This last week marked the end of another school year for my children. Time seems to be whizzing by at warp speed. To savor some of these moments with my girls, I spent quite a few hours last week helping in their classrooms and attending programs and class parties. I was amazed at the energy and excitement running through those students. I’m sure you can imagine. But I couldn’t help but notice how things seemed a little more serious for a few of the teachers—one in particular.

As the week came to a close, many rumors were confirmed about the future of this teacher. It was announced that her contract would not be renewed for next year. This announcement to the school community was met with many different emotions; for some tears, for others relief, for some anger, but for many, surprise.

I quietly observed, not saying much, and honestly wanting to stay out of all the drama. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly had my opinions on the situation, but my thoughts were challenged by the gentle conviction of the Holy Spirit, and this particular scripture in Luke.

“All men will hate you because of Me.” Luke 21:17

Hate is a strong word, but it’s not a mistake that it has appeared in this particular passage of Luke. The disciples asked Jesus about the end of the age, and how they would know the signs of the times. Jesus responded by giving them several illustrations of what the end times would look like for those who believe in Him. Think about His response. All men will hate those who believe in Jesus.

The scenario that played out at our small school this week reminded me a little of this chapter in Luke. I watched as parents and staff took sides. I watched as strong emotions turned into flared tempers and parents started to lash out at one another. I saw finger pointing and blame casting. I saw pockets of people whispering and speculating about the fate of this teacher. I watched this teacher quietly retreat into her classroom as her spark for teaching slowly burned out.

“But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life.” Luke 21: 18-19

Ahh, the sweet promise of our Lord. God has called us to stand firm in Him, and in return we won’t perish, but be rewarded with eternal life. What I failed to do this week was stand firm. It’s not important what side I took in this particular situation, what matters is that I didn’t stand for anything. I was just a bystander, watching events unfold.

A day is drawing near where our faith will be challenged in unimaginable ways. What happened at this school last week will pale in comparison to what is in store for us in the future. So I ask you, are you prepared for your faith to be tested? Are you living out your faith and standing for truth, or are you a bystander watching on the sidelines?

Once upon a time, there was a group of people called the Swoonots.  They worked their rented vineyard day in and day out and were relatively happy, especially after stomping their crop into a magical beverage.  But the Swoonots suffered from a rare disease.  One by one, they passed away.

King Swafta owned the vineyard.  One day, he decided to send a servant to the Swoonots.  The king wanted his share of the crops, but more importantly, he had the cure to the Swoonots’ lethal disease.  But the last thing the Swoonots wanted to hear was how to live in order to prevent death, and they especially didn’t want to share what was rightfully the king’s.

“Let’s beat the servant,” they said.  And they did.

King Swafta sent a second and a third servant, who both met the same fate.

“What shall I do"?” King Swafta asked.  “I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.”

But when the Swoonots saw the prince, they said, “This is the heir.  Let’s kill him and the inheritance will be ours.”  So they threw him out of the vineyard and. . .

hung him on a cross.

I, too, like the Swoonots of Luke 20:9-16, am living on rented land.  Everything I have and everything I’m capable of has been given to me by King Swafta.  God.  Am I willing to share the crops of my life with God, or will I horde them, believing I am the one who makes the fruits in my life grow?  I also suffer from a deadly disease: sin.  If left untreated, it will separate me from God, forever, and cause my death.

Will I allow the Prince into my vineyard and trust him with my life, or will I, too, throw him out?