by Dr. Ralph L, Keiper
EXODUS OF DESPAIR
I T HAS BEEN intensely interesting to see how the Jewish people have been returning to their national homeland from the nations of the world. But there is yet to be a future and unique exodus of Israel. In the instance to which I refer, they will be fleeing from their land. Matthew de scribes this in Chapter 24, verses 16 through 20. As an example, verse 16 tells us, “Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains.” The whole coun try will feel the effects of this great judgment. They are to hide in the rocks and caves until the time of the indignation has passed. This will be a great day of vengeance. Listen to Luke’s graphic description, “For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be ful filled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people” (Luke 21:22, 23). Jere miah speaks of this event in prophesy ing, “0 ye children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem: for evil ap- peareth out of the north, and great destruction” (Jeremiah 6:1). Next we find a personal warning for Matthew speaks forcefully, “Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes” (Matthew 24:17, 18). We must keep in mind that stairways in Oriental houses were on the outside. The roof was somewhat like our sitting room. It was a place of relaxation. The peo ple, in this time of judgment, were not to take time to come down the stairs into their homes and get their belongings. They were just to get out immediately! They had no choice.
The other picture is of workers in the field. The sun is hot and they have stripped themselves of clothing working in the earth. When judgment falls, they are not even to take time to go back and get their clothing. Safety is the only thing of paramount con cern. As for the women, those who are nursing children are urged to give special care. The season of the year, winter, and the religious aspect, “Sabbath,” are both of concern in this time. The law absolutely prohib ited traveling on the sabbath for any purpose whatsoever. Men would be tom between two things: to save their lives or to break the law. Instead of this being an exodus of redemption, it is an exodus of judgment. Someone may ask, “Why is judg ment to fall upon this people? Haven’t they known enough suffering and per secution already?” God gives us the answer. He had promised Israel under the old covenant that if they would obey Him then He would bless them. On the other hand, if they forsook Him then He would curse them. The reason God has to bring judgment upon Israel is because they have for saken Him. Another person inquires, “Is God finished with Israel? Will He break the promises made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?” The answer is an emphatic, indeed, He will not. Paul took nearly three chapters in Romans to prove this. God will restore His people and fulfill the promise of His Word. God desires a holy, pure people. This is the reason for His wrath and anger. He seeks to convince Israel that He alone is their God and their help. In Him alone can they rest and find peace. We may take a great lesson from Israel’s history. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we rejoice that judgment is already behind us. This 17
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