Shema Living During End Times (#13)

Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. The one on the roof must not come down to take anything out of his house, and the one in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing their babies in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. (Matthew 24:16-20)

Call 9-1-1!

Sound the alarm!

Mayday! (The distress signal not the spring holiday.)

            SOS!

Warnings! They come at various times and in different ways. Each of the above, when announced in their specific contexts communicate a time of alert, struggle, and crisis. Jesus’ warning in Matthew 24:15 was a warning, that is, an end time signal. It is not just an event that happens but an occurrence that demands immediate understanding and action. The instructions Jesus gives, for the specific context of Israel/Jerusalem, of this future event, the “abomination of desolation” becomes our focus in this unfolding prophecy of how His followers are to live and respond in the last days prior to His appearance.

 First, Jesus instructs, when you understand that the desolation of the Temple has taken place, “…those in Judea must flee to the mountains.” (v. 16) The priority is to preserve one’s life in the moment the desecration of the Temple occurs. The Judean Mountain range will be a nearby area to take flight. Moreover, the rugged terrain allows a greater possibility of survival. It will serve as a refuge from the enemy armies. This call to “run to the hills” is an urgent one and, as described by Jesus, demands an immediate response to flee.

Second, Matthew 24:17-18 gives additional details to this urgency with descriptions of relevant situations, and this needed critical response to flee. Initially, Jesus speaks of those who may be on their house roof top. These people must understand there is no time to go down into the house to secure belongings. You see, the flat roofs of houses made them popular family living places especially on cool evenings. Further, the roofs were often partnered with outside staircases so the possibility in Jesus’ directive of not going back inside the house can occur. Another possible scenario is what is called “the roads of the roofs.” With often proximity of houses beside each other, one’s escape could be a route of running and jumping from one roof to another instead of descending down into the chaos of the city streets. Then, upon reaching the last home, one can descend down the outside staircase to the street.

The next illustration of a real-life situation to underscore the need to urgently flee is if one is in the field when the Temple’s desecration occurs. (v. 18) Here, Jesus depicts a worker in the field who has removed his outer garment and perhaps left it on a fence post or on the outer edge of the field where he is working. Jesus emphasizes there is no time to go and get your important clothing but to immediately leave. Again, Jesus stresses that survival is more important than anything else.

Third, in verse 19, Jesus addresses women who are pregnant or nursing. Leaving quickly for them will not be easy. Between the condition of carrying a baby in the womb or in the development stage of nursing their infant, these precious issues begin to complicate as their need to not only personally survive but also give care and protection to their young child. Historically, we can recall moments of when infants’ lives were in danger: Pharaoh and the killing of all male children (Exodus 1:15, 22) as well as King Herod giving a demand for all baby boys to be killed two years of age or younger when the Christ-child was born (Matthew 2:16-18).

With these historical precedents in mind, it is interesting to note, Jesus does not provide any helpful instruction for this issue. In fact, He does the opposite. He begins with the word, “Woe.” Denoting, through a word of exclamation, Jesus serves His severe warning to this would be fragile group. Truly, this underscores the difficult and desperate realities which will exist in the end time moments.  

Finally, verse 20, Jesus cautions if this time of desecration occurs on a Sabbath or during the winter season. Either of these issues would complicate the emergency call to leave and flee. Now, Jesus speaks of factors that will affect all people. First, if in winter, the cold and the high risk of rain and flooding could become major hindrances. Also, the likelihood of provisions being more limited can be a real likelihood. (Morris and Newman & Stine) Second, if on the Sabbath, the aspect of worship and crowds in Jerusalem could make it more difficult for Jewish Christians to get to Judea. Finally, today a Jewish orthodoxy adherence to the ancient Sabbath laws is being considered that would establish the laws of not running, travel with cars and buses outlawed, Sabbath elevators—that stop at each floor to avoid button pushing as work—and so forth could be in existence and acts as a conscientious barrier to flee quickly.

Jesus, our supreme Watchman on the Wall, has sounded the alarm, that is, the ultimate 9-1-1! From Jesus’ prophetic description, the call demands immediate action of leaving Jerusalem in order to save one’s life. No matter the season or personal situation one may find themselves the clarion call from Christ is to not do anything that would slow one down or interfere with one’s flight. The Anti-Christ has arrived!

Our Father, we thank You for Your attention to detail and the emphasis You have given to help Your people by repetitively warning us. From the Old Testament prophets and the call to return to God, to John the Baptist and his call through the baptism of repentance, and now the ultimate Prophet, Christ Jesus, warning of end time moments You have been faithful to communicate. In Your mercy and grace, guide us to receive Your truthful prophecy and adjust to watch and pray. Help us to join You in the accurate teaching and warning Your people and our families and churches today. In Jesus’ name, amen.