Truth of the Gospel

Today’s Gospel Text: "Behold, I send 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 up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you up, 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 up brother 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 he who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel, before the Son of man comes. Matt 10:16-23

Reflection: In a situation when there is a negative outlook to life any warrior or conqueror would advise his followers to take up weapons.

Let’s not be shocked, Jesus did not have a very high opinion of men. Yet, it doesn’t mean that he did not love them or care for them. He came for them, who were sinners. 

His was an action that was based on love, he came to save mankind from the eternal hell and he knew that men will still reject it and behave like wolves,  thinking that they are the righteous ones. 

How could he ever advise his followers to take up weapons?

Instead, even to this day, men do all that they can to suppress the truth of the gospel and prevent the spread of the gospel of truth for a cause which they think is greater than the truth of the gospel.

There are many in our times dedicated to the gospel and take vows to be faithful to the service of the gospel  and ultimately promote their own agenda and even interpret the gospel of truth to suit their agenda.

What is more they have even become instruments of persecution to those who oppose them in the light the gospel of Jesus Christ and promote those who are enemies of the gospel.

There are governments and institutions created whose sole agenda is human emancipation and development yet not knowing what they want to achieve or if they have a goal then it is purely for longevity or economic independence.

All these will look at the gospel of truth with suspicion and will use all their resources at hand to abuse their authority to suppress the freedom which humans should enjoy in their search for the eternal truths.

The many religion’s and the fanaticism adds to the confusion.

As for us Christians the message of Jesus is clear: " But he who endures to the end will be saved." (vs. 22)

Prayer: Lord our God, raise up men and women to labor in your vineyard and harvest men and women to be instruments of your gospel.

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