Matthew 24:21–22: For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.

When the Great Tribulation gets here, there will be nothing to match it in the past or in the future. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. We read in the Book of Revelation that during the Tribulation one third of the population of the earth will be destroyed. On another occasion one–fourth of the population will be destroyed. It is absolutely unique. Using the simile given to us in Revelation 6, the red horse of war, the black horse of famine, and then the pale horse of death will ride during that period, and the population of the earth will be decimated. There was a time when this seemed to be an exaggeration. However, now that several nations of the world have atom bombs, which could destroy the population of the world, it no longer appears to be exaggerated. However, there is comfort in this verse—“but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” God will not let mankind commit suicide. That is the reason this will be such a brief period. 1

Your Word is Truth

The coming great tribulation should make us very optimistic about life today. Knowing the future in advance is a blessing. How are you using that blessing to make Christ known throughout the world? Are you making him known right where you live today?

Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. –2 Timothy 2:10

You Alone are God

Today’s tribulation builds character. Tomorrow’s tribulation judges character. – TWEET IT

Your Will be Done

Lord, make me a humble servant every day. May I have a thankful heart in everything.

1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (Matthew 14-28) (electronic ed., Vol. 35).

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Tommy Blumberg

Tommy Blumberg

Tommy Blumberg was ordained as a Calvary Chapel pastor in 1985, where he served as an assistant pastor at Calvary Fellowship, in Seattle. In 1992, Pastor Tom, his wife Pam, and their three daughters moved to Bellingham and began a Bible study, which led to the founding of Calvary Chapel Northwest. Tom blogs regularly at TommyBlumberg.com.