The passages in Genesis continue the story of Jacob and Esau, the death of Rachel, the death of Isaac, the sale of Joseph into slavery by his brothers, and the story of Judah's sons and their widow Tamar who Judah impregnates thinking she is a prostitute. I just keep thinking about how God uses such flawed humans to bring about his plan!
Matthew 10 is when Jesus sends out his disciples. His description of missions work is not very appealing! Jesus is the one who saves us eternally, but following him is not without cost in this world. He makes it very clear to expect persecution, even loss of life. Jesus says in verse 34 "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." This is certainly not prosperity gospel! Jesus is telling us not to focus on what is temporary, but what is eternal.
This reminds me of a conversation that I once had with my cousin Joe where he told me that if he went through a day where he did not feel persecuted for Christ: if he didn't have someone snub him, ignore him, demote him at work, etc. then he wasn't doing it right. This is a philosophy that is a little hard to swallow, but Jesus gives comfort. Verses 28-30: "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered."
Jesus tells us that when we follow him, we should expect hard times. But he also promises to be with us and that our eternal reward is worth our earthly troubles.
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