And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
—Matthew 10:22 (KJV)
Jesus' words are very strong! His emphasis is for a reason. Christians need to realize that they are not going to be the dominant culture. Discipleship can be hard and demanding; most folks want things simple and easy. The values that disciples are called to put into place in their lives are not going to be the dominant cultural ones. "So be ready!" Jesus is telling us. "Be ready to face criticism and rejection." But while we know it may be an uphill battle to change the hearts of men and women, we can be God's tools to bless others and to lead them closer to him! And for us, salvation in all its glory awaits us at the end of the journey.
Forgive me, please dear Father, for the times I have grown impatient with the world around and started seeing it as the enemy rather than as the target of your grace. Please give me the wisdom and the courage to balance my understanding of the world with your passion to redeem it. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—Matthew 10:22 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Jesus' words are very strong! His emphasis is for a reason. Christians need to realize that they are not going to be the dominant culture. Discipleship can be hard and demanding; most folks want things simple and easy. The values that disciples are called to put into place in their lives are not going to be the dominant cultural ones. "So be ready!" Jesus is telling us. "Be ready to face criticism and rejection." But while we know it may be an uphill battle to change the hearts of men and women, we can be God's tools to bless others and to lead them closer to him! And for us, salvation in all its glory awaits us at the end of the journey.
My Prayer...
Forgive me, please dear Father, for the times I have grown impatient with the world around and started seeing it as the enemy rather than as the target of your grace. Please give me the wisdom and the courage to balance my understanding of the world with your passion to redeem it. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
