Shout it From the Housetops

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Scripture: Matthew 10:26-31 (NLT)

26 “But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. 27 What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!

28 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

Devotion:

            We live in days of darkness and fear for those who dare to call themselves Christians. Through some very patient and shrewd moves the spirit of the anti-Christ captured most all of the power centers in our culture and the world. Christians are being discriminated against in all fields of endeavor. This has caused some to be secretive about their faith. Speaking of following Jesus at your job can get you fired. You can lose friends or social status if your faith were to become public knowledge

            You may wonder where these people are losing their jobs and friends. Just check out your newsfeed or google it and you will find plenty of examples. America is not what it once was. It may have never been a “Christian” nation, but it was a whole lot easier to be a Christian in 1960 (the year of my birth) than it is in 2023. The future, barring a direct act of God to bring revival to our land, does not look very hopeful. But we will endure. Today’s scripture gives us a good dose of Gospel sorely needed for our time.

            First of all, Jesus issues his standard proclamation when announcing bad news to follow. “Don’t be afraid.” If these words were coming from anyone else but Jesus, we might be tempted to shrug them off as wishful thinking and ignore them. But Jesus commands our respect and attention. He proclaims that all that has been done and said in secret shall be made public when the time is right. (May that be a warning to our politician and others in positions of power.) Christians are going to be the ones proclaiming these secrets.

            Jesus does not rule out the possibility of suffering and even dying in this activity. However, he encourages us all the more because all man can do to us is kill our body. Our soul will live forever, with Jesus in heaven. To stress the point Jesus uses a familiar marketplace transaction of his day. Sparrows are small and common birds one could purchase them very cheaply at the market. Jesus contrasts the cheapness of the sparrow with the great value of a human being. Surely if God takes care of the sparrow, he will take even more care with us.

            Yes, the times look dark and dismal. As I look out my window, I see the smoke from the Canadian forest fires as a haze in the distance. The sight tugs at the part of me that would despair of the future. But I know that my redeemer lives, and he will see me through to the shores of heaven in due time. Let us pray for the God’s power outpoured on our lives.

Prayer:

            Lord, shine your light in this dark and demoralized world. Bring us hope that you will soon come and enlighten our world with your love and grace. Teach your people to follow you into your eternal kingdom/ Amen.

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