Jesus speaks of today!
40 “The one who welcomes you welcomes Me, and the one who welcomes Me welcomes Him who sent Me. 41 Anyone who welcomes a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. And anyone who welcomes a righteous person because he’s righteous will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And whoever gives just a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple — I assure you: He will never lose his reward!” Matthew 10:40-42
What a stark contrast between these two ideas: giving a cup of cold water to someone who follows Jesus Christ versus calling us ’satan’ (see vs 25) because we are part of the Lord Jesus’ family! He explained earlier in this passage that the time will come when people will think we are of the devil because of our beliefs. Well, the ‘popular’ notion in today’s society is that Christians are hateful, unloving, and deserving of death. We seem to be in a society that considers Christianity as the enemy of truth.
It is in this culture that a person gets so blessed simply by showing kindness to a follow of Jesus Christ! Jesus knew that these days would come, and that they would be terribly difficult. However, in the midst of His discourse here, He gives us the promise that should life up our spirits! He says:
26 “Therefore, don’t be afraid of them, since there is nothing covered that won’t be uncovered, and nothing hidden that won’t be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light. What you hear in a whisper, proclaim on the housetops. 28 Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. 30 But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. 31 Don’t be afraid therefore; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:26-31
What a tremendous promise! In the midst of such darkness and misery, He has promised that He sees all! He has promised that our enemies will NOT go unpunished! He is aware of every part of us, and considers us to be of great worth! However, He expects us to value Him the same way! We must put HIM FIRST!
37 The person who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; the person who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. 39 Anyone finding his life will lose it, and anyone losing his life because of Me will find it. Matthew 10:37-39
Tell me, are you putting JESUS CHRIST FIRST in your life? Do so TODAY!
