The Truth About Selling Out to Jesus...

Here’s the uncomfortable truth about following Christ Jesus: expect conflict, persecution, and even martyrdom. You won’t hear many sermons being preached in churches today about this, but that doesn’t take away the reality of this truth. The world hates Jesus. Think about what the common reactions are when people mention God in their speech. No big deal, right? God is in all religions, so it’s accepted. Now mention Jesus in your speech and the world jumps all over you. Why? Because Jesus is exclusive. He’s the only way to God, because He is God. People don’t like this exclusivity, and don’t like the fact that they can’t earn their way to God. It’s too easy, so their pride keeps them away. Jesus offends people because it’s only through Him that salvation is possible. It’s His way or no way. And people aren’t willing to go His way, because it’s hard and the road is narrow. How many people, when they become Christ followers, lose out on many relationships because of this newly found faith in God? How many people are abandoned by their family and friends because of this belief system that saves them? Why should becoming a Christian turn the world against you? Because the world hates God, and is His enemy. If they call Jesus names, expect his followers to be called much worse. Being a follower of Jesus and expecting a smooth road throughout life, is an “Americanized”, industrialized nation’s distorted view of reality. Taking up your cross means your willingness to suffer for following the One Who suffered for us all. When you sell out to Jesus, expect to be “sold out “ by the world. It’s just the cold hard truth. But life with Jesus is far better than a life without purpose. You’ll reap eternal rewards, and experience many blessings here on earth, even if you are persecuted for your beliefs. Are you willing to suffer for serving Jesus? Or does that scare you into silence?

“A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed.22 And all nations will hate you because you are My followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.23 When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel.24 “Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master.25 Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of My household will be called by even worse names!26 “But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all.27 What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!28 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.29 What is the price of two sparrows–one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.32 “Everyone who acknowledges Me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before My Father in heaven.33 But everyone who denies Me here on earth, I will also deny before My Father in heaven.34 “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. 35 ‘I have come to set a man against his father,a daughter against her mother,and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.36 Your enemies will be right in your own household!’ 37 “If you love your father or mother more than you love Me, you are not worthy of being Mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than Me, you are not worthy of being Mine.38 If you refuse to take up your cross and follow Me, you are not worthy of being Mine.39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for Me, you will find it.40 “Anyone who receives you receives Me, and anyone who receives Me receives the Father who sent Me.41 If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet. And if you receive righteous people because of their righteousness, you will be given a reward like theirs.42 And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of My followers, you will surely be rewarded.” Matthew 10:21-42