Sunday: Enduring to the End — Matthew 24:13-14; Mark 13:13; Luke 21:19
Two elements of truth in these verses indicate the presence of a strong church on the earth at the very time of Christ’s return: (1) a reward to those who remain strong until the end; (2) the fact that the truth of God’s Kingdom will be preached to the entire world, which will trigger the end of the age and the return of Jesus Christ. There are those who teach that the church will be raptured and held in stasis for as much as three and a half years before Christ returns to the earth, but this isn’t established by biblical prophecy. What Christ teaches here indicates the opposite: the presence of a strong church until the very end.
Monday: Abomination of Desolation — Matthew 24:15-18; Mark 13:14-16; Luke 21:20-22
The Master had foretold the destruction of Jerusalem, but here He gave them definite indications to warn them of its approach and help them escape to safety. When they would see the abomination of desolation (heathen idolatry) standing in the Sanctuary, and the Roman army encircling the city, they would recognize the prophecy of Daniel (Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11). The Roman legions of Titus would burn the Temple and offer heathen sacrifices to their ensigns, placed by the eastern gate, when they proclaimed Titus emperor (70 A.D.) The time would be marked by the destruction of life and property, and more delusions of false Messiahs.
Tuesday: Intense Tribulation — Matthew 24:19-21; Mark 13:17-19; Luke 21:23-24
Intense tribulation was foretold, and was unavoidable. Yet, Jesus told them to pray not for the events to be withheld, but that they would befall at such a time and way as to be the easiest from which to escape. Praying that it not happen on the Sabbath day was because Jerusalem’s gates were locked on the Sabbath, making escape impossible.
Wednesday: The Days Shortened — Matthew 24:22; Mark 13:20
We can take comfort in knowing that Jesus promises that not all would be lost during the days of affliction. At the fall of Jerusalem there were those who survived and we can further conclude that Jesus’ promise that when the mirrored event of the tribulation occurs, there will also be those who are spared.
Thursday: Be Not Deceived — Matthew 24:23-26; Mark 13:21-23
Jesus returned again to the topic of spiritual deception—a double warning—obviously because the pull to follow the false messiahs or prophets would be so strong. Even in today society we have a pull towards “spiritualism” and similar ungodly supernatural occurrences, we need to heed Jesus’ warning and pray that we are not deceived.
Friday: The Sure Sign of Judgment — Matthew 24:27-28
Jerusalem fell beneath the weight of God’s judgment, and Rome was merely His sword. At the second coming of Christ, He is coming to judge the nations. The main point is that God’s judgment is certain and unmistakable.
Saturday: The Coming of the Son of Man — Matthew 24:29-31; Mark 13:24-27; Luke 21:25-28
Any overturning of kingdoms or cities, or dethroning of kings, is represented by the darkening of the sun and moon, and by a convulsion in the elements: great calamity is the primary theme conveyed. There seems to be a dual application: both the destruction of Jerusalem (beginning the dark age) and the approach of Christ’s presence as King of kings at His second coming, are powerful events of His “coming.”