Nougat 2

I remember a teacher jokingly telling us in fourth grade that we should not let a new, unfamiliar word stump us. Her teacher said, pronounce it as Jerusalem and move on. After we’d all laughed and removed the potential embarrassing moment for our classmate, she taught us syllabication – breaking a word in syllables ie bite-sized pieces to get the gist of both the pronunciation and meaning.

This is what we do with our nougats, and more so, with this series on The End Times. For me, today’s Holy Nougat may feel like a ‘Jerusalem’ moment, but with the help of some Google sources, we will have a better grasp.

““When you see the disgusting and destructive thing that Daniel talked about standing in the holy place (the reader should understand this),” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬ ‭CEB‬‬

Abomination of Desolation of the Temple

Siblings, the ‘disgusting and destructive things that Daniel talked about’ is also referred to as the ‘Abomination of the Desolation’ and is found at least thrice in Daniel’s prophecies. We know from past experience that repetition is usually about emphasis. It can also be multiple occurrences of an activity. I suspect that this was both.

The Blue-Letter Bible commentary helps put it in perspective “The key passages in Daniel that mention the term “abomination of desolation” are Daniel 9:27; 11:31 and Daniel 12:11. This is a technical term, which means that it has a precise and consistent meaning in all three passages.” (So there’s our emphasis element). The explanation continues, with a clearer definition “The phrase refers to an act of abomination that renders, in this case, the Temple, something unclean. Daniel 11:31 speaks of an act that was fulfilled in history before the first coming of Christ. “

(Here, we note that it is a repeat event, as Jesus spoke about the future, despite making reference to the past. Given that the Temple was desecrated again shortly after Jesus’ earthly time, I’d argue that three references in Daniel, though carrying similar characteristics are about three separate times.)

The teaching continues, ”In addition to the three passages in Daniel, the two references by our Lord in Matthew and Luke, 2 Thessalonians 2:4 and Revelation 13:14-15 also have this event in view. Therefore, the abomination of desolation, which the reader is to understand, includes the following elements:

It occurs in the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem (Daniel 11:31; 2 Thessalonians 2:4).

It involves a person setting up a statue in place of the regular sacrifice in the holy of holies (Daniel 11:31; 12:11; Revelation 13:14-14).

This results in the cessation of the regular sacrifice (Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11).

There will be a time of about three-and-a-half years between this event and another event and the end of the time period (Daniel 9:27; 12:11).

It involves an individual setting up a statue or image of himself so that he may be worshipped in place of God (Daniel 11:31; 2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:14-15).

The image is made to come to life (Revelation 13:14).

A worship system of this false god is thus inaugurated (2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:14-15).

At the end of this time period the individual who commits the act will himself be cut off (Daniel 9:27).” (https://www.blueletterbible.org/…/Mat24-25_Part13.cfm )

Dare we suppose that the Abomination of the Desolation refers to an Antichrist desecration?

For it would seem that the Abomination is directly related to a system of government counter to God’s and intended to impugn God’s integrity and power by purporting to be more present and powerful than God! That truly would be an abomination! And, if we are still around , would realize a sense of desolation. Thankfully, it is not yet.

Another consideration for us, not so much about The End Times is the idea of our bodies as God’s Temple. If we establish idols in our lives, and actively engage with the idol/s, are we not trying to bring our own End Time a bit closer? Perhaps not. But, I hasten to add – blasphemy against God’s Spirit guarantees Life in Purgatory/Hell. It is the Unforgivable Sin (see Matthew 12:22-24; Mark 3:22 ; 1 John 5:6). May we never ever be party to the Abomination of Desolation in our bodies, God’s temple!

Even as we watch for the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy regard the End, may we believe and live as ones who desire to be saved.

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May all we seek be found in Christ