An air of disquiet seems to hang in the air, resembling the haze you see over a large city. Like a brown smog, fear and uncertainty have a way of simply lingering overhead. Anxiety and worry are easily bred in these conditions, if we allow them to be.
Jesus was constantly surrounded by the issues and uncertainties of his day. The people lived under the rule of the Roman Empire with cruelty and suppression all around them. He tells his followers not to be fooled or deceived by the misleading events that they would encounter but instead to remain focused on the truth of their identity in God. As a follower of Christ, we are carriers of faith, love and hope.
In my daily devotional reading today, my time was spent in the 21st chapter of Luke; a very topical chapter for the events which we are currently living through. This is what I felt the Lord was saying to me through these verses.
Scripture: "But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me." (Luke 21:13 NLT)
Observation: In the face of incredible persecution, Jesus sees the opportunity for the believer to share their faith. He warns his followers, "don't be deceived by false teachers... Don't believe them","don't panic...don't worry,"but by "...standing firm, you will win your souls." (Luke 21:19 NLT). Jesus wasn't asking them to create strategies to avoid the coming trials but rather, encouraging them to remain strong in their faith; to finish the race well and accomplish the cause he had commissioned for them. To save the souls of those who were lost.
Application: The events around our world could easily frighten or intimidate me into withdrawing my voice from the cause of Christ. Who wants to become a target of bigotry or hatred? Jesus warns of impending trouble, even betrayal and murder because of my faith in Him. He paints the picture of the fig tree, revealing the seasons by the condition of the tree; a clear illustration for us to recognise the signs of the times. I should not be taken by surprise when events such as we are currently experiencing are occurring, as the signs have been evident for some time. His words are telling me to fix my eyes, thoughts and actions on the things that are important, and not to be diverted by messages of a deceptive world system. Like the people of Israel during the time of Ezra, following the Lord will cost something (ref Ezra 9 & 10). The ways of the Lord are not to be circumvented without ensuing consequence. Jesus urges his faithful followers, when faced with persecution and uncertainty, to take every opportunity to share the hope found in Christ.
Prayer: May my life be constantly hidden in the hands of my Saviour. May I always be found secure in the knowledge of where my future lies, giving me an overwhelming hope for today. Let each day be an opportunity to share that hope with others, even in the midst of trauma and trial. Jesus, my trust is in you. May that message resound from my life everyday.
Be a carrier of hope today. It acts like a wind that disperses the haze of despair!
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