Hiding in the Rock

Written by ronda on January 21, 2023. Posted in Phoebe Connections.

Matthew 24:15-16

So, when you see the abomination that causes desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then those in Judea must flee to the mountains!

Daniel first warned of the abomination that causes desolation, and his prophecy was fulfilled in Antiochus IV, who desecrated the temple and set up an idol to Zeus. Zeus was a Greek god who cared for the underdog – the poor and needy of society. He was considered to be the father of gods and men and was very powerful. As a result of his great power, he was very popular with women and was known for his adulterous affairs. The very thought that Zeus would be honored in God’s temple is an abomination to everything holy!

Both Daniel and Jesus warned of a coming ruler who would take charge of the temple and fill it with his immoral ideology. Antiochus IV is believed by most biblical scholars to be a forerunner of the coming Anti-Christ, who will seek to make himself god to all who dwell on earth. When he comes to power, those in Judea – those who still look to God’s word as holy and true – must flee to the mountains.

During the rule of Antiochus IV, many Christians took shelter in Petra in the mountains. Petra means rock. They climbed higher and hid themselves in the rock. They did not compromise their beliefs with the prevailing majority. They sought refuge by clinging to God’s word.

We live in a day when the spirit of Anti-Christ can be seen and felt all around us. While he has not yet been revealed, his immoral philosophy has penetrated our culture. We must never let culture determine our concept of right and wrong. God’s word must be our standard. In the end, He is the one who will judge us, and what answer will we give when we stand before Him? Current majority opinion will not help us then.

I challenge you today to climb higher and hide yourself in the Rock – the Rock of Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. While this message is offensive to many, it remains true. What God calls as sin is still sin, even if culture accepts it. As Christians, we must realize we are made in His image, and we cannot create a god in our own image to suit us. The god we create will be the very god who ultimately destroys us. Seek refuge in Christ today, and let His grace transform you. Do not be conformed to this world or its philosophies of right and wrong. True Christianity is about transformation – not conformation.

Have a blessed day!