Daily Devotion

In the previous blessing in Matthew 5:9, we see that God blesses us as peacemakers. In our devotion on that passage, we talked about how we bring peace to people through the sharing of the Gospel, or as Romans describes the Gospel, the righteousness of God. However, people don’t always receive the Gospel in faith and sometimes sharing the righteousness of God brings hardship or persecution.

We looked at Matthew 10:7-14 in the previous devotion, let’s look at Matthew 10:12-22 today:

As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.

16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world, but not everyone wants the light. Some ignore it and others react harshly. When that happens, we may feel like we failed or did something wrong.

What amazing comfort Jesus give us here to know that not only is it not unusual for people to respond this way to the Gospel, but we are not to be ashamed or feel like God has left us, for we shall inherit the Kingdom of God.

God calls us to share the Gospel, but we cannot determine how people will receive it. How people receive the Gospel is between them and God. Some will receive it in faith and we will be peacemakers, blessed to be called sons and daughters of God. Some will reject the Gospel and we may be persecuted, but are still blessed to inherit the Kingdom of God.

Let’s pray…

Heavenly Father,

You say that we are the light of the world. Help me to shine the light of Jesus brightly. When people respond with anger and persecute me, comfort me with Your promises that You are with me and that I will inherit the Kingdom of God and give me strength that I would endure to the end and receive Your salvation.

Amen.