“It’s all about preparation . . . Or is it?” (a Steve Orr Bible reflection)

The TV commercial focused on a teenager doing research, nervous about giving his first speech. The word glossophobia popped up on his tablet screen. That’s the fear of public speaking.

 

Most of us can relate. Multiple studies have confirmed our number one fear is having to give a speech. That’s ahead of, in order, spiders, death, and heights. And the greatest anxiety we associate with public speaking is brain freeze: unable to recall what we intended to say. So of course, when required to give a speech, we do a great deal of research. We want to be as prepared as possible. Hopefully, that can lessen our anxiety. 

 

Lessening our anxiety may have been one of Jesus’ objective in this week’s Luke passage. But that wasn’t obvious. Overhearing others discuss the beauty of the Temple, Jesus followed up by foretelling its destruction, along with wars, insurrections, earthquakes, famines, familial betrayal, and plagues. 

 

Nothing there to lessen anyone’s anxiety.

 

But then He said something startling. So startling, in fact, I checked out several different Bible translations. With a few minor differences, they all deliver the same message:

 

"Make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance." (Luke 21:14 NRSV)

 

I was shocked!

 

So, what are we, God’s people, to do if we are required to defend our faith?

The answer: Live in imitation of believers who have gone before. Trust that God will provide what is needed, and ask for the wisdom to recognize that provision when it comes. Know that when we need to speak, God will provide the words we need. Go about our lives. Work and “do not be weary in doing what is right.” 

 

Sure, knowing what we believe and why we believe it is fundamental to being a follower of Jesus. The point of Jesus' statement is to assure us we need not worry about what to say and how to say it. We must not let fear interfere with our testimony. There is something bigger than speech prep going on here. 

 

Be confident. Jesus will supply the words when the time comes to speak.

 

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PHOTO: Adobe Express

 

BONUS MATERIAL

Public Speaking—Fear Number One:

https://nationalsocialanxietycenter.com/social-anxiety/public-speaking-anxiety/#:~:text=The%20fear%20of%20public%20speaking,considered%20a%20social%20anxiety%20disorder.

 

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I hope to see you Friday morning on Zoom* or in person at Our Breakfast Place. DaySpring’s Lectionary Breakfast meets at 8:00 to enjoy fine food and even finer exchange of ideas.

 

Speeches will not be timed…

 

Blessings,

Steve

 

*Zoom link (Zoom allows you to mute the camera and the microphone if you don’t wish to be seen or heard.)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89947678414

 

 

SCRIPTURES FOR SUNDAY AND THE COMING WEEK 

Find them here:

https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts/?y=384&z=p&d=85

 

Print them here:

https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/Cx_Proper28.pdf

 

Isaiah 65:17-25

Isaiah 12

Malachi 4:1-2a

Psalm 98

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Luke 21:5-19

Proper 28 (33) (November 16, 2026)

 

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