THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 10:32-39
“For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father…'” (Matthew 10:35)
Jesus came to displace the dominion of darkness with the kingdom of light.
He stands against hate, murder, rape, injustice, violence, deceit, crime, etc.
He stands with the poor, the weak, the oppressed, the abuse, the tortured, etc.
He comes to restore life, hope, peace, joy, health, goodness… the kingdom of God.
Is it any wonder then that when He comes, people take up the sword against Him.
This is a social, political, religious revolution, turning things right-side up.
Jesus demands that people take a stand – for or against these things.
And to refuse to take a stand is itself a stand, a position for evil.
If someone is being raped, there’s no difference between doing nothing and approving it.
Believing in Jesus is not just a ‘religious’ belief, disconnected from life.
It is eagerly affirming His role as Messiah, and His work against darkness.
To stand with Jesus against these things will turn people – even family – against us.
This is not nice, but standing silent or supportive to evil is worse.
We may gain ‘life’ for the short term, but we will lose it in the end.
Taking a stand for Jesus means way more than just a profession of faith.
It means taking a stand for God, for goodness, for God’s way over sin’s way.
This will not make us popular…
“Whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, forgive us for turning Your message and mission into a faith statement, instead of into the life commitment that it is. Help us to seek first Your kingdom and righteousness, and not just our own spot in ‘heaven’.
Jesus is first.
Nor my will but His be done.
In order to do that I must live the Joy principle – Jesus first, Others second, Yourself(myself) last.
This is taking a stand.
This is a life style.
This is a way of Life.
This is living for Jesus.
Each day anew I need to dress myself with His armour so that I can live the fruit of the Spirit.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus! ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss:
From vict’ry unto vict’ry, His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus! The trumpet call obey:
Forth to the mighty conflict, in this His glorious day;
Ye that are men now serve Him against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus! Stand in His strength alone,
The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own;
Put on the gospel armor, and watching unto prayer,
Where calls the voice of duty, be never wanting there.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus! the strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song;
To him that overcometh a crown of life shall be;
He with the King of glory shall reign eternally.