Matthew 10:16-20 [NIV] | 16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Can you imagine how honored the apostles must have felt being selected by Jesus to follow him? After all, Jesus could perform amazing miracles like healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, and raising the dead. But then we read in Matthew how the people and authorities will respond. I wonder how likely the disciples would have given up everything to follow Jesus had he started out with his warning? As followers of Jesus, we too are honored but will face persecution on the account of Christ, our Savior.
Twelve brave men accepted the challenge to show their love by being sacrificial followers all the while knowing life would be difficult. We too are called to a great sacrifice in loving our neighbors and serving them in the name of Jesus. As we look around in this dark sin filled world, we know that standing up for Jesus will bring pain and suffering to those who follows Jesus. No where in the Bible does it say life will be simple, safe, or easy. It does say we will face times of trouble and hardship on the account of Christ.
God does not leave us alone in our journey as his disciples. God promises he will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). God sent his Holy Spirit to work in and through us delivering the words we need to speak. Faith involves action and the two cannot be separated. God calls us to be his witness to those who do not know Jesus. It is an expectation of Jesus and James reminds us that faith without works is a dead faith (James 2:17). God never promised life would be easy, but he did promise that Jesus is enough to save us from this life of sin, death, and the devil. It is time we boldly share our faith so others can experience the love we have in Jesus. It truly is an honor we have to be a follower of Jesus.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you are the creator of all things once made perfect but defiled by sin. We praise you for the gift of Jesus to rescue and redeem us from a life of sin. Lead us to be bold witnesses of your love and mercy. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Action Plan:
Today I will place my trust in God as I life a life of Christ in a world that rejects me. I will seek to be a witness for Jesus even if it may cause pain and suffering by…