What Jesus Did! 'Using Misfortune for Telling the Good News' — Mark 13:9

Sunday, September 20, 2020

[Jesus continued,] "When [wars, earthquakes, and famines] begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me."
— Mark 13:9 NLT

Key Thought

Another part of the believer's future is harsh — in addition to the natural disasters and wars mentioned in previous verses (Mark 13:7-8). Not everyone will like Christians. Just as Jesus was hated, so also will his followers be hated. Some will be persecuted and even martyred for the sake of the faith. Not only are these consequences of faith to be expected, but they are also events that are promised before the return of Jesus. How many years the persecution will continue, we don't know. But, they are an expected evil that we will endure before the end. However, in the process of facing these hardships, we will have the opportunity to share our faith in places we might otherwise be denied a voice — like the apostle Paul (Acts 9, 22, 26) and others who had the opportunity to speak about Jesus to high governmental officials. So we should tell folks about Jesus whether our audience is favorable or hostile. Doing so is a part of the plan and is our opportunity to demonstrate our faith and share our hope with a fallen world.

Today's Prayer

O God my Heavenly Father, please give me the courage to stand my ground for my faith and never compromise. Please strengthen me through the power of the Holy Spirit to give my testimony to those who doubt, persecute, or hate me. Use me to share the hope of your Son with those in darkness. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 8:1-5
  • 1 Peter 3:13-17
  • Mark 13:11

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 13:9 NLT — "When [wars, earthquakes, and famines] begin to happen, watch out!"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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