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  EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS ON MARK - MARK 13:14-23
  by J.C. Ryle
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We are taught in these verses the lawfulness of using means to provide
for our own personal safety. The language of our Lord Jesus Christ on
the subject is clear and unmistakable--"Let those who be in Judea FLEE
to the mountains--let him that is on the housetop not go down into the
house--let him that is in the field not turn back again--pray you that
your flight be not in the winter." Not a word is said to make us suppose
that flight from danger, in certain circumstances, is unworthy of a
Christian. As to the time prophesied of in the passage before us, men
may differ widely. But as to the lawfulness of taking measures to avoid
peril, the teaching of the passage is plain.

The lesson is one of wide application, and of much usefulness. A
Christian is not to neglect the use of means, because he is a Christian,
in the things of this life, any more than in the things of the life to
come. A believer is not to suppose that God will take care of him, and
provide for his needs, if he does not make use of means and the common
sense which God has given him, as well as other people. Beyond doubt he
may expect the special help of his Father in heaven, in every time of
need. But he must expect it in the diligent use of lawful means. To
profess to trust God, while we idly sit still and do nothing, is nothing
better than fanaticism, and brings religion into contempt.

The word of God contains several instructive examples on this subject,
to which we shall do well to take heed. The conduct of Jacob, when he
went to meet his brother Esau, is a striking case in point. He first
prays a most touching prayer, and then sends his brother a carefully
arranged present. (Gen. 32:9-13.) The conduct of Hezekiah, when
Sennacherib came against Jerusalem, is another case. "With us," he tells
the people, "is the Lord our God, to fight our battles." And yet, at the
same time, he built up the walls of the city, and made darts and
shields. (2 Chron. 32:5.) The conduct of Paul is another case.
Frequently we read of his fleeing from one place to another, to preserve
life. Once we see him let down from the walls of Damascus by a basket.
Once we hear him telling the soldiers on board the Alexandrian ship,
"Except the shipmen abide in the ship, you cannot be saved." (Acts
27:31.) We know the great apostle\

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/jc-ryle/expository-thoughts-on-mark-mark-1314-23/
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