FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
ASSAULTS ON FAITH, FAMILY AND LIFE
(Part 156)
THE FINAL BATTLE – 3
November 24, 2021
Today’s gospel: Luke 21:12-19
In today’s gospel, Jesus talks about the coming persecution which will be part of the end times. Such persecution, happening from time to time throughout salvation history, is much more intense in these days, especially in Western so-called Christian nations. Indeed, are we already in the end times?
“They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over …. to prisons” (v.12a).
- Those praying outside abortion clinics are arrested and jailed.
- Cake makers or flower arrangers who decline to provide LGBT-themed pieces are sued in court, bashed on social media, and their businesses harassed.
- Those exposing horrible practices of abortion providers like Planned Parenthood are charged in court with intent to imprison.
- Those resisting vax mandates due to conscientious objection are terminated from work.
“You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends” (v.16a).
- People are being encouraged to turn in those who stand against totalitarian mandates, including their own family members.
- Liberal parents are handing over their young children to leftist indoctrination in schools, including pushing them to be LGBT.
“They will put some of you to death.” (v.16b).
- This has happened through the years, especially in countries with citizens antagonistic to Christians, such as Islamists in Muslim nations and fundamentalist Hindus in India.
- Conservative Christians are being assaulted by liberal mobs with intent to harm and even kill.
- Peaceful protesters against various totalitarian diktats are shot and killed.
- Just the other day, a man with multiple criminal records drove an SUV at a Christmas parade in Wisconsin, killing 5 and injuring over 40 including children.
“You will be hated by all because of my name” (v.17).
- Liberals and modernists brand conservative and faithful Catholics as haters due to their own excessive hatred for them.
- Parents who complain against school boards in the USA that are indoctrinating their children to LGBT and Marxist ideas are being branded as domestic terrorists, with the Federal government using even the FBI against them.
- Globalists and depopulationists intensely hate conservative Christians that oppose them.
It is a challenging situation for committed Christians. But it has also provided unprecedented opportunities to proclaim and defend the faith. “It will lead to your giving testimony.” (v.13). Christians are speaking out in public school meetings, in court hearings, on the streets, on pro-life marches, on podiums, in various events. And because the enemy is into lies and distortions even of the faith, Jesus who is Truth itself helps us out. “I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.” (v.15).
We may be physically harmed, emotionally battered or canceled, but Jesus assures us: “not a hair on your head will be destroyed.” (v.18). But are we not physically beaten, imprisoned and killed? Yes, but this is not about bodily harm, but about what is more important, spiritual well-being and ultimate salvation.
And how are we assured of ultimate salvation? “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” (v.19). We just keep on, despite the challenges and persecution. We endure, we persevere, we strain ever forward. We defend faith, family and life. We turn over our very lives to our God. We endure all for the sake of Christ. And we rejoice.