Luke 21:5-19 persecution

Jesus predicts persecution and links it (somehow) to the end of the world. In the first section he is asked about the temple and he predicts that it will be destroyed. This happened 40 years later. Was this written after the fact and simply put in his mouth to make him look good? I don't think. But this section is only an introduction to the main point. The temple is only the first of the signs.

Then he speaks of false messiahs and terrible events that will make one think the end must be near. We know both of those things have happened. Many times they have happened, haven't they? We have a new one. The Mayan Calendar had an end and it is coming at the time of the Winter Solstice. Some are taking this seriously as an end time prediction. Most of us are planning to have fun with it.

Interesting to me, Jesus says, "These things must take place but the end does not follow IMMEDIATELY. I have never noticed this before. Or it is just underscored to me right now.

Then he speaks of persecution. Jesus predicts the persecution of his followers. He is probably thinking of his own future experience here, that it will be like that for his faithful as well. Later when the disciples think back on his teaching here, they will remember his persecution and death, as well as his resurrection. It will give them hope when they are persecuted.

Jesus speaks of this as an opportunity to testify, to witness, to explain who Jesus is and why they persist despite disapproval and hatred. In verse 15 Jesus assures them that God will give them wisdom that none of their attackers can refute.

No one can refute my experience. I suspect in my children's time persecution in this country will get worse. But in all ages there are things that Christians believe that cause anger and at least mild persecution among average non-Christians.

Today some of those things are monogamy, a mindset that homosexuality is not normal and in fact self destructive, and pro-life (anti-abortion). Not every Christian agrees with all these things but they are obviously the teaching of the Bible and the church since the beginning. Speaking of these things publically can get you ridiculed and increasingly into trouble with the government. But they are definitely time for witnessing.

Other things that some Christians believe I am not so convinced of myself. Perhaps they are right. I could be ridiculing what God loves. So I try to resist the wish to make fun or put down.

Not that long ago there were Christian women who demonstrated about alcohol. This was about 100 years ago. "Demon rum" it was called. Many ridiculed Carrie Nation and her followers. Even today Carrie Nation is a name that brings a titter. Was she following God? She certainly thought so. Yes alcohol can be a demon. Many have been ruined by abusing it. The movement she started later caused us to outlaw alcohol and start the era called Prohibition. We now feel that was an overreaction and are scared to prohibit other addictive substances, such as nicotine. Perhaps PSA's against alcohol and nicotine are the better solution.

The Prohibition movement was certainly a Christian movement. But after it was passed we found out what hypocrites we were. It was a good idea. We just did not have the discipline to keep it.