Stand Firm

Sermon November 16, 2025, Luke 21: 5-19

Stand Firm

Rev. Fred Okello

Beloved, the Church of Jesus Christ has never been strangers to storms. From the earliest days, God’s people have walked through divisions, persecutions, misunderstandings, and painful disruptions. None of these things has ever been good for the Body of Christ. Anything that threatens the unity and peace of God’s people is not of God, because God Himself is peace, unity, and love.

In our own time, we have walked through something called disaffiliation. Simply put, disaffiliation means breaking away—stepping out from what was once held in common. And many broke away over matters surrounding human sexuality. Now, I want to say this clearly: I may not agree with everything the UMC has adopted; I, too, struggle with certain positions. But disagreement does not give me permission to lead a revolution or tear apart the Body of Christ. Scripture reminds us that the sin of rebellion never travels alone. Sin plants seeds, and those seeds remain in our institutions, churches, and in our families.

Some sins even become generational. They pass down like burdens on the shoulders of our children. Think about it: the choices of a husband and wife—whether wise or foolish—can shape the life of their child forever. I recently saw an advertisement where a newborn baby asks, “Which country am I born in? And who are my parents?” And when they tell the baby, the baby cries, “No way! Send me back!” It’s funny—but behind the humor is a heavy truth. People today run background checks not only on houses and jobs, but even on relationships, because no one wants to inherit someone else’s baggage.

And it’s not just church divisions we face. Many among us are carrying heavy burdens—health challenges, grief that has no timetable, fear about the future, worry about our loved ones. Our world feels shaken. Some look around and say, “Everything is falling apart.”

This is why Jesus’ words in Luke 21 speak so deeply to us today. When Jesus told the disciples that even the great Temple would fall, Jesus was preparing them—and preparing us—for moments when life collapses and the ground under our feet feels unstable.

In scriptures, the disciples were admiring the Temple—majestic, beautiful, and seemingly permanent. And then Jesus says, “Not one stone will be left on another.”

What a shock! What a disruption! What a reminder! Sometimes even good things, strong things, familiar things… fall. Church structures can fall. Relationships can fall. Health can decline. Plans can collapse. Denominations can fracture.

But hear me: Jesus does not tell us this to frighten us. Jesus tells us so we are not destroyed when the shaking comes. Jesus tells us beforehand so that our faith is not tied to buildings, systems, or traditions—but to God alone.

Jesus warns the disciples about fear and false voices. “Many will come in My name.” “Do not follow them.” “When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be terrified.”

When life shakes, two things always get louder: fear and false voices. People shout: “Follow me!” “This is the answer!” “Everything is ending!” “Panic now!”

Even today, you can turn on a TV or open your phone and be instantly overwhelmed by voices of anger, division, and fear. But Jesus says, “Do not be terrified.”

Fear is not the language of heaven. Anxiety is not the fruit of the Spirit. Panic is not the posture of the believer.

Jesus continues in vv. 10-11. Nation against nation. Earthquakes. Pestilence. Famine. And we know these things. We hear them every day. But these are not signs that God has abandoned us. These are signs that the world is groaning for redemption. This broken world is not our final home. The Kingdom of God is our home.

In vv. 12-15, Jesus tells the disciples they will face persecution. But then He says something powerful: “This will be your opportunity to testify.”

Brothers and sisters, hardship is not the end of your story. Hardship becomes your platform. Suffering becomes your pulpit. Pain becomes your testimony.

Jesus promises: “I will give you words and wisdom.” When you stand before impossible situations, Jesus stands with you. When you don’t know what to say, Jesus’ Spirit will speak for you. When you feel weak, Jesus’ strength will be revealed.

Verse 16 is about betrayal. Jesus says even families and close friends may turn against you. Some of you know this pain deeply: Children who have drifted away. Family members who criticize your faith. Friends who abandoned you. Church members who walked out.

Jesus understands this pain. Jesus told us these things would happen. And Jesus promised to be with us through suffering and hardship.

Then Jesus says something wonderful: “You will be hated by all, but not a hair of your head will perish.” How can both of these be true?

Because Jesus is talking about your eternal destiny. This world may wound you. People may hurt you. Life may shake you. But nothing—absolutely nothing—can steal your soul out of God’s hand. Your suffering is temporary. Your salvation is eternal.

Jesus says, “By your endurance you will gain your souls.” Not by fear. Not by quitting. Not by running away. Not by blaming others. But by endurance— steady, patient, relentless trust in God.

Endurance is praying when you feel numb. Endurance is worshiping when your heart is heavy. Endurance is showing up when life is hard. Endurance is loving people who wounded you. Endurance is staying faithful when others walk away.

Endurance is not loud. It is not dramatic. It is a quiet, stubborn trust in God.

So hear the words of Jesus again: “Do not be terrified.” “This will be your opportunity to testify.” “Not a hair of your head will perish.” “By your endurance you will gain your souls.”

The world may shake, but Christ is our Rock. The Church may go through storms, but Christ is still the Head. Your life may feel uncertain, but Jesus is still your Refuge. Hold on. Stand firm. Endure. For the God who brought you this far will carry you all the way home. Amen.