Don't Be Deceived

Several of the sayings here seem to reflect, or be linked to, the idea of hidden and revealed, inner and outer. We will focus on the final one–obvious and hidden resources. Verses 11 and 12 relate to Christians who are tried for blasphemy or similar serious crimes. If proved guilty they would be excluded from the Jewish community, and this would leave them extremely vulnerable, rejected by their community, even their family. They would be exposed to the vicissitudes of life and the violence of the Romans. Even obtaining food would become a constant challenge. They would no longer have the emotional and spiritual resources to survive.

Such trials were life-threatening, with the odds stacked against the accused Christians. They were probably already unpopular in the community and were usually poor. Outwardly they had nothing and their case was helpless, but inwardly they had divine resources and protection–the Holy Spirit–far wiser than the court officials; the very mind of God! So in the tensions of the trial, Jesus encouraged them to listen to the Spirit and not be overwhelmed by the outward pressures. That’s what he did, and also Peter and John (see Acts 4:1-22, especially v. 8).

We may not be facing such trials, but how do we handle situations, formal or informal, where we might have to admit we are Christians? On the train to work or at breakfast on vacation, we could say that we go to church or we help with the homeless as part of our Christian life. But maybe we won’t! After all, they might ask us to explain why we believe–and then what would we say? Perhaps this is when the Holy Spirit might help us. Dare we believe it?

Read again the last paragraph above. What part really speaks to You. How will you “show and tell” that you’re a Christian? Turn it into prayer before the Lord.