On My Account.....

Scripture – Matthew 10:17-20: ¹⁷"Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. ¹⁸On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. ¹⁹But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, ²⁰for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This is a prophecy that would come true for all the disciples (except Judas, of course). They would be persecuted. They would be brought before all kinds of people on account of Jesus. Jesus, however, points out the reason for that. They will be His witnesses in those situations. I’m aware I have never been arrested or forcibly brought before anyone because of my faith in Christ. At the same time, I have found, if I keep open, Christ does give me words to speak in whatever situation I encounter.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll keep myself open and ready to speak as He directs today. I will not avoid talking about spiritual matters. In fact, I’ll look for opportunities to do that.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, I don’t know what this day holds or where you may lead. Help me faithfully follow and give me whatever words are needed. Thanks for your faithfulness.

Reading for Sunday, December 16:

Scripture – Matthew 10:21-25: ²¹"Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. ²²All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. ²³When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. ²⁴"A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. ²⁵It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!