Dear Explorer,
Remember that we are discussing End Times.
Re-Read Matthew 24:9-14
And
Re-Read Mark 13:9-13
And
Re-Read Luke 21:12-19
Remember that Jesus is talking about End Times.
I believe Jesus turns to the more immediate future of the disciples, but it is still End Times. He warns the disciples that they will be persecuted and even put to death. Ten of the apostles were martyred and only John died of old age (in exile on a deserted island called Patmos). Judas' death is not included, but we'll talk about that later.
But I also believe that these verses could refer to persecution that is coming near the end of the End Times.
So, what does Jesus promise them (and us) in Luke 21:18?
What does that promise mean in the light of so much persecution, pain and even death predicted in these verses?
I believe that Jesus sees our life on this earth as just a temporary assignment that leads to Heaven. Death is not the end – it's really the beginning! When you realize that death just leads to life forever in Heaven, you get a better understanding of this promise. Jesus says that NOTHING will interfere with His plans and love for you, if you have invited Him into your core. He assures us that no matter what our persecutors may do, they can't change our destination!
He reminds us that there is a glorious reward for His followers even if our lives are hard or painful here.
I used to teach Middle-Schoolers at our church. Every year I would have them tape a timeline that stretched all around the room to represent their lives from 0-80 years. Then I would ask them where they were on that timeline. Of course, they were very near the beginning. I emphasized that the decisions they made now would impact the rest of their lives – and that could be a really loooooong time!
Here Jesus was saying the same thing – only on an infinitely longer timeline. Compared to eternity, what we deal with here on earth is very, very short!
Don't let Satan tell you that this life is the most important. Jesus says it's just a temporary assignment until we get to the REAL LIFE in Heaven for all eternity!
We'll stop here and continue tomorrow on this same subject.
In His service, dale
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