*DAILY DEW 2/FEBRUARY/2025* *THE COST OF FOLLOWING JESUS* _Key Bible Text:_ *"These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service."* (John 16: 1-2 (KJV)) _Bible Insight_ Jesus' statement in John 16:1-2 serves as a warning to His disciples about the persecution they will face because of their faith in Him. He wants to prepare them for the challenges ahead, so they will not be caught off guard or stumble in their faith. Jesus knows that the world will hate His followers, just as it hated Him. The specific persecution Jesus mentions is being put out of the synagogues. This would have been a severe consequence for the disciples, as the synagogue was the central gathering place for Jewish communities. Being expelled from the synagogue would mean social ostracism, loss of community, and even economic hardship. Jesus also warns that the persecution will escalate to the point where people will think they are doing God's service by killing His followers. This is a sobering reminder that the world's hatred for God can manifest in violent and destructive ways. Jesus' words were fulfilled in the early Christian church, as believers faced intense persecution and martyrdom. And this is still being fulfilled today in different ways and in many places. The lesson from this verse is that following Jesus comes with a cost. As believers, we should expect to face opposition, persecution, and even hatred from the world. Social media & bloggers have many of them too. However, Jesus wants us to be prepared and not be offended or caught off guard. Instead, we should stand firm in our faith, knowing that our suffering is not in vain, but rather serves as a testament to our allegiance to Christ. _MEDITATION:_ *Salvation is free but following Jesus right is costly. What has your Christianity cost you today?* *#DavidJoshuaEgbochuo* *#Mr_Positive_Impact* *#Daily_Wisdom_for_living* *#Becoming_More_Like_Jesus* *#The_Rise_of_An_Army* *#Daily_Dew_Devotional* *#Hello_FEBRUARY,2025* ❤ *Telegram Group:* https://t.me/joinchat/NzXQlVc9Hx7LfaRSnh9fHg Feel Free to Share with Friends. God bless you...