What I tell you in the dark, say in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. – Matthew 10:27
Some people enjoy being scared; it triggers a certain kind of excitement in their brains. However, the giant inflatable ghost currently in your neighbor’s yard is unlikely to generate actual fear. Genuine fear is a chemical reaction to facing danger, such as driving too close to the edge of the cliff or having a shadowy figure running at you in a dark alley.
When Jesus sent His disciples out to preach, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 10:7). When He gave them power to speak and work in His name, He told them plainly they were going out as sheep in the midst of wolves. They would face fear. The religious elite of their day did not accept Jesus as God’s Son, and they sought to stop anyone who did.
Today, powerful forces stand against expressions of godly faith in America. While fear is a reasonable response, Jesus prepared His followers for the challenges of sharing His message, blessing them with the antidote to fear – God’s love. “Even the hairs of your head are all numbered… everyone who acknowledges me before men, I will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:30-32).
Social rage and political violence have escalated in the U.S. as time passes, but be assured that Christ’s promise to His disciples still applies! He sends the Father’s loving power to you through His Spirit so you can faithfully testify of His love. Pray for God’s people working in the public sector to join you in being bold, sharing His message in the power of His love.
Today’s Verse: Matthew 10:27
What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 2 Timothy 1:8-12
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
