The Endurance of Those Persecuted

Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community

Luke 21:12-19 (The Message)


 ¹²"But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. ¹³This will result in your being witnesses to them. ¹⁴But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. ¹⁵For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. ¹⁶You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. ¹⁷All men will hate you because of me. ¹⁸But not a hair of your head will perish. ¹⁹By standing firm you will gain life.

For Reflection:
A southern California city, Rancho Cucamonga, has ordered a Friday night Bible study involving about fifteen people to shut down its meetings by Good Friday or members could face financial sanctions.  Or they could apply to purchase an expensive permit from the city government. The new case is similar to a dispute last week in Gilbert, Ariz., and another last year in San Diego County.  I don't know the details or have any understanding of the background of this issue.  It does make one wonder though.  The threat of persecution seems to be eternal.   According to the passages in Luke, though, we need not be afraid.  What do you think it is about Christ and the Way that strikes fear into the hearts of some?

Pray for courage in the face of conflict in the name of your Lord and Savior?  Pray that all that are persecuted in the name of Jesus are comforted.  Pray for the day when the Kingdom will be complete and persecution is no more.