And you will be hated by everyone because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved!
Matthew 10:22 NET
As Jesus taught his disciples, he warned them of the suffering and persecution that would come their way. This opposition to their message would come from civil and religious authorities as well as those close to them. Everyone would hate them because of Jesus’ name. Because they had taken his name, they should expect the same treatment.
Amid the warnings about the rough times they would experience, Jesus encouraged them to remain faithful. The one who endured and did not give up, remaining faithful to the end of their life, would experience salvation. While their life on this earth would not be pleasant, those who faithfully endured would experience the Lord’s salvation. A life that would make their current suffering fade into insignificance (Rom. 8:18).
We should not be surprised today if the world does not take kindly to our message or our lives. Instead, we should be concerned when they are accepting of us. Their acceptance is an indication that we are like them. That they see little that would distinguish us from them.
Be faithful to our Lord, regardless of how this world treats you. It is not enough to start well as a believer. The promise of salvation is not to the one who just believed at some time in the past, who put their hand to the plow but then looked back (Luke 9:62). It is for the one who believed and continues to believe–for the one who endures to the end of their life.
What awaits us is beyond compare. Hang on to the end, and experience what the Lord has prepared for us (John 14:1-3).
