Luke 21:14-19

 We want change in our life to come in an instant. God does not always work that way. 

Precept by precept we are changed by the power of Holy Spirit in the testimony of Jesus Christ. Most of us struggle with this…we want to be like Jesus now and know what He would do. Listening closely to that still, small voice inside, full of wisdom and grace, is the door to the mind of God. By your patience possess your soul!

What does God require of us?

Be fair

Be forgiving

Be humble

Micah 6:8

Live a life of gratitude for His mercy and grace knowing that all things come from His hand!

Luke 21:14–19

14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 By your patience possess your souls.

Earlier in Luke, this ability to testify about God’s work is attributed to the Holy Spirit. Here, Jesus says that He Himself will empower His followers to speak wisely and persuasively, showing a strong connection between Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Verse 16 states that some of the disciples will be put to death, and church tradition holds that all but one (John) were martyred. Jesus is thus referencing the eternal fate of His followers. Faithlife Bible.

Jesus promises the disciples that the Holy Spirit will assist them in giving testimony. The initial fulfillment of this promise is found in Acts. The persecution of the disciples would be painful and severe. Identifying with Jesus often means risking the rejection and denunciation of family, and in some cases martyrdom. NKJ Bible.

With much curiosity those about Christ ask as to the time when the great desolation should be. He answers with clearness and fulness, as far as was necessary to teach them their duty; for all knowledge is desirable as far as it is in order to practice. Though spiritual judgements are the most common in gospel times, yet God makes use of temporal judgments also. Christ tells them what hard things they should suffer for his name’s sake, and encourages them to bear up under their trials, and to go on in their work, notwithstanding the opposition they would meet with. God will stand by you, and own you, and assist you. This was remarkably fulfilled after the pouring out of the Spirit, by whom Christ gave his disciples wisdom and utterance. It is by Christian patience we keep possession of our own souls, and keep out all those impressions which would put us out of temper. Matthew Henry Commentary.

Matthew 10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Luke 12:7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Acts 6:10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.