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. 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.
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, thank You for the strength to endure all thing, 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 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 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
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