Jesus declared woe to the scribes and Pharisees in great detail (Matthew 23:13-30). Then he wept over Jerusalem for its reluctance to receive the comfort and solace he intended for it (23:37). And then he offered serious warning to his disciples of those who would try to lead them astray (24:4-8). And that would be just the beginning of the trouble we will face.

“They will hand you over to be tortured and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of my name,” he warned (24:9). Many will find their faith tested, and they will fall away and betray one another (24:10). The love of many will grow cold (24:12). And yet in the midst of all this trial, the gospel will indeed be proclaimed throughout all the world, to all the nations (24:14).

I’ve never been eager for persecution and suffering. All other things being equal, I’d just as soon skip that part. And yet Jesus has declared that his followers should expect this, in our lives in this world. Hated, tortured, put to death; or falling away and betraying one another, because we’re eager to avoid that. It’s easy to see why betraying one another would look attractive, when our own suffering is the alternative.

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Help us, Lord. We have mostly had it easier than your saints in other eras, but even so it has never been easy for us to be steadfast. Yet whether the opposition we face is mild or severe, grant us courage to stand for you and to proclaim your gospel, even in the face of strong opposition and hatred.