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Mark 
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Day 278

For David did not ascend into the heavens, "Acts 2:34-35"

Day 278 – Mark 13

“For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ‘The LORD said to my Lord, sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.'” Acts 2:34-35

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Jesus understood His role well. His part was to forewarn His disciples that tough times lay ahead. They must understand that they had to understand and fulfill their part.

“But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up
to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues.
You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake,
for a testimony to them.
MARK 13:9

“Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child;
and children will rise up against parents and cause them
to be put to death.
And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake.”
MARK 13:12-13A

1. Watch out for yourselves

This word of admonition places the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the disciples! This precludes the notion of the ill-conceived concept of the “special protection of God”.

2. Warning that must be taken seriously

a) Religious Councils
One may imagine that religious councils ought to be understanding and supportive! Yet the Lord Jesus warned that these councils would condemn His followers.

b) Betrayal of the worst kind
There was no mincing of words as to the source of betrayal.
i) Siblings betraying each other
ii) Parents betraying children
iii) Children betraying children

c) Death
These persecutions would be so severe that only death would assuage the blood-lust felt!

d) Hated for Christ’s namesake

Jesus once again warned that following Him would sometimes entail great suffering. Hatred is just as painfully felt as actual persecution. All these trials and tribulations just be endured for the sake of faith in Jesus!

The trials would not get easier. The challenges would not go away easily. There would be even the loss of life! (This does not mean that God has lost control of the situation though).