ATTENTION ALL MY WONDERFUL READERS AND FRIENDS

We have now finished the very informative Chapter 10 in the Gospel of Matthew, where we saw Jesus calling His twelve disciples and giving them instructions on going out into the world around them and sharing the good news of the kingdom of God that was so vital to their effort.

But He not only gave them a message to deliver, but He gave them power they never had before.  By His authority there were given the power to drive out demons and heal those who were sick.  There were many others who came claiming to be the Messiah, but none of them were able to both cleanse the body and cleanse the soul.

Yet, they were not to force their message on anyone.  Let those who listened exercise their own will of whether they received it or not.  But if they rejected the message of salvation, then move on to find those who were looking for a savior.  It would not be easy, they would meet opposition, but were charged never to give up on God because He would never give up on them.

Furthermore, their calling to go out announcing the good news that the Savior had come to redeem them from the bondage of sin and set them free to live for God out of love instead of out of fear would force them to make decisions.  Like soldiers sent out into battle, were they willing to put their allegiance to Christ ahead of their desire to please their family and friends.  In other words, they must be willing to die for the cause.

Everything Jesus said to His disciples and followers back then, is still relevant and valid today for all those who believe in Him.  And as we see Christianity coming under attack even in countries once thought to be Christian, the call for loyalty and dedication is as strong as ever.  We must remember, there is a reward at the end of this journey, but we must cross the finish line in order to receive it.

Next we will examine Chapter 11 of Matthew.  There we will learn the tragic story of what happens to John the Baptizer.  But instead of discouraging Jesus and His disciples, it only invigorated them to stand even stronger for the truth.  And in the midst of the growing hostility to the message they would bring, our Lord reaches out with words of encouragement and comfort.

So we will begin Chapter 11 tomorrow.  Hope to see you continuing to read with me the greatest story ever told of the greatest man who ever lived, our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ, who was, who is, and is soon to come.  Amen!