First, Be on your guard (14-25). These verses tell of the turmoil in the end times. The 'abomination that causes desolation' might refer to the destruction of the temple by the Romans in 70 AD, or to some future horrific event. Jesus said to be on your guard so that when these things happen, the people of Judea should flee to the mountain. There would be distress in the world like no one has ever seen. But for the sake of the elect, God cut those days short. Otherwise, no one could survive. But after that, even the moon would be darkened and the stars would fall from the sky. How could anyone survive? Second, the Son of Man will come (26-27). This is the climactic event of world history. At the height of the distress, the Son of Man would come in clouds with great power and glory. He will come and gather his elect to go and be with him in the kingdom of God. Our hope is not in the end of terrible times. Our hope is in the coming of the Son of Man.
Application: Father, help me, that when I am faced with terrible times, I will keep my hope in your coming. Help me to look for the Son of Man coming in clouds of great power and glory.
One Word: The Son of Man will come