In this daily Bible reading is the account of Jesus dispatching His disciples to preach to the “lost sheep of Israel,” the Jewish population. Jesus instructed them to go to the villages throughout Israel and preach that “The Kingdom of God is at hand.” Jesus bestowed His healing powers on the disciples so that they were able to heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons. He told his disciples that they would not be received or believed by all the Jews. Some would believe, but many would not.
Jesus also gave them a glimpse of the future, a future that is now very near. He said that those who spoke the truth about Jesus and His coming Kingdom would be hated by all. Many will be arrested for their belief in Jesus and be put to death. True believers will even be delivered up by family members. Jesus said, “Brother will deliver up brother to death and a father his child; and children all rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.”
Indeed, a very horrible time is coming when it will be dangerous to be a true believer. However, the Bible says, “It is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.” True believers must not disavow their belief in Jesus Christ even if it means death. Our Faith in Jesus will be tested throughout our lives. We must prepare ourselves for the ultimate test of Faith. We must be ready and willing to die for our Faith in Jesus Christ.
