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UNITY IN DIVERSITY

THE DAILY FOUNTAIN DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE OF THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)

DATE: SUNDAY, 27TH AUGUST, 2023 (TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY)

TOPIC: UNITY IN DIVERSITY

TEXT: MATTHEW 10:16-22

16.  " Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
17.  "But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.
18.  "You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
19.  "But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak;
20.  "for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
21.  "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.
22.  "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

 
MESSAGE: 
A careful observation of Mathew Chapter 10 reveals that the chapter is divided into two. Verses 1-15 focus on Christ's instructions for the Twelve Apostles. Most of the words here are limited to the Twelve Apostles. The second part, which is today's passage (vv. 16-22), focuses on instructions for future disciples; The 'atmosphere' of this section is different from the previous one. Hence, Jesus gave these three revelations ahead:

(i) Persecution is certain, therefore, wisdom and humility (vv. 16-17); 

(ii) At the point of persecution, utterances would be given to them through the Holy Spirit (vv. 18-20);

(iii) They will find it heartbreaking that their persecution would come from their immediate family - the Jews who rejected the Gospel (vv. 21-22).
While believers in the world today are experiencing some persecution, the opposition still comes from within. “It is crack in the wall that makes a lizard to play in and out. ” It is the internal molestation in the body of Christ that gives room for external defeat. The Church must be united (John 17:21), not minding denominational or doctrinal differences. As faithful believers, we must also endure persecution for Christ's sake, knowing full well that as we share Christ's sufferings, we shall also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed (1 Pet.4:13)


PRAYER: 
Grant us O Lord, the grace to endure persecution, that we may overcome and rejoice at last through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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