Matthew 10_19-20
September 16
Happy Sunday Everyone,
The scripture for today is Matthew 10:19-20
Matthew 10:19-20 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what you shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what you shall speak. For it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks through you.
What Jesus promised to the disciples then, He also promises to His disciples today. The conflicts that they faced have been faced by the disciples of Christ throughout the ages and the saints of bygone years have stood on this promise of our Lord. When challenged by courts and authorities they relied upon the Holy Spirit to speak through them words of inspiration. Many lost their lives, but the word of God went forth as seeds on fertile ground. The Word of God rang true throughout the ages and we are the fruit of their faithfulness.
Now is our time to stand as God's faithful witnesses. Persecution is already at the door and indeed has entered the house. It will intensify as we move closer to the Lord's return. Think it not strange brothers and sisters when people reject the message of truth and those who proclaim it. Think it not strange when they do not want you to speak in their assemblies. Think it not strange brothers and sisters when the world and its allurements are more popular with those whose lives are stamped by compromise instead of true heart surrender. Think it not strange when you are spoken evil of as you stand against evil. Think it not strange when the church itself joins the world and calls evil good and good evil. Stand on the Word of God and do not be intimidated by rejection and the powerless threats of those who choose darkness instead of the light of the Word of God. Think it not strange when the "church" chooses to look like the world, sound like the world, enjoy the entertainments of the world and look to the world for its sense of identity. Think it not strange when they reject you because you reject the worldly influences that they embrace. "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12 We have the promises of almighty God and what God has promised He will, without fail, do. What He has done before, He will certainly do again. We do not have to fear in the face of persecution for the Spirit of our Father will speak through us. We have His word on it.
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim