Luke 21:5-19 (NRSV)
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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
Have you been at a family gathering or socializing with friends when they wrongfully disparaged people different from themselves and with whom you were in solidarity? For me, the tension of what to do is agonizing. Should I remain silent rather than risk harming my valued, close relationships? Should I speak up on behalf of the people they unjustly criticize? What statistics, insights, stories or personal experiences could I share that might change their attitudes?
I can easily tell myself that nothing would change their minds, this is the wrong context or I might make matters worse. However, at these times when my values are betrayed and opposed "by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends" (verse 14), I can take Christ at his word. I can silently, fervently pray, "Give [me] words and a wisdom that none of [my] opponents will be able to withstand or contradict" (verse 15)!
Prayer
Eternal God, we glorify you, alpha and omega. Forgive us for trying to predict the future that only you know. Be with us during every challenge, small or large, and keep us from straying. Please give us the words and wisdom to share your love and justice boldly. Amen.