Mt 10:16-23
Like Sheep Among Wolves
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.
An old hymn, "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden" comes to mind in reading this passage. Jesus warns us that being his disciple means pain, suffering, and willingness to die. We've seen this lived out over the centuries and certainly it continues today. We need this reminder that remaining faithful to our mission will take a lot more than just natural strength, but the strength that comes from prayer, sacrifice, and self-denial. Soldiers do not fight without training, nor do professional athletes compete without hours of practice. So too do we as disciples need daily reinforcement for the demanding task God has given us.
Bro. Rene
Dear God, only with your grace and help can I be an effective disciple. Direct, guide and strengthen me. Amen.
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