Matthew 24:15-22

Matthew 24:15-22 
The Message (MSG)

  I once listened to a sermon that was asking what would go into your backpack -- in terms of thinking that if you had to flee your house, what would be the 3-5 things you would grab before running off.  When I see pictures of refugees with their world on their shoulders, I wonder how much time they had and what I would take if I was in their position.  It's hard to fathom the reality they face. 
  Here, Jesus is warning us about our priorities.  He's telling the disciples that they'll likely have to run for their lives at some point -- there won't be time to return to the house.  All they will be lucky to escape with will be their lives.
  He's also teaching us about priorities.  We get caught up in things, and they start to own a little piece of us.  They claim us, and we can have a hard time remembering what really matters.  So Jesus offers a little reminder -- the only things that truly count can't really be counted.  The relationships we have, our grace that is given to us by Christ, these are what matter.  Even if we have to live the rest of our lives without any material possessions, if we're at peace and surrounded by grace, all is well. 
  With that peace, we can trust fully in God.  Though we may not know what the future holds, we can have confidence that even if we lose everything, we still have the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us, and nothing can separate us from the love of God!!a