Six Teachings of Jesus - Part 5

Paul casts the demon out of the slave girl

During this week I am  focusing on six different teachings of  Jesus that have the potential to change your whole life and lifestyle.  Although many of you will have heard these teachings before, I would challenge you during this week to ask yourself if you have really put these teachings into practice in your life - and where you have not then do something about it.  Matthew 11:29-30 says:  

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  

God never asks of us anything that is too much - and whatever He asks He will give us the strength to fulfil.

Today's Teaching: "The World Will Hate You."

I grew up believing that if you did the right thing and if you stood up for Jesus there would be general acceptance for what you did.  It didn't occur to me that doing the right thing would be difficult.  But often to stand for the right is to stand against evil and those whose special interests are only for themselves and not for the good of all.  That can be a dangerous thing because you are often challenging the comfort, indulgence and privilege of a powerful few.  Those who have those things will go to great length to keep them.  I am reminded of the account of Paul and Silas' visit to Philippi that is found in the sixteenth chapter of the book of Acts.  On their way to the synagogue one day they encountered a fortune teller who followed them shouting: "These men are servants of the Most High God who are telling you the way to be saved."  She kept this up for some days until one day Paul turned around and commanded the evil spirit in her to depart.  It did and she lost her ability to predict the future.  You might think that Paul had done a great thing but this woman was a slave and her masters were furious because they had now lost their ability to make money from her fortune telling.  Paul and Silas were hauled before the magistrate and thrown into prison.  They had made enemies in powerful places.  

To be a servant of the Lord is to be prepared to make enemies in high places in order to proclaim truth, justice and dignity for all.  It can be dangerous. But hear the words of Jesus:  "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)