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Prepared and Praying
by PamFord Davis Jesus was in His rightful place; He took the lead. "Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him: 'Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again (Mark 10:32-34 NKJ)." Repeatedly, Jesus foretold His imminent arrest, crucifixion and resurrection. He did not mince His words. Lovingly, He prepared the disciples for what the Father had ordained. There would be suffering on a cross before triumph from a tomb. Confident of His return and reign, I believe Christ followers should prepare for times of suffering and persecution. "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come (Matthew 24:9-14 NKJ)." 'Father, I want to serve you faithfully in and through any trials that may come. In Jesus name. Amen.' Published articles in Mature Living Magazine, Devotions for the Deaf, The Secret Place, Coosa Journal, Mary Hollingsworth's The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter, Jo Krueger's Every Day in God's Word. http://www.pamforddavis.com http://www.faithwriters.com/member-profile.php? Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |