Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
—Luke 21:12-19
by: Andrew J. Camenga.
I don't think the process of getting to the New Heaven and New Earth will be much fun for those who are here. Nations will be at war. The earth will war with itself (vv. 10-11). The heavens will fall apart (vv. 25-26). Then, in the midst of this chaos, Jesus promised that his followers will be singled out for persecution.
Jesus did not say, "Grin and bear it." Yet, he did call persecution an opportunity to witness. He told his disciples to rely on him for strength and words. Persecution could end in death; endurance in the face of persecution brings life.