More Misery Than We Can Imagine

In this somber message addressing the events of Matthew 24:15–28, Chuck Swindoll confronts the reality of future tribulation while offering comfort for the present. Preached shortly after the tragic 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas, Swindoll uses that chaos to illustrate that while current times are treacherous, Jesus predicts a future calamity far worse—a time of "greater anguish than at any time since the world began" [9–12]. Swindoll guides the listener through Jesus' prophetic warning regarding the "Abomination of Desolation," a figure mentioned by Daniel (the Antichrist) who will rise during this future period to deceive and persecute. The sermon details the urgency of this future flight, where people must run to the hills without even turning back to pack a coat, and where false messiahs will perform "great signs and wonders" to mislead the desperate [21–24, 29]. Swindoll clarifies that the Church will be "caught up" (the Rapture) before this specific time of horror unfolds, leaving the unbelieving world to face the chaos. However, recognizing that modern believers still face fear and terrorism in their own times, Swindoll concludes with a practical application to combat paranoia. He offers three directives: Reject the temptation to live in fear, Remember that God is fully sovereign, and Rely on the Word of God for stability. He challenges the congregation to remain "steadfast and immovable," trusting that God causes all things—even tragedy—to eventually work together for good in His time [35–40, 46].

Message Key Facts:

• The Context of Chaos: Swindoll opens by referencing the October 1, 2017, Las Vegas shooting, noting that while we stare in disbelief at such evil, Jesus speaks of a future time where misery will be even more intense and inescapable [9–11].
• The Abomination of Desolation: Swindoll identifies this figure mentioned in Matthew 24:15 as the "Beast" or "Antichrist." He explains that this leader will be persuasive, influential, and brutal, emerging to lead people during a time of global chaos [21–22].
• The Rapture: Swindoll affirms a pre-tribulation view, stating that the Lord will descend and believers will be "removed" or rescued before this specific time of "Great Tribulation" begins on earth [15–16].
• Satanic Miracles: A crucial theological point is made regarding Matthew 24:24. Swindoll warns that "great signs and wonders" do not always come from God. Satan and demons possess supernatural power, and miracles alone are not proof of divine origin—they can be tools of deception [29–30].
• Birth Pains: Reaffirming the analogy from the previous message, Swindoll notes that these events are like labor pains that intensify in frequency and severity as the end draws near [19–20].
• "Not Almost Sovereign": Swindoll coins a phrase to help believers remember God’s control: "God is not almost Sovereign." Just as one cannot be "almost" a father, God is either fully in control or not at all. Swindoll asserts God does exactly what He pleases without asking permission [43–45].
• The "Jay Kesler" Insight: Swindoll quotes his friend Jay Kesler regarding the believer's perspective upon entering heaven: "Oh, now I get it." We live with question marks now, but in God's presence, the puzzle of suffering will finally make sense.
• The Three Directives: To avoid living a paranoid, suspicious life in dangerous times, Swindoll commands believers to:
  1. Reject every temptation to live in fear (claiming 2 Timothy 1:7).
  2. Remember God is fully Sovereign (claiming Psalm 115:3).
  3. Rely on the Word of God (claiming Psalm 119:105) [40–41, 43, 50].

Message References:

• Matthew 24:15–28: The primary text detailing the Abomination of Desolation, the flight of the refugees, and the arrival of false messiahs [3–6].
• Daniel 9, 11, & 12: Referenced as the Old Testament source for the prophecy of the "Abomination that causes desolation".
• 1 Corinthians 15:58: "Therefore... be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord".
• Isaiah 41:10: "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God".
• 2 Timothy 1:7: "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-discipline".
• Psalm 115:3: "Our God is in the heavens; He does what He pleases".
• Romans 8:28: "God causes all things to work together for good...".
• Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path".
• Romans 15:4: "Whatever was written in earlier times was written for our learning... that we... might have hope".

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll