“On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.” (Acts 8:1, NIV 1984).
“You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Mark 13:9–13, NIV 1984).
My Musings – “Oh, to be like the early Church!” How many times have I heard someone say that? Probably said it myself a number of times, but certainly wasn’t thinking of Acts 8:1 when I said it. And yet, there it is. And if I’m reading the text in Mark 13 correctly, I think we’ll be getting that chance. Maybe soon. Some are already.
If I have to be hated, let it be because of Him. If I have to be arrested and brought to trial, let it be because of my testimony about Him. If I ever get the chance to stand before governors and kings (presidents), let it be to proclaim and defend the Gospel of Christ. If it ever comes to this (when it comes to this), I guess my blogs will provide some pretty “damning” evidence against me. But that’s alright, no need in worrying beforehand. In the meantime, the Word through my musings (hopefully the Holy Spirit through me) has been going to many nations (ninety-seven and counting) around the world. And it is my prayer that it has been “fruitful labor for [Him].”
My Advice – My prayer for you and for me is that we will “stand firm to the end.“
