Dangers ahead, finish well!

Rev Enoch Thompson | March 27, 2023 | Matthew 10:16-23

KEY VERSE:

All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matt 10:22 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

One would very much wonder if at the military training school, the recruits are told that they would have a life of ease in their professional duties. Certainly, that would be a great deception. Indeed, the life of the recruit in training is made as uncomfortable as possible. The food is rationed, sleep is interrupted for drills etc. However, the recruit is prepared to face danger and to win battles. The Lord Jesus in Matthew 10:16-42 informs the Apostles of the dangers that their life of commitment to Him and ministry in His Name would mean. He shows them how they were to respond to the difficulties they would face and points out to them that holding on to the end is necessary for meriting a reward: “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:22 (NIV).

It is evident that the immediate Apostles of the Lord did not experience much of what is indicated in the portion referred to above during the time Christ was here. It was intended to toughen them, for after the resurrection and ascension of the Lord, these factors became more and more their experience. We who entered the Kingdom in the years thereafter have heard of or seen much opposition and attacks upon individuals and churches in various places and in different intensities. It is alarming that in our generation, and in “advanced” countries that stand for freedom of thought and association Christians are being arrested, charged, and imprisoned, for example, for preaching about sin, and against what the Bible calls sinful behaviour.

The songwriter expresses these thoughts in the lines, “It’s not an easy road, on our way to Heaven, so many are the thorns on the way, . . . oh no it’s not an easy road.”

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

What are the experiences of your journey so far following the Master? Do not be surprised that discomfort comes your way. The Lord walks with you to grant you safe passage. Make up your mind that you will finish, and please, do finish well.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I follow you with all my heart and all that I have. I have tasted and can affirm that following you is the best choice I could have made. Please help me to bear whatever pain is associated with my following you. Lord, I want to finish well. Thank you for the grace to finish well. For your precious Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!