I have told you all things beforehand.

And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.

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Jesus continues to paint a terrifying picture of a cataclysmic future where desperate people are looking for a messianic figure to rescue them from the horrors of the day. I think that he felt a need to warn his disciples, and us, of such things because he knew how humanity so often looks to itself, rather than God, in times of confusion and of crisis.

"Elect" is a very interesting word. Theologians have built theologies around it supposing that it means this or that. The word simply means chosen - the elect are God's chosen people.. those who has been spiritually born. For these God put a time limit on tribulation. To these he speaks a word of warning. In all this His love and concern is great for the elect.

Thank you Lord for loving and saving you people - both today and in that day.