A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL
The little band of helpers – (vi) A bit of honesty before they begin
Reading: Matthew 10:16-22
These words are reminiscent of a great leader in difficult times. Think of Churchill after Dunkirk, he offered the country, “Blood, sweat and tears.” In 1849 Garibaldi said to his soldiers, “I have nothing to offer you but hunger and thirst, hardship and death.” When Shackleton proposed to march to the South Pole, he expected few volunteers and was overwhelmed by the number he received.
Perhaps we need to relearn the lesson that men need a challenge? Jesus wants helpers but he wants them to be under no illusions; the task will be tough and difficult.
Jesus says that his helpers must expect persecution and it will come from three directions: (i) the state, (ii) the church and (iii) the family. These three areas of persecution still raise their ugly head to oppose those who are truly committed.
Meditation: Am I prepared for difficulty and even persecution?
Prayer pointer: Help me to respond to my leader’s call whatever the cost.
Matthew: 64
No comments:
Post a Comment