Don't Worry About the End Times

When Jesus talks to the disciples about the end times in Luke 12, He sure doesn't sugar coat it.

 "8 He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away." 10 Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. 12 "But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 This will result in your being witnesses to them.


This will result in your being witnesses to them!  We will go through all of the horrible events above to be a witness to them?  How will we do that? 


14But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 All men will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By standing firm you will gain life. 


Well that makes me feel better, how about you? I hear people almost daily talk about how the times are getting so bad and the time is near for Jesus to return and we need to be ready.  But they are usually talking about having cans of food ready in the pantry and items stored away that can be bartered for things needed.  And especially needed is a gun to protect your family and belongings.  Those preparations should be made but Jesus tells us not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.  It will be with words and wisdom not from what is within our heads but what comes from our spirits as He gives us His words and wisdom.  


Lord, help me to listen to YOU and stand firm!