Faithful to Finish
In fulfilling the Great Commission, Jesus’ servants are expected to be faithful to their task until He returns for them or they join Him through death. Jesus Himself is the actual target of the hate and persecution suffered
by His followers as they serve Him in this world. And it is the Holy Spirit who gives the words to say and who does the actual speaking when Christians are opposed by the world’s authorities. We find these points in Matthew 10:16-23. First, believers are sent into the world by Jesus—“I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.” (v. 16) Wolves are false prophets, and have two goals: to persecute true prophets and destroy the church. It is not easy to serve the Lord in a world that hates Him. Persecution of believers has often been government policy. Why would Jesus send Christians into such a hostile and dangerous environment? There are many unbelievers in the world; persecution gives an opportunity to share the gospel. Second, believers are not the real focus of Satan’s work—“You will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake” (v. 18) … “and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake.” (v. 22) Jesus is the real object of the hatred directed at you as a Christian. He said in John 15:18, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” Jesus is also the real target of the persecution that you experience! As he was confronted, Paul said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:4-5) The world’s hostile response to your witness is actually aimed at Jesus. Third, believers are agents of the Holy Spirit’s activity—“What you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (vv. 19-20) The Holy Spirit will give you the words to say. The Holy Spirit will speak His words through you.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.