Lessons From Matthew 10: Hostility

As Christians, we may face hostility for being a disciple of Christ. Yet, like the disciples, we are not to be sheep-like in our attitude but sensible and cautious. We are not to be gullible pawns but neither are we to be deceitful connivers.

We must find balance between wisdom and vulnerability to accomplish God’s work. The world is a dangerous place and Christians are vulnerable, like sheep among wolves. Yet in spite of the danger we are to remain sheep.

We must remember that we are not sent to overpower the wolves or destroy them but rather to convert them.

We are to pray and use the wisdom God gives us and do so with a gentle spirit.

My mom has a saying that you can’t out-fox a fox. My response is that you can when you’ve been raised by one because the younger fox watches and learns from the older fox. And when the younger fox takes the lessons of life and unites them with the word and actions of God, we become powerful witnesses.

Therefore we need to be especially close to Jesus Christ in order to think and act like Him in every way.

Will you make the studying of God’s Word your highest priority? Or will you pull away and follow the world and its temptations?

In Matthew 10:17-23 Jesus told of future situations and hardships that these men would face as a result of being His disciple. But in verse 19 Jesus told them not to worry about what to say or how to say it. Why? Because at the time (not before) you will be given what to say. For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of God, your Father speaking through you.

Every believer has the power of the living God in them. And we can trust Him to provide all we need, even the words to speak.

Will you open your mouth to profess the good news and trust Him to provide all that you need?

He says we will be betrayed, put to death because of our love for Him, but those who stand firm until the end will be saved.

Jesus Christ knows and cares for His own.

Terri Hamman

Faith & Fitness Coach