Luke 21:12-15 - Letting down our defenses
Scripture:
Luke 21:12-15
12 "But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name's sake.
13 " It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony.
14 " So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves;
15 for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute.
NASU
NASU
Thoughts:
Jesus is instructing the disciples as to how they should handle a future persecution they would endure because of Him. However, this principle of not preparing our own defense has application to our lives as well, in the times that we find ourselves "on trial." Rather than preparing on our own to defend ourselves (verse 14), we do well to instead look to Him for guidance (verse 15).
Our natural response to accusation and conflict is to defend ourselves. We are generally concerned that our point of view is understood, our rights are protected, and our character is not questioned. The problem though, is the passion that can exude. A polite disagreement turns into an outright argument. A desire to defend our position leads to a "he said, she said" conversation, that only leads to further conflict.
How much better if, in these moments of conflict, we trust in the Lord rather than our own resources. We allow Him to guide the words that we say, rather than working out our arguments. That our focus be on the testimony that we display (verse 13), rather than getting what we want, or getting our point across, and ultimately, on ourselves.
Prayer:
Lord, there is nothing more important in my life than my witness -- that my behavior is in keeping with Your holy character and example. Help me in times of conflict to trust in You, rather than my own resources. Even when I am falsely accused, You are able to work through the situation for Your glory. Let this be my greatest desire, even over my own reputation.
Amen
