Scripture
“By standing firm, you will win your souls.”

Observation
The disciples admire the architecture of the Temple, but Jesus says that te time will come when it will be totally demolished and left in ruins.

Alarmed, they ask Jesus when  it will all happen. He gives them the signs: false Messiahs, wars, earthquakes, plagues, signs in the heavens.

What is worse is that the disciples will face persecution. They will be put on trial for their faith but they are to see this as an opportunity to share the gospel for Jesus himself will give them the words to speak.

The disciples will be hated for being followers of Jesus, but if they stand firm in their faith they will be saved.

Application
Like many prophetic words in scripture, this has several points of reference.

Firstly it speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Romans in 70 A.D.

It also relates to the catastrophic events of the end times and the return of Jesus.

There is a third reference also to the present age. All of the signs of the end have always been here, including the persecution of faithful Jesus followers.

We must always be ready to give an account for our faith in Jesus, even if we are called before authorities. No matter how bad things seem, Jesus will always be with us, empowering and speaking through us.

To come through the times of trial it is only necessary to stand firm and to never give up.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for your reassurance that when I trust you, you are with me. In the worst of situations you never leave me. Help me to trust you in the dark times. Amen