Matthew 10
Our Master Teacher called His followers to go to the
towns and villages of Israel in His Name. He gave them authority to
do mighty deeds as they proclaimed that “the kingdom of heaven”
was “at hand.” The disciples needed to trust Him for every
provision as they journeyed. If anyone refused to listen to their
words, they were to “shake off the dust” from their feet both as
an indication of future sanctions for the unrepentant.
The church could expect persecution in this divine
endeavor. God would give His people the right message in times of
difficulty, but they still would be “hated by all” because of
their association with Jesus. “If they have called the master of
the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his
household.”
Despite the mortal danger, Jesus insisted that His
ambassadors should “have no fear of” rich and powerful
adversaries who might “kill the body,” but could not eradicate
the soul. There remained no middle ground for halfhearted worshipers.
“Everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I also will acknowledge
before My Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies Me before men,
I also will deny before My Father who is in heaven.”
Christ gave us no expectation that His words would
produce immediate peace. Even the most intimate family relationships
would be challenged by the need for a higher devotion to the Lord.
“Whoever does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of
Me.” What a shocking statement! Jesus demanded an extraordinary
commitment to Himself and to other “little ones.” The King of the
kingdom promised to bring great rewards to those who would show even
the smallest acts of charity to any of His children. Our Lord still
instructs us to serve in this way. Why would we ever refuse Him?
Prayer
from A
Book of Prayers
Lord God, You are
building Your holy temple on the cornerstone of Your Son and the
foundation of apostles and prophets. We rejoice in Jesus Christ and
in His glorious Word. Use Your servants as messengers of life in a
dangerous and dying environment. Grant Your Spirit to the church that
we might speak the truth with power and love. Bring to light all that
is necessary for the conversion of a great multitude. May many people
acknowledge You before men, for it is a horrifying choice to deny
You. We take up our cross and follow Your Son. We gladly receive Your
children and care for their needs. This world is passing away, along
with all of its pride, but Your kingdom is forever.
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