Thursday, December 13, 2012

The Story of My Life as told by Jesus Christ

(Seed Sowers Christian Book Publishing House. http://www.seedsowers.com/)

Thursday, December 13, 2012     I Sent Out the Twelve       

Page 120-122         Matthew 10:1a, 5-11:1; Mark 6:6b-13; Luke 9:1-6

The disciples are given the title apostle as Jesus sent them out on their missionary journey. The word apostle means the ‘one who is sent.’ All of the followers of Christ are apostles, in that we all have been commissioned by Christ to “go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Jesus puts much emphasis on the apostles proclaiming the Good News of God’s Kingdom to those who want to hear. They are not trying to manipulate or intimidate their listeners. They are to trust in the Holy Spirit to prepare the hearts of those they will encounter.

Portions of today’s reading seem to suggest there is only one opportunity to receive the Good News and that there is harsh judgment of those communities and people who do not welcome the apostles and their message. However, to reach that conclusion you have to discard just about everything you have learned from Jesus thus far. I hear Jesus using a bit of hyperbole in making two points. First, when we are engaged in sharing the Good News, we are engaged in something that is vitally important. Second, to reject the faithful witness of the Good News is a dire loss, a most regrettable missing of the treasure of living in the Kingdom of God.

We have already learned that the values of the Kingdom of God are altogether different than the ways of the world. In the conclusion of Jesus’ discourse, he makes it abundantly clear that those who follow the ways of the Kingdom of God will face serious persecution. Jesus said his followers would be singled out, harassed, ostracized and cut off from their families and society. This prophecy was fulfilled in the first century and is still being fulfilled throughout the world in the twenty-first century.

In this present age, it is becoming increasingly difficult to engage in public discourse. At one time, American college campuses were safe places for ideas and free speech. No more. Today, on university campuses if someone is offended, someone else must be guilty of harassment. Today, college administrators establish the parameters of discourse for faculty and students. Tomorrow, government administrations will determine appropriate doctrine for churches.

Revelation 19 teaches us that the Christian witness for God in times of persecution is the most powerful witness for God in the world. The faithfulness of God’s people in standing firm on the Word of God is crucial to the defeat of the forces of evil. The followers of Christ have been commissioned to speak God’s Word and God’s truth into this present darkness. We are called to remain diligent in our responsibility to honor God as we wait for Christ to come in final victory.

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

What word or phrase in today’s reading attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

These meditations are available by email. Contact me at Amkrom812@gmail.com to be added to the email list.

This BLOG is also available on Amazon Kindle, by subscription

The Story of My Life as told by Jesus Christ

(Seed Sowers Christian Book Publishing House. http://www.seedsowers.com/)

Friday, December 14, 2012          The Death of John the Baptist     

Page 125-126         Matthew 14:1-13a; Mark 6:14-29; Luke 9:7-9