Luke 21:10-19 - Enduring Tough Time

Jesus' conversation with His disciples about the temple and its destruction started when they left the temple. As they walked toward the slope of Mount Olive, the disciples must have struggled to understand what He had said. Luke did not give us exactly when or where the following conversation take place. From the other synoptic accounts, we can deduce that it probably took place on Mount Olive.

Continuing in Luke 21:10-11, we find Jesus talking about world and natural disasters before His second coming. He provided some insights on what would happen to world situations before He returns. There would be worldwide hostilities and war between nations and kingdoms. There would also be occurrences of natural catastrophes such as earthquakes, plagues, and famines. Then there would also be fearful and unusual cosmic signs. Down through the corridor of time we have seen these events escalating in frequency. These things are the result of man's sin and abuse of God’s resources and would continue till the end of time. We mustn't interpret these signs and think that life is over. Christ said we should not be deceived by them.

Then He turned to focus on the disciples. The Lord gave them some insight on what they personally would encounter. They would have to face hostility, be opposed and betrayed by people who could be close friends and relatives, even parents and brothers. He foretold that some of them might even be put to death. And because of their association with Christ, they would be hated. But as they endured they would not be harmed but would receive life ultimately. In what Jesus told His disciples are lessons for us as well. Christ knew human tendency so well. There's always the tendency to fear and fret when we think of being questioned. As He instructed them, He is also instructing us what to do in the face of persecution and hostile reactions toward our faith.

Like the disciples, we should see them as evangelistic opportunities. We may be brought before authorities, be it religious, secular or domestic, to give an answer for our faith. We are not to fret nor fear and try to figure out how to defend any of their accusations. He promises to grant us indisputable and irresistible wisdom, and also the ability to articulate them. Like the disciples who were taught, we should seize every opportunity to share our personal testimony. We should be assured of His protection in all situations. He promises that not a single hair on our head will be harmed.

In verse 19, Jesus' encouragement is to stand firm, to persevere and endure.  Remember that we are in a spiritual marathon. We are not in a 100 metres sprint. The key to achieving in a marathon is endurance. He will give us the grace and strength. He tells us that His grace is sufficient for us and His strength will be made perfect in our weakness. So let’s refuse to give up and attain true life ultimately!