Not Easy

 As Sheep Among Wolves

 Matthew 10: 16-23

¹⁶ “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. ¹⁷ Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. ¹⁸ On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. ¹⁹ But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, ²⁰ for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

²¹ “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. ²² You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. ²³ When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes 

The task of preaching the kingdom of God is not for sissies. Jesus warns his disciples of challenges including persecution and death.  The History of the Church has proved him right, even to this day.The powers of darkness militate against the message of love and forgiveness, self-denial and self-sacrifice modeled by Jesus. A look at the headlines, the reality of shrinking church congregations and leaders is all too blatant evidence that somethings is grossly amiss. Are we going to wait for a "new Messiah" or is each one of us ready to bravely and sincerely ready to live our faith to demonstrate that "it works" and is the foundation for true happiness and peace?  Let us not be afraid to be sheep among wolves; if others have done it, so can we!

Bro. Rene