My apologies siblings,
I had intended to cross-reference the signs for a cohesive picture, then actually zeroed in on Matthew’s account. Please permit me to backtrack for a bit, as there is more information regarding the preaching of the Good News. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Mark 13:11 NIV
[11] Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
Don’t Worry About What to Say
We realize from our Nougat that some of the preaching of the Gospel will result from trials. This indicates that it is not just our missionary zeal which advances the Gospel. God can realize positive outcomes from negative scenarios.
Self-Check
How often are we able to focus on God and God’s purpose when we’re facing trouble?
Application
It is possible that in the era following Pentecost, many thought they were in the End Times. To an extent, they were correct. However, it was more about their end, rather than the end of the ages. Acts of the Apostles recounts several cases of the former disciples, as well as new converts to The Way, facing persecution. It also details the disciples, now referred to as apostles, seizing the opportunity to preach in those contexts.
We might recall that at that time, there were no Christian seminaries. Thus, even learned Jews like Saul, were obliged to rely on God’s Spirit to direct their speech. This aligns with what Y’shua promised: ‘rely on God’s Spirit to provide the words’ (this is a paraphrase of what we’ve read). In most instances, some of those who listened found themselves converted by the message of the Good News.
It really is that simple. But, we don’t now run ahead of ourselves to speak or write about God without entering a process of discernment. Most of the apostles were apprenticed before that experience. The disciples had spent years under Y’shua’s mentoring before being sent. Saul spent time in Damascus under the Spirit’s tutelage. Timothy was mentored by Paul, and Apollos was mentored by Priscilla and Aquila.
Those of us with knowledge and experience must take up the mantle to train others. Those of us who are new to the faith must seek God’s direction on being mentored. In that way, woken times of trouble come, we are already aware that God’s Spirit speaks with us, and we will recognize God’s word. Moreover, having our armour on, we will be fully equipped for whatever the enemy has in store in those days.
May we be found ready to share the Gospel, even in moments of trial.
Point to Ponder
Can we discern God’s voice in times of trial, or are we too busy panicking? What if we are caught in the End Time trials, would we be ready to speak Jesus?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
