Scripture to Read: Luke 21:10-19
As Jesus spoke of Jerusalem being destroyed and of His return, He also spoke about the persecution of His followers. When Jesus said in Luke 21:9 that the end would not come right away, He meant the end of the age (Matthew 24:3). All the events Jesus described in Luke 21:8–18 are characteristic of the entire present age, not just signs of the end of the age. One of the greatest challenges in reading what Christ spoke of is determining when He was speaking about the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple and when He was referencing the second coming. The uncertainty was deliberate. Jesus didn’t intend for any of His followers to fully figure it out; if He had, He would have given clearer clues. Jesus wants all His followers to live wholeheartedly for Him while always being ready for whatever He has in store. Jesus spoke of the signs from heaven in Luke 21:11, which God also had Mark record in Mark 13:24–25. Then, in Luke 21:12, Jesus spoke of the persecution His disciples would face, and in Luke 21:13, Jesus shared the good news that “It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony.” God uses what we might see as negative for His glory (Romans 8:28). In Luke 21:14–15, Jesus also promised His disciples He would give them the words they need when they need them. We see this beautifully fulfilled throughout Acts. Persecution and death may come, but God is in control. The outcome is eternal victory through Christ.
Challenge & Application
Why is it such good news that God uses persecution as an opportunity for us to share our testimonies?
In light of Luke 21:15 and Ephesians 6:19–20, how does God desire to use us to share with the lost?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!