Stand Firm
The disciples were innocently observing the beauty of the temple. When Jesus joined the conversation it intensified quickly.
They did not expect a discussion on the “end” of all things. But in all of His ministry, Jesus constantly amazed them by His words and His actions. This was no exception. In this case, He was specific about the signs of the end. Those signs included earthquakes, famine, pestilences and signs from the heavens. And if the promise of natural disaster did not bring anxiety to the disciples hearts, what Jesus spoke next must have.
Jesus said the end of time also included persecution of those who follow Him.
“Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.
“But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you! Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you. And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But, not a hair of your head will perish! By standing firm, you will win your souls.” Luke 21:10-19
This fact cannot be debated: there will be an end of this age.
The end of the age is not an elaborate prediction from a flawed human mind; Jesus Christ, Lord of all things makes this prediction. It will happen. There will be signs on earth: wars, earthquakes, famines, and pestilences with great events in the heavens.
But these are not the only signs. Those who believe in Jesus and live their lives for Him will be persecuted.
At the end of the age, Christians will be mistreated, victimized and wronged. They will be hounded, oppressed, hunted, bullied and maltreated. All because they believe Jesus is the Son of the Living God.
Is this fair?
No.
But then, the “roaring lion enemy of Christians, the devil does not play “fair.” He plays to kill. If he can use persecution to get a Christian to deny Jesus-he wins. It will happen. Jesus made this fact clear. At the end of time Christians will be persecuted.
You are faithfully reading this and you believe Jesus is who He says He is: The Son of God, the Savior of the World.
You think, I don’t want to be hunted, oppressed, maltreated or bullied. Who wants that? Besides such treatment would be a great injustice-it would be grossly unfair. Why can’t I believe what I want? Should a Christian deny Jesus to escape persecution? Again, Jesus reminds us it’s not necessary.
There is another truth found in these words from Jesus. It’s the BIGGER truth. Yes-Jesus tells us we will be persecuted for believing in Him. The bigger truth is what Jesus said in verse 19 of this passage:
“By standing firm, you will win your souls.”
Stand firm.
Take Jesus at His word. Believe in Him-even at the end of the age when persecution comes. Stand for Jesus. Hold to the faith God gives. Do not lose heart. When a believer in Jesus stands for Him, that believer is HELD UP by the POWER of the universe-the hands of Jesus.
Dear friend, fear not, stand firm. The prize is your eternal soul.
*Please share these truths with others.