by Tim Hall

The conditions Jesus predicted to His disciples were nothing short of crisis. The movement that saw Christians "having favor with all the people" (Acts 2:47, NKJV) would take a dramatic turn. In the not-too-distant future, "... they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake" (Luke 21:12). To these timid followers, such words were sure to instill fear.

But they would not be alone in their trials, Jesus went on to say: "Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom ..." (Luke 21:14,15). Their ability to testify before hostile courts would not come from quick wit and deep intellect, but from God above. This assurance they were to settle in their hearts.

That's an interesting phrase: "settle it in your hearts". The word for "settle" is often used in the New Testament, referring to a deliberate act of placing something in a certain location. It is used, for example, of the placement of Jesus' body in the tomb by Joseph of Arimathea (Luke 23:53). Jesus' body didn't just happen to be in the tomb; Joseph, acting upon his will, placed it there.

Jesus' meaning, therefore, is clear: God's promise, which would answer a strong need (how to answer charges brought by murderous enemies), could calm their fearful souls. But for the promise to be of any value, they would have to "settle it in your hearts". They would have to deliberately meditate on God's promise, reminding themselves of His offer over and over again.

Another occasion of something placed in a person's heart is recorded by John: "And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray Him ..." (John 13:2). The result in both instances was the same: Something that had not previously been in a person's heart now resided there. In Judas' case, however, Satan was the one responsible for placement. The word for "put" in this verse is "ballo", a word often translated as "cast" or "throw". It suggests a more careless act, perhaps done with impulsiveness. Nonetheless, the thing cast is now located in the heart, the very seat of emotions, desires and will.

Here's our point: Our minds are receptacles into which many things can be placed. We can allow God's word to be placed there and the result will be peace, joy, love and faith. On the other hand, those who do not diligently watch the gates of their mind may discover things that the devil has flung there. The potential for damage from such devil-inspired thoughts is seen in Judas, an apostle of Christ who fell to the depths of a traitor!

A battle rages for the hearts and minds of us all. Paul warned: "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:4,5).

God has provided each of us with the armor we need; it's up to us to put it on. He has provided us with promises that will secure our hearts and minds; it's up to us to work to settle them in our hearts. Those who are careless in what they allow to enter their minds may discover -- too late -- a serious deficiency in strength when their time of battle comes.