Week 13 | Day 2 | Mark 13:9-13
Check out all the previous readings here.
Pray
Thank God for something in your life and ask Him to speak to you through your reading and reflection today.
Bible Reading (read these verses three times slowly)
“You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Reflection & Questions
In today’s verses, Jesus warns that things will become very hard for his disciples, both the Twelve, and indeed for all his disciples until He returns. Because of their belief in Him, they will be in courts, they will be tortured, and they will be betrayed by loved ones. While we have experienced in the West a time of peace with Christianity, there are many, many places where persecutions of Christians are rife. These verses remind us to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world. They also remind us to be prepared for a time when we may have to endure suffering for Christ. Jesus tells us: be on your guard (expect it to come), don’t worry about what to say when persecuted (trust the Holy Spirit to guide), and most importantly, stand firm to the end.
Pray
Pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering for their faith around the world today.
Worship Song
You could use this worship song to worship Jesus today.
Bible Reading
“You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Reflection and Questions
In today’s verses, Jesus warns that things will become very hard for his disciples, both the Twelve, and for all his disciples until He returns. Because of their belief in Him, they would all have a very hard time in their world. Some of them would go to jail, some of then would be treated horribly by others, and even worse things. Did you know that even in the world today, there are some places where you are treated worse for being a Chrstian? These verses remind us to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world. They also remind us that we might face something hard in our life because we follow Jesus. Jesus tells us: be on your guard (expect it to come), don’t worry about what to say when persecuted (trust the Holy Spirit to guide you), and most importantly, stand strong to the end.
Prayer
Pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are treated worse for their faith in Jesus.
Bible Reading
“You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Devo Focus
Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. Vs. 11b
Devo
Being a Christian isn’t easy, right? In your heart and mind you have security in knowing you are saved by Jesus and have a glorious life ahead in heaven. However, living in this world it’s not as simple: people make fun of you for your moral standards and often mock you for being a Christian. But keep in mind: you’re not alone. The Holy Spirit is with you always as your guide.
In today’s verses, Jesus warns that things will become very hard for his disciples, both the Twelve, and indeed for all his disciples until He returns. Because of their belief in Him, they will be in courts, they will be tortured, and they will be betrayed by loved ones.
While we have experienced in the West a time of peace with Christianity, there are many, many places where persecutions of Christians are rife. These verses remind us to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world. They also remind us to be prepared for a time when we may have to endure suffering for Christ.
Jesus tells us: be on your guard (expect it to come), don’t worry about what to say when persecuted (trust the Holy Spirit to guide), and most importantly, stand firm to the end.
Prayer
Pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering for their faith around the world today.
