Daily Lesson for October 18, 2017

Today’s Daily Lesson comes from Matthew chapter 10 verses 24 through 28:

24 “A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; 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!

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. 27What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. 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.”

The distance from the private closet of prayer where convictions are whispered, to the open rooftop of public declaration is the longest trip in the world.

The Lesson again today is about speaking the word that’s been given us. The word is laid upon our heart. It’s in our gut. We know the truth and we know the truth will set us free. We are convicted. 

Yet we are also in turmoil. The word in us will bring conflict. The truth will trouble the waters. It would be easier to remain silent. 

But silence is also betrayal. It betrays the voice within. It betrays the soul. 

To choose not speak is oftentimes an act of privilege. The word is a challenge to the status quo and we know it will not be received well. It would be easier not to speak, especially if speaking up would risk my own status quo. To remain silent would be easier. To be able to remain silent and not be affected is an exercise of privilege. 

But Jesus did not exercise this privilege. He could have left things alone. But he spoke up. He got involved. He used the voice God gave him.  He spoke up even though he knew it would cost him his status quo with a lot of people. 

And, he said his followers should be willing to do the same. 

Like I said, the distance from the inner closet of conviction to the public forum of the board room is the longest trip in the world. As followers of Jesus we’re supposed to take that trip. 

We’re supposed to speak when spoken to.