July 22nd, 2017

Luke 21:8-19 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” 10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 This will result in your being witnesses to them. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 All men will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By standing firm you will gain life.”
 
THE disciples have asked Jesus when Jerusalem would be destroyed as he prophesied in Luke 21:6. Jesus’ response is essentially a prophecy of the disciples’ lives until that day. He wants to turn their focus from an event most will not see, to instead, be prepared for the hardships they will experience.
    How would you respond to Jesus if you had stood before his very hard words that day? Would you respond, “I don’t want any part of this! Is there another way to the kingdom of God?” Perhaps the Savior’s prophecy of personal and national trouble stirred Judas’ doubting heart to betrayal.   
    A true disciple, though, would focus on Jesus spoke three assuring prophecies: 1) I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 2) But not a hair of your head will perish. 3) By standing firm you will gain life.
    True disciples keep their eyes not on suffering and sacrifice, but on Jesus’ promises. His blessed assurance points us beyond expected troubles to see into his love for those who faithfully follow him. In return, the Lord rewards faith with soul-changing wisdom, eternal protection and eternal life. The apostle Paul experienced such hardships and rewards. Hear his words of blessed assurance:
    Romans 8:37-39 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  
    Stand firm in the conflicts. Trust the Savior’s blessed assurance is for eternal life.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for your blessed assurance of salvation. Amen.