Harassed but not Frightened
“When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. For the Good News must first be preached to all nations. But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you to at the time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 13:9-11, NLT)
This is a timely and beautiful passage. The background to this passage is Jesus preparing his disciples for his death and the reality that living for him will be the most difficult thing they have ever endured. Being a new Christian in a Jewish city, ruled by pious and religious leaders who have just killed their Savior and leader would lead to persecution, beatings, loss of jobs, trials, and even death.
Jesus prepared them for this by letting them know that they do not need to worry, for while they will surely endure these hardships there is good news. Their trials and persecution would be an opportunity for the Gospel message of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection to be spread across the world. What’s even more encouraging, is that Jesus told his disciples they did not have to worry about how to respond to persecution and trials. The Holy Spirit, God himself, would tell them exactly what to say so that the Gospel message would be clear, and he would be glorified.
This passage is timely for believers today. In America there is an increased intensity to limit the free speech and conscience of the Christian and for those who are thinking this is only a season, I fear this may only be the beginning. In the future, for the believer who will faithfully live by the Word of God, by its statutes and standards, there is great potential for job loss, media censorship, and even civil and criminal charges. We are already witnessing these responses to the Gospel in Canada and Great Britain. It will not be long before these responses reach us.
But for those who are worried and afraid, Jesus himself offers hope. He says these things are to happen in anticipation of the end, of his return. He says these things must happen so those who don’t know about him can learn about him. Let us, with all humility, gentleness, and courage stand for the Word of truth that brings life. Let us boldly take the social hits and the media backlash. Let us be willing to lose followers and friends. And when it gets really tough, let us not worry how we will respond. For Jesus himself has promised the Holy Spirit will not only minister to us during this time, he will minister through us as well.
We may be harassed for our faith, but let us never be frightened, for we are on the side of the King of Heaven who faithfully and abundantly provides for his children.
God Bless,
Brad