Read Matthew 10:14-23
Following The Path Of Jesus Is A Hard Path.
Jesus said when you go into a city and share his love with them, some will not receive you or accept your words. As you depart, “shake off the dust of your feet.” Meaning, their wickedness is so evil that it pollutes the ground they walk on and you want nothing to do with their wickedness.
Jesus paints an uncomfortable picture when he says that when we go out we will be like sheep amongst wolves. There’s nothing attractive about that. Then he concludes his statement by saying “Therefore…” He doesn’t say, “Therefore give up!” Instead, he says, “Therefore be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.” In other words, have a mindset like theirs, but don’t use it for evil, use it as a way so you can combat their words with God’s Truth.
In verse 17, Jesus says that some people will take you to court because of your faith and even beat you. Some will be taken before governors and kings and God will use it as a testimony of His Truth. So when you go through these difficult times, God is wanting to use your persecution for his glory; to shine his truth amongst even more unbelievers. That’s why we should rejoice rather than complain.
Vs 19-20 says you will be in scary situations but don’t be anxious about it because the Holy Spirit will be with you and will give you the words to speak. Sometimes it’s a family member who will end up killing their Christian relatives. In verse 22 Jesus says, “You will be hated by all on account of my name but it’s the one who endures to the end who will be saved.” Do you really believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life? The disciples believed in it so much they were willing to die a harsh death, as has Christians after them. Do you believe in this truth so much that you are also willing to die for the truth or be persecuted? Or are you going to give up so as to escape the persecution that awaits you. Or maybe you don’t deny Jesus with your speech but you take a “Very Comfortable” path because you don’t want to face any opposition. You are so comfortable with your faith that Satan doesn’t oppose your faith because it’s hidden.
Choose to follow Jesus – Endure to the End – Then GREAT is your reward in Heaven.
