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Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucifie "Acts 2:36"

Day 279 – Mark 13

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:36

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

The words of Jesus were grim indeed. However, He did not only utter solemn words of warning. He also spoke words of great encouragement to the heart.

“And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.
But when they arrest you and deliver you up,
Do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak.
But whatever is given to you in that hour, speak that;
For it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spiritâ?¦
But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”
MARK 13:10-11, 13B

1. The Gospel must be preached to all the nations

Every true disciple of Jesus would appreciate the significance of these words. Their concern, their focus, indeed their very life revolves around the Gospel. (This powerful attitude was well exemplified by the apostle Paul. His main concern was that the Gospel was proclaimed; Philippians 1:12-18).

2. Do not worry

It would be “natural” to worry. It would also be “natural” to “premeditate what (one) will speak” when delivered to the councils. How does one counter the natural inclination to “worry”?

3. A tremendous promise

Jesus offered a tremendous promise to His Disciples at this juncture.

a) The promise of the Involvement of the Spirit of God.

i) He will be present with the Disciples at all times.

ii) He will come to the aid of the disciples.

b) The power to speak

i) The Disciples would be able to speak impromptu.

ii) They would be given the words to speak (as from the Lord).

ENDURANCE NEEDED

What was the part of the Disciples? In one word, “endurance”. Two things may be highlighted:-

1. The ability to take suffering.

2. The ability to last out faithfully, even to death.