Unpleasant Images

Scripture – Mark 13:7-11: ⁷When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. ⁸Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. ⁹“You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. ¹⁰And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. ¹¹Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

Reflection: This is a passage full of predictions I’d rather ignore. The first part describes what’s come to be normal today. Wars and rumors of wars, nation against nation, earthquakes, famines – those are regular reports on the nightly news.

The second part, however, gets more personal. Was Jesus talking just to His disciples or to us, as well? I don’t like the idea of being arrested because of my faith in Christ. I try not to imagine what it’s like to be beaten.

I like to think I’m ready for that. At the same time, I hope I never experience it. I read something like this and I am reminded my faith has never really been tested by any adversity.

Lord, if I’m honest, I’m very thankful for that. At the same time you call me to follow you. That means I will meet resistance and persecution at some point. Strengthen me today to stand firm for you no matter what. Remind me you will never leave me alone.