Ancient Faith, Living Church: Sustained & Strengthened

Last Sunday, Christ called his followers to make challenging sacrifices. While his intense demands initially intimidate us, we are encouraged to learn that Christ has personally done more than whatever he demands of another. Today, Christ calls us to lay down our personal definitions of success and take up our cross and follow him. The Lord knows his messengers will face insults, rejection, and persecution. God doesn’t just know this generically—like someone doing survey work. He knows exactly who will reject him and his Word. Yet, he sends his messengers to them anyway! Why? Because he is the Lord of long-suffering patience. His people demonstrate this same characteristic in how they proclaim the Word to stubborn and rebellious people. Just as our Savior did when he faced rejection, we rely on every word that comes from the mouth of God—because these are the words of eternal life. May God strengthen his people to proclaim his Gospel in its truth and purity.