The LORD Jesus, speaking to the disciples about persecution, speaks some very significations words, that help us see things with clarity and get a deeper understanding and insight into it.
“16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. 21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. 24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.” – Matthew 10:16-24
These nine verses have some significant insights for us and our understanding about the fiery trials.
1- Persecution is real, and it will surely come – 17,18.
2- We have to be wise in our living, and be clean and innocent in our motives – 16.
3- God will not abandon us, for He gives us the Holy Spirit as our Comforter and Helper – 19,20.
4- Our own family may abandon, disown and betray us – 21.
5- People will hate Christians because of Christ’s sake – 22.
6- Wisely avoid persecution – 23.
7- The Master Himself is persecuted, therefore, the disciples will also be – 24.
May the LORD strengthen our hearts and grant us His grace to be His true witnesses in the face of tough and fiery trials.
"What does it mean to take up your cross? It means the willing acceptance, at the hand of Providence, of every means of healing, bitter though it may be, that is offered. Do great catastrophies fall on you? Be obedient to God’s will, as Noah was. Is sacrifice demanded of you? Give yourself into God’s hands with the same faith as Abram had when he went to sacrifice his son. Is your property ruined? Do your children die suddenly? Suffer it all with patience, cleaving to God in your heart, as Job did. Do your friends forsake you, and you find yourself surrounded by enemies? Bear it all without grumbling, and with faith that God’s help is at hand, as the apostles did."