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Day 266

Luke 21 : 8-19 "MORE SOMBRE WORDS OF WARNING"

Day 266 – Luke 21

Text: Luke 21 : 8-19

MORE SOMBRE WORDS OF WARNING

As Jesus spoke about persecution, once again, He had to bring up solemn and bewildering truths.

“You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers,
relatives and friends;
and they will put some of you to death.”
Luke 21:16

“Betrayed…” what an ugly word that was! Betrayed by none other than close kinfolk! How painful that would be!

These words were not exactly new to the ears of the Disciples. Jesus had taught them that Discipleship sometimes entailed suffering.

“Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth?
I tell you, not at all, but rather division.
For from now on, five in one house will be divided:
Three against two, and two against three.
Father will be divided against son,
And son against father,
Mother against daughter
And daughter against mother,
Mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
And daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
Luke 12:51-53

It is very hard to imagine that such situations could arise! These words of the Lord Jesus were uttered in the context of the End Times! They will prove true, even if they appear very difficult to comprehend!

“AND YOU WILL BE HATED BY ALL FOR MY NAME’S SAKE…” Luke 21:17

Nobody likes to be hated. Yet there was no mistaking the solemn words of the Lord Jesus! The End Times would be particularly hard times for believers! Are we afraid of such hard times?

How should we understand and interpret these words of the Lord Jesus? Obviously, He wanted His Disciples to take Him seriously. He was preparing them for possible great hardship!

A WORD OF EXPLANATION FROM THE APOSTLE PAUL

Perhaps a word from the Apostle Paul would help us understand the awesome words of the Lord Jesus. Paul also believed that the End Times would be especially difficult for all believers. Thus he wrote to Timothy to warn him about how the End Times. He wrote,

“But know this, that in the last days
perilous times will come.
For men will be lovers of themselves,
Lovers of money, boasters, proud,
Blasphemers, disobedient to parents,
Unthankful, unholy, unloving,
Slanderers, without self-control,
Brutal, despisers of good,
Traitors, headstrong, haughty,
Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
Having a form of godliness but denying its power…”
2 Timothy 3:1-4

As time marches on, and as the power of sin increases, we will see more and more its deadly effects on mankind. Whereas there was once upon a time, a deep sense of respect and honour for parents, the end times may see that respect disappear.

More and more would be filled with selfish thoughts and goals! As sin overpowers people, so people will become more and more perverse in their behaviour. The End Times will see many turn against their own flesh and blood! These are solemn words of warning indeed.

ANOTHER WORD OF COMFORT

How distraught the heart must be if these words were to prove true! How could anyone cope in such trials? Once again, Jesus brought words of comfort to His Disciples.

“But not a hair of your head shall be lost.”
Luke 21:18

The Lord Jesus promised that He would keep His Disciples. The mention of “hair” reminds us of another word Jesus spoke.

“But the very hairs of your head are numbered.
Do not fear therefore;
You are of more value than many sparrows.”
Luke 12:7

When and if we are asked to endure severe trials, let us bear in mind that we are of great value to God. He values us much more than many sparrows. He even knows just how many hairs we have on our head! Obviously, we are to exercise faith and trust in the Lord’s power to keep us.

“BY YOUR PATIENCE POSSESS YOUR SOULS” Luke 21:19

Can we really cope when so sorely tested? Let us answer in the affirmative! The key word in this verse is “patience”. This word is better translated “persevering endurance”. Our success in coping will depend on how well we hold on to our faith in the Lord. Let us seek to cultivate “endurance”. He who endures will ultimately triumph!