He Who Endures To The End
Matthew 10:21-22
Jesus said, "Now brother will deliver up brother to death,
and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them
to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who
endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:21-22).
Hated By All - Did you ever feel like you
just could not win? You tried live right and do what the Lord wanted, but
somehow, it just seemed like everyone was on your case. Jesus said there would
be days like that and we need to have the faith necessary to deal with it.
Hated by Family - There is nothing which
hurts worse than to have those we love turn against us. It is often the case
that children who are attracted by the world find it difficult to be submissive
and obedient to their parents who are trying to teach them to way of the Lord.
Paul said, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor
your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise" (Ephesians
6:1-2). At other times, family members are turned off because one of them calls
for authority in some matter and believes some pet project of the others is
unscriptural. Whatever the cause, families are destroyed because some stand with
the Lord and others do not. A little later in this chapter, Jesus quotes the
prophet Micah (7:6) saying, "A man's foes will be those of his own household"
(verse 36).
Hated by All Men - Everyone wants to be
liked. However, it is axiomatic that not everyone will be your friend, if for
nothing more than just a matter of personality. This is especially true for
those who have real convictions. If you stand for nothing, then you can agree
with everyone. If, on the other hand, you believe the word of God to be the
truth and stand for its premises, many will be your enemy. Your very presence
will be a constant reminder of their sin. They may try to get you fired from
your job. They may threaten your good name. They may make every effort to take
what you have. Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you
may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer. I
have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
He Who Endures - Since Jesus has overcome,
it is possible and necessary for us to overcome with Him. John said, "Be
faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10).
It is sad for us when family and friends turn against us. It is necessary,
though, for us to continue in our determination to be and do that which the Lord
teaches. We may lose for the moment, but we will certainly be victorious in the
final outcome. (See Romans 8:18 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:8.) May God give us the
strength and faith we so desperately need in such an hour.
By Grant B. Caldwell
From Expository Files 5.12; December 1998
