Stand firm
‘You will be handed over by your parents, your brothers and sisters, your relatives, and your friends; and some of you will be put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a single hair from your heads will be lost. Stand firm, and you will save yourselves.’ (verses 16-19)
Read Luke 21: 5-19
Australia is often referred to as the ‘lucky country’. When we compare our situation with what other people in the world experience, we must say that truly God has blessed us. In contrast to many other countries, we have more than enough to live on. We build homes with double garages, ensuites, and all kinds of appliances. People expect it as their right. When we go to the supermarket, the choice of foods is sometimes bewildering, and collectively we probably waste more food than some countries ever see.
Here in this land we have freedom to worship, and that’s why we can call ourselves a blessed country. When I think of how some people have been persecuted for their faith, I wonder how I would react if it happened to me. There are still countries today where people are persecuted for their faith, and I wonder how long God will allow us to keep worshipping and confessing our faith. It’s frightening to read Jesus’ prediction that we must expect persecution and hatred because of our faith. It’s also encouraging to read about how God helps and protects those who stand firm. When the iron curtain came down, it was amazing to read about how many Christians were still faithfully worshipping God.
Jesus has promised that, even though troubles may come our way and our faith may be tested, not a single hair on our heads will be lost. If we can stand firm, we will be saved.
There is strong encouragement for us in the saying, ‘I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future’.
Dear God, if trials and troubles come my way, hold me in the palm of your hand and keep me faithful to you. Amen.
by Merna Thamm, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)
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