There will come a time of upheaval. Some of these verses describe the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D. Other verses probably refer to the signs of the end of the age. Jesus paints a stark picture of what would happen in these times. The abomination that causes desolation would set itself up in the temple. The distress of that time would be greater than at any time in world history. They would be so bad that the Lord mercifully cut them short so he would be left with only a remnant. The sun and moon would be darkened, and stars would fall from the sky. Only with the mercy of the Lord will anyone survive.

But Jesus holds out hope even in all the calamity. Our hope is in Jesus’ return. When Jesus, the Son of Man comes again, it will not be in darkness or in secret. He will come on the clouds of heaven, with much power and great glory! The trumpets will sound, and he will come and collect his chosen ones from ends of the earth. His coming is hope for those who are waiting for him, for those who do not follow false prophets. For those who are not waiting for him, there will be much mourning.
Application: Father, we see wars and famine and all kinds of calamity. Help us to have hope in the coming of the Son of Man.
One Word: The Son of Man is coming!