Followers of Jesus – June 25, 2023

[Jesus said] “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”
Matthew 10:21-23

Followers of Jesus

These words of Jesus do not sound like a very good recruitment speech inviting people to follow him. But Jesus does not want his followers to be under any delusions. The truth is that being a Christian in the real world is difficult. When we walk with Jesus, there will be people who will avoid us, or challenge us, or scoff at us, or even oppose us. As hard as it is to stand up for our faith, Jesus encourages us to stand firm—to keep our focus on him and all he has done to rescue us from the curse of sin and the power of eternal death.

It is not always easy to be a follower of Jesus, but we are constantly supported by our Savior’s sure promise that when our lives are over, he will take us to be with him in heaven, where our life will be free of all opposition and challenges to our faith. Now by faith in Jesus, we can confidently look forward to the heavenly home where we will join all those who “have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. . . . And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:14,17).

Prayer:
Jesus, you said, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). Lead me by your saving word on my way through life, uplifting me with your promise of waiting glory. Amen.