Unlimited: Sharing the Good News
Jun 26, 2024 1996
“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 (Mark 13:9–11, NIV).
In this passage, Jesus is in the middle of his longest recorded prophecy. He told the disciples that before the destruction of the temple, there will be wars and earthquakes, and famines.
But told them not to be alarmed, because those things are just the beginning, and they don’t mean that the end is happening right away.
Jesus warned his disciples that they would be arrested, tortured, and tried for his stake. It seemed like it’s all going to be bad news. In fact, Jesus is going to be going through a whole litany of horrors to come.
But it isn’t all bad news! In fact, Jesus says, that the “gospel,” which means “good news’ must first be preached. The gospel is first. It’s the gospel that makes the troubles of this world bearable.
When Jesus says, “the gospel must first be preached to all nations,” he speaks in the context of witnessing for Jesus before governors and kings. He speaks about witnessing for Jesus in the midst of trouble, suffering, and persecution.
We often worry about how we will cope with different things in the future.
Here, Jesus is telling his followers that when they are persecuted and asked to answer for their faith, they won’t have to worry, because the Holy Spirit will give them the words to say.
– Eliezer Gonzalez
Eli’s Reflection: If the Holy Spirit has promised to be with you in the most difficult moments of your life, do you think he abandons you in the easier, everyday challenges of today? Of course not! Invite Him to be your Helper today.
Theresa Josiah
Mar 17, 2021
Amen. For sure he is only our hope, our solace and strength.
JASON ANDREW TOPPIN
Mar 17, 2021
JESUS KNOWS MY HEART
olivia
Mar 18, 2021
Lord I come before you and ask that you be my helper today and know matter what challenge comes in my life lord I need you right there with me speaking your words I thank you? for your holy spirit amen? thank you Jesus in your Glorious Name