Point to Jesus, no matter what!

Reflecting on Luke 21:10-19

“And so you will bear testimony to me.” (Luke 21:13)

Jesus is referring specifically to what will happen soon after His time.
Persecution, and the destruction of Jerusalem, came after Jesus ascended (A.D.70).
The first disciples were arrested, and eventually put to death.
But what Jesus describes here also serves as a general pattern for all ages.
In all times, whatever the circumstances, we must bear testimony to Jesus.

The Jesus Way that we follow is seen as weak and foolish.
It goes against our great religious and political systems and beliefs.
When we live, love and lead like Jesus, those in power are challenged.
Even religious leaders (synagogues then, churches now) resist the Jesus Way.
Their theologies and church systems use His Name, but do not follow His Way.

When I am challenged for loving the wrong people, I will point to Jesus.
When I am challenged for opposing the institutional church, I will point to Jesus.
Jesus, not my political party, not my denominational heritage, is my hope.
I need to fix my eyes on Jesus, even when my world is in upheaval.
My comfort is that I belong to Jesus; neither church nor state can take that from me.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I do not claim to be like You, nor do I claim to be right. My only hope is in Your rightness and goodness. As the world around me - religious, political and social - is in upheaval, I will point to You as the only true way to life!