finding the way

Many centuries ago, Jesus warned his followers… “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies… let those in Judea begin fleeing to the mountains.” (Luke 21, verses 20 and 21) Jewish rebels, known as Zealots, rejected this advice, viewing retreat as cowardice. However, in 66 C.E., Roman armies surrounded Jerusalem and then unexpectedly withdrew.

This temporary retreat gave Christians a golden opportunity to escape to Pella. When General Titus returned in 70 C.E. to blockade the city, stubborn rebels ignored urgent warnings to surrender. Consequently, hundreds of thousands starved or died in battle, and many were enslaved. Thankfully, obedient Christians survived safely.

Surviving Today

This historical event foreshadows a future world crisis (Matthew 24, verse 21). God doesn’t want our world ruined by human greed, so he’ll step in to save it (Revelation 11, verse 18). Because Christians are scattered across the world – 9 million+ to be precise – we can’t escape to a physical mountain range. Today, safety relies on the warning found in Zephaniah 2, verse 3… “seek Jehovah… Seek righteousness, seek meekness.” The Bible promises… “Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will get away safe.” (Joel 2, verse 32)

Calling on God’s name is more than just repeating it. It means studying the scriptures to build a close relationship with Him (John 17, verse 3). Many modern churches hide God’s personal name, Jehovah, using generic titles instead (Psalm 83, verse 18). True survival requires finding those who actively honour his name and share his promises (Isaiah 43, verse 10). By aligning with them to seek Jehovah, we can find the only path to safety.