Wisdom and resistance A progressive reading of Matthew 10, 16, 25 on the Daily Bible refresh with Dr.

Brad Miller.

Hello my good friends Dr.

Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh your daily progressive reading of the New Testament which comes to you with our selective reading from the Revised Common Lectionary where in year see of a three year cycle the Pentecost season and we bring you a reading from the New Testament which is both understandable we read from the message version relatable we give you some points to ponder applicable we give you an action step to take.

We have a prayer.

We do all of that in under 10 minutes or so.

We have a mission to get the audible word of God into two millionaires a million people by 2025 and you do so when you check us out@voiceofgoddaily.com that is the home of our resource the ABC 123 Bible Study Method.

Let's get into our reading for the day from Matthew 10, 16:25 Reading from the message Stay alert.

This is hazardous work I'm assigning you.

You're going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack.

So don't call attention to yourselves.

Be as shrewd as a snake and as inoffensive as a dove.

Don't be naive.

Some people will question your motives.

Others will smear your reputation.

Just because you believe in me, don't be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities without knowing it.

They've done you and me a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news.

And don't worry about what you'll say or how you'll say it.

The right words will be there.

The spirit of your Father will supply the words.

When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they're going to.

They're.

They are going to turn on you.

Even people in your own family.

There's a great irony here.

Proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate.

But don't quit.

Don't cave in.

It is all well worth it in the end.

It is not success you are after in such times, but survival.

Be survivors before you've run out of options.

The Son of Man will have arrived.

A student doesn't get a better desk than her teacher.

A laborer doesn't make more money than his boss.

Be content, pleased, even when you, my students, my harvest hands, get the same treatment I get.

If they call me the Master Dung Face, what can the workers expect?

Hmm.

Some powerful and intense imagery here and this reflection Jesus we're exploring Jesus word about standing firm in the face of opposition and what this means for modern progressive faith.

Here's some points to ponder Strategic Resistance and Sacred Wisdom Jesus instruction to be quote shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves speaks to the wisdom of strategic activism in progressive faith.

This reminds us that working for justice requires both wisdom and integrity.

We're called to be smart about how we challenge systems of oppression while maintaining our ethical principles.

2.

Speaking truth to Power When Jesus talks about being hauled before authorities, he's describing what we now recognize as as civil disobedience.

Progressive Christianity sees this as an affirmation of peaceful resistance against unjust systems.

The promise of spirit given words reminds us that when we stand for truth and justice, we're not standing alone.

A third point is counting the cost of conviction.

The warning about family division isn't about religious superiority, but but about the real cost of living our values about living our values in progressive faith.

This might mean facing criticism when we support LGBTQ rights, challenge Christian nationalism, or advocate for environmental justice.

The text here reminds us that transformative love often means resistance.

Here's your action step.

Identify one justice issue where you've been hesitant to speak up.

Practice snake wisdom and dove innocence by researching the issue thoroughly and preparing thoughtful, compassionate ways to discuss it with others.

Remember, the goal isn't to win arguments, but to promote understanding and positive change.

Before we have a closing prayer, I want to just share with you that we have a great resource for you for your own personal daily Bible study.

You can find it at voiceofgoddaily.com, our website.

It's called the ABC 123 Bible Study Method.

You use it in collaboration in cooperation with the daily readings we have here on Daily Bible Refresh.

It's for your personal at home Bible study.

You will find it helpful.

Head over to voiceofgoddaily.com here's our closing prayer.

God, you're the source of courage and wisdom.

When the path of justice feels lonely, remind us that we're not alone.

When our voice shakes with uncertainty, fill us with your sustaining spirit.

When family or friends don't understand our convictions, help us respond with patience and love.

Give us snake wisdom to navigate conflict, but dove gentleness to maintain compassion and strength to stand firm in your love, in hope and determination.

Amen.

Well, it's great to be with you here on Daily Bible Refresh.

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My name is Dr.

Brad Wood Beller.

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Until that time, remember that God's loyal love doesn't run out.

His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.