Matthew 10 is a difficult passage to swallow. Being a Christian is supposed to be easy. It’s supposed to make my life easier, make me happier, worry-free. I mean, we’re born again, and so all that junk is behind us. But there is a reason for the verse in Psalm 19 “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, a light on my path.” The path of being a believer in Jesus is scary. It’s dark, and Jesus doesn’t make it any easier when he tells his disciples “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in our belts – no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff.” He continues by saying that he is sending them out “like a sheep among wolves.” And he continues with “You will be hated by everyone because of me.” Sounds like an awesome time will be had by all.
But Jesus doesn’t end there. There is reward in sticking it out. “But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” he says. I am often reminded of the quote from C.S. Lewis from novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in referring to Aslan the King of Narnia. When Mr. Beaver is asked whether Aslan is safe he replies “Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.” And that’s who we’re dealing with here. Jesus isn’t safe. The path is difficult. He doesn’t make our lives comfy. But he’s good.