Red Letter by Larry Perry

Mark 13:14  But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

The red letters represent the words spoken by Jesus. Mark has inserted his own comment about what Jesus said. While Mark was trying to tell you the prophecy of Daniel is a key element, what is Mark doing inserting his opinion into the scriptures? He is taking on the role of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus would tell us when those things He was teaching were important by inserting “let him that has ears hear”. It is one thing to share an opinion about scripture in a class setting but to interrupt Jesus while He is speaking is a distraction. I understand the Holy Spirit will often bring to mind things while we are reading our bibles, but He is God and authorized to speak truth to us.

Often times while reading this verse I would stop, go to Daniel’s prophecy and never get back to Mark 13. I had lost the continuity of thought. This is a reminder to me that during our studies together, not to try and take on the role of the Holy Spirit and point away from the current study. What I do in my quiet time is fine but in fellowship with others is another matter.