Dear Explorer,
We'll continue this discussion that we started yesterday.
Read Matthew 10:21-23
Remember that many who choose to follow Jesus will become hated by their families and it will cause much pain and sorrow. I have met several people who can have no contact with their families – because they would be killed for leaving the family's religion. Others who try to tell their families feel alienated and rejected by them. But I want us to focus on the last phrase of Matthew 10:23. There is a promise here that I don't want you to miss.
This is a good example of taking things in or out of context. If you just look at the final phrase of Matthew 10:23 – it is confusing to say the least. But if you will look at it “in context” you will see that the two phrases taken together make sense.
What is the promise that Jesus makes to us?
First, He says, if there is persecution, move to another place. The promise – you won't run out of places before I return to rescue you! Sweet promise!
We'll talk about Jesus' teachings about the end of time later.
Read Matthew 10:24-25
We have not seen severe persecution in America yet, but I believe that that time is coming. We cannot continue to hide our faith but must become bold. When we do, I believe the persecution will become very real. In other parts of our world, persecution and death for following Jesus is a daily reality.
Read Matthew 10:26-31
As you read these verses, what would you say the theme of the paragraph is?
I think it is “do not be afraid”.
Why should we not fear persecution or death?
Because God is watching over every detail of our lives and because we are headed to Heaven! But primarily because He loves us, and we are precious in His sight. He will be with us even in the midst of persecution or even death. If God knows every hair on your head – don't you think He knows your every need?
Does Matthew 10:26-31 say that not a hair of your head will be harmed?
No! In fact, Matthew 10:28 says that some will be killed for following Jesus. What it does say is that God will know and be present with you through the trials.
Read Matthew 10:32-39
Jesus was warning His disciples that they would all be persecuted and all but one martyred in the next few years. John was the only one who died of old age – but he was in exile – imprisoned on an island alone. Jesus is also warning us that persecution is coming.
Make sure that you understand that while we are commanded to love our mother and father, we cannot put them before God. He must be our #1.
I recently re-read the novel: In His Steps by Charles Sheldon. It describes different individuals who chose to follow Jesus at great personal cost and loss. They found incredible personal growth and blessings and peace and joy in the process. Obedience is the key to spiritual prosperity.
What does it mean “whoever finds his life will lose it”?
I believe that anything you pursue besides Jesus will result in disappointment and pain. If you chose to be popular instead of following Jesus – I believe that it will not last long before you are not popular. If you chose to follow “love” – you will discover that love has disappeared, and hate fills your life instead. If you chose success instead of following Jesus – you may get earthly success – but you will be unhappy and disappointed with your life. Many, many very successful, famous, rich, talented people commit suicide because they can't find the satisfaction they are looking for. Why? Because nothing satisfies or fills the God-shaped vacuum except God!
But I also believe this Scripture (Matthew 10:32-39) teaches that if we make the choice to follow Jesus instead of SELF (put SELF to death) we will discover abundant life filled with amazingly good things! And eternal life!
Read Matthew 10:40-42
What a beautiful promise. Jesus says that He will reward everyone who helps one of His followers! Cool. Not only does that mean that others will be blessed for encouraging and blessing you. But you can receive His blessing by helping others who are following Him.
My husband and I had the privilege of sheltering a woman and her four kids in our home. Her husband was threatening to kill all of them if he found them and I'm sure he would have loved to kill us, too. But God not only protected them and us, but He blessed us in amazing ways while we sheltered them. We were able to help them relocate to a different state and change their identities. No harm came to us because God promised us His provision if we would help His kids! Were we afraid? Sometimes, but it caused us to grow very sturdy in learning to trust God for each day's problems. We got to see God's provision for them and for us.
This has been a long and deep passage, but because we are living in end times, I believe that you need to know these truths. He wants you to live unafraid! Jesus wants you to know these promises.
In His service, dale
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