Opposing Forces
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, I praise You for the wonder that You are not only my loving Savior, but also my closest friend whom I love.
Read John 15:18-16:4
[18] “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. [19] If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. [20] Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. [21] They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. [22] If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. [23] Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. [24] If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. [25] But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’ [26] “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father-the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father-he will testify about me. [27] And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning. [1] “All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. [2] They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. [3] They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. [4] I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Take time to consider how and why Jesus prepared his disciples.There are often intense rivalries between sports teams. That intensity can spill over to the fans. Sometimes it can be to the point where rational behavior is forgotten and occasional violence erupts. To be a supporter of the other team means you can become a target for hostility. Being prepared to be hated for whom you are cheering can be essential to your welfare. Similarly, the disciples receive their preparation when Jesus warned them about the enmity and opposition they are about to face (18). Jesus does not spare his disciples from the honest truth that the world will hate them because of who they follow. But who is “the world”? From looking at the life of Jesus, it is not only unbelievers he is talking about. Even those in religious clothing were offended by his radical illustrations of the Kingdom of God. Jesus exhorts his followers to be discerning and ready for opposition and persecution, especially in his forthcoming absence, and reminds them that the Spirit of truth is coming to be their help and strength.
Apply
Are you aware of being hated or ridiculed for following Jesus? Pray for those who are opposing you.
Closing prayer
Jesus, You are the model of a loving friend. Help me to share my friendship with those who need to enjoy Your love and care.
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