GREAT THINGS ENTERPRISE
CLAUDE BLACK
Mark 13:16
Don’t Go Back
Another employee and I were repairing the hydraulic lift on a truck when a tire suddenly, inexplicably exploded. The force of the blowout hurled the mechanic against the truck, knocking him unconscious. Dropping my tools and calling for help, I ran to the injured man. The explosion’s sound drew everyone nearby, and they came to help, forgetting their duties. An ambulance arrived within minutes to take the injured man to the hospital. Fortunately, he was not seriously injured and returned to work the next day. But the suddenness of the event brought everyone to attention.
Witnesses are moved to tears today when they see people fleeing from the danger of war, many fleeing empty-handed, or from a violent earthquake that flattens buildings, catching residents without warning.
When Jesus taught people about the appearance of sudden dangers, prophesying the coming destruction of Jerusalem, he said, “And let the one upon the roof not go down nor go inside to take anything from his house. And the one in the field must not return to the things behind to take his garment.” (Mark 13:15-16) The Jewish revolt against the Romans began in 66 A.D., with Jewish revolutionaries expelling the Romans. Emperor Nero thereupon sent a large, well-organized army led by General Vespasian and his son, Titus, to defeat the revolt. Nero committed suicide in 68 A.D., and Vespasian became emperor, appointing his son Titus to complete the conquest. The Roman army besieged Jerusalem in 70 A.D., resulting in terrible Jewish suffering and loss of life. The Roman army defeated the revolt in 73 A.D. Many who fled, including many Christians, were spared the worst suffering and destruction. However, they fled with few possessions.
Recently, a man stood beside his house, which had been splintered by a violent tornado. He said he had no time to save anything. Emergency times require emergency action. This is as true today as when Jesus taught this lesson.
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