12But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. 13This will be a time for you to bear testimony. 14Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; 15for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; 17you will be hated by all for my name's sake. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By your endurance you will gain your lives.
This passage points to the reality that following Christ demands sacrifices, but these just don’t come from nowhere. The sacrifices are a consequence of following God's will. The passage also calls for patience and trust, reminding us that the trials of this world are temporary, but God’s promises are eternal. Loving Father, help me focus on you daily. Please show me what is your work to be done. Grant me peace, fulfillment and satisfaction in doing your work.
ReplyDeleteYour response to Luke 21:12-19 is thoughtful and deeply rooted in the message of the passage. You acknowledge the sacrifices inherent in following Christ, not as arbitrary or meaningless, but as a direct result of aligning oneself with God's will. This perspective beautifully emphasizes the purpose and value of enduring trials for the sake of faith.
DeleteYour mention of patience and trust reflects the core message of the reading: enduring hardships with faith in God’s promises, which transcend the temporary struggles of this world. It’s a powerful reminder that our hope lies in something eternal and unshakable, even when faced with opposition or suffering.
Your prayer is heartfelt and aligns perfectly with the call to discipleship in this passage. By asking for focus, peace, and fulfillment in doing God’s work, you echo the trust and reliance on God that Jesus emphasizes. It's an inspiring response that balances the realities of faith with the hope and strength found in God. Well done!