“And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand…’
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved…
“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known… And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father.., but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven…
“And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 7,16-22,26,28-33,38
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12-13
There are times our walk and witness for Christ are not well received. When we meet opposition and rancor with temporal vision, we get agitated with angst or confusion, and want either to shrink back or retaliate. We castigate the ‘enemy’ and try to prove ourselves right, or better. But when we see opposition with a broader, higher perspective, we recognize it’s exactly what what we should expect, and have actually been prepared for.
When we are so enamored with ourselves and focused on our provincial, cozy living, we shrink at some hard obediences because of the prospect of conflict, rejection, or discomfort. We might even face persecution. But the Lord calls us to high, holy living. He commends that we stand firm against accusation and persecution. We must not recoil. We must not be ambivalent. We must not fear. We’re called to faithfulness. (Matthew 5:10-12)
How promptly do we heed God’s call to go wisely among the wolves? Would we turn our anxieties to Him and trust His Spirit to lead, speak, and triumph? Rejoice! A steady path of obedience leads to heights of faith and blessing.
Father, help me obey with a long view for Your grace and glory.
As the rain and snow 