Post by Woody Williams on Jun 22, 2008 6:23:19 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Matthew 10:24-39
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‘A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master;
it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave
like the master. If they have called the master of the house
Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!
‘So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be
uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say
to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered,
proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but
cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and
body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of
them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. And even the
hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of
more value than many sparrows.
‘Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will
acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before
others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.
‘Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have
not come to bring peace, but a sword.
For I have come to set a man against his father,
and a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household.
Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and
whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and
whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life
for my sake will find it.’
Devotional
----------
Most of us, I imagine would like life to be a sentimental journey,
filled with nostalgia and tender memories. Yet, that is not what
Jesus describes in this scripture. Even when you try to live with
love and caring for others as Jesus did, there will be harsh
responses. Not everyone you love may support your Christian life.
When you live out of a Christian stance, you will find even generally
nice people may not accept you. The presence of Truth has a way of
dividing by forcing a choice.
Prayer
-----------
Lord, help me to be willing to live out my commitment to your truth
and love. Amen
----------
‘A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master;
it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave
like the master. If they have called the master of the house
Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!
‘So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be
uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say
to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered,
proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but
cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and
body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of
them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. And even the
hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of
more value than many sparrows.
‘Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will
acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before
others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.
‘Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have
not come to bring peace, but a sword.
For I have come to set a man against his father,
and a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household.
Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and
whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and
whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life
for my sake will find it.’
Devotional
----------
Most of us, I imagine would like life to be a sentimental journey,
filled with nostalgia and tender memories. Yet, that is not what
Jesus describes in this scripture. Even when you try to live with
love and caring for others as Jesus did, there will be harsh
responses. Not everyone you love may support your Christian life.
When you live out of a Christian stance, you will find even generally
nice people may not accept you. The presence of Truth has a way of
dividing by forcing a choice.
Prayer
-----------
Lord, help me to be willing to live out my commitment to your truth
and love. Amen