Mon., 6/30/14 Devotion (Matt. 10:27-28)

Today's encouragement comes from the lips of the Redeemer, as they are found in Matthew 10:27 & 28:

"Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

Jesus is telling His ministers here to be faithful to speak His words that He will give them. Fallen humans by nature hate the word of God, and there is al-ways a temptation to "water it down" for the alleged betterment of sinners. But the Lord would have His pastors speak the truth of the gospel, and fear Him, the Living God.

Men may kill the body, or do whatever damage they can--but this is nothing in comparison to what God can do. Let all God's people--clergy and laity--hum-bly receive His word, whether we like it, or not.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Under the fair leaves of civility, the worm of unbe-lief may be hid. Many a person decked with morality is now descended into hell." --Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "A Plea for the Godly"]