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16 You will be betrayed even by parents and siblings, by relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.

 

Yes. You read the text correctly. Being betrayed by family, relatives and friends is one of the most emotionally painful experiences that we can experience. Sometimes pain comes not from our enemies but from those who are closest to us. Jesus is speaking to that pain. He prepares us to not avoid the pain, but to deal with it in steadfast love and trust in God’s justice.

Some will even be hated because of the name of Jesus. Even when everything feels like it’s falling apart, Jesus calls us to stand firm. Faithfulness isn’t proven in comfort but in challenge. The promise isn’t an easy life, BUT eternal life.

There is a paradox of life and death in this reading. Some will be put to death and yet not a hair on your head will perish. It’s a mystery of faith. Even when our bodies suffer, our true life in God is secure. God’s protection is eternal, not always physical.

The good news from our reading today is that when everything around us feels uncertain or even hostile, God’s grip on us is unbreakable. Our lives are safe in Christ, and our faith is sustained by the grace of God. Our ultimate victory is secure in God’s love. Don’t lose sight of this promise sisters and brothers.

Let us pray: Dear God, thank you for your faithfulness. No matter what life brings at me today, you will not abandon me. Use my words to speak your loving truth to the world and remind me that your love for me is greater than any betrayal I may face. In the name of your son, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Pastor Steve Cauley

pastorsteve@livinglord.org

 

Prayer concerns: For the health and strength of our families. Especially as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving.