Sheep Among Wolves

This Sunday morning message for June 23rd is from Matthew 10 and bears some of the most fear-inducing language in the Holy Bible. Verse 16 says, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.” Verse 17 warns us, “Be on your guard against men, they will hand you over to the local councils, and flog you in their synagogues.” Verse 21-22 predicts, “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of me.”

The good news is that God’s word doesn’t leave us without hope. Just the opposite is true. The last half of Matthew 10:22 lays worry to rest, “But he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” I know there are many in our church, including my family, that are struggling with the “wolves” of this world. Perhaps you have a child that is straying, a spouse that is wavering, a loved one who is feeling hopeless under the strain of physical ailments. Maybe a loved-one has recently passed. You may feel you are being “flogged” by this world with financial struggles.

I am blessed and encouraged again just a few verses later in Verse 28 when our Lord says, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” May I encourage you beloved ones, never stop praying, never stop believing, never stop hoping, never stop serving. God’s mercies endure forever. Remember the powerful words of the song our Men’s Quartet sang last Sunday, “Just a Little Talk with Jesus Makes It Right,” keep your prayer wheels turning. I love you and am so grateful to serve such a loving and supportive church family.

Your servant in Christ, Phillip