Monday October 26, 2020

Today’s Reading: Mark 13:9-13

“And you will be hated by everyone because of My name. But the one who endures to the end will be delivered.”

Mark 13:13

Reflection: Jesus guarantees that persecution will be experienced by all who believe in Him. He tells His disciples not just to be ready for persecution because of Him, but also to expect it. He tells the disciples that people “will hand [them] over” to authorities to be punished for their faith, that they “will stand before governors and kings” as a witness, that they “will be hated by everyone” because of their belief in Jesus. But He emphasizes that during this time, the Good News of His Salvation must be proclaimed to all people. Therefore, Jesus shares with them another guarantee: that the Holy Spirit will be present, constantly working through them. Jesus says, “whatever is given to you in that hour-say it.” The disciples will not proclaim the Good News on their own, with their own understanding. Instead, they will be given words by the Holy Spirit.

Along with the disciples, all of Jesus’ followers are guaranteed to experience ongoing persecution. But with that, they are also guaranteed the inner workings of the Holy Spirit, who by His strength equips those sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with the words to share with others.

Reflection Questions:

– Jesus guarantees that all believers will experience persecution. What might this look like for us in everyday life? Why does Jesus want us to endure persecution?

-Jesus also guarantees that we will have the Holy Spirit with us. How does the Holy Spirit work in our lives and in the lives of others?

-Since the Holy Spirit is the One who gives us words to share with others about Christ, it is important that we as followers are strengthening our relationship with Him. What is one way you can commit to strengthening your bond with the Lord this week?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, the cost of following You is high, but the blessing of a relationship with You is well worth it. Thank You for the strength to endure persecution, and for the words to share Your Good News to all who will hear it. Help me to be closer in relationship with You, Lord, that I would be able to hear and recognize Your voice more clearly each day. Share with me the words to say which give You Glory. Please guide me by Your Holy Spirit. I pray all of these things in Your Holy Name, AMEN.

Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com: Mark 13:1-13; 1 Kings 6; Hosea 8