Faith in Action
So, on Monday, I shared with you some thoughts on Luke 19:40 where Jesus says, “If they keep quiet, these stones will start shouting.”
My encouragement to you was to share your faith and not be outdone by a rock!
I did that because most Christians I know, can talk a blue streak about any number of topics: weather, grandchildren, politics, and many sports: football, basketball, baseball. They know more of the players on these professional sports teams and can spew out their stats, than they do Bible verses, or even the ten commandments.
Well, in Luke 21, Jesus knows He is coming to His end, so He speaks to the disciples and those listening, about key issues they should know. One of them being some of the trouble that lies ahead and especially for those who believe in Him.
He tells them that many false messiahs will come. There will be wars and riots… Nations will go to war against each other… There will be natural disasters, like great earthquakes… many people will be starving to death… Disease will sweep the land.
And then He says this,
“Before all this happens, you will be arrested and punished. You will be tried in your meeting places and put in jail. Because of Me you will be placed on trial before kings and governors.” —Luke 21:12
Whow! All this bad stuff is going to happen in the world (and so you know… is happening now), and before it does, I’m going to get arrested? They’re going to punish me for being a believer? They’re going to lock me in jail and try me in court? Did I know I signed up for this when I became a believer? Should I start looking for a lawyer now?
And the answer to that is, “No!” Because here’s what Jesus says,
“But this will be your chance to tell about your faith.” —Luke 21:13
He even says,
“Don’t worry about what you will say to defend yourselves. I will give you the wisdom to know what to say. None of your enemies will be able to oppose you or to say that you are wrong.” —Luke 21:14-15
Don’t know if you knew this, but, you might be a silent Christian now, but if you’re around before all this happens, that’s all going to change. But, instead of looking at it with trepidation, you should look at it as an opportunity to tell people what great things God has done for you. And as a matter of fact, you don’t need to wait for all these things to happen, you can start doing it now.
Every day is your opportunity to tell about your faith.
Here’s my word of encouragement for you today
Don’t wait for all this to happen. Start sharing with people now what Jesus means to you and how much He loves you.
Father,
Open my mouth and I will sing Your praise! In Jesus name, Amen.
—Rev. Dr. MM Marxhausen
Mark was Spiritual Director for VdC from 2016 to 2019. He's written many of the devotions, especially the Devote and Affirm series, found on this website.
