I believe that one of the biggest fears of most people, yes even Christians, is the fear of not knowing what to say when asked a question by a stranger. This is not new. Jesus had just warned the disciples of what must transpire before the end of time, and included was the point of them being arrested and questioned because of their faith. The same assurance given by Jesus on how they would know what to respond, is still true for us today. Stay with me as we study the Word and be reminded of this blessing.

DATE WRITTEN: Tuesday, 2021-06-15
WRITTEN AT: Florence, IN

BY: Ed Algreen

SCRIPTURE FROM: Mark 13:9-11
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: 9 “When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. 10 For the Good News must first be preached to all nations. 11 But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

APPLICATION: As children, we were reassured by our parents that there’s no need to worry about what we would say when meeting with strangers, or the authorities, for we will simply fall back on our upbringing and tell the truth. However, in reading the account of Jesus appearing before Pilate and His ensuing beatings, crucifixion, etc, we might read this warning from Jesus as something to fear and become intimidated over. I don’t know that anyone will question your fear of these things, but the purpose of this devotional today is to bring hope to those who fear speaking with the authorities under normal circumstances, and in the very likely event of the end times when Jesus’ words will materialize. Friends, Christians must be encouraged and always remember that at the time of our acceptance of the gift of Eternal Life, the Holy Spirit came to dwell in our hearts to comfort us; to encourage us; to guide us; and to keep us true to our commitment made to God. Scripture is very clear that greater is He that is in us (The Holy Spirit), than he that is in the world (Satan). We are to rest assured that this awesome privilege was invoked on us by the God of the universe, because He knew that we needed Him (the Holy Spirit), and that as long as we are left on this earth, Satan will be after us to trip us up and cause us to wander away from God. With the Holy Spirit inside of us, we could see Satan coming from a mile away! As a child of the King, we are guided into the ways of Jesus and encouraged to reach out to Jesus for His awesome power, healing and encouragement. Fellow Christians will tell you how often they have looked back on their words and sat in wonder as to where those words must have come from. It’s not happen-chance, or good luck, or the smarts received from a good seminary, it is Jesus Christ speaking through His counterpart, the Holy Spirit! Call on Him my friend, and be ready to open your mouth as He speaks to you, and through you. It is His power and His words that will save the sinner. Don’t mess things up by trying to override that which God has established. Submit to, and depend on, the Holy Spirit completing His work through the likes of simple mankind – even you and me!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: God has provided His Holy Spirit to guide us, especially during the times that will come, when we are questioned about our faith! Know Jesus today and have that confidence that comes from God above! He will never fail you!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord Jesus for being our guide before we know ourselves that we need Your help. Your warnings will not go unheeded, so we depend on You and the Holy Spirit who dwells within to be our guide and our stay when the world does it’s best to trip us up. We need Your guidance today and everyday Heavenly Father, so that we might represent You well here on earth. Based on what You’ve told us, we know that the time is coming when we will be questioned about our faith. Praise God, You have also told us in advance where our help comes from – our help comes from the Lord, who knows all things. Praise Your holy name! AMEN!