Episode 183: Matthew 10

Today's meditation is on Matthew Chapter 10

Through the Great Commission, Jesus has given his followers the authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. I am a follower of Christ, so this includes me. Freely I have received the power of the kingdom, so I freely release it to others.

I do not hesitate to accept hospitability; because I work, I deserve to be fed. When I am accepted by others, I give them my blessing. If I am not accepted, I shake the dust from my feet as I leave. It is not worthwhile for me to take any feelings of ill-will or strife with me. So I leave it all behind and continue on my way. 

As a follower of Christ, I am sent out as a sheep among wolves. So I am as shrewd as a snake, but as harmless as a dove. When I am mistreated and questioned, I use it as an opportunity to tell unbelievers about Jesus. I don't worry about how to speak or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will give me at that very moment the words to speak. It won't be me speaking, but the Spirit of Father God speaking through me.

I know that in these last days, brothers will betray brothers, fathers will betray their own children, and children will rebel against their parents. I will be hated by some for my beliefs and my loyalty to God. But I know that if I endure to the end, I will experience life and deliverance. And these are all signs that Jesus is returning soon. 

I am not greater than my teacher, and I am not greater than my Lord. But I strive to be like my teachers as they imitate Christ, and being Christ-like is always my ultimate goal. If Jesus was mistreated here on earth -- and he lived a perfect, sinless life -- how much more should I expect to have trials. 

I am not afraid or intimidated by others, for God will bring everything out into the open and every secret will be told. The revelation truth that God speaks to me in the dark, I will repeat in broad daylight. And what I hear in a whisper, I will announce publicly. I will shout it from the rooftop for all to hear.

I am not afraid of those who can kill only the body; they cannot touch my soul. I fear and reverence God alone, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 

Sparrows are cheap and can be easily bought. But I know that not a single sparrow falls to the ground without my Father knowing it. And I am more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. So I don't worry. God cares deeply about even the smallest detail of my life.

I will openly and publicly acknowledge Jesus here on earth, and he will freely and openly acknowledge me before Father God in heaven. But whoever denies him on earth, he will deny before Father God in heaven.

Many expect life to be easy and peaceful when they follow Jesus. Instead, friends and family members are set against each other over their differing beliefs. Within my own family, I have found enemies.

I love my father and mother, and I love my son. But I love the Lord more than my earthly family. If I loved anything or anyone else more than Jesus, I would not be worthy of being his. 

So, I will follow in his steps, and take up his cross and experience it as my own. I do not cling to my life, but I give it up for true life. I let go of my life for Jesus' sake and surrender it all to him. And in so doing, I have found eternal and more abundant life in him. 

Anyone who receives me, receives Jesus, and anyone who receives Jesus, receives the Father who sent him. When I receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, I am given the same reward as a prophet. And when I receive righteous people because of their righteousness, I am given a reward like theirs. And when I show hospitality to other Christ-followers -- even a cup of cold water -- I will surely be rewarded.

Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.

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