email : Webview : Duane Brooks - Every Day with Jesus

April 18, 2018

Matthew 10:24-25

“The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!"

New International Version (NIV)

                 Our God is the “sending” God. The Father sent the Son who sent the Holy Spirit. While on earth, Jesus sent his disciples out to proclaim the kingdom of heaven. His words to prepare them anticipate the trouble they will face. He tells them they will be beaten, interrogated, betrayed and hated. But they will persevere and be saved.

                Is it just me or does this sound very different from our instructions to new believers and workers in our churches today? I am grateful that in the United States we experience freedom to believe and follow Jesus without fear of persecution. We have no guarantee that it will always be that way. If we do what Jesus sent us to do we will likely face opposition.

                As far as I know, I was the only Baptist in my high school in Montana. Brad Delk was a member of the Assemblies of God. He lived his faith publicly and powerfully. Sometimes he was beat up for being a follower of Jesus. He showed me how to love those who are unkind.

                To be clear, Jesus’ suffering does not exempt us from suffering. Almost all of the apostles met opposition and were killed for their faith. So what is the goal? We see it in Jesus’ words: “to become like” our teacher and master. Jesus is not codependent. He does not plead with people to like him. But he does want us to become like him. The more we become like Jesus, the more we may be treated like Jesus.

Pray with me:

Father, today help us to move forward in the work of becoming like Jesus. We have a long way to go. Thank you for your relentless vigilance in changing us by transforming our minds. We make up our minds to become like Jesus today. Thank you for sending us into your world. Make us faithful like our Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
Joyfully,
Duane

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