Testify

“This will give you an opportunity to testify.”                                 Luke 21.13

The circumstances in which I will have opportunity to testify are none too encouraging.

Jesus has spoken firstly of wars and insurrections. He says, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” (v10) He prophesies great earthquakes, and famines and plagues in certain places.

But it is before these things that He sees the opportunity given to us to testify. And the conditions that give rise to this opportunity are persecution and imprisonment and challenges by the authorities. This is the background to testimony.

He further tells me not to prepare any defence in advance. I could find this scary. I choose not to be fearful, however, because He tells me that He will give me “words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict.” (v15) This is enough for me.

I do not relish the prospect of betrayal, whether it be by brothers, relatives or friends(v16). I do not look forward to the hatred I might receive and I certainly don’t relish the prospect of death. (vv16,17)

But I receive His assurance that not a hair of my head will perish, and my endurance will gain my soul (vv18,19). And I hold on to my faith!

Lord Jesus,

There is nothing that can happen to me that You have not experienced, that You will not be aware of, and that You cannot lead me through. I give You all my concerns, and my fear. Yes, I will be nervous and fearful, I know this. But I also know that You are with me, and You will not abandon me. This is the greater reality. Help me to remember this, and to hold to it at all times, especially reaching out to You in those moments of difficulty. You are there for me, and I thank You. May my testimony honour You.                    Amen.

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