[Jesus continued his warning and instructions to the apostles when he sent them out:] "A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel."
—Matthew 10:21-23 NLT
The call of the Kingdom of God will meet with strong resistance. Those within our own families may give us up to arrest, while opposition can also mount from many everyday people. They will hate us for no other reason than that we follow Jesus. Jesus urges the apostles as missionaries to leave the cities where they are treated badly, to keep their faith, and to move to another city. But their flight is not one of fear, but one of anticipation and evangelization. They are to keep sharing and living the message of the Kingdom in city after city for their salvation awaits and their Lord's coming is near. We would do well to heed Jesus' instructions and warnings for the apostles when we face opposition to our life style and service as Jesus' disciples.
God, you are the Rock of my salvation, you are my strength and protection. Give me courage to be faithful and never waver in my love and faithfulness to you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Matthew 10:21-23 NLT
Key Thought
The call of the Kingdom of God will meet with strong resistance. Those within our own families may give us up to arrest, while opposition can also mount from many everyday people. They will hate us for no other reason than that we follow Jesus. Jesus urges the apostles as missionaries to leave the cities where they are treated badly, to keep their faith, and to move to another city. But their flight is not one of fear, but one of anticipation and evangelization. They are to keep sharing and living the message of the Kingdom in city after city for their salvation awaits and their Lord's coming is near. We would do well to heed Jesus' instructions and warnings for the apostles when we face opposition to our life style and service as Jesus' disciples.
Today's Prayer
God, you are the Rock of my salvation, you are my strength and protection. Give me courage to be faithful and never waver in my love and faithfulness to you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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