Matt Redman – Questions (You Are Faithful)

What intrigued me most about Mark chapter thirteen were the questions the disciples asked Jesus and how He used it as a teaching moment.

I am reminded once again that what I set my eyes upon in this world have no value compared to what I set my eyes upon in the spiritual world. And where my eyes look, so seems to be the place of my heart.

So when I read verses like this one, Jesus reminds me of what really matters and why my relationship with Him is most important.

But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. – Mark 13:9  ESV

Am I prepared to stand in courts, to be beaten (in Jewish courts that was 39 stripes, 13 to the chest and 26 to the back)?

This chapter is filled with the statement to “be on guard.” Not only because of upcoming events but He followed those statement with the proper response and life-style that His disciples should follow. In their hearts they had to be living in the light of His coming. And yet this statement in particular was to get them ready for what was coming next.

I know that I might be able to say that I have not suffered persecution in my time, but I can just as honestly say that I have not lived a life that would have caused people to persecute me. I have avoided ridicule and trouble because I do not want to face persecution. I found myself compromising when needed. Sometimes it is just easier to fit in.

There is definitely a need in my life to ask Jesus more questions. Something tells me I would be able to stand more firm than I am now.