Matthew
10 reminds me of away games. While in uniform, you represent the
school, town or nation. Everything you do and say reflects on the
team. In today’s chapter Jesus huddled the 12 disciples in the
locker room and give them final instructions before sending them out.
The roster was set and then He “gave
them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease
and sickness“. He sent them
to the Jews, “to the lost sheep
of Israel” because the
Gentiles were not looking for Messiah. He instructed the twelve to
proclaim “The kingdom of heaven
has come near“. This was a
rally cry for the Jewish nation. And He gave them an unorthodox game
plan to follow; “Heal… raise
the dead, cleanse… drive out demons. Freely you have received;
freely give“. Can you imagine
Judas’ reaction? He was the money man. Hold on, You are missing a
golden opportunity here, we can get rich. But Jesus added; don’t
take “any gold or silver… no
bag… or extra shirt or sandals or Staff“.
There is no doubt that these men believed Jesus would be King of the
Jews and they would rule with Him. Perhaps they thought this was a
test. Most were expecting five-star treatment; instead they had no
team bus and made no reservations. They stayed wherever they were
welcomed, “search there for
some worthy person and stay at their house… If the home is
deserving, let your peace rest on it“.
What of the others? “If
anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words,
leave that home“.
The worthy both invited AND listened.
They
were not visiting friendly groups of believers, but a closed society
hostile to anyone upsetting their positions of prominence. They
would be mocked and ridiculed. “I
am sending you out like sheep among wolves… Therefore be…
innocent
as doves“.
Away games mean you are playing against the crowd and maybe the
local referees, “Be
on your guard“.
Do not expect fairness, “you
will be… flogged in the synagogues“.
But you will have recognition, “you
will
be
brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the
Gentiles“.
People observe both words and actions. Everything you do will be
amplified, “when
they arrest you… you will be given what to say… the Spirit of
your Father speaking through you“.
Jealousy, lies and rumors will be spread to discredit their works.
Do not miss His warning, “You
will be hated by everyone because of Me“.
No one wants to be hated, but they are not given the option to take
off their uniform. Does your uniform match your lifestyle?
The
chapter closes with the reality that there are no home games on the
schedule. “What
I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in
your ear, proclaim from the roofs.
Do
not be afraid“.
You are not just a nameless player, God knows you intimately, and
“even
the very hairs of your head are all numbered“.
He is unambiguous, the goal is not to compromise with the enemy, “I
did not come to bring peace, but a sword“.
He made a way for us to have peace with God, but that does not mean
we will have peace with man. Hebrews 4:12 explains that “the
Word of God is… Sharper than any double-edged sword… dividing
soul and spirit… it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the
heart“.
This sword makes choices clear. He was speaking to Jews, many would
be considered dead by their parents after accepting Christ. “Anyone
who loves their father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me“.
Finally, “Anyone
who welcomes you welcomes Me“.
Friend, do you represent Christ?