JESUS SPEAKING
“They will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore settle it in your hearts not to think beforehand what you will answer. For I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all of your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist” (Luke 21: 12-15.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Jesus prophesied that his disciples would suffer persecution; they were all eventually arrested, and 10 of the 12 disciples were put to death. Although they had committed no crimes, they were brought before kings and rulers, and compelled to testify concerning their faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus commanded them to refrain from rehearsing their testimonies prior to being questioned. Preparation had the potential to hinder the proclamation of God’s wisdom. Human effort needed to be abandoned, and God’s power had to be embraced. By the power of the Holy Spirit, God spoke through the disciples, and He continues to speak through His people today. Questions are still being asked and God is still answering them clearly and without error.
Sometime ago, a woman who had gone through brain surgery reached out to me to discuss matters of faith. Seeking answers she wrote, “I don’t understand why some suffer such heartache and trials beyond our choosing, and others, often those who are seemingly evil, are blessed beyond belief.” The Holy Spirit immediately gave me the answer to her question. The answer did not come from me, but from God. I simply quoted one of Christ’s parables: “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores, who was laid at his gate; desiring to be fed by the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. Then the time came that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being tormented in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.”
The correct answers aren’t ours to give. All genuine wisdom and understanding comes from God, and the Holy Spirit directs and guides those through whom He chooses to speak. Only God has the right answers. Only God speaks without error. In this world, human wisdom battles against divine wisdom. True victory can only occur when God’s wisdom is proclaimed. Let God’s words flow from your mouth; give Him the opportunity to speak to those who have questions; let them find real meaning; let them be satisfied with the correct answers; and may the one true and living God make Himself known to all those you meet.
“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before You, and we ask that You fill our mouths with Your words. Speak through us, and communicate with those who would seek to question and examine our faith. May You reveal true wisdom to those who lack understanding. May we be Your messengers to a world that does not know You, and may all those who oppose You be put to shame. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 