When God Says …
“These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.” (John 16:1-2 KJV).
"These things" are reminders that the Lord Jesus shared to the disciples after super, in this last night of them being together, before being arrested and crucified. He is now giving them and us a heavenly heads up to keep us from falling into the trap of the enemy in our sufferings as His followers. Our Lord warns us of battles, conflicts, wounds, and persecutions – perhaps even death - before it happens so that when it does happen we will be able to withstand and overcome. Being born again by faith in Christ Jesus, we will face trials in the hands of religious people who claims to be doing it for their god. Apostle Peter echoed the Lord's warning in his epistle saying: Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you (1 Peter 4:12).
But, we can rest in God's peace that surpasses understanding guarding our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). In Apostle Matthew's account, the Lord Jesus further gave us this warning, and comforting assurance: “Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Matthew 10:17-20 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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