heralding

Matthew 10:1-20

 ¹⁶ "Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. ¹⁷ But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. ¹⁸ You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. ¹⁹ When you are arrested, don't worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. ²⁰ For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

It seems to me that we have taken for granted the "spiritual freedom" in this country.  It seems like when we say "freedom" here in the U.S., we really mean "comfort".  I am sure that some would argue that the words of Christ quoted above were intended for an ancient Jewish dozen of radicals in an ancient Jewish culture, but I can't help but wonder what kind of ruckus our lives would invoke here in the U.S. if we were truly preaching Christ as boldly as He wants.

Heavenly Father, I want to be a witness for Christ the way you want me to.  Lord, may I be as shrewd as a snake and as harmless as a dove.  May I walk with you daily, minute by minute, so that I will be in tune with your Spirit to speak through me.  I ask in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.