Mark 13:24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,

After what tribulation? Now I have to reread all of Mark 13 to see if Jesus identifies a tribulation or if not which tribulation is He talking about?

Nothing within the reading refers to any tribulation and the warning given to Daniel’s prophecy is about the abomination leading to desolation, no tribulation is mentioned. Checking Jesus speech as to great tribulations I find He references one in Matthew 24:21. That one comes after all the warnings given here in Mark 13:15-20, so that doesn’t match up.

The more and more I read the more convinced I am about not getting hung up on specifics.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

This reminds me of earth quakes. Having lived in California for a time, the first earthquake shook me up, but it was a 3.1 magnitude. After many I could ride one out to the point I didn’t even notice. As they would say back then, “That ain’t the big one.”

If we are here for “the big one” don’t you think we will know it? All the signs and wonders which Jesus speaks about would surely be seen.

Why bemoan the possibility of the “great tribulation” that may never happen in your life time? Being a doomsday prepper is not going to help anyone. If your soul is right with God, you’re covered under the victor’s banner.

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.