Subtitle: Remember that the God who delivers from Egypt is the same God who leads through the wilderness.
Excerpt: Luke 21:12-13 warns of persecution and trials for believers, but these challenges present opportunities for testimony. Instead of complaining, believers should seize these occasions to share their faith and demonstrate how Jesus works through adversity.
Scripture
Our verse for today comes from Luke 21:12-13, “But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.”
Background
Jesus is in the midst of teaching about some unpleasant happenings that will be occurring sometime in the future, events that include nations rising against nations, great earthquakes and plagues, and fearful sights and signs from heaven. He’s warned the listeners not to follow the many false teachers that will be coming on the scene. And He says that before these things happen, there will already be some tough times for the believer. Persecution, bondage, and punishment are all mentioned. There will even be betrayal by family and friends, and ultimately some will lose their lives for the name of Jesus. But God is not absent. In fact, He says that as it turns out, these enemies are actually providing us with an opportunity for testimony on behalf of our Savior. Whereas before, perhaps certain people or places were not hearing the message of Christ, in these times of trouble, God is giving us the chance to speak out on His behalf to the very ones who need to hear it. And that is the vision we need to have as we encounter every situation of our day.
Application
There needs to be an awareness, a searching, for the opportunities to give testimony to our Lord. Bad things are coming your way. In a sinful world, that is guaranteed. So, opportunity is also coming your way. Opportunity to give testimony to your Savior who cares for you, or opportunity to complain about you being a victim again. The hearers need to hear something, and we’ll gladly tell our version of the story. But do they need to hear how you deserved better or what a moron the other person was? Or do they need to hear how Jesus showed up in the midst of the problem to make good out of something gone wrong? When you are delivered up where you’d rather not be, what will be your testimony? When the occasion arises today, which occasion will it be for you? Will it turn out the way Jesus would have it?
Charge
As we seek Him today, remember that the God who delivers from Egypt is the same God who leads through the wilderness. Look for Him in every occasion that happens your way today.
Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words
Distributed by – BCWorldview.org
