Next Step #35

Hi Everyone,

This week’s next step comes to us from the Gospel of Mark, and may seem a bit extreme. Jesus was telling the disciples of what would happen as the “end” draws near. Notice what will happen to believers in this time, and the role of the Holy Spirit in what happens: 

    ⁹“When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. ¹⁰For the Good News must first be preached to all nations. ¹¹But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.  Mark 13:9-11 NLT

     We live in a nation where we’re free to speak God’s word to others. Many believers around the world are not afforded that luxury. When (not if, since Jesus said the time will eventually come!) the time comes that we are not free to speak about Jesus (if it comes in our lifetimes!), then we may take the comfort of knowing that as we live in the power of the Holy Spirit, He will speak through us to local councils, governors and kings that they may know the Good News of Jesus! When we realize that our lives are not OURS, but HIS, then we begin to understand how important it is for us to live with the Holy Spirit leading every moment. Even for us, who have the freedom to tell others about Jesus, relying on the Holy Spirit to speak through us is the only sure way for our words to have His impact. The key from Jesus’ words is for us to BE READY! Whether the time is short or long, it is nearer than it once was and as those who are living in the Holy Spirit everyday, by His grace and power we will be ready!