Substituting for Pastor Jeremiah today is guest blogger Josh L. In Matthew 10, Jesus tells his twelve disciples to do the things he has done. After the explanation of who each disciple was (v. 2-4), Jesus gives his disciples clear instructions to “…go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons (v. 6-8).” Next, Jesus explains that for his namesake they will be persecuted, but will be saved if his disciples continue to remain in him (v. 16-23). Jesus continues to encourage his disciples in verses 24-31 by saying neither to be afraid nor to fear the enemies of God who will try to persecute them due to their faith. Lastly, Jesus tells his disciples if they are to follow him they must give up everything (v. 34-39), and all who welcome Jesus into their life also accepts the Father (v. 40-42). As followers of Christ, persecution will come our way when we speak about Jesus, but that does not give us an excuse to ignore what Jesus commands his followers to do in the Great Commission (Mt. 28:19-20). During times of persecution we must remember not to be afraid, but as Psalm 134:1 says, “To praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord.”