What is the Abomination of Desolation?

 Jesus said some pretty interesting things. He did not mind shocking his audience. After meeting a wealthy, respected, religious seeker, Jesus said, "Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God," (Matthew 19:24). The disciples were so perplexed at this statement they asked in astonishment, "Who then can be saved?" (Matthew 19:25). Earlier, when some kind friends brought a crippled man to Jesus, Jesus looked at the man and declared, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven," (Matthew 9:2). The religious leaders murmured, "This man is blaspheming," (Matthew 9:3). Suffice to say that Jesus does not mind saying some things that are at least interesting and sometimes perplexing.

So, what does Jesus mean when He says, "When you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains," (Matthew 24:15-16)?

Happy are the Blessed

 When Matthew records the words of Jesus in Matthew 5-7, he captures the essence of the good news Jesus proclaimed. Earlier, Matthew summarized the preaching ministry of Jesus in a single sentence, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand," (Matthew 4:17). Now, Matthew summarizes Jesus in a whole sermon. The famous Sermon on the Mount begins memorably:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:3-12, ESV, emphasis mine)

Much could be said about these wonderful words from Jesus. This post focuses on the word translated "blessed" Before getting to the nuts and bolts of this discussion, slow down and consider that word, "blessed." What comes to mind when someone says, "She is blessed," or "His is a blessed life." 

Lessons from a Hard Life: God Guides Joseph

It's January 1st, 2021. A new year has arrived. Christians finished celebrating Christmas a week ago. As I prepare for a new year, 2021 does not immediately appear as though it will be any easier than 2020, which was perhaps the most difficult year of my life.

For my wife, Megan, and I, in 2020 we faced her mother's death, my father's terminal cancer diagnosis, having to resign from a church we loved, a cross-country move, and a career change. One important truth that has helped us immensely through a difficult year is this: there is a big difference between right and easy. In fact, many times to live in the center of God's will is just a different kind of hard. For much of life, one must choose which hard to face. 

This truth is seen clearly in the life of Joseph, the man chosen by God to serve as the earthly father for Jesus. Four times Joseph is guided personally by God in dreams. Four times Joseph fulfills prophecy from God with his obedience. Four times of subjective guidance and four times of objective guidance come to Joseph. Here was a man who lived obedient to God's objective and subjective will. He followed God, even when the guidance was odd or difficult.

The King's Banquet

During this week around 2,000 years ago in Palestine, Jesus arrived in Jerusalem and began teaching quite openly about the kingdom of God or heaven.  More particularly, Jesus taught on who and how to enter the kingdom of heaven, and his teaching encouraged the poor and downcast and unnerved the religious leaders.  One of his public speeches included a parable about a king giving a wedding feast for his servant.  In Matthew 22:1-14, his audience included both followers and opponents, as well as a general crowd made up of curious Jews.  In the parable the kingdom of heaven is compared to a feast that is ready to be attended and enjoyed.  However, the guests not only rejected the invitation summons, they beat and killed the king's messengers.  Thus, the king sent the messengers to all the commoners that could be found to fill his hall with guests.