Reflections on ISIS (II)

Dear friends:

ISIS's cruelty continues to bother us, however Jesus did warn us of coming persecutions for believers. Here below is a very good article from Quest Study Bible, one of my favorite study Bibles, to share with you.

Did Jesus promise complete physical protection? 

( Luke 21:18)

No. In fact, he told of coming persecutions: believers would be hated, persecuted by religious and political leaders, betrayed by family and friends, and some would even be killed (vv. 12–17). James (Ac 12:1–2), Peter (Ac 12:3–5), Stephen (Ac 6:8–15; 7:54–60) and many other apostles (Ac 4:1–3; 5:17–18, 40) suffered beatings, imprisonment and death because of their faith. But after warning of the coming persecution, 

Jesus promised, Not a hair of your head will perish. How does that square with the warnings of persecution?

It was a figurative way of saying that though their earthly bodies could be killed, their spirits would live forever. If they remained true to the faith, they would be ensured of life everlasting (Lk 21:19). Furthermore, God would assist them in times of persecution, giving them the right words to say and the wisdom to know how to respond (v. 15). Jesus’ primary focus was on the spiritual results, not the physical outcome. That’s why, though Christian martyrs have been beheaded, not a hair of their heads perished.

Zondervan, (2011-12-06). NIV Quest Study Bible: The Question and Answer Bible (Kindle Locations 281289-281292). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

Also think about this Bible verse: Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. ( Matt 10:28)

Further comment from reader Zen on Reflections on ISIS:

Also Luke 21:5-28 is another passage where Jesus foretells wars and persecution. Verse 19 says by your endurance you will gain your lives. Verse 28 says after the Son of Man (Jesus) comes in a cloud with power and great glory, now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, your redemption is drawing near. 

May God give grace and endurance to His persecuted church and mercy on our fallen and shattered world.