the prophecies in God's Word. Expectation of His return to correct the injustices and evil at that time will be high. Those enduring persecution in the Church will understand clearly what is happening in the world. The fulfilled prophecies from Jesus, Paul, John, and the Old Testament prophets about the events of the first three and a half years, along with the exact timing of the Abomination of Desolation at the midpoint of the seven-year period, will alert many to the ongoing war between God and Satan. These fulfilled biblical prophecies will lead many to Christ during this period. God will keep His promises. As believers face persecution, they will cling to His promises in their hearts, trusting that He is waiting to celebrate with His bride. Every day brings us closer to His return.
The Promise of the Marriage Covenant
Jesus told His disciples:
I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom (Matthew 26:29).
A time is coming when Christ will take us to Himself in a marriage covenant. Those experiencing that difficult period will wonder whether each day is the day of His appearing, for no one knows the day or the hour (Matthew 24:36).
Why God Will Shorten the Days of Distress
For believers in Christ, the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21) will not last the full 1,260 days, Jesus said, because it will be cut short for "the elect":
If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened (Matthew 24:22; emphasis added).
The elect, true believers in Christ, will be caught up (raptured) at a time known only to the Lord; however, we understand that it will occur during the Great Tribulation. What could be happening on Earth to create a situation in which, if God did not intervene, no one would survive, as mentioned in the verse above? What will trigger Christ’s coming?
Signs in the Sun, Moon, and Stars
25“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:25-28; emphasis added).
The Lord Jesus comes for His people “at that time” (v. 27), following the cosmic signs in the sun, moon, and stars. “For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man” (Matthew 24:27). The celestial bodies themselves will be shaken (v. 26). The Greek word translated as shaken, saleuō, means "to waver, agitate, rock, topple, and shake." When someone on Earth looks at the heavens, it will seem as if the planetary systems are trembling, with stars falling from the sky. Could it be that Earth will shift on its axis temporarily.
The Earth Shaken: A Global Turning Point
Isaiah’s prophecy echoes this same idea:
19The earth is broken up, the earth is split asunder, the earth is thoroughly shaken. 20The earth reels like a drunkard, it sways like a hut in the wind (Isaiah 24:19-20).
No wonder people will faint from terror, apprehensive about what is coming to the earth (v. 26). When the world is at its darkest hour, the Lord Jesus will appear. "At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27). Oh, how I long for that Day, and I hope you do as well. Keith Thomas
Continue Your Journey…
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The more complete study is called The Coming of the Messiah.
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