October 8, 2014

Luke 21: 17. Everyone will hate you because of me.

 Jesus has a hard lesson in this chapter. It's a dismal ending to the old way when Jesus comes back. He warns the disciples to stay alert for the calamity surrounding the end to this era. People will run out of Jerusalem, which will be destroyed. But first, there will be persecution of the Christians. Even members of their families will turn against them. The faithful will suffer.

 I am struck by the hatred. Why can't people accept that others don't think like they do? We as humans have a long history of finding those who are different and then persecuting them. I find solace in my faith. Why would this offend someone else? Who are these people that Christians are turned over to? And why are we a threat to them?

 Prayer: Today I pray for those who are persecuted in Your name, Lord. I pray for those whose faith causes hatred in others. I pray for tolerance. I pray that the victims of persecution are able to forgive. I dream of a time when all of Your people will live in peace as You intended. Amen