Luke 21:5-19 (NRSV)
Read Luke 21:5-19 on biblegateway.com
Verse 5When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, Verse 6"As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down." Verse 7They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" Verse 8And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is near!' Do not go after them. Verse 9"When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." Verse 10Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; Verse 11there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. Verse 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. Verse 13This will give you an opportunity to testify. Verse 14So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; Verse 15for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. Verse 16You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. Verse 17You will be hated by all because of my name. Verse 18But not a hair of your head will perish. Verse 19By your endurance you will gain your souls.
Devotion
Every so often, predicting the end of the world rises in popular culture and Bible passages like today’s find their way into novels, newsstands and TV shows. But Jesus was not giving the people a way to predict the future. He spoke to them words of hope about how to live through uncertain, even threatening, times brought about because of Jesus’ name.
Living in Jesus’ name includes showing God’s grace and forgiveness as well as saying no to injustices. It will likely not win any awards with those whose power is being threatened. We may even end up feeling threatened ourselves.
Nevertheless, in Christ is hope. Suffer though we may, these are the very times to testify to the grace of God in Christ. It is the Spirit of God living in us who will speak those words of love. Jesus is with us, giving us life and the strength to endure.
Prayer
God, you promise to be with us in every time of trial. Help us to release our fears and worries into your hands. Amen.