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NASB | Matthew 10:14 "Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 10:14 "Whoever does not welcome you, nor listen to your message, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust [of it] off your feet [in contempt, breaking all ties]. [Mark 6:11; Acts 13:51] |
Bible Question: Should we use this verse as justification to pull our missionaries out of countries like Afghanastan, Pakistan, or China where Christians are in danger of being killed or persecuted? There are many countries in the world that are hostile to Christians and the gospel message that salvation is found in Christ alone. Why do we maintain a missionary presence there if Jesus has told us that if we are not received, then we should leave and not come back? Also, would Matthew 7:6 apply? Jesus said not to throw your pearls before swine or they would turn and tear us to pieces? Is this what we are seeing with the terrorists' attacks on America? |
Bible Answer: Dear Bill, Greetings in Jesus' name! I think that "Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces." Matthew 7:6 NASB, can be applied to countries or religions. Only with individuals or households can we discern this, and even then not a permanent judgment. We are to be wise AND gentle. Sometimes it is wise to discern a (presently) inpenetrable wall, and pray for the Lord to deal with it while we move on. There may come a time when the door for ministry is open. As to whether these verses can be applied on a larger (country) scale, I don't think it would work. We would 'give up' and surrender an entire nation or religion to the devil. Even in Afghanistan and North Korea there are faithful saints. Japan has an extremely low proportion of Christians for an 'advanced' nation, but I cannot give it to the enemy. I have had a few times when I have put certain individuals 'on hold.' In a few cases, doors were opened at a later date that were effective to salvation. Even 'don't throw pearls' and 'shake off the dust' are not permanent, but temporary or giving them unto another vessel for ministry. In Christ Jesus, charis |