October 13th

All men will hate you because of Me (Jesus), but he who
stands firm to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13

No one would accuse Jesus of being popular with the authorities of His day. They hated Him and were jealous of His power and authority. They plotted and schemed against Jesus and eventually put Him to death on the cross. Every trap they devised against Jesus did not cause Him to sin or dishonor Father God. Jesus was faithful to the end to complete the task He was given by His Father so that we might be saved, when He took our sins upon Himself.

Just as Jesus was hated by those in authority, we also will be hated because we are following Him and His teachings. As Jesus’ followers, we are hated because God’s love in us convicts them of their sin, plots and schemes. We can only stand firm to the end when we develop a desperation and intimacy with our beloved Savior in the power of the Holy Spirit.