For September 3, 2021 Live@5
Matthew 10:16–26 (NKJV)
16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. 18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
When persecuted, which will come in the life of a true disciple, the Lord promises to give you the words to say and the Spirit will guide you through the process to effect His will. Persecution for your walk with God is marked by opposition from the enemy of faith. But God will walk alongside the true disciples to guide him or her. So this first mark of a Christian under persecution is wisdom. God’s wisdom will carry you through the persuction you face.
21 “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
The second mark of a Christian under persecution is endurance. Those who truly love and serve God will endure to the end, and they will be saved. Additionally, this passage refers to the need to flee to another city. This speaks to the mark of escape. God will provide a way of escape for those who are persecuted.
24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! 26 Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.
A fourth mark of a Christian under persecution is courage. Jesus teaches of how a student is not above his teacher. If the master is persecuted, then the student will be persecuted. However, courage will carry you through the persecution that comes. God will reveal truth and His disciples will be carried through their persecution. Do not fret over the end result. Know that God will carry you through the persecution, and the end result will fulfill the will of God for you and His kingdom. Bear the marks and win the war!
Artwork from: https://www.verseoftheday.com/en/10222016/
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