CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL ON YOUTUBE
Matthew 10:16-20
In Matthew 10:16-20, Jesus continues His instructions for His newly appointed apostles. He warns them that they will be, “as sheep in the midst of wolves” (Matthew 10:16) and therefore they should be wise yet harmless in their ways. Jesus warns His apostles that they will be persecuted for standing up for Him, but that in their moments of defense they should not worry about what to say as they would be guided by God’s Holy Spirit as to what they must speak.
This is a promise that the world is against the ways of Jesus.
This is a promise that persecutions will come against those who follow Jesus.
Many people believe that in opening one’s heart to accepting the gift of God in salvation through Jesus Christ leads to a life where nothing will ever go wrong and blessings will be all that is to come from that day forward. The blessings one receives in their salvation in Christ Jesus is the most wonderful thing that a human being can experience, but Jesus never promised a life that will be free of trials and tribulations, but that He would be with us and help us through them. Jesus teaches us in John 15:18-21, (NKJV) “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.”
Dear LORD,
No one wants to hear that persecution is awaiting us, especially when it is waiting for us as we make the choice to open our hearts to You in being saved from the wrath to come. But please help us to realize that the trials and tribulations that we will face in this sinful world are a small price to pay in receiving eternal life and the eternal peace and joy that will be our in heaven as we bask in Your glory forever – in Christ! In Jesus name I pray, amen.