Read
Psalm 94, Luke 21, 10-19
Consider
Old Testament is not a stand-alone book. It always points to Jesus’ teaching and prophesying of what God’s people will face in the future. It makes one of the best reasons to read the Bible. We love heads up. We like to know our future and want to be in control. If that is you this week, I encourage you to spend some time studying Psalm 94 and Luke 21:10-19.
In prophesying the intense persecution that His disciples would face as the time of the destruction of Jerusalem drew near in the first century, Jesus said,
“Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore, settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But not a hair of your head shall be lost. By your patience possess your souls.” (Luke 21:10–19)
What does “by your patience possesses your souls” mean to you?
Rev. Amy Yu
Pray
Dear Lord Jesus, as we, the people of God, come to You to worship, may we experience your joy and love. May it be pleasing to you. May your trinitarian presence brings us unity. Thank you for the past; it shapes us into who we are today. Thank you for the present, which carries us to the hope of tomorrow. Teach us how to remember, remembering your presence in the past, today’s grace and tomorrow’s hope. Let today be a time we appreciate one another as a church, a time to remember God’s glory and your guidance. And may today be a time we send forth blessings and words of encouragement for everyone we meet. May your name be honoured not just on our lips but in our hearts. Thank You, Jesus, in Jesus we pray. Amen.
Diving Deeper
Jesus’ teaching is often a fulfilment of the Old Testament teaching. Psalm 94 points to Jesus in three ways.
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- Jesus is the of the earth. (V.2, Jn:22)
- Jesus knows the of men. (v.11, Matt 9:4, 12:25, Lk 6:8)
- Jesus will not cast His people. (v.14, Jn 6:37)
How are these ways affecting your faith today?
How does Jesus’ presence give you courage and strength to face the trouble, doubts and anxiety today?
In Jesus, we are safe and secure to rest in God. He will defend and avenge His afflicted people.
How can we live closer WITH GOD in our lives?
How are we being TRANSFORMED to be more like Christ?
How is the Holy Spirit empowering us to imitate Christ in what we DO this week?