When Jesus gave his disciples a list of signs that would identify that he had returned and was present a second time, he also included some warnings. (Please read Matthew, chapter 24.) One of those warnings would be what he identified as "The disgusting thing that causes desolation … standing in a holy place." When his followers see that, they would know that the end is imminent and should flee to somewhere safe. Then Jesus would cleanse the earth of wickedness, only limiting the cleansing so that those who serve Jehovah will not be destroyed.

When will this happen? Nobody knows! Jesus stated plainly that even he did not know. Only Jehovah himself knew. However, it is reasonable to conclude that Jesus would be informed at some point, since he would be leading the charge, as it were. The bible does not speciufy a date but Jesus did emphasise that when we see the signs he mentioned, then it is very close.

So, what is the "disgusting thing that causes desolation" which will stand "in a holy place?" First, please note that there is an unusual instruction given regarding this thing. It is: "Let the reader use discernment." The reader must use his reasoning abilities to determine what this thing is. In the initial fulfillment, about 70 C.E. it became clear that it was the Roman army, who camped outside Jerusalem, which was undoubtedly a "holy place," but which then left for a short while. Using discernment, the early Christians then left Jerusalem. When the Roman army returned and attacked Jerusalem, those

Christians were not there, so they were safe. They listened, used discernment, fled as they had been instructed and, consequently, their lives were saved.

So, what will this "disgusting thing" be today, and what is the "holy place?" To identify the "holy place", ask what is holy to Jehovah today? Surely it is the worship given by those who serve him, that is, worship from true Christians. The original disgusting thing was an army which attacked the city representing those who served Jehovah, so we expect that in our own time there will be a concerted attack on those who serve Jehovah in an attempt to destroy that service. Then, after that, Jehovah’s servants will flee to a place of safety, the place that Jesus referred to as "the mountains," while the earth is cleansed.

However, we must remember that no one knows when this will happen, only that the signs that Jesus mentioned are clearly visible throughout the world. For that reason we know that Jesus is now present and preparing for the cleansing that is to come soon. For that reason, it is important that we are aware and are prepared. As Jesus said in verse 44, "On this account, you too prove yourselves ready, because the Son of man is coming at an hour that you do not think to be it."
   —   So, be smart and prepare yourself!

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