Saturday, November 15
Luke 21:12-19
12 “But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance, 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and siblings, by relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.”
“… This will give you an opportunity to testify. …”
We typically don’t think about sharing our faith with those in power. Usually, our comments and concerns are focused on the immediate needs in our lives, our communities, or our world. Even when we have the opportunity to share our opinion either in-person or by correspondence (phone, email, letter, etc.), we seldom include the proclamation of the Gospel. After all, that’s up to the preachers and clergy.
Jesus doesn’t see it that way. Instead, he reminds us that when the opportunity to speak to power offers itself, our faith and commitment to the Lord should be on display. After all, while our words may not change minds or alter hearts, the Spirit may. Of course, that’s the heart of Jesus’ message.
For followers of the Lord in the first century, speaking about faith was sometimes dangerous. That threat increased in the second and third centuries as well. Even today, in some parts of the world, sharing the Gospel can be life-threatening. Yet, Jesus calls us to proclaim – to testify to the Gospel in spite of the risks involved. That’s because he knows that only the power of the Spirit can make things new.
Prayer: Lord, you have the power to make things new. Give me the courage to testify to the Gospel when the opportunity arises so that, by Your Spirit, our lives, our communities, and our world may be made new. Amen.