Endurance in the Invisible Landscape*
Wars, natural disasters, famines, and persecution are expected in this present darkness, but Jesus has a promise for those who endure.
*Revised and re-posted.
Things are not looking so good when you look around at the world. War in Ukraine where entire cities and all the infrastructure are being obliterated. Countless killed and millions more driven from their homes. The war, drought, and shortages of fertilizer and diesel threaten a world-wide food shortage. It is tempting for us to think that things are crazier than they have ever been because we have never seen things this bad. But if you consider all of history - war, drought, and natural disasters have been happening all along. In fact, Jesus told his disciples how things would be from the time he was physically present on earth until the restoration God will bring when he ushers in the new heaven and new earth (link).
Jesus Predicts Wars, Earthquakes, and Famines
Matthew 24:4–14 (NLT): Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. 7 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. 8 But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.
11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.
Notice Jesus said. “Don’t panic.” Even though it appears things are falling apart, Jesus is your Shepard. Even when you are in the valley of deep darkness you don’t need to fear evil, because he is with you (Ps 23:4). The visible landscape is full of chaos, but your eternal destiny is in the hands of your creator.
Jesus Predicts Persecution for His Disciples
Luke 21:12–19 (ESV): But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. 13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. 17 You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.
Some people think that when they follow Christ everything will be easier. Jesus never said anything to give us that impression. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (Jn 16:33).
Jesus said we should not be surprised by trials or sorrows. We shouldn’t panic when we are persecuted because we follow him. We must “keep our eyes on things above, not things in the earth.” (Col 3:2).
“You are an unceasing spiritual being with an eternal destiny in God’s great universe.” Dallas Willard.
Jesus Promises Deliverance for His Disciples Who Endure
16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. 17 You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.
“Some of you will be put to death. But not a hair of your head will perish.”
For those who only know the visible landscape, Jesus’ words here sound crazy! Was Jesus nuts!?!
If you have been looking at my posts for a while you would have seen that for those who are walking with Jesus (link) in his kingdom (link) this world is a perfectly safe place to be (link)!
Even though some of Jesus’ disciples will be killed, not a hair of their head will perish. What could this possibly mean?
As an unceasing spiritual being, the real us is not destroyed when our physical body stops functioning. When we step out of our body(link) as Jesus’ disciple, we step into his presence in paradise. Even though the enemies of God may kill our physical body, not even the smallest part of who we are perishes. Not even something as insignificant as a hair will be destroyed. You will step into his presence complete. Everything that makes you you will be preserved. Truly, by your endurance you will have gained your life.
It’s Time to Get Ready to Endure
Jesus told us this so we would not cower in fear when troubles and suffering comes. So we would be encouraged that in spite of the difficulties, we belong to the Lord of the universe and we are perfectly safe walking with him in his kingdom. We need to plan to endure no matter what. We should not use our eternal security as an excuse not to help those who are suffering. We should do everything we can to care for those in need all around us and around the world. We care about hungry people who need food and people torn from their homes who need clothes and shelter. If we have a voice, we will call for policies to increase food supplies and stop spending on things that make the present difficulties worse. As we endure, we show the love of Christ to everyone we can. Remember, love is willing the best for someone and acting accordingly. Let us serve others on our way to our eternal destiny.
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