DAY 32 – OCT 17
Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.
Matthew 10:16-18
Jesus does not sugar coat this assignment. The analogies are vivid (sheep/wolves, serpents/doves). This all is difficult to fathom until we get to the purpose of this suffering (to bear witness). If we suffer for Christ’s sake, we can be sure that there will be a purpose (Romans 8:17). Countless times we hear stories of martyrs from centuries past and from recent history whose sacrifices led to movements of the Holy Spirit in hostile places. An early church leader said “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” This is as true now as it was in the 2nd century.
We Pray: Mighty God, we come before You praising Your name. There are places in Your Word we would like to ignore or minimize. However, all scripture is useful (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and we are grateful for its instruction. Help us to be wise and gentle as we live in this world as your witnesses. Help us to bold in our faith in Jesus’ name. Amen.