STAND FIRM

Luke 21:5-19 / Keywords 21:19

By standing firm you will gain life.

 

The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times

21:5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”

7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”

8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

12 “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 And so you will bear testimony to me. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Stand firm, and you will win life.

1. The destruction of the temple sounded like the end of the world to Jesus’ disciples. They asked Jesus, “When?” and “What signs?” Jesus’ answer tells us how to live in a world tainted by evil and rebellion, idolatry, and immorality. Jesus warns us of deception of the anti-Christs and false prophets who try to lead God’s people astray. We need to know Jesus personally and have a sound understanding of the Bible not to be misled by all kinds of false teachings and ideas. There will be all kinds of natural and human-caused disasters such as wars, earthquakes, famines which frighten us. But we must not be fearful, for God is in control and is working out his purpose even in the midst of these things.

 

2. We may be persecuted, betrayed, and hated by the world or even close ones on account of Jesus’ name. It is not easy for anyone to bear it. However, we shouldn’t worry or become fearful, for Jesus promises to give us his word and wisdom. It can be an opportunity for us to witness to Jesus. If we don’t compromise, but stand firm on Jesus’ side, we will gain life.

 

Prayer Lord, help me not to be deceived, but to witness to Jesus and to stand firm.

One Word Stand firm on God’s side