Probably the most helpful thing would be to yell at me when you see me wasting time on FB.

Based on the admonitions in Mark 13:15-19, this timing is not sufficiently short to make a good argument in favor of the Zealot seizure of the temple being the sign. The things that one should not do after seeing the sign take minutes or hours. If the sign were separated from the danger by years as you suggest, it would not only be possible, but even wise to make the preparations for which Christ say there is insufficient time.

Aside from that obvious oversight, great stuff Julie. Can we take it that having draft versions of chapter 13 indicates you’re nearing completion?

Thanks for sharing this — yummy stuff!

“If Mark intended to echo Jeremiah’s usage, it suggests that the “abomination” is not one particular historical event but rather a pattern of covenant betrayal.”

Can it be both? Can there be a specific fulfillment of prophecy that acts as an explicit sign or warning for future generations? IMO, the apostasy of the early church was no less abominable than what the Jews or conquering forces did in the temple at Jerusalem. In fact, it might have been worse, much, much worse.

The apostasy is such an odd time in church history — the lights literally go out. But we do get some insight into what may have happened from the Book of Mormon and from non-canonical writings. One thing that seems for certain (to me) is that there was something terribly “abominable” going on. My sense is that the “mysteries” were compromised and, as a result, the church was left desolate.

The imagery of fleeing to the hills may be likened unto the church (the true church of Christ) fleeing into the wilderness — and, of course, hills and mountains or high places seem to be indicative of the temple. And the woes pronounced upon infants and pregnant women may have to do with the idea that those in need of milk will have no access to it as the church has moved into a different realm where only those who are prepared for meat can go.

This is reminiscent of John’s measuring of the temple. The outer courts are not measured because they will not continue after the earth’s renewal. They (the outer courts), in a sense, will be left desolate.