12 “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 And so you will bear testimony to me. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Stand firm, and you will win life.: Luke 21.12-19
This is not the kind of teaching we offer to our confirmation classes in Texas in the Global Methodist Church. But maybe we should! We talk about the niceties of following Christ—the commitment, sacrifice, and devotion of following Jesus. But nowhere, to my knowledge, do we tell the kids they might be betrayed by their parents and siblings for following Jesus!
Now we have to take this into context, of course. Not every nation or Christian will face this kind of persecution. Jesus was speaking to the Jews, and they would and did face this and worse. Countless times in history—from the Romans to the Germans—God’s “chosen” (Jews and Gentiles alike) have faced unimaginable obstacles because they were God’s people. From persecution today in India, China, and the Middle East to pockets in the USA, Christ-followers are experiencing that which Jesus predicted: persecution, hatred, and death.
But through all of this, in the midst of the storms, the gospel is being preached, and this is what matters most. For the world and the enemies of God might harm the body, but they cannot destroy the soul. Jesus promises to give us the words and wisdom that none of our adversaries will be able to resist or contradict (v. 15). The Holy Spirit will give us words to say. And in the times of persecution and hardship, God’s word will go out, and this is of the utmost importance.
Whereas physical safety is of some comfort, eternal security is far greater. To have assurance that we will be with Him in heaven is something each and every one of us can attain. It comes by faith, by believing, by knowing that Christ died once for us and that He has saved us. We give Him our lives, commit our souls to Him, and entrust Him with our hearts. And when we do, His Spirit comes to abide within our physical bodies.
As I prepare for my first trip to Africa in over six years, leading a team of Revive young adults, I know the Lord will guide us. We are His light in the darkness, His ambassadors to proclaim the year of God’s favor.
“O Lord God, thank You for the truth of Your word and for loving Your people. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill us with Your power and love. Help us be all that You have called and created us to be. For You are good and Your love endures forever.” Amen