Connect
Stream
Isaiah gave a prophetic declaration of the coming King, who would reign in righteousness and the people who rule under him will make sound decisions as they lead.
Rulers under him will be to the people like a shelter and refuge, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land
These leaders will themselves be able to discern truth and receive guidance and thus to able to lead the fearful and stammering into knowing and declaring the truth
In that day ungodly fools will not be heroes. Men who have no moral principles and mistreat people will not be respected
Scoundrels use wicked methods and make up evil plans to destroy the poor with lies even when the cause of the poor is just.
But the noble make noble plans and by noble deeds, they stand
In the second lesson, Jesus sent out the twelve on evangelistic outreach with stern warning
He sends them like sheep among wolves; hence they should be shrewd as a snake and inoffensive as a dove
They are to be on guard because some people will question their motives and smear their reputation because they believe in Jesus
They should know beforehand that they will be persecuted for preaching the gospel and will stand trial before governors and kings because they are followers of Jesus
And such occasions would be their opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about Jesus, for God will give them the right words
At that time, not all members of a family will share the same loyalty to Jesus and this would lead to betrayal
If Jesus is accused and labeled Beelzebul, the disciples should anticipate greater persecution.
When persecuted in one town, they should move to another, spreading the gospel