5 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
“The one who welcomes you welcomes me, and the one who welcomes me welcomes him who sent me.”
Matthew 10:40 (CSB)
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
As you take your adventure with Jesus seriously, living as He wants you to live, thinking like He wants you to think, talking like He wants you to talk, realize that there will be people who don’t like you because of it. You will get mistreated. In some cases, you could even be killed.
Well, my friend, let’s be honest. When we are mistreated, don’t we often feel alone? Aren’t we sometimes tempted to think that God has abandoned us in those difficult times?
Well, there is a truth found in the verse I have chosen for today that says that you are never, ever alone. In fact, if you are a true Jesus-follower, your identity is tied up in Jesus’ identity so tightly that if someone mistreats you, they are also mistreating Him.
We might be tempted to think that this is some remote verse that shouldn’t carry too much weight. So, let me share a few other passages of Scripture that say this same thing.
Matthew 18:5 (CSB): “And whoever welcomes one child like this in my name welcomes me.”
Matthew 25:40 (CSB): “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”
Matthew 25:45 (CSB): “Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'”
Friend, your identity is so tightly bound to Jesus’ identity that when they mistreat you, He flinches. When you are following Jesus and get hurt by someone because of it, Jesus says that they did it to Him, too.
I bet you have already started to realize some of the implications of this truth, haven’t you? You’re never, ever alone when you are mistreated. Jesus takes notice when you are mistreated for His sake. Further, you have incredible worth and purpose in your life because you represent Jesus to the world.
So, don’t settle into discouragement when you are treated badly for following Jesus. Don’t allow yourself to feel defeated when bad people do bad things to you. Instead, lift your head high knowing that Jesus is feeling what you’re feeling and He’ll make it right one day.
* * * * * * * * * *
Lord Jesus, the more I learn about the Gospel and its implications for every moment of my life, I am humbled. On my own, I am so unworthy of all that You say is true of me. I am certainly unworthy of having my identity tied up so tightly with Your own identity. All I can say is “Thank you!” as I live this day in gratitude for all that You have done for me. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 