Today’s Reading, Matthew 9-10
Focal Scripture: Matthew 10:22 “You will be hated by everyone because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
The events of the last few weeks have shown that people can be hated for a variety of reasons. The most jarring situation that happened is when a young man was murdered publicly because his religious beliefs dictated his political beliefs. He believed that marriage should be between a man and a woman. He believed that your gender is known and assigned by God. He also believed that Jesus changed hearts and you must submit your life to him to receive eternal life. He was hated for these beliefs. People even cheered for his death. However, these beliefs were not his own they are clearly taught in the scriptures. He was murdered because his biblical values influenced his political views.
The focal scripture today talks about how believers will be hated because of the name of Jesus. Why will they be hated because of his name? His name demands life change. His name reminds people that they need a savior. The name of Jesus is a call to die to yourself and live counter culturally. To live biblically it will mean that others will hate you and who you represent.
The application of this is not discussed enough in Christian circles. To be a Christian and follow biblical principles means you will be hated by the world. It means you will be hated by friends. Unfortunately, it even means you will be hated by family and those you trust. We do not teach this when we talk about salvation because it seems anti gospel. However, Jesus taught this truth to his followers.
Remember, he told them to follow him. He expected them to leave everything they were doing and to make him the priority. We must understand that radical obedience in the world’s eyes is just biblical obedience. Our love for Christ must be so extreme that it dwarfs everything else in our lives. This radical commitment to Jesus means that we will be hated because of whom we follow. We will be hated because of the name of Jesus.
Let me solidify this truth for you even more to make it hit home. If your commitment to Christ doesn’t rub people the wrong way then you probably are not totally committed to him in your life. I can tell you from personal experience that I have had professing believers tell me I take my faith too serious.
We need more radical faith in our world. It must drive our decisions, our politics and even how we make decisions. When we are hated because of Jesus we should walk away rejoicing that people notice we are totally committed to him above everything else. So are you hated because of your faith? If not it might be time to examine if your faith is what people notice about your life.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Matthew 11-12
