Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. Luke 21:10-15

So you think it’s going to be easy being a Christian? Jesus was revealing to his disciples what to expect in the very near future. That a great persecution is going to happen to the Church, they will be put in prison and even killed for the name of Jesus. And we seen this fulfilled by all the Apostles, and it’s still happening today as Christians are being killed on a daily basis for their faith. 

Often people believe Christianity is an easy way into Heaven, however as Jesus taught its totally the opposite. As Jesus said “If anyone wants to be my disciple, they must deny themselves and carry their cross daily” (Luke 9:23) Jesus was preparing us for the long road ahead, this is a spiritual warfare you are involved with in this world, however have peace because Jesus has already overcome the world! (Ephesians 6, John 16:33)

Notice what Jesus says here “You are a testimony for God” Any suffering or persecution you may encounter is to bring Glory to God, to show others the victory of your faith in Christ. Also Jesus said “Don’t worry about what you are going to say , I will give you wisdom which nobody can refute” Often we are afraid to witness to non believers or stand up for our faith, but Jesus assures you He will give you wisdom and understanding beyond human comprehension

And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls. Luke 21:16-19

One of the great failures of the Church today is trying to get the world to love and accept them. Jesus said “You will be hated by everyone because of Jesus” , so why is the Church trying to get everyone to like them? Often the Church comprises itself with sin to be acceptable in the world, but we are not to conform to the ways of the world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2)

Before Jesus ascended he gave us The Great Commision “Make disciples of all the nations and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19) We are to go out into the world and tell everyone the “good news” about Jesus Christ, this is your job as a Christian. And when you evangelize, you’re probably going to run into opposition, because the world hates the real Jesus! But Christ gave us the affirmation to stay strong and preach his words because you are already victorious by the blood , the water, and the Spirit of God

Until Christ returns , its not going to be an easy ride, there’s going to be persecution, there’s going to be trials and tribulations, take Heart because Jesus has already overcome the world, Amen