Ostracized (Luke 6:22-26)

 

Scripture

“Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. "Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets. "But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full. "Woe to you who are well-fed now, for you shall be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way.” (Luke 6:22-26)

Devotional Thought

The Lord tells us that we are in good company when we are reproached for the Son of man’s sake. That’s because with whom you run says something about who you are. The old saying, “Birds of a feather flock together,” is true.

God told Israel not to marry foreign wives because He knew it would corrupt them (Ex 34:12-16). We can conclude from these warnings: God knows that we will be pulled down and led into sin if we make ourselves at home with evil practices. It doesn’t work the other way because only God can change a heart, and that takes regeneration. Our influence over wicked men and women is only minimal. So don’t be deceived into thinking you will gain an ear for the Gospel by walking side-by-side with the wicked. It is more likely that you will lose your testimony.

God knows how to save the lost. We needn’t compromise our walk to reach people. Just remain faithful, prayerful, and ready to give an answer. Broadcast the seed far and wide, but an evil cloak doesn’t make it more palatable. One of my pastors used to say, “What you win them with is what you win them to.”

The Gospel message is repentance and faith in Christ's atoning work. His righteousness must be imputed to us through faith. This message, the need for repentance and faith, will cause men to hate you because it will expose their sin. How will they see the error of their way if you walk with them in sin?

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)