Word@Work 153 - Mark 13:9-11
Published: Thu, 06/26/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 13:9-11 "You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
Persecution might make us run away, and/or make us cry out for the return of Christ. But, Jesus said, when others hate us because of Him, that is not the signal to retreat from the gospel, but to advance! So, Jesus' instruction: "be on your guard", was not advice about our personal protection. It echoes v.5, "Watch out that no-one deceives you". The disciples needed to be alert and prepared, so that they would respond well when the attacks came. Jesus knew all about the future opposition, in fact, He would use it - it was all part of the gospel strategy.
Through persecution, the believers would have to explain their beliefs to the highest religious and civil authorities. The 'Jesus phenomenon' was never designed to be a private and hidden piety - but to be broadcast. So, the disciples were not to hide their faith, not to resist arrest, and not to worry about how they would defend themselves. The Holy Spirit would be directing operations - so that through human hostility, the peace of God might be presented to kings and whole nations.
Nobody likes disapproval, antagonism or hatred. That is why we need to be on our guard (against ourselves!). Human reactions will urge us to hide, fight, worry and even lie about our confidence in Christ. But when we understand God's strategy, and are working with the Holy Spirit (instead of resisting His way); then we can be less precious about ourselves, and more confident that God knows what He is doing. The purpose is that we will speak about the grace of Jesus Christ - and others will be saved!
Prayer: Precious Jesus, help me to be ready for the dark days which You will allow for me, so that I will work with You, by telling others why I love You. When my faith is ridiculed, may my reaction show my confidence in You as I speak up for You. For Your Name's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Persecution might make us run away, and/or make us cry out for the return of Christ. But, Jesus said, when others hate us because of Him, that is not the signal to retreat from the gospel, but to advance! So, Jesus' instruction: "be on your guard", was not advice about our personal protection. It echoes v.5, "Watch out that no-one deceives you". The disciples needed to be alert and prepared, so that they would respond well when the attacks came. Jesus knew all about the future opposition, in fact, He would use it - it was all part of the gospel strategy.
Through persecution, the believers would have to explain their beliefs to the highest religious and civil authorities. The 'Jesus phenomenon' was never designed to be a private and hidden piety - but to be broadcast. So, the disciples were not to hide their faith, not to resist arrest, and not to worry about how they would defend themselves. The Holy Spirit would be directing operations - so that through human hostility, the peace of God might be presented to kings and whole nations.
Nobody likes disapproval, antagonism or hatred. That is why we need to be on our guard (against ourselves!). Human reactions will urge us to hide, fight, worry and even lie about our confidence in Christ. But when we understand God's strategy, and are working with the Holy Spirit (instead of resisting His way); then we can be less precious about ourselves, and more confident that God knows what He is doing. The purpose is that we will speak about the grace of Jesus Christ - and others will be saved!
Prayer: Precious Jesus, help me to be ready for the dark days which You will allow for me, so that I will work with You, by telling others why I love You. When my faith is ridiculed, may my reaction show my confidence in You as I speak up for You. For Your Name's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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