Matthew 10:8 Freely ye have received, freely give.
Sometimes we fret that we don’t have anything to give. The truth is that we have nothing to give but what we have been given by God. God has given us a lot. In Matthew 10:7 Jesus gives the twelve apostles instruction and sends them out. Much of that instruction is very relevant to us today. We have nothing to give but what we have been given by God, but we have all that we need as His ambassadors. So, our power, authority, provision, problems, protection, and mission are all of Him. “Freely,” that is undeservedly, “ye received, freely give.”
Today, we live in a world that is increasingly hostile to those who follow Jesus. Let me give you three characteristics of disciples in a hostile world. First, disciples in a hostile world need to be realistic. Jesus says, “Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” He is basically saying, “Don’t be naïve, but don’t be dismayed.” A disciple is not above his master, so we are to take up our cross and follow. When I am Jesus’ disciple, I don’t need to be Pollyanna. I can be realistic. I can realize that the good news of the gospel is anathema to those who don’t want it. You would think that everyone would want good news, but that is not the case. So, disciples of the Lord Jesus in this world today should be realistic.
Second, disciples of the Lord Jesus should be prudent. It is interesting that Jesus instructs the disciples that “when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another.” Prudence does not mean cowardice, and courage does not mean foolishness. We are talking about being prudent, doing what is reasonable in order to serve the Lord as best we can for as long as we can. So, we are to be prudent and realistic. Sometimes we think that these things are in conflict with one another, but they are not. I can be realistic and wise at the same time.
Third, a disciple should be fearless. Jesus says we need fear less. In verse 19 He says, “But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you.” So, you have nothing to give except what you have been given. This is not an alibi for not preparing a statement or sermon, but it is saying not to worry about that. Jesus is talking specifically to the twelve, but I think there is some application that you and I can take.
In verse 26 Jesus says, “Fear them not therefore.” Verse 28 says, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Verse 31 says, “Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” That reminds us of Matthew 6. We ought to be encouraged that God cares more for you than for birds, and God knows about every bird. Part of our fearlessness with the world comes with our fear of God. When I fear God, I need fear nothing else. “Don’t fear. Take no thought. It shall be given you,” He essentially says.
How should I be in a world that sometimes seems to be hostile? I should be realistic, prudent, and fearless.