06-21-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
June 21, 2020
Scripture: Matthew 10:26-28
Jesus said, “”So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell…”

Thought for the Day: These were words of preparation for the disciples (Apostles) of Jesus who were about ready to be sent into the world. Once again, Jesus warned them of what to expect, and it was not looking pretty. It was time for what Jesus had been teaching more privately to go public, well beyond the local setting. It would not be well received. In fact, the disciples would feel the pushback.

It is interesting how people respond to something that challenges them, causing what is often described as cognitive dissonance. It is the emotional (spiritual) discomfort one might feel between what they have always believed and what they are learning. When such moments occur, the first reaction is resistance that is often manifest in blaming those who first brought the news.

It was easier to blame these disciples who were proclaiming the discomforting message than to allow oneself to ask, “Why am I so uncomfortable? Is it because I sense there is some truth in their message?” Jesus knew the religious and political establishment would feel threatened and that few would have the personal capacity to really struggle with the message being proclaimed from the housetops. Yet Jesus did not provide an out for his followers as this was a struggle for the moral soul of the people, and for that reason, he offered some harsh words to the disciples about losing their own souls. It had to have been frightening. They went nonetheless.

Prayer: Let us not be driven by fear, Holy God, but driven by your grace and mercy. The message of light and hope taught to us shall not be confined to a building, but taken to rooftop pulpits where it is shared with all who can hear. Amen.

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Based On: Matthew 10:34-39

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