16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
St Paul gave his great defense before Felix, Agrippa, and Caesar. St Matthew was even dragged before governors and leaders to give witness to Jesus Christ. St Matthew writes here in his great testimony, how Jesus Christ himself prepared the disciples for these days.
Those who are called to speak about Jesus Christ, are not just called to speak to the choir. They are called to speak to wolves and serpents. You have been called to speak to your family and friends. You have been called to proclaim to them what Christ has done for you. But we often shy away from speaking this truth. It is difficult to tell our brother how he has sinned against God. It is difficult to tell our parents they have sinned against God.
Thus, we can continue to lead quite lives and watch as our loved ones walk down the road that leads to Hell, or we can speak. But remember that speaking may lead to brother handing brother over to death. This may even mean father leading child to death. Thus, you can watch as they are led to eternal flame, or face the flame yourself with a promise of everlasting life.
The one who endures to the end will be saved: what does this mean? We should fear and love God above all things so that we may face all the suffering and trouble of this life, without denying our God and his truth, and ever looking forward to the victory that God has won for us. Not being anxious about what should happen to us temporally but focusing on what is happening to those we love eternally.
Oh, and don't forget, God gave you some help. Christ died for all your sins winning the victory, and the Holy Spirit will fill your mouth with the words you need at the proper time.
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