Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119:153-160
Wisdom for the Day: Job 42:10-17
Scripture Reading: Luke 10:1-7
The second point in our Lord's charge to the seventy disciples is the perilous nature of the work in which they were about to be engaged. He does not keep back from them the dangers and trials which are before them. He does not enlist them under false pretenses, or prophesy smooth things, or promise them unvarying success. He tells them plainly what they must expect. "Behold," He says, "I send you forth as lambs among wolves!"
These words, no doubt, had a special reference to the life-time of those to whom they were spoken. We see their fulfillment in the many persecutions described in the Acts of the Apostles. But we must not conceal from ourselves, that the words describe a state of things which may be seen at this very day. So long as the Church stands, believers must expect to be like "lambs among wolves." They must make up their minds to be hated, and persecuted, and ill treated by those who have no real religion. They must look for no favor from unconverted people for they will find none.It was a strong but a true saying of Martin Luther, that "Cain will murder Abel, if he can to the very end of the world!" "Do not be astonished," says John, "if the world hates you." "All who will live godly in Jesus Christ," says Paul, "shall suffer persecution" (1 John 3:13; 2 Timothy 3:12).
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, please help me to endure in persecution.
Action Plan: We do not intentionally make people hate us. It is a natural consequence to our faith. Do you feel like you are persecuted at times because of your faith? How does Christ want you to react to this persecution? What Bible verses will give you encouragement?
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
