LECTURE LXXXI. WARNING OF THE COMING DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM. MARK Xiii. 14-23. 14. But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judea flee to the mountains: 15. And let him that is on the house-top not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house: 16. And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment. 17. But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!1 18. And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter. The destruction of Jerusalem had been foretold by Daniel with more exactness than is usual in prophecy. He first states the time when "Messiah shall be cut off, but not for himself:" and then proceeds," The people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary: and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that deter Who would be unable to escape with others. mined, shall be poured upon the desolate." The prince was the emperor of Rome: his army came attended by their ensigns and standards which bore the images of their deities, and these images were an abomination to the Jews." The host therefore, which consisted of legions bearing these ensigns, was the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet; the idolatrous images were the abomination, and the army brought desolation: and when this stood where it ought not, in the territory where idols were forbidden, notice was given for a hasty flight which those were happy who could take at all; whose circumstances left them able to quit their homes, before death encompassed them with more than its usual horrors. 19. For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. 20. And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. Except through the special providence of God so ordering it, no flesh, no Israelite should survive the threefold plague of famine, pestilence, and the sword. 3 "Religio tota castrensis signa veneratur, signa jurat, diis omnibus præponit." Tertull. apol. 16. And as every idol and image of a man was an abomination (ẞdeλvyua) to the Jews, Vitellius, when leading an army into Arabia, was entreated by them to take another route, and not to pass through Judea. Joseph. apud Newton, Dissert. xix. “Απαντες ἂν ἀπολωνται οἱ Ἰουδαιοι ; πασαν γαρ σαρκα ἐνταυθα Tηv lovdaikηv deye. Chr. ap. Matt. xxiv. It was his "determinate counsel" that a signal proof of wrath and indignation should be given against this people, who "knew not the time of their visitation," and had proved alike blind to his judgments, and deaf to his mercies. But still it was not his purpose that the nation should perish utterly; "the people which he had formed for himself," and to whom of all the earth his name had been hitherto made known. For the elect's sake whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days: that a remnant might survive, and continue to "show forth his praise," and furnish an example to the world of the certainty of his counsels and the depths of his wisdom. For St. Paul has revealed to us further designs of God to be accomplished in his own good time: saying, "I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery; that blindness in part is happened unto Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved; as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: for this is my covenant with them, when I shall take away their sins." A time seems here to be foreseen, when the Jewish people, now scattered through the world, shall turn from their unbelief and hardness of heart, and acknowledge that Jesus is he "of whom Moses and the prophets did write," the true Redeemer. Then the words of Zechariah shall be explained, and they who crucified the Lord Jesus, shall come to him for salvation, shall "look" with penitence" on him whom they pierced," and sprinkle themselves with 5 Isa. xliii 21. 6 Rom. x. 25-27. ד 7 Zech. xii. 10. the blood shed by their forefathers. Then the prophecy of Hosea shall have its full accomplishment. The children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim. Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the Lord their God, and David their king; and shall fear the Lord and his goodness in the latter days." Meanwhile there would be other dangers, besides the dangers of the Roman army. Misguided and deceitful men would take advantage of the season of alarm, and pretend to be raised up of God to deliver Israel. 21. And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, Lo, he is there; believe him not: 9 22. For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. 23. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. This warning and instruction was needful to the disciples that they might escape the vengeance impending on Jerusalem. The like warning is necessary to all Christians, that they may avoid the dangers with which they are encompassed in the world, and be prepared to "stand before the Son of man" at his appearing. 8 Hos. iii. 4. Several such persons, 9 The Messiah is coming to deliver us. whether impostors or enthusiasts, did appear and deceive many. They that had treasure in the house or in the field, are warned to abandon it, lest in their anxiety to secure it they should be lost themselves. And woe to those whom domestic cares should entangle and impede! So let nothing delay a man from preparing to "meet his God." Let no business, no pleasures, no public or private duties, induce him to wait for "a more convenient season," if he cannot at the present moment say, "The life which I now live, I live in the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."1 Whilst he is otherwise employed, life is wearing away, and judgment drawing near. "They that are ready," when the bridegroom cometh, "go in unto the marriage." Others confess, too late, "Our lamps are gone out." They have not been actuated by the faith or following the practice which belongs to Christians, and are no more ready for the judgment day, than the virgins, whose lamps had been neglected, were ready to meet the bridegroom. And "the door is shut." 66 Meanwhile, the Lord has plainly said; Take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. 1 Gal. ii. 20. 2 Matt. xxv. 10. |