16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Matthew 10:16-22 (KJV)

A Day of Obligation

In these verses, Jesus points out several areas in which all believers are obligated. We share obligation concerning:

  • Our commission (verse 16a)
  • Our character (verse 16b, Ephesians 5:15-17, Philippians 2:15)
    We must be vigilant and stand for truth, but it must be done with a heart of love and tenderness.
  • Our commitment (verse 22, James 1:12)

A Day of Opposition

All generations of believers have lived in a day of opposition:

  • Organized religion (verse 17, Mark 6:2-3)
  • Oppressive rulers (verse 18)
  • Offensive relatives (verse 21)

A Day of Opportunity

We are living in difficult days, but they are also very exciting days.

  • An opportunity to serve (verse 16a)
  • An opportunity to share (verse 18, Matthew 10:27)
  • An opportunity to surrender (verses 19-20)

Clearly, much of what Jesus spoke in this passage is yet to come, but we are living in days like we’ve never experienced. These are days of obligation to serve, even in the face of opposition, but they are also days of opportunity. I trust you are aware of the day and desire to make the best of them, having the courage to stand for the Lord.

Are we willing to stand for Jesus and share the gospel with those who need to hear?
Are we committed to continuing in the faith although many are not?
Are there needs in your life today?
Are you the witness Christ would have you be?