See The Signs
5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down." 7 They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" 8 And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is near!' Do not go after them. 9 "When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." 10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. (Luke 21:5-11)
As some of Jesus' disciples were admiring the beauty of the rebuilt temple, Jesus gave them some startling news. Not only would the temple be destroyed once again, but there would be false prophets, wars, natural disasters - and they themselves would be persecuted. It's a wonder that any of the disciples stayed after Jesus shared this view of their future. But there was more. All of the destruction and division would create opportunities for them to testify. They need not prepare their testimony in advance because Jesus would give them the wisdom to respond appropriately. Lastly, even though they would experience difficulty and feel the heartbreak of separation, they would be protected from harm.
Though shocking, hearing of the coming destruction of the temple would not have been entirely bad news to Jesus' followers because it signified the eventual fall of Roman rule over them. We often glorify the thought of the potential downfall of our perceived enemies, but Jesus warned that the shift in power would bring hardship and division even among those closest to them.
As we, in the U.S., are in the midst of yet another contentious election cycle, perhaps we could use the reminder of what to do when turmoil surrounds us and so many feel persecuted and on the defense. It can leave us feeling heavy, dreading what may come. But signs of any ending are also signs of a new beginning. As disciples of today, we can look for opportunities to testify - trusting that God will give us the wisdom to do so effectively. And we can rest in the knowledge that whatever comes, God's got us. It is necessary to remember that God's also got those with whom we disagree.
12 "But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls. (Luke 21:12-19)
