A Broken Life Will Live

A broken life is necessary for the Spirit of God to flow. This is a seed principle. The Lord has shown us through the laws of nature that in order for the life to come forth in a plant, then there must be a dying and a resurrection. All plant farmers know this principle, everything they do is dependent upon that seed germinating in the soil and springing forth into life. In order for the seed to take hold it must have fertile ground, the ground must have been broken up from fallow ground and then planted properly with whatever is required in the way of fertilizer, water and the appropriate amounts of sunlight and dark, some plants need more nurturing than others, some need a little stress to do well. How is it we do not understand that Christ Jesus lived and died and rose again this principle for us to follow?

We see in Matthew chapter 10, verses 24-39, the warning and encouragement of Jesus to the 12 and not just the twelve, but telescoping unto all generations through these living words spoken and made alive by the Holy Spirit unto us all even unto this generation. If Christ suffered and died then it only stands to reason his followers will drink from the same cup in relation to the treatment from this strange world within which we are temporarily working. If we do His work and speak His words we will suffer persecutions and trials, but why do we fret and worry about such a small thing as this, when our treasure is being held elsewhere with unspeakable glories. If I gain billions of worldly dollars, it can never compare to the treasures awaiting us at home.

In Matthew 10:22, Jesus warns us that,"And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved." This is for His name sake only, not the unregenerate. We are not to fear the powers of this world, but only Him who is over all, our Father, it is Him we are to fear. Let us read the previous verses mentioned:

Matthew 10:24-39 (NKJV)

²⁴ “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. ²⁵ It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! ²⁶ Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.

Jesus Teaches the Fear of God

²⁷ “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. ²⁸ 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. ²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. ³⁰ But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Confess Christ Before Men

³² “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. ³³ But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

Christ Brings Division

³⁴ “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. ³⁵ For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; ³⁶ and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household. ³⁷ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. ³⁸ And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. ³⁹ He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.

Note in verse 24, Christ warns us that we are not above those suffering troubles, but it is enough to share with the burdens as co-workers, receiving equal rewards in doing so.