Matthew 10:24-39 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 10:24-39 on biblegateway.com
Verse 24"A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; Verse 25it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household! Verse 26"So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. Verse 27What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Verse 28Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Verse 29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. Verse 30And even the hairs of your head are all counted. Verse 31So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. Verse 32"Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; Verse 33but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven. Verse 34"Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. Verse 35For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; Verse 36and one's foes will be members of one's own household. Verse 37Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; Verse 38and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Verse 39Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.
Devotion
My brother was an angsty teenager, convinced that the mere existence of his family was ruining his life. He was expected to be present at home for family meals, family game nights and family vacations. More than once he would exclaim that none of his friends had to do all this "family stuff," and it was ruining his life. While it is true that he lost out on some aspects of his desired social life, he gained the benefit of a vibrant family life.
Sometimes our faith requires sacrifice. Sometimes to be a disciple of Christ we suffer the rejection of the world. Perhaps our kids miss a sporting event for confirmation class or a mission trip. Maybe we earn a few odd glances by praying before a meal in a restaurant. Sometimes we lose some aspect of our social lives as we grow in our faith, live in Christian community and learn about God. But whatever we might lose, God definitely offers something bigger, better, and longer lasting.
Prayer
Dear God, help us to find a life with you. Give us courage and boldness to live out our faith in a messy world. Amen.