IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Stand Firm

Date: Nov. 14, 2023

Passage

Luke 21:5-19 (ESV)

And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”

10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. 13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. 17 You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 21:19

By your endurance you will gain your lives.

The destruction of the temple sounded like the end of the world to Jesus’ disciples. They asked Jesus, “When?” and “What signs?” Jesus’ answer tells us how to live in a world tainted by evil and rebellion, idolatry, and immorality. Jesus warns us of deception of the anti-Christs and false prophets who try to lead God’s people astray. We need to know Jesus personally and have a sound understanding of the Bible not to be misled by all kinds of false teachings and ideas. There will be all kinds of natural and human-caused disasters such as wars, earthquakes, famines which frighten us. But we must not be fearful, for God is in control and is working out his purpose even in the midst of these things.

We may be persecuted, betrayed, and hated by the world or even close ones on account of Jesus’ name. It is not easy for anyone to bear it. However, we shouldn’t worry or become fearful, for Jesus promises to give us his word and wisdom. It can be an opportunity for us to witness to Jesus. If we don’t compromise, but stand firm on Jesus’ side, we will gain life.

Prayer: Prayer: Lord, help me not to be deceived, but to witness to Jesus and to stand firm.

One Word: One Word: Stand firm on God’s side

Daily Bread

Worthy is Jesus the Lamb

Revelation 5:1-14

Key Verse: 5:12

saying with a loud voice,

  “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
  to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
  and honor and glory and blessing!”

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Intro Daily