10/27/10- Matthew 10:17-21 Unsurprise at Persecution

17 Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. 19 When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death;


(Iraqi Church damaged by bomb blast)

Thoughts: Jesus said these words in Matthew 10 when the twelve were sent out to spread the good news.  The verse right beforehand says that he is sending them out as sheep among wolves.  We should not expect that we will be honored by others; rather we should expect opposition.  It is ironic that Christians who generally are non-violent are the target for many.  One doesn't have to look hard on the internet to see many Christians getting bashed.  Follow almost any news story and people will be against Christians just because they are Christians and have standards about sexual purity or right and wrong.  About one Christian is assaulted for their faith every three minutes.
For more information see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oySB4uw4n18&feature=related.

Prayer: Lord, be with your children who are persecuted today.  Help me to stand firm to the end for you, unwavering in my love and devotion to you.