“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
Not much of an optimistic speech is it? Go and we hated, ridiculed and punished. Oh good. Yet they went and they trusted God to protect them and be with them.
I am in awe of the work of street pastors and all they do. I know that ministry isn't for me but I also know some of that is my own fear for my safety.
I've just realised how silly that sounds. Reading on a Saturday night - no way. Zambia in the compounds - no problem.
But then perhaps that's it; God sends us where He needs us to do what He needs; and he calms our fears when it's right.
More thought and prayer for clarity needed I think.
No comments:
Post a Comment