Daily Reading

The reading for today comes from Matthew 10:1-16; Psalm 12;1-8; Proverbs 3:13-15.

Today, Jesus sends his disciples out on a missionary journey. He has taught them, trained them, and now, with some final instructions, they are ready to minister to the Jewish people. Notice that Jesus is very quick to warn his disciples of the trials they will face in this ministry. Not everyone will be willing to hear the Good News. In fact, this message will cause much persecution. But notice what Jesus says: This persecution will help you to spread the message & the Holy Spirit will guide and help you during your trials.

Why was Jesus hated? Because His ministry pointed out the hypocrisy in the religion of the Jews. They had become judgmental and shallow. All their rule-following had severed their relationship with the Lord. They obeyed Him with their deeds, but they ignored Him in their hearts. Jesus came to renew their relationship with their Heavenly Father, to put their focus back on Him. Unfortunately, most of the people who heard this message turned to resentment rather than repentance.

So what about you? It's hard to be criticized - even when it is done in love. It's hard to hear that you're doing it wrong. That you've gone down the wrong road and are headed toward destruction. Many of us, when we hear these words, dig in in an attempt to prove that we are right, we know what we are doing. But in digging in, we just run faster toward our own destruction. So, open your ears to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. Honestly review your choices and decisions. Ask yourself why you do the things that you do. What is your motivation? Is it shallow obedience or a real, living relationship with the Creator of the Universe?

Read Proverbs 3:13-15 again - Good judgment and common sense lead to a happiness that nothing compares with. That's what God's laws have been put in place for - you guide you to good judgment & common sense, which lead to happiness.