"By your endurance you will gain your lives/souls." (Luke 21:19, NASB)
"By your endurance/remaining under you will gain your lives/souls."
This is not an, "endurance," for a "season" or many years. This is our whole life, our sojourn in its entirety on Planet Earth. And this is not just talk or belief. This is doing. "Endurance," is an act of faith, obedience, trust. "Endurance," is not passive; it is active, aggressive, "wrestl[ing]...against principalities, against powers," doubts, discouragement. And, I can say that this is a daily choice, because the Enemy of our souls does not let up.
We probably all know of those who have just quit, for whatever reason, whatever the depth of suffering. 49 years ago this coming June I could have quit, given up, not because of "unbelief," but because of intense sorrow of heart. Jesus "spoke" to my heart, empowered me in His Words, "picked me up" in Father's love, compassion, and Holy Spirit. I'm sure you also have testimony of Jesus' faithfulness in your deepest trials.
The Word, "endurance," is from a Greek word meaning, "remaining under." It means that you and I are called in Jesus Christ to walk, "remaining under," Jesus' Authority in our lives, "remaining under," Jesus Words. Jesus is speaking in our text of His Second Appearing. It's been over 2000 years since those Words were spoken, and many have asked what Peter said they would ask, "Where is the promise of His coming?" Having no answer, they quit.
Father, in Jesus' Name, I choose, "endurance," today. Amen.
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
Hebrews 12:2
Hebrews 12:2
