The Abomination of Desolation - St. Marys Coptic Orthodox Church

172
DAY OF THE LORD
And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the
Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were
given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the
flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days
of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted,
they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained
fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall
it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. (Luk 17:26-30)
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a
thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then
sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with
child; and they shall not escape. (I Thes 5:2-3)
St. Paul later on tells us that we shouldl not be afraid of this:
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that day should overtake you as
a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we
are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do
others; but let us watch and be sober. (I Thes 5:4-6)
Even though we as children of light should not be afraid of that day, yet
we have to “watch and be sober” St. Peter tells us the same thing:
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest
ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own
stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ. (IIPet 3:17)
WE SHOULD NOT BE AFRAID:
As Christians, we should not be afraid to think about these things,
but, if we stay sober and faithful, should rather look forward to that Day
of the Lord. For, even though it will bring destruction to the world, it
will bring salvation and eternal life for us. We should encourage each
other and strengthen those who are weak.
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up
your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. (Luk 21:28)