Passage: Matthew 10:17-25
Points:
1. The disciples would be arrested because of their witness.
2. The Holy Spirit would speak through them in these difficult times.
3. Christ’s disciples will be persecuted because they identify themselves with Christ. As the Master is persecuted, so will His disciples.
Personalize
We do not know true persecution. We may be ostracized in the office or skipped over for a promotion because of our faith; but many are suffering beatings and death because of their witness. As Christ was persecuted, so will his true disciples. Suffering for the cause of Christ is the mark of a follower of Christ. Many of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer daily for their witness to others in their towns and villages. Read the story of the persecuted from Voices of Martyrs.
Since October, three Christians imprisoned for their faith have died in Eritrean military prisons, according to Compass Direct News. Mehari Gebreneguse Asgedom died on Jan. 16 from torture and diabetes while in solitary confinement at the Mitire Military Confinement Center. Asgedom’s death followed the revelation in January that another Christian died in the same prison, Compass reports. Mogos Hagos Kiflom was said to have died as a result of torture he endured for refusing to recant his faith, but the exact date of his death was unknown. [See the Full Story]
Prayer
Lord we cannot imagine the suffering of our brothers and sisters. They have made the choice to be recognized with You and because of their commitment they find themselves in prison. We pray for them and ask for strength to face their accusers and persecutors. We know you are present with them and as you suffered so do they. May they find comfort in knowing they are blessed because you recognize their suffering and they have your full attention. May your Holy Spirit be their spokesman as he speaks a gospel witness to their accusers.
