Luke and the Lost

Never, never, never give up. – Churchill, shouted during the war that many thought would bring the end of time.

Jesus says, (Luke 21, The Message)
“Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Huge earthquakes will occur in various places. There will be famines. You’ll think at times that the very sky is falling.

12-15 “But before any of this happens, they’ll arrest you, hunt you down, and drag you to court and jail. It will go from bad to worse, dog-eat-dog, everyone at your throat because you carry my name. You’ll end up on the witness stand, called to testify. Make up your mind right now not to worry about it. I’ll give you the words and wisdom that will reduce all your accusers to stammers and stutters.

16-19 “You’ll even be turned in by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. Some of you will be killed. There’s no telling who will hate you because of me. Even so, every detail of your body and soul—even the hairs of your head!—is in my care; nothing of you will be lost. Staying with it—that’s what is required. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry; you’ll be saved.

I am amused and encouraged by another quote by Winston Churchill as well, ““Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm!” “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” Stuff happens and we are not perfect, but we are perfectly forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ who fought our battle and the greatest war of all times…the battle for our souls. THAT’S where our enthusiasm lies as we strive to live for Him. We will fall at times, but we get right back up, lifted up by the Hand of the Savior of forgiveness.

We do not fight this continuing battle for our souls alone for Jesus is right beside us, the Perfect One, who knows the enemy well. His Holy Spirit will guide us if we listen, stay alert and don’t fall asleep at the switch. We won’t be sorry.

About the end, Jesus says…

20-24 “When you see soldiers camped all around Jerusalem, then you’ll know that she is about to be devastated. If you’re living in Judea at the time, run for the hills. If you’re in the city, get out quickly. If you’re out in the fields, don’t go home to get your coat. This is Vengeance Day—everything written about it will come to a head. Pregnant and nursing mothers will have it especially hard. Incredible misery! Torrential rage! People dropping like flies; people dragged off to prisons; Jerusalem under the boot of barbarians until the nations finish what was given them to do.

25-26 “It will seem like all hell has broken loose—sun, moon, stars, earth, sea, in an uproar and everyone all over the world in a panic, the wind knocked out of them by the threat of doom, the powers-that-be quaking.

27-28 “And then—then!—they’ll see the Son of Man welcomed in grand style—a glorious welcome! When all this starts to happen, up on your feet. Stand tall with your heads high. Help is on the way!”

29-33 He told them a story. “Look at a fig tree. Any tree for that matter. When the leaves begin to show, one look tells you that summer is right around the corner. The same here—when you see these things happen, you know God’s kingdom is about here. Don’t brush this off: I’m not just saying this for some future generation, but for this one, too—these things will happen. Sky and earth will wear out; my words won’t wear out.

34-36 “But be on your guard. Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap, for it’s going to come on everyone, everywhere, at once. So, whatever you do, don’t go to sleep at the switch. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that’s coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man.”

“Never give in–never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” –Churchill

“Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry; you’ll be saved.”
–Jesus

By the way, I read the back of the Book…Jesus wins. We win. If we never give up.

Dear Heavenly Father, You have pointed out that there will always be war, but the greatest battle of all is the one for our very souls. Help us to stay alert to the even the smallest, slightest attacks by the enemy that allows a foothold into the door of our hearts. Forgive us for allowing this to happen at times. Thank you for picking us back up when we fall.

Continue to shout the warning as we come to You in Your Word to us. Help us hear from others who see us about to fall and talk us off the ledge. Use us to encourage others who need love and care so that they won’t trip, but give us the right words at the right time in the right Spirit. Yes, we need each other, but most of all we need You. Continue to be with us. In Jesus Name, Amen

And I’m singing…
You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all

Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I’d be a fool
You are my all in all

Taking my sin, my cross, my shame
Rising up again, I bless Your name
You are my all in all

When I fall down You pick me up
When I am dry You fill my cup
You are my all in all

Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name