A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

STAND UP FOR JESUS      

Matthew 10:16-20 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” 

This morning, reading various e-news articles, I ran across one that was about a report that the persecution of Christians is on the increase. Perhaps you have heard in Canada, laws have been passed against hate speech. These laws are being used to fine and even imprison Christians who speak God’s Commandments to another person. To say what the Commandments forbid is, by law, considered “hate speech.” Today there are Christian pastors in Canada imprisoned because in their sermons they taught what God forbids.  

The time may come when in the United States similar laws are passed. There is no question that what God’s word says is not respected by at least some within this country. Those who oppose what God’s word says will use every and any means to silence you and your Christian witness.   

Jesus prophesied that this time would come. His prophecy is recorded in the words of today’s devotional verses. He said, “On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Matthew 10:18-20)   

Jesus further said, “Whoever acknowledges Me before others, I will also acknowledge before My Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before others, I will disown before My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33) 

Prayer: Let the words of my mouth, O Lord, be acceptable in Your sight.” In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Ye soldiers of the cross.  
Lift high His royal banner; It must not suffer loss.  
From vict’ry unto vict’ry His army He shall lead  
Till ev’ry foe is vanquished, And Christ is Lord indeed. 

Stand up, stand up for Jesus; The trumpet call obey;  
Stand forth in mighty conflict In this His glorious day.  
Let all His faithful serve Him Against unnumbered foes;  
Let courage rise with danger And strength to strength oppose. 

Stand up, stand up for Jesus; Stand in His strength alone.  
The arm of flesh will fail you, Ye dare not trust your own.  
Put on the Gospel armor; Each piece put on with prayer.  
Where duty calls or danger, Be never wanting there. 

Stand up, stand up for Jesus; The strife will not be long;  
This day the din of battle, The next the victor’s song.  
The soldiers, overcoming, Their crown of life shall see  
And with the King of Glory Shall reign eternally.  

Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus // LSB 660