ESOCS Devotional 13 December 2024 – The Cost of Following Jesus
MEMORY VERSE: “But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.”Luke 21:12 KJV
TEXT: LUKE 21:10–19
Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. 14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 By your patience possess your souls.
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In our passage today, Jesus taught about the destruction of the Temple in 70 A. D. and of the coming end of the world. Jesus was preparing His disciples for their upcoming persecution before the Temple was destroyed and also before the end of the world (time unknown). Jesus spoke these words so that we would not be anxious about these tumultuous times but would have greater faith, boldness, trust and love.
In verses 12 and 17, Jesus said the reason for the persecution and hatred is “for my name’s sake.” This should not catch us off guard because Jesus earlier mentioned it in Luke 12:51. Jesus is the most divisive character in the history of the world because people are either running to Him or from Him (John 3:19).
Jesus said that He will allow His followers to undergo persecution in order to be a witness to people who would not normally hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. Does God not love the persecutor? But we may not want this to happen because we feel hatred towards those who are persecuting us. But do we hate anyone enough that we desire that they suffer the torments of hell for eternity? Jesus told us to love our enemies (Matt. 5:44) and for some, this might be their only opportunity to hear the gospel.
Another opportunity to witness for Christ in the hopes that they may be saved is found in verse 15. But it is also an indictment from God against them that judgment is coming. The wisdom given by God cannot be withstood and it will either drive them to repentance and faith or serve to harden their hearts and prepare them for the judgment of God.
We are encouraged by our Lord to endure persecution because God is working a greater good through it and He promised He will walk with us through it. In Hebrews 13:5, Jesus promised his followers that He will never leave nor forsake them. Jesus also promised, “Not a hair of your head will perish.” This proverb serves to remind Jesus’ followers that God is well aware of their suffering and persecution and will ensure that they are cared for both in life and in death.
Perseverance is a fruit of true faith. Those who are truly saved will endure persecution because Christ is in them and Christ will enable them to endure. Perhaps you are sensing opposition for your Christian witness. Clearly, Jesus is not against planning or preparation, but He is speaking against worrying ourselves beforehand. And He has a special promise for those who will be hauled up before courts—secular or ecclesial—to accuse them and before whom they need to give “witness.” Jesus Himself will give us words and wisdom at that moment that none will be able to answer. That special promise has many times been proven in the lives of His people, and is a special promise that you too can rely on as you face your hour of trial. Be assured He will not leave you without His wisdom and His words.
- What price are you willing to pay to ensure you remain as a citizen of Christ’s Kingdom?
- Oh Lord, fill me with the spirit of perseverance to endure every persecution for your name sake, in Jesus name. Amen.
Further Reading: Isaiah 5:8–23; Zechariah 3:1–end; I Thessalonians 3:1–end
ESOCS Devotional 13 December 2024
