Facing Persecution 10.04.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Matthew, please read Chapters 10-11 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. You can also cut & paste the link to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2010-11&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Jesus sending the twelve apostles on a mission; John the Baptist's questions; the judgement placed upon the unrepentant cities and the great invitation. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that Christian's will face much persecution by following Jesus, but we can not let them scare us, we must hold on to our faith.

When Jesus saw the multitudes of people He was moved with compassion and prayed for laborers to help. In answer to this need, Jesus chose just 12 ordinary men, "And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him." (Matthew 10:1-4).

He commanded them to reach the lost in Isreal, "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet." (7:7-14). We too are commanded to reach the lost and many will not accept us, but just as the apostles were told to shake it off, we too are to shake it off. We have to realize that it is not personal, they could be having a bad day or have been convicted by something that they are dealing with personally. We must move on and keep going.

He also warned them, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles." (7:16-18). We who are Jesus' sheep face the same wolves who are constantly against us. Christian's will continue to be persecuted until the end of the earth, often pressured to compromise with the teachings of the world. It is during this persecution that we discover that we must depend on the Good Shepherd to lead us to safety. If we follow our Shepherd, we will have sheep-like qualities capable of being innocent and dependent on the Lord Jesus. Just as sheep wander off and fall easily into the hands of prey, we too fall. That is why we need our Shepherd to keep us from going astray.

Only with Jesus are we able to stand boldly in the face of our fiercest enemy and live. "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven." (10:28-32). Jesus

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
How special it is to know that we will not appear as a stranger before You in heaven, but You will call us by name for You are thoroughly acquainted with us. As a loving father cares for his child so You care for us, your children. You place us in the palm of Your hand and no enemy can snatch us from Your protective and loving care. What a tremendous and calm feeling this brings to our hearts. In Jesus' name......Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!
God bless you,
Christina

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