October 8 - Matthew 9:27-34, Mark 6:1-6, Matthew 13:53-58, Matthew 9:35-38, Mark 6:7-13, Matthew 10:1-42, Luke 9:1-6

Good morning everyone,

Today we began with Jesus going back to his hometown where the folks there were a bit confused. They were wondering, “Who is this Jesus with all this wisdom and what did you do with the kid we know and love?” They had watched Him grow up and they just weren’t able to match the carpenter’s boy with the educated teacher and healer they were now seeing. They took offense. Very sad.

So Jesus his home town and traveled from village to village where  great crowds gathered and were delighted to hear him and be healed. He took compassion on them, likening them to harassed, helpless sheep without a shepherd. Realizing a lot more could be achieved if they would divide and conquer, Jesus gave his disciples authority over impure spirits sent them out in pairs with the message to repent. He warned them though, that the task would be very perilous. For them to be on guard, that they would be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. Imagine the looks in their eyes, because I don’t care how “gun ho” you are, the idea of being flogged would be terrifying. At least to me. Jesus told them, “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” and “to not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Today in America it is extremely unpopular to take a strong stand on anything except tolerance. The claim that you know a truth that everybody should believe or that you know a behavior that everyone should avoid will earn you a title to the likes of “Jesus Freak” for one, and it is one of the nicer ones. People get offended by the mere suggestion that there could be only one God, one way to heaven calling you bigoted and narrow minded. They want to coexist but that simply means abandoning your faith in God and live like those of Babylon. They cry “peace, peace, let’s all just get along” while they murder innocent babies with abortion. They demand equal marriage opportunities, when in fact there is no equality in a gay marriage vs a man and woman marriage. One is Biblical and can reproduce other baby Christians, one can not. 

Jesus said He did not come to bring peace but a sword, perfectly aware that families could and would be divided in their decision to follow Christ. Luke 12:52 says, “From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.” Family and marital turmoil will come when one turns to Christ and others refuse to come. In the book of Luke we’re told that many people will be so opposed to Jesus and His radical and righteous way of life, that they will hate true believers and go so far as to kill their own family members or betray them to cruel religious or civil authorities who will murder them. Hard to imagine, right?

So what do we do with that? How do you respond to a husband or wife or a parent objecting to our commitment to Christ? What if they present an ultimatum: Either choose them or choose Jesus! What must the follower of Christ Jesus do?  Friends, that should be a no brainer. In all circumstances, choose to follow Jesus, regardless of the consequences stay true to your God.  There must be no compromise, it is a simple or as hard as that. However, you must also stay devoted to those you love while honoring God’s will. Stay kind and respectful while being faithful to the Lord. And friends … pray! Pray fervently for your unsaved spouse, child, friend, co-work and anyone you know who hasn’t come into God’s family yet. God does not guarantee that your family or friends will come to Christ and be saved from their sins, but your consistent devotion to Him may have a great effect on their hearts. It’s true! So, I would encourage you to be diligent in your prayers for their salvation and put on your armor because you are going to need it. It’s going to get rough out there. Amen?

Have a good day and to God be the glory.

God bless you all …..