Jesus watches (3)

Luke21:12-21 

"But before any of this happens, they'll arrest you, hunt you down, and drag you to court and jail. It will go from bad to worse, dog-eat-dog, everyone at your throat because you carry my name. 13 You'll end up on the witness stand, called to testify. 14 Make up your mind right now not to worry about it. 15 I'll give you the words and wisdom that will reduce all your accusers to stammers and stutters. 16 "You'll even be turned in by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. Some of you will be killed. 17 There's no telling who will hate you because of me. 18 Even so, every detail of your body and soul--even the hairs of your head!--is in my care; nothing of you will be lost. 19 Staying with it--that's what is required. Stay with it to the end. You won't be sorry; you'll be saved.

Food for thought!

Jesus is completely honest. "This," he said to his disciples, "is what you must expect if you choose to follow me." Jesus is frank with us: following him is not easy! Jesus does not offer us an easy way, but a heroes way. He does not offer us means of living but meaning in living. And as you know, man needs "something" for the sake of which to live, and if need be to die for. This is what Jesus offers us.

This said, Jesus promised that his disciples would never meet their tribulations alone. With Christ, a prison can be like a palace, a scaffold like a throne, the storms of life like summer weather.  Every detail of our body and soul, even the hairs of our head, is in his care; nothing of us will be lost.

It is very reassuring to know that Jesus watches us; protects us; looks after us; is with us. "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." (1Pt 5:7)

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High

    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 This I declare about the Lord:

He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;

    he is my God, and I trust him.

3 For he will rescue you from every trap

    and protect you from deadly disease.

4 He will cover you with his feathers.

    He will shelter you with his wings.

    His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,

    nor the arrow that flies in the day.

6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,

    nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

7 Though a thousand fall at your side,

    though ten thousand are dying around you,

    these evils will not touch you.

(Psalm 91)