DCLM Higher Everyday 15 October 2023 — The Great Tribulation
Topic: The Great Tribulation
Text: Matthew 24:15-22
16Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
17Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
18Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
19And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
20But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
21For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
22And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.
Key Verse: “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21).
Message
C. S. Lewis consoles believers with these words: “God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially armed you to go through it, not without pain but without stain.” The word “tribulation” metaphorically means oppression, affliction, distress, straits. However, the Great Tribulation is different from other sufferings. Its severity will surpass all previous periods of suffering experienced throughout human history. And the Scripture says, “… except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened” (verses 21-22).
The question is, where will you be during this time of the Great Tribulation? Watchful believers would have been raptured to heaven. Jesus Christ warned that the times of the Great Tribulation would be tough times. (Matthew 24:9). In anticipation of the impending 42 months of great suffering, you should preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God by various means to the unsaved, far and near. Beloved, remain a faithful and wise servant, preparing and watching for Christ’s return. May we escape the Great Tribulation in Jesus’ name.
Quote: Watchful believers would have been raptured
Challenge: The Great Tribulation is sure.
Prayer for today: O God, save me from the Great Tribulation!
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
