Jesus taught us what to expect as we serve Him in this sinful world. He told us that what He experienced, we too would experience. However, in the end, God will make the truth known...
“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.” [1]
When evil comes at us, Jesus urged us to weigh between the lesser of two evils. He said...
“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” [2]
Yes, antagonists may inflict physical and emotional duress on us as we proclaim Christ, but those who die without Jesus Christ will definitely experience a life much worse than that.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” [3]
The ill-treatment that sometimes comes to us who proclaim Christ is not a reflection of God’s love for us. It comes to us from Satan who hates the servants of Christ. These times are opportunities to show how greatly God loves sinners. Keep loving them. You are experiencing what Jesus experienced. God is maligned and ill-treated daily. The truth about you is that you are more valuable to God than many sparrows. He not only has your back, He also has your hair. He knows the number of hairs are on your head.
“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” [4]
This is the crux of the matter. Do we want Jesus to confess us before the Father in heaven? If so, then, we need to confess Him before people. This is our primary objective.
“He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” [5]
Jesus promises us that if we lose our life... if we yield it for His cause... if we surrender our lives to Him for His use, there will be a good outcome. He will ensure it happens. God will give us a better life than the one we left behind for Him.
[1] Matthew 10:24-26
[2] Matthew 10:28
[3] Matthew 10:29-31
[4] Matthew 10:32-33
[5] Matthew 10:39
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