By Pastor Alex Ruelo
Luke 13:31-33 says, “At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!” The Herod in this scripture is not the same one who was there during the birth of Jesus; that was his father. Jesus was teaching in places on the way to Jerusalem. Someone asked Him if may people will be saved so He told them to choose the narrow path where not many tread because they choose the wider and more easier road. He also mentioned that those who humble themselves will be lifted up, and those who are first will be last. His teachings were so great and also outrageous that these pharisees, the teachers and scholars of the law, were getting annoyed with them. They studied the law but Jesus was “just a carpenter” that they wanted Him to leave. I am not sure if Herod really wanted to kill Him but His reply was that he will continue what He is doing. The verses after showed jesus’ ministry and also His compassion towards people.
In the previous verses, we see that there are two kinds of opposition: secular and religious. In verse 31, it says that Herod will kill Jesus. Understand that Jesus already knows that He will die and He has accepted that fact. The Philippines is in a battle right now. Its secular opposition will try to destroy the youth, families, marriages, the church and the country itself. There is too much freedom in the country and it is not good sometimes. Religious opposition is a division in itself. There are so many religions and they fight each other; even if they all claim to be Christians. Religion deceives mankind. It sounds good that you have a religion but it divides your house. Jesus did not bring any religion nor did He belong in any denomination. He is not a religion either. Jesus is God, the Savior who came to earth to save everyone. We promote Jesus, not any religion. When we preach the good news, these two will be against us all the time.
The enemy desires to cease spreading the good news. When you share the gospel, there is so much opposition and that is what the enemy wants. Promote Jesus only. When you have the chance, share Jesus only. The church is not salvation; only Jesus. There should be no fear in following Jesus. Many think that when you follow Jesus, they will be trapped in their life. Do not be afraid to share Him to others, and all of the good things He has done in your life. Revelation 22:12-13 says, “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Jesus will win at the end and you will have your reward in heaven, no matter what happens here on earth. There is a higher calling. If there is pressure in sharing the gospel, remember that you are called for a greater purpose than just sharing it per se. Many people need to be free. When you feel like you cannot worship because of your current situation, remember that there are people who have not worshipped at all. Are you giving your all to God or just part of yourself?
Be calm and share the good news. When there is pressure in sharing and the enemy is working double time to stop you, press on and just do what you are called to do. You cannot reach everybody in the community but you can share to the people around you. Start with your family. God wants you to be the instrument to reach out to these people. Be on guard against the enemy. It sound good to be a part of the church, but watch out. You might be worshipping your church or your ministry already. Things may sound and look good but it might be the tool of the enemy to destroy your family. You might be serving the church but your heart is far from it. You might be serving the church but you are forgetting to reach out to your family. The enemy will try to steal, kill and destroy Christians. Pause and remember what you really need to do in the first place. Your relationship with God is more important than what you are doing in church. Remain under Jesus’ wings. Luke 13:34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” God wants everybody to be saved. He died for us all. But there are others who do not believe and there is nothing you can do about it. He wants to be intimate with you all the days of your life.
Do everything for the love of God. Be the Bible they can read. Our life is the good news. We received Jesus and we are changed. Every time we walk outside, we are the good news. We do not walk away from the Lord when we are at work, at home or in school. Be the same wherever you are. The good news remains no matter what you do everyday.
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