Scripture

“When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking – it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

Observation

Jesus sends His followers out like sheep among wolves. They will need to be shrewd like snakes and as gentle as doves.

They will be handed over to courts and flogged. But this will be an opportunity to tell the rulers about Jesus. They should not worry about what to say because God will tell them the words to speak.

Family members will betray them, and nations will hate them. Everyone who endures to the end will be saved.

Application

Persecution is always a possibility for christians. Even in the relatively benign Christendom cultures, we see a growing seizure of power by governments and the use of that power against people who question the prevailing ideology.

Covid has been the perfect opportunity for politicians to offer “salvation” to terrified voters. Lockdowns and border restrictions once considered unthinkable became reality.

Pastors who refused to abide by restrictions that forbade church meetings but allowed casinos to operate, found themselves before courts and even imprisoned.

In all of this, we do not have to be anxious about how we will conduct ourselves in court. A trial is a great opportunity to speak of Jesus. Prison ministry can be very rewarding.

When we are under pressure from state, employers or neighbours, we can be sure that the Holy Spirit will speak through us. We can be sure also that the Lord will direct our paths, even through unpleasant trials.

Prayer

Thank you Father for the assurance that you will never leave me. I pray for my nation Lord- please send revival so that every knee will bow before you. Amen.