Why does God protect the escaping remnant?
God protects the escaping remnant of Israel out of His mercy and covenant promises. He shelters them in the mountains for the final three and a half years, insulating them from the horrible events of that period until Christ returns in glory and they see Him coming.
Les explains that Matthew 24:15-16 describes the abomination of desolation spoken by Daniel and commands those in Judea to flee to the mountains. This is the escaping remnant of Israel—not the whole nation, but a percentage—who go to the mountains southeast of Jerusalem. God protects them supernaturally for the final three and a half years, just as Israel was in the desert of Sinai for forty years. He insulates them from all the horrible events of that final period. Les says this group goes out in unbelief concerning Christ as Messiah and King, yet God in His mercy and covenant promises keeps them insulated until Christ returns. At the second coming, Christ returns with glory and power, and they see Him coming in the clouds of glory.