Jesus Predicts Tough Sledding

9“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Matthew 24:9-13)

Thoughts: Jesus had not yet faced the full wrath of the persecution of His people, yet while He could speak freely, He tells them that they will be persecuted.  Historically we think that all but one of the apostles were martyred for their faith.  Sadly, the media forgets the martyrs of our time.  Two atheists leading atheistic regimes, Mao and Stalin,  are responsible for 150 million Christians dying (give or take 15 million). You could also add the Khmer Rouge and the Cuban persecution to the list of atheistic regimes punishing Christians.  It is hard to believe that the One who promoted love of neighbor, who did not raise a finger against anyone would be hated by so many and that hate is passed onto His followers.  More Christians have died in the last century than all the other centuries combined. 
    Jesus also predicts that despite a spreading of the Gospel, many will turn away from the faith.  There will be divisions and dissension in the church before He comes back.  There has always been some division and dissension, but this is especially aggravated at the end times.  Perhaps it is aggravated over sin and evil.  For the next verse says, "because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold."  When the world is wicked it may seep into the church.  When the church becomes enveloped in sin, it loses its purpose and saltiness.  It is hard to be good in a very evil time. 
     But Jesus still encourages His followers asking them to stay firm until the end.  There is always salvation to those who persevere and do not give up.  Our job is to keep on keeping on and trust in God though all the world turn away. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to persevere through those who would hate me only because I love you.  Help me to not give up but persevere.