Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living from The Global Church of the Nazarene of Lenexa, Kansas, United States for Wednesday, 27 May 2015 - "Living on the Edge" Scripture: Matthew 10:5 These twelve Yeshua sent out with the following instructions: “Don’t go into the territory of the Goyim, and don’t enter any town in Shomron, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Isra’el. 7 As you go, proclaim, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is near,’ 8 heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those afflicted with tzara’at, expel demons. You have received without paying, so give without asking payment. 9 Don’t take money in your belts, no gold, no silver, no copper; 10 and for the trip don’t take a pack, an extra shirt, shoes or a walking stick — a worker should be given what he needs.
11 “When you come to a town or village, look for someone trustworthy and stay with him until you leave. 12 When you enter someone’s household, say, ‘Shalom aleikhem!’ 13 If the home deserves it, let your shalom rest on it; if not, let your shalom return to you. 14 But if the people of a house or town will not welcome you or listen to you, leave it and shake its dust from your feet! 15 Yes, I tell you, it will be more tolerable on the Day of Judgment for the people of S’dom and ‘Amora than for that town!
16 “Pay attention! I am sending you out like sheep among wolves, so be as prudent as snakes and as harmless as doves. 17 Be on guard, for there will be people who will hand you over to the local Sanhedrins and flog you in their synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as a testimony to them and to the Goyim. 19 But when they bring you to trial, do not worry about what to say or how to say it; when the time comes, you will be given what you should say. 20 For it will not be just you speaking, but the Spirit of your heavenly Father speaking through you.
"Living on the Edge" by Author: Kimberly Davidson
Jesus promised His followers the world would hate and persecute them. Yet they still signed up for the mission trip–a crucial, strategic, and demanding kingdom mission to spread the Good News. They were warned about repeated arrest, against being brought before government officials, kings, and courts. Jesus told them to not be upset. It was a blessing. Without knowing it, they would have a platform for preaching the kingdom news!
Being a missionary for Christ is costly. Jesus doesn’t offer His followers an easy ride. Faithful believers all over the world know the harsh reality of Jesus’ words. They encounter torturous beatings, death threats, and imprisonment on a daily basis. But despite great hostility, they press onward to proclaim the Good News of Christ to unsaved souls.
Do you have the courage, the faith, the fire? Are you ready for God to shake you up and possibly lose some friends? Consider it an honor to share in the opposition and mockery. We can be confident because Jesus gives us the power to persevere.
Hymn for Today: "Living for Jesus a life that is true" by Thomas O. Chisholm (1917)
1. Living for Jesus a life that is true,
striving to please him in all that I do,
yielding allegiance glad hearted and free
this is the pathway of blessing for me.
2. Living for Jesus, who died in my place,
bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace:
such love constrains me to answer his call,
follow his leading, and give him my all.
3. Living for Jesus wherever I am,
doing each duty in his holy name,
seeking the lost ones he died to redeem,
bringing the weary to find rest in him.
Refrain (may be sung after stanza 3 only):
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to you,
for you in your atonement
did give yourself for me.
I own no other master
my heart shall be your throne:
my life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for you alone.
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