To the apostles of Jesus…

Jesus gathered His twelve disciples...
Over every sickness and every disease,
use my authority as you please.
Go to the people of Israel, my lost sheep.
Tell them The Kingdom is near; don't be asleep.
Signs and wonders you will perform,
that they believe and reform.
You have received without giving.
So, of this don't make a big living.
Don't try to fill your pockets,
with copper, silver and gold lockets.
Do not worry; He will provide.
Just as He has always supplied.
When you go to a house, say peace be with you.
If they welcome you, let your greeting brew.
If a town or house welcomes or listens not,
take back your greeting and leave without a thought.
On Judgement Day, more mercy to Sodom and Gomorrah,
than people of that town, even if they claimed to read the Torah.

I send you out just like sheep to a pack of wolves.
There will be men who will arrest you and give you mouth fulls.
So cautious as snakes, but gentle as doves.
You will be whipped in the synagogues.
For my sake will have to slog.
Before rulers and kings,
the Good News you will bring.
Your trial, don't worry about what or how to speak.
For the words will not be yours; they will come from the Spirit, which is not weak.

Your own family will persecute you.
Through the hate, it will be painful to get through.
Hold out to the end and you will be saved.
Let not before the Messiah comes, the children be depraved.
Listen, they call me Beelzebub and you call me teacher.
Remember, no slave or pupil is greater than his master.

So don't be afraid of mortal people...
their pretentious righteousness although they may seem feeble.
Their wicked secrets in darkness committed, made known.
They can kill only the body, not your soul.
Nothing can happen without the Father's consent.
Even the hair on your head is counted with intent.

If anyone accepts me publicly,
in front of the Father, I will embrace him lovingly.
But for those in front of men, me reject...
at the end of their days I too will deject.

Peace to men from within I bring,
but unlike what this fallen world thinks.
I came instead with a sword,
dividing chaff from the grain - my Word.
It may divide your family.
This may be your cross, but continue to follow me.
If you love your earthly life,
you'll eventually just lose it.
But, if for my sake you put up with strife,
it shall unto you remit.
If even a drink of cold water,
is given to your because you're my follower,
He will have his reward,
as if he welcomed the Lord.

- RUELHA
(inspired by Matthew 10)

This poem is part of a series of rhymes titled 'The Matthew Series'. This is the 9th poem in the series. They are all based on the gospel of Matthew and are in the correct sequence.

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