Words from the Rock
They are going to throw you to the wolves and kill you, everyone hating you because you carry my name. And then, going from bad to worse, it will be dog-eat-dog, everyone at each other’s throat, everyone hating each other.
In the confusion, lying preachers will come forward and deceive a lot of people. For many others, the overwhelming spread of evil will do them in—nothing left of their love but a mound of ashes.
Matthew 24:9–12 Message
Jesus spoke some frightening words to his disciples here. As sensational and grim as this forecast sounded, all that he predicted eventually happened during his disciples’ lifetimes. Because Jesus loved them, he wanted them to know the truth and to be forewarned.
There’s something comforting about knowing what’s around the next corner—even when it’s something bad. For instance, an army that’s about to be attacked would find it helpful to know some of the enemy’s strategies and plans in advance. It would allow them to prepare themselves, plan a better line of defense, and hopefully suffer fewer casualties.
Following Jesus will not always be a walk in the park. It’s not supposed to be easy-breezy. Hard times will definitely come your way—in fact, they’ll make you grow stronger. If you let him, Jesus will stand by your side through those times; he will help you. Even though you probably won’t suffer the same way his disciples did (some were burned, beaten, crucified, boiled in oil . . . and almost all died gruesome deaths), you will experience some suffering and persecution simply because of your relationship with Jesus. When someone does attack you for your faith, you can be thankful—it shows you really do belong to God.
My Prayer
Dear God,
I know that following you is supposed to come with some challenges. Remind me to ask you for help when they come my way.
Amen.
Final Word
We live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV
Stone for the Journey
My relationship with God will bring some opposition.