Watch Out For Yourselves
Mark 13:9 – “You must watch out for yourselves. You will be handed over to councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a witness to them.
Normally, when I say to my family “watch out for yourself” it’s because they’re preparing to go off on their own and I want them to stay out of trouble. Jesus was telling the disciples to watch out for themselves not to avoid trouble, but to be aware that trouble was going to find them because of Him.
This is how it will all unfold: verse 10 – First the gospel must be preached to all nations. 11 – When they arrest you and hand you over for trial, do not worry about what to speak. But say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. 12 – Brother will hand over brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 – You will be hated by everyone because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
For the disciples – how was it all to begin? It was to first begin with preaching the gospel to all the nations. The greek word for ‘preaching’ is ‘kerusso’ which means – to proclaim, always with the suggestion of formality, gravity and an authority which must be listened to and obeyed.
Read the words coming from one of the disciples named Peter in 1 Peter 4:11 – Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words. Whoever serves, do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
verse 12 – Dear friends, do not be astonished that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 – But rejoice in the degree that you have shared in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice and be glad. 14 – if you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, who is the Spirit of God, rests on you.
The best way to preach, publish, and proclaim something of such importance is to live it. When our words and actions don’t line up – there is no power in it. There is no power in hypocrisy. When the gospel is really lived for Jesus then there will be power and there will be trouble. Don’t be so surprised when it happens. Watch out for yourself so you don’t give up, thinking – why is this happening to me? Endure to the end. Salvation will be waiting for you!
Where two are gathered 