It's been all over the cable channels. Why? Because folks are fantastically interested in it. They read about it in magazines, buy books, write books, surf the 'Net, all seeking more and more information about what will happen.
The reason there is such a vast amount of programming lately is because programming caters to advertisers who want people to buy their stuff, so they want programming that meets the interests of their target audiences. The current spreading of interest in the End Times, the book of Revelation, an investigation into The Rapture (was it Discovery Times or History International or the National Geographic Channel?) all tells the folks in cable television that they need to find information on this topic.
Often, the television programs turn to the book of Revelation, but they tend to neglect the gospels, thinking that the "good stuff" for television programming isn't going to be seen there.
However, Jesus teaches of some amazing things, there on that hillside near Jerusalem. He told his disciples to be on the lookout for the "abomination that causes desolation" (Matthew 24:15) that will be standing in the "holy place" prophesied by Daniel. Many have taught over the years that this alludes to a future rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. However, Daniel himself did not say that there would be a Temple, there. What he says is this:
He will make a firm covenant
with many for one week,
but in the middle of the week
he will put a stop to sacrifice and offering.
And the abomination of desolation
will be on a wing of the temple
until the decreed destruction
is poured out on the desolator. (Daniel 9:27)
The wing of the Temple, you will see there. A corner of it. A part of where it was or where it might be. This will presage the greater tribulation. Christ says that those who witness it should prepare to hide themselves at that time. "Run for the hills" is about what he said.
Has all that come to pass already? According to Eusebius, when there was persecution, many Christians did indeed remember the words of Christ during a time of persecution during the reign of Emperor Titus. The Christians fled to Pella, at the foot of the mountains, for safety.
However, I do not believe that the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy is contained entirely in that era. Jesus referred to that prophecy specifically, and as his disciples were Jewish, they would have been familiar with Daniel's words. Jesus also goes on to say this:
Unless those days were cut short, no one would survive. But because of the elect those days will be cut short. (Matthew 24:22)
Does this not sound as if the elect, then would still be present for the times of trouble? Does this sound as if Christ is promising a pre-tribulational departure for his followers?
I do believe that after all the trouble starts, there will certainly be those who do cry out to the Lord. They will be the exception, though, rather than the rule scripture teaches in the book of Revelation. As is the truth today, many people will discount God's hand in the events of the world, even as the signs and judgments pile up on one another.
So, folks may watch shows and specials on cable, they may read about it popular and fringe media, but it is still highly likely that many will not recognize the signs as they come about. For it is much more entertaining to speculate on the End of the Age than it will be to live through it.
Jesus says that many will come, claiming to be him, but they will be lying. False messiahs and prophets will appear (and indeed, they have done so over the millenia) to deceive many. (24:23-27)
They may even have a special on cable.
Next: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days..."
jesus
