Sun 18 Aug

The beginning of Matthew 10 has Jesus calling 12 followers who would be sent out with His full authority. They were a group who would be totally dependent on Him. However, little did they realise what they would face as they went out following His instructions. He warned them that as they went out persecution and suffering would be par for the course of a Jesus follower.

Little has changed for Christians as we gaze around the world. We could name countries where the persecution of God’s people is rife. Church leaders face death on a daily basis as they go about their work for the Lord.

Jesus warned the twelve as they went out that they would face persecution. We would like to think that in being a Christian we would not face persecution and suffering. But that is not what the Scriptures state. Paul told Timothy that even if you live a godly life you will face suffering. Peter told Christians who were fleeing persecution, that just as their Lord, Jesus faced suffering so would they.

There are no special privileges for the Christian in this world. If Christ suffered then so will His followers. It would not be the sort of message that would attract followers, or so you would think. Yet God is still calling people to follow Him, and people are still heeding the call to leave all and the ways of the world to follow Jesus.

Does God care about those whom He sends out? He does! He cares for a sparrow and the hairs on your head and cares for you!