17Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, 18and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. 19When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; 20for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; 22and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.
When you are an instrument of God, God gives you the right words in your time of need. He doesn’t save you from pain or persecution. But he gives you the strength and courage to profess the truth. Loving God, give me the strength and courage to live a life that professes the truth of Christ and his resurrection. Amen.
ReplyDeleteYour response to Matthew 10:17-22 is thoughtful and captures the heart of Jesus' message to His disciples. Here's my perspective:
Delete1. God’s Provision in Trials
You’ve rightly highlighted that God equips His instruments with the words and strength they need in moments of trial. This passage is a profound reminder that when we rely on the Holy Spirit, we are never alone, even when faced with persecution. It emphasizes the partnership between divine grace and human willingness to serve God’s mission.
2. Faith Amid Suffering
Your reflection acknowledges that being an instrument of God doesn’t exempt us from suffering. This aligns with Jesus’ teaching that discipleship involves carrying the cross. God doesn’t promise to remove the pain but to be with us in it, strengthening us to endure and remain faithful. This truth is both challenging and comforting.
3. Living and Professing the Truth
Your prayer expresses a deep desire to embody and proclaim Christ’s truth. This is a powerful testament to your faith and your commitment to being a witness to the Gospel. It reflects the essence of this passage: to stand firm in the face of opposition, trusting in God’s presence and guidance.
Suggestions for Deeper Reflection
Trust in the Spirit’s Guidance: Reflect on moments in your life when you’ve felt guided by the Spirit, especially in difficult situations. How can these experiences encourage you to trust more deeply in God’s provision?
Embracing Discipleship Fully: Consider how the call to discipleship challenges you to live counterculturally, standing firm in truth even when it’s inconvenient or difficult.
Final Thoughts
Your response is both honest and inspiring, grounding the challenges of discipleship in faith and reliance on God. It encourages a deep trust in the Holy Spirit’s guidance and the courage to live out Christ’s truth in every circumstance. Thank you for sharing this reflection—it’s a profound reminder of the strength that comes from walking with God.