Caring and Sharing

 N.T.#113 "Caring and Sharing"

July 19, 2023

Matthew 10-Part 7

Do not fear. (verses 26, 28, 31)

LET IT GLOW

Persecution, suffering, rejection, scourging, death-Jesus prepared His disciples to expect those on their mission trip. However, Jesus did encourage them. We humans have a tendency to fear instead of having faith. 

Why not fear in the mission of being a sheep among wolves?

1. God wants His message revealed, not concealed. (verses 26-27) So He saw to it that the guys were protected and His Word proclaimed.
2. Even if the enemies killed the witnesses, they would continue on to eternal life. (verse 28) The persecutors should be afraid for they faced eternal judgment.
3. Ged never ceases to love and care for His disciples even in the midst of trials and tribulations. 

[Resources: Swindoll's living Insights in Matthew]

That is encouragement for those going on mission trips in foreign lands. (Please pray for our friends from our former church as they share the Gospel in the Dominican Republic this week.) It is such a joy to be able to go and share.

Are we sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in our community, on our street, and in our family? Are we willing to be on mission for Jesus as the disciples were?

LET IT GROW

Have you watched the little sparrows in your yard? I have. Especially in the spring, they come into our yard to eat the dandelion seeds and grass seeds. It is amazing to consider how God provides for those tiny birds. Yet, doesn't He do the same for us, sharing and caring for us?

Sometimes we can use reminding that our God is sovereign and in control. What is evidence of this? Why, our God feeds the tiny birds, the sparrows. (verse 29) 

God is omniscient and knows everything, past, present, and future. He even knows the number of hairs on our head. (verse 30)

Because of God's omnipotence, omniscience, and benevolence, the disciples could have confidence that He will never abandon or forsake His own. (verse 31)

LET IT GO

Keep us faithfully serving You, Father.

Bless all who are faithful in studying the Word with me here.

Thank You Jesus for providing what we need, when we need it. 

Jesus, You alone are the way, the truth, the life. No one comes to the Father except through You.

Help us be more caring and sharing like You.