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Day 53: I Will Give You Wisdom (Luke 21:10-15)
We turn for a moment to the teaching of Jesus in Luke 21 about the end times and the persecution of his followers, as they are relevant to Stephen’s situation. Jesus first speaks about events which will signify the end times. There will be conflict among the nations as well as signs in nature and from heaven (21:11). However, before the end times, Jesus predicts that those who serve the Gospel will be seized, persecuted, thrown in prison and brought before the secular authorities (21:12). Those who preach the Gospel threaten the political, social and religious status quo. Disciples of Jesus will have the opportunity to bear testimony to him even in dire circumstances.
When this happens, Jesus encourages his followers to trust in him and not worry or be afraid (21:14). There is no need for pre-prepared speeches or palm cards. When brought before religious and secular authorities, Jesus promised to give his disciples wisdom and the words to say. Spoken by God’s grace and power, no-one who heard them would be able to resist or contradict them (21:15). We are reminded of the power of Stephen’s preaching and that no-one could stand against him.
We are fortunate that in Australia very few Christians are arrested, tortured, or imprisoned for their faith. We need to be prepared for opposition and persecution trusting that God will help us to respond in the right way. When we rely on God’s strength and guidance, our words and actions will carry the power to transform situations and lives. We should remember and pray for Christians facing opposition and persecution around the world. DR
QuestionsIn what ways and places do Christians face persecution and imprisonment?
Have you ever relied on God’s guidance to respond to opposition to the Gospel? What was the result?
Loving Father, we thank you for the freedom to live out and share the Christian faith in Australia. We give thanks for Jesus’ promise to be with us during times of persecution, giving us the words to say to those who oppose the Gospel. Remind us to pray for the persecuted church. Amen.
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By St Bart's Anglican ChurchWe turn for a moment to the teaching of Jesus in Luke 21 about the end times and the persecution of his followers, as they are relevant to Stephen’s situation. Jesus first speaks about events which will signify the end times. There will be conflict among the nations as well as signs in nature and from heaven (21:11). However, before the end times, Jesus predicts that those who serve the Gospel will be seized, persecuted, thrown in prison and brought before the secular authorities (21:12). Those who preach the Gospel threaten the political, social and religious status quo. Disciples of Jesus will have the opportunity to bear testimony to him even in dire circumstances.
When this happens, Jesus encourages his followers to trust in him and not worry or be afraid (21:14). There is no need for pre-prepared speeches or palm cards. When brought before religious and secular authorities, Jesus promised to give his disciples wisdom and the words to say. Spoken by God’s grace and power, no-one who heard them would be able to resist or contradict them (21:15). We are reminded of the power of Stephen’s preaching and that no-one could stand against him.
We are fortunate that in Australia very few Christians are arrested, tortured, or imprisoned for their faith. We need to be prepared for opposition and persecution trusting that God will help us to respond in the right way. When we rely on God’s strength and guidance, our words and actions will carry the power to transform situations and lives. We should remember and pray for Christians facing opposition and persecution around the world. DR
QuestionsIn what ways and places do Christians face persecution and imprisonment?
Have you ever relied on God’s guidance to respond to opposition to the Gospel? What was the result?
Loving Father, we thank you for the freedom to live out and share the Christian faith in Australia. We give thanks for Jesus’ promise to be with us during times of persecution, giving us the words to say to those who oppose the Gospel. Remind us to pray for the persecuted church. Amen.