Courageous

• Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

on Matthew 10:26-33, Jesus sent the Twelve to teach and preach and heal, to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven is near... and tells 'em there will be opposition.

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• Jesus' warning / encouragement speech in Matthew 10 continues.
Don't be afraid of those who can kill the body...
God values you. Don't deny God.

→ Life & faith & discipleship are bigger than our years on earth.

• Persecution is alive and well in the world.
We've been horrified at news over the last week or more about Christian genocide in the Middle East, young and old being tortured, raped, beheaded, because they're Christians. Tens of thousands starving in mountains where they're trying to escape persecution.

And there are no easy answers. Negotiate? Deny Christ? Retaliate?

• I take comfort in belief / knowledge / hope that God will ultimately prevail, and that earthly sufferings and injustices are but temporary afflictions. They are horrific now but will be but a fleeting glimpse then.

2 Corinthians 4:17 (NCV) We have small troubles for a while now, but they are helping us gain an eternal glory that is much greater than the troubles.
(Also verse 1, we do not lose heart – be courageous!)

1 Peter 2:24 (NIV) “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness ...”

• Your discipleship may not be challenged like Iraqi Christians' today,
yet it does no good to “weigh” your challenges against theirs,
any more than it helps starving kids in India when you clean your plate.

• Hebrews 10:23 (NRSV) Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful.

• What to do? Keep the faith. Terrible to drop your light because of darkness elsewhere.
What to do? Church / recharge / refuge / huddle
What to do? PRAY. Pray specifically. For strength, for relief, for end of persecution,
for peace, for hearts to change. For course.

Write. Send $. Maintain local witness. Acknowledge Father.

• Hymn 468 Dear Jesus, in whose life I see...