Luke 21

Jesus continues his final teachings. First he tells us that God sees the sacrifice we make rather than the size of the gift. People look at the wrong thing – the gift's size. True faith demands sacrifice. The widow was faithful because she trusted.

Again, Jesus tells us not to use earthly benchmarks (current events) to predict when God will enter our lives – corporately or individually. God move when God see the time is right. Be prepared. Know this; the disciples' life is not going to be an easy one. Rewarding, yes, but easy, no. Let God work through you in tough times. Resist toughing it out without Him. Tougher times are ahead but they are the opening act of great and wonderful things God will do. Be prepared. God is coming. Not just once at the end of time but often into the life of a disciple. Invest in Him (Jesus) who with last and who will triumph over all that tries to defeat us.

This must have been hard to hear and hard to say. Jesus retreated each evening for renewal.