Before the Son of Man comes

Before the Son of Man comes

Scripture:

“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Israel

Observation:

In this passage, we see the Lord warning His disciples how their own brothers, fathers, and children would turn against them because of their faith in Him. This happened to the disciples then as Jews, but in many cultures throughout the world today, this happens frequently to Christians who have non-Christians for family members. Some have been thrown out of their houses and disowned, beaten up, and even killed, just as the Lord warned His disciples. In time to come, when the AntI-Christ rules on the earth during the three and a half years of tribulation, this will become even more severe still on a worldwide scale.

The Lord tells His disciples these things so that they will not be surprised. Foreknowledge plays a great deal in helping a person face trials when they occur. That is why the pre-tribulation post-tribulation divide is in fact a very important issue for Christians. If Christians expect the tribulation and are prepared, they have a far better chance of standing firm. However, if Christians do not or refuse to consider their presence in the tribulation because of their hope of being raptured before all the trouble started, the shock of disappointment would put them in a very poor position to stand firm.

In any case, when persecution did happen, the disciples were instructed to flee to other places and so on. It was in this manner that persecution actually helped spread the gospel in the past, as the disciples of Jesus fled to different towns and preached the gospel as they went. 

The last part of the passage has led to some confusion. Jesus told them “you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” Was this referring to Jesus’ second coming? If so, it could not be that the disciples of Jesus have not gone through all the towns of Israel when they have already successfully evangelized to the majority of the whole world. However, thinking on it from another perspective, would disciples of Jesus seeking to save the lost only come to a town one time and then never return again or would another disciple of Jesus refuse to go to a town that had been visited by another disciple before? The principle is, as long as there are many lost sheep in the town, disciples of Jesus will keep going there again and again, and that is what the Lord would want. Thus, from a prophetic perspective, it would mean that disciples of Jesus would keep preaching at those towns in Israel until the Lord returns again. In other words, Israel as a whole would still not receive Jesus as their Messiah until they actually saw Him arriving on the clouds in power and glory.

Application:

We need to remind ourselves that our Lord is first of all, and keeping our faith in Him could cost us even our dearest things, even our relationships with our beloved family members, even life itself. Still, it is those who have sacrificed the most for the Lord that have in fact the closest of relationships with Him. The Lord does not shortchange anyone. He is no man’s debtor. In regard to persecution, we need to be prepared, just as the Lord has warned us. If we are persecuted, there is no shame in flight. In fact, it is part of the Lord’s will. When Jesus Christ comes again, it will be His enemies who will take flight in absolute terror. 

In regard to evangelism, just as the Lord expects the Church to keep preaching to Israel until He returns, we too are expected to keep seeking out the lost until He returns. Ask the Lord to give us the heart and opportunities to lead others to Him.

Prayer:

We praise You O Lord that You hold the entire future in Your hands. Even in the midst of trouble and persecution, we know O Lord, You are in control, and You will lift up and save those who belong to You in due time. Should I be called to face such persecution, I pray to You O Lord for strength and courage. Let Your Spirit never leave me, but continue to guide and counsel me, even in the darkest of times. I entrust my life to You O Lord, and even that of my family. I place my complete trust in You.

Teach me to lead others to You I pray. Give me a heart for the lost, and the opportunities to help them. All opportunities come from You, O Lord, Forgive my apathy, give me a new heart to love others. May Your name be praised forever. In Jesus name, Amen.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

You will be given what to say

You will be given what to say

Scripture:

Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:17-20

Observation:

Continuing His instruction to the disciples, Lord Jesus then warns them to be on guard for they will be handed over to local councils and beaten up in the synagogues. Because of their allegiance to Jesus, they will be brought before governors and kings and the Gentiles, referring to authorities such as the Romans who were not Jews. In expecting these things, Jesus warns them not to worry about what they are to say but to depend on the Holy Spirit to give them the courage to say the right words. The Holy Spirit here is referred to as the Spirit of your Father, and in other places, the Spirit of Jesus. As the Son only does what the Father is doing, and the Spirit only tells what He hears, it is the same Spirit who hears from the Father, or is sent by the Son. He is the Spirit of wisdom that continues to teach us what to say today even, for those who will look to Him for help. He is our Helper, our Counselor, our Teacher our Comforter and so much more. What numerous roles He plays in our lives.

Roman empire

In any case, as Christians, we need to be ready and not surprised if persecution happens to us. That is part of “standing on guard” as Jesus instructed. And no matter what happens, we need to remember that we are not alone for we have a God who will never leave us nor forsake us. His Spirit He will send to us to give us what to say at that time.

Application:

Meditate on the Holy Spirit, and His role of counseling, teaching and encouraging all who believe in Jesus. His activity in giving us what to say, is not only for times of persecution, but also extends to our daily lives and conversations with others. Our part is to have faith in believing that this is true, and so it will become real to us.

Regarding persecution, spend some solemn moments in reflection, to consider whether we would be ready to face such difficulties. Pray to God for courage and wisdom should we be appointed to face such trials. Be at peace in our hearts that the Lord will send His Spirit to help us even in such times.

Prayer:

Praise You, Father in Heaven, for giving us Your Holy Spirit, freely and generously to us, to help us, to counsel us, to guide us in our everyday lives. Give us the faith and the inclining ear to hear what the Spirit may say to us, and even to let Him speak through us at opportune times.

We pray too, O Lord, for wisdom and courage, even as we look to the future. Should we be appointed for persecution, Lord, we pray for Your presence to be with us through every trial. Let You Spirit dwell deeply in our hearts, giving us peace and strength. Praise You, Heavenly Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Sheeps and wolves, snakes and doves

Sheeps and wolves, snakes and doves

Scripture:

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16

Observation:

In this passage, the Lord likens His disciples to sheep being sent out among wolves. He then further asks them to be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. The imagery of sheep gives us the picture of innocent, helpless animals, dependent on their shepherd for provision and protection. On their own, they will quickly perish. Our attitude needs to be like sheep, depending on our Lord Jesus as our Great Shepherd. We need Him to guide us, to provide for us, to protect us.

Wolves on the other hand are pictured as predators. They are independent, cunning and vicious, showing no mercy to their victims. They can pretend to be friendly or meek, but all of a sudden devour you, as the proverbial Gingerbread man found out in the popular fairy tale of old.  The image of sheep among wolves is a frightening one, but Jesus wants His disciples to be aware that there are evil men lying in wait to attack and devour His precious ones.

Then comes the interesting reference to snakes and doves. How can one be like a snake and a dove at the same time? How interesting! Firstly, we are told to be as shrewd or as wise as snakes. Snakes, although deadly and a bane to men, have a reputation of being intelligent and cunning, back to the days of the Garden of Eden, when the snake deceived Eve.

The Lord does not want to us to go about His service blindly and thoughtlessly, but we are to be wise and discerning. If we are not wise, we are to ask God for wisdom, who gives generously to all without finding fault, as stated in James 1.

As for doves, we are called to be as harmless or as innocent as doves. The wisdom that we have is not a violent, ruthless wisdom. We carry love and peace with us, qualities reminiscent of the dove, which also represents the Holy Spirit.                                

Application:

In thinking of sheep, remember that we need to depend on our Lord Jesus totally as our Shepherd for our daily provision, protection and guidance. In thinking of wolves, we need to be aware that there are evil people in the world, so we need to be on guard and not blindly trust others without thinking or discerning. In thinking of snakes, we are to remember to ask God for wisdom and discernment so that we can become wise and serve God with godly wisdom and discerning. In thinking of doves, remember the Holy Spirit, and the love, peace and gentleness He represents. Ask Him to change our heart to show those qualities more and more in our lives.

Prayer:

Bless thee Father in Heaven. We are like sheep, helpless and harassed on our own. We need thee, Lord Jesus as our Shepherd to lead us in life, to guide us, to protect us, to provide for us. In You only will we trust. Grant us more and more wisdom each day, Heavenly Father, to be wise and discerning in our daily lives, and especially in Your service. Even in this wisdom O Lord, teach us to be peaceful and gentle and loving, turning others to You with choice words and kind hearts. May Your name be praised forever. In Jesus name, Amen.

Going forth in faith

Going forth in faith

Scripture:

“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Sodom than for that town. Matthew 10:9-15

Observation:

The Lord continues to give instructions to His disciples for their missionary excursion. They are told to take nothing with them, no money, not even an extra shirt or sandals or staff. Imagine the level of faith required of the disciples. Would such an approach to missions be applicable in this day and age? In fact, some mission schools have actually included this practical experience as part of their curriculum and the students have come back with quite extraordinary stories of how the Lord opened doors for them and provided for them. In China, some new Christians came to a seasoned Christian leader and said they wanted to go out to be evangelists. He was amazed and pointed out that they had no resources, no back-up, no training, but they replied simply “but we have feet”. This method of evangelism is applicable today as it was 2000 years ago if we only have the faith. God has promised in His Word that He will never leave us nor forsake us, and that He will never let us be put to shame.

As the reason for not taking anything on their missionary journey, the Lord said “the worker is worth his keep” indicating that those ministered to should provide for the minister. This principle also applies to every church who must provide amply for the pastors who serve them and their children, for the worker is worth his keep.

In every town or village they entered, the disciples were to search for some worthy person and stay there. Now on being sent out, the disciples could have been worried that no one would receive them. However, the Lord confidently assured them that there would be people who would welcome them and let them stay in their houses. The lesson here is that the Lord has people everywhere, in every city, and if we set out to do the Lord’s work, He will lead us to like-minded people. When I first ventured forth the idea of having a Christian fellowship in my previous company, I wondered if I would get any support. To my surprise, my call spread, and a fair number turned up for the first meeting. I think the lesson is the same in the workplace. There are like-minded brothers and sisters nearby, whether in our workplace or a neighboring workplace.

Unfortunately for those who will not welcome the servants of God, there is judgment for them. This is a lesson for us to have a hospitable spirit, and do what we can to facilitate and help servants of God who may come by and need our help.

Application:

Just as God provided for the disciples who went forth without anything, He is able to provide for us today when we go forth to do His service. If He calls us, just go forth in faith, and He will provide the assistance. In regard to ministers and pastors or even special ministries that serve us, we are to help provide for them as the workers are worth their keep. When we are called by God to set out on a particular project or ministry, let us go forth in faith, trusting God to provide His people to help us along the way. The Lord has people in the least likely places. Develop a hospitable spirit, especially for the servants of God, seeking to provide for them where they are in need.

Prayer:

We praise You, Father in Heaven, for You are our great Provider. You give us all we need and You have promised that You will never let us be put to shame. Increase our faith we pray O Lord, even as we seek to follow You and serve You in new and diverse areas. Give us the faith and the strength we need even as we set out to do Your will. We thank You for the people You have prepared to help us along our journey. Bless them and strengthen we pray O Lord, and let our meetings be timely according to Your will. Create in us a hospitable and generous heart O Lord, especially to Your servants. May Your name be praised O Lord. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Freely you have received, freely give

Freely you have received, freely give

Scripture:

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Israel As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

Observation: Matthew 10:5-8

Observation:

The twelve have been appointed, and now the Lord sends them out with specific instructions. Firstly, they are to go only to the lost sheep of Israel. There would be a time later during the missionary journeys of Paul when the gospel would be brought specially to the Gentiles. However, just as Israel was called out first to be God’s light to the Gentiles, now they too are privileged to receive the good news of salvation first, before the Gentiles.

As the disciples went, they were to proclaim the message “the kingdom of heaven has come near”. What is the significance of this message? In other parts of Scripture, Jesus preaches “repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near”. In today’s terms, it would be like telling people on the street, “repent, judgment day is coming soon”. It was like a wake up call for the Jews to stop doing evil things, but focus on being right with God. The message today for us is the same. We might be indulging in sinful activities, or pursuing basically a selfish life without thought for God. The call is for us, stop, get back to God, get right with the Lord, seek Him and seek to follow His ways. His coming is near.

Then, Jesus gave the disciples four specific tasks as they proclaimed the message – healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing those with leprosy and driving out demons. Today, with medical advance, leprosy is no longer an incurable disease. However, in those day, leprosy was the most terrible of diseases. Lepers would lose their nerves and become terribly disfigured, and because leprosy was contagious, they were forced to live as outcasts away from the community and shout “unclean, unclean” wherever they went. To receive healing from leprosy was such a great and wonderful thing, it would have been almost as high profile as the raising of the dead. That was probably why Jesus classified the cleansing of leprosy separately from healing of the sick. In today’s church, especially in Pentecostal congregations, the ministries of healing of the sick and driving out of demons are powerful and active. However, instances of raising of the dead, are much less frequent, although cases are heard of this happening in different countries, especially the less developed nations. In one case in Africa, a pastor prayed for 3 days over a corpse before the lady came back to life. For those with great faith, anything is possible, and the raising of the dead is something we have been given authority to do in Jesus name.

The Lord then says “Freely you have received, freely give”. Just as the power to heal the sick, cast out demons and raise the dead have been freely given to the disciples, they are to administer this power freely, without condition or expectation of reward. Ministry is to be given freely, and the practice is the same today where ministers of God freely pray for the sick and cast out demons. The term “freely” also implies that ministry is to be given generously to all, regardless of race, religion, gender, status or occupation.

Application:

Meditate on the words “the kingdom of Heaven is near”. What is the implication for me personally? Resolve to set your heart right with the Lord today, seeking to turn away from evil and know and serve Jesus as His humble servant and disciple. Praise the Lord that He has given us authority to heal the sick, cast out demons and raise the dead. Pray for wisdom and faith on when to use this authority at the right time according to God’s will. Remember that whatever ministry in which we serve the Lord, we are to serve freely, just as we have freely received. Ask the Lord to help us give freely and generously in His service.

Prayer:

We praise You, O Lord, Father in Heaven, for You hold all time in Your hands. Even now, You move history along, as the time of Jesus’ second coming draws near. I entrust my heart to You this day, O Lord. Forgive my sins, set my heart to do what is right and true in Your eyes. I thank You, Lord, for the authority You have given me to heal the sick, to cast out demons and to raise the dead. Grant me Your wisdom and timing to know the right time and place to exercise this authority when I am called upon. Let my heart be free before You, that I might trust completely in You and give freely in Your service. May Your name be praised O Lord. In Jesus name, Amen

He gave them authority

He gave them authority

Scripture:

Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Matthew 10:1-4

Observation:

At this stage, Matthew now gives us the Lord’s appointment of the 12 key disciples, whom He gives authority to drive out impure spirits and heal every disease and sickness. This authority Jesus also gives to us who are His disciples today, to drive out demons and heal in His name. As mentioned in the previous chapter, much of the success of this application is in the degree of faith that a Christian has.

Looking at the twelve Apostles, we see that there are two sets of brothers – Simon Peter and Andrew, and James and John, the sons of Zebedee. So we see here the Lord’s desire that families serve Him together. Other than that, we see that His disciples come from various unusual backgrounds. There was Simon the Zealot who was a nationalist which could quite possibly be termed a terrorist in today’s terms. Then there was Matthew himself the tax collector. And then there were the brothers who were fishermen. Personality wise, the disciples were also quite diverse. Peter was impulsive. Thomas was pessimistic. James and John lost their temper easily, giving rise to their name as the sons of thunder. Judas of course, loved money and ultimately betrayed Jesus.

On the whole thus, we see that Jesus can use anyone, regardless of occupation or background, regardless of personality. He even gave Judas a chance, despite his many faults.

Application:

Remember that we have the authority given by Jesus to drive out demons and heal the sick. Ask Him for wisdom and faith to use this authority effectively and wisely according to God’s will. Thank God that He is able to use every one of us, regardless of our background, education, occupation or personality. Come before God simply as ourselves, ready to serve Him in whichever way He may call us.

Prayer:

Praise thee, Lord Jesus, for the divine authority that You have given us, giving us power over demons, and over sickness. Increase our faith and wisdom O Lord, that we may use this authority at opportune times, according to Your will. We praise You, Lord, that You chose Your disciples from diverse backgrounds and occupations and personalities. In spite of ourselves and our weaknesses You are able to bring out something precious. Draw us to Yourself, we pray, and change our hearts to be more and more inclined to You. Call us Lord, lead us to the destiny You have prepared for us. In Jesus name, Amen.

They were harassed and helpless

They were harassed and helpless

Scripture:

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:35-38

Observation:

In this passage, we see the life of Jesus as an itinerant preacher, going through all the towns and villages, visiting the synagogues, preaching, teaching and healing. We should note that the Lord went to both the towns and villages. His mission was to reach everyone whether young or old, city dwellers or village folk. Today, it is the same. God is concerned with saving people everywhere, in the cities, in the villages, even in the jungles.

Now wherever Jesus went, the crowds of people had one thing in common. They were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus had compassion on them and told his disciples, the harvest is plentiful. There is an important lesson for us here. When people are harassed and helpless, therein lies great opportunity for them to be saved, and this is consistent with the Beatitudes where Jesus taught “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven” and “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”. Where is the harvest? Just look where people are harassed and helpless, be it in the cities or the villages. Contrast this to the rick folk who think they have everything they need and do not need anything. That’s why Jesus mentioned how hard it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.

The second thing Jesus then said was that the workers are few. The workers particularly referred to here are the harvesters, those who bring in the crop. There are many workers who perhaps plant seeds and water the plants, but somehow the harvesters are hard to come by. It is not hard to show some kindness to colleagues and be a good testimony, but to actually engage a friend and challenge them to accept Christ as Lord and Savior is something few are willing or able to do well.

Seeing that the workers are few, are we to conscript workers from the church, and force or coerce our members to fulfill the great commission by hook or by crook. Without the right heart, or if a person is not ready, it is not easy to be a harvester. What did Jesus say then? Ask God to send out workers into his harvest field.

When we pray, Lord, send out workers, what happens? We, in fact, acknowledge that the role of the harvester is a calling from God. It must begin with God. As we pray, would the Lord call us too to be a harvester? Quite certainly, He might, when the time is right for us. Would we be reluctant like Moses, and ask God to send someone else? Would we be overcome by our fears of rejection and ridicule? The Lord reassures us that He will give us the words to speak, like He did for Moses.

Application:

Remember that God loves everyone, rural folk or city folk, young or old, male or female. Remember that the harvest is especially plentiful when people are most in need. Look out for opportunities like that when we can show people how our God helps us. Pray for the Lord to send workers into His field. By recognizing that God is the originator of the calling, we wait for His guidance to see if He will call us in that particular area. At the same time, our prayer strengthens and confirms the calling of those the Lord calls.

Prayer

I praise You, Heavenly Father, for Your great love for all of us, young or old, male or female, rural or city folk. You love us all like Your children and it is Your will that none should perish but should come to salvation in Jesus Christ. Give me a new heart I pray, that looks to offer those in need a helping hand. Help us recognize opportunities where we may bring Your salvation to those who yearn for it. Send forth workers into Your field, Heavenly Father. Prepare even me, I pray, O Lord, if it is Your will to call me. Speak through me, work through me. Let me be Your vessel. In Jesus name, Amen