Handling and Surviving Persecution

Discipleship and Mission

Call to Ministry

Call and Mission

Matthew 10:16-25 The Message (MSG)

16 “Stay alert. This is hazardous work I’m assigning you. You’re going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don’t call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove.
17-20 “Don’t be naive. Some people will impugn your motives, others will smear your reputation—just because you believe in me. Don’t be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they’ve done you—and me—a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news! And don’t worry about what you’ll say or how you’ll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words.
21-23 “When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don’t quit. Don’t cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you’ve run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived.
24-25 “A student doesn’t get a better desk than her teacher. A laborer doesn’t make more money than his boss. Be content—pleased, even—when you, my students, my harvest hands, get the same treatment I get. If they call me, the Master, ‘Dungface,’ what can the workers expect?

For Reflection

Being a Christian does not insulate you from the negative impacts of a corporeal world.  Christianity is not an anesthetic. On the contrary, becoming an authentic Christian exposes you to significant risk. Transforming in the way of Christ is costly.
Face your mission courageously in the confidence that God is with you; comforting you and bringing you into God's grace and peace that passes all common understanding.

Pray

Pray so that the Holy Spirit will live in you and you will face your transformed life with divine courage.

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