I Will Give You Words and Wisdom

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.’ They asked him, ‘Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?’ And he said, ‘Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and, “The time is near!” Do not go after them. ‘When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. ‘But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls. Luke 21:5-19

We live in a world divided, where hate and incriminations are all too common. And we follow Jesus, the one who promises we will have the words when we need them, because we have listened quietly to the Spirit's voice. Needless to say, many of us are torn in this time of wars, impending conflict and possible mass destruction. To all of this mess, Jesus calls us to still our hearts and minds, trusting that the Holy Spirit will provide all our needs. And we will know those who are not listening to the heart of God when they spew cruel and vicious words, the words not of the Spirit. May we all have the strength to calm ourselves and listen deeply to the gentle voice of Jesus, speaking to us in our quieted hearts.

Precious Savior, you promise us words

you give us hope in darkest times

and you teach us to dance and sing again

for you are near us every single day.

We want to arm ourselves for battle

we rage and scream at the leadership

thrashing around and planning attacks

forgetting to listen deeply and to pray.

Lord Jesus, give us your power today

so we might settle into listening time

where we seek your guidance in prayer

and still our hearts awaiting your Spirit. Amen.