Read Luke 12:11-12
It’s A Shivering And Scary Thought.
Jesus continues to challenge his listeners with the fact that they will face persecution for their faith. He ends with this thought: when you are being persecuted and later “brought before Synagogues, rulers and authority, do not worry about how you will defend yourself or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”
It’s a shivering and scary thought to think that we may face horrible persecution because of our faith in Jesus, and for standing up for the truth. It’s a scary and shivering thought to think that one day we may stand before people of power and authority and have to defend our faith. Jesus gives words of assurance that when we face these authority figures and are questioned by them (as if we are the criminals), that we are not to worry about what we will say for the Holy Spirit will give us the words to speak just as he did with Peter when he faced the synagogue rulers during Pentecost.
It’s a shivering and scary thought to think that the outcome could result in imprisonment or even death. But our biggest worry isn’t death, because death means we will be in the presence of the Lord for eternity. The biggest worry is if we deny Christ on Earth in order to escape the persecution, but then be separated from the Lord for eternity in hell.
Yes, it is a shivering and scary thought that we might face the persecution and judgment of man, but don’t worry about it. Focus on eternal things and “rejoice” because great is our reward in heaven. Focus on being faithful to God and his truth in love while being men and women of God with integrity.
I don’t want to be considered a martyr for Jesus if I’m acting in an arrogant and condescending manner. If I’m going to be a martyr for Jesus, I want it to be because I stood for his truth in love. Then I can truly rejoice in the reward that awaits me in heaven. And let me say, there’s nothing shivering and scary about that!!
