When Persecution Comes, Run: Jesus' Wisdom for Evangelists
In my previous article, I highlighted Jesus' counsel to His disciples to beware of men, even as they were sent as sheep into the midst of wolves (Matthew 10:16-17). This counsel offers a powerful balance—while we are commissioned to preach boldly, we must exercise discernment to stay safe and alive for continued ministry to willing hearts.
As I read further into Matthew 10, another profound counsel from Jesus stood out to me:
“But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another. . .”
— Matthew 10:23 (KJV)
This scripture presents another layer of Jesus' wisdom for His messengers. When persecution arises in a city, Jesus doesn’t suggest enduring it or trying to prove a point. His instruction is clear: RUN!
Relocate to another city. Find a place where the message can be heard without resistance or personal danger.
Both the counsel to beware of men and the counsel to flee when persecuted belong in the same bracket—they reveal a side of Jesus' heart that is often overlooked: His deep concern for the safety and wellbeing of His laborers, even as they fulfill their evangelistic assignments.
Contrary to certain popular teachings that suggest enduring persecution at all costs, Jesus advocates for strategic relocation in the face of hostility.
The goal is not to prove our courage by staying in toxic environments, but to preserve our lives so we can continue to proclaim the gospel to other cities and other people.
There are believers who remain in territories where they are consistently persecuted, driven by emotional attachment or a sense of obligation. While there may be times when God specifically instructs us to remain in such places, our default response—unless otherwise directed by the Holy Spirit—should be to relocate.
This is not cowardice; it is obedience to divine counsel.
Staying alive to preach another day is profitable to the Lord of the harvest.
Moreover, there's an important spiritual principle at play here that I want you to pay attention to: the anointing upon our lives thrives in an atmosphere of honor.
When a city becomes hostile to the gospel, the anointing upon the messenger becomes limited in its effectiveness.
The dishonor that comes through persecution creates a spiritual resistance that hinders the move of God. Jesus Himself did not perform many mighty works in places where He was dishonored (Matthew 13:58).
Therefore, I must state this emphatically:
when persecution arises, your first response should be to flee to a tolerable location.
You only remain if the Lord of the Harvest intercepts your decision to leave with a clear instruction to stay. Outside of such divine direction, the wisdom of Jesus is clear—RUN!
Running is not defeat; it is wisdom. It is stewardship of your life and calling. And it ensures that you remain an available vessel for the gospel in fields that are ripe and willing.
The harvest is great, and laborers will no longer be few.
Apostle Destiny Kingston
ChurchGrowth360 International
In my previous article, I highlighted Jesus' counsel to His disciples to beware of men, even as they were sent as sheep into the midst of wolves (Matthew 10:16-17). This counsel offers a powerful balance—while we are commissioned to preach boldly, we must exercise discernment to stay safe and alive for continued ministry to willing hearts.
As I read further into Matthew 10, another profound counsel from Jesus stood out to me:
“But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another. . .”
— Matthew 10:23 (KJV)
This scripture presents another layer of Jesus' wisdom for His messengers. When persecution arises in a city, Jesus doesn’t suggest enduring it or trying to prove a point. His instruction is clear: RUN!
Relocate to another city. Find a place where the message can be heard without resistance or personal danger.
Both the counsel to beware of men and the counsel to flee when persecuted belong in the same bracket—they reveal a side of Jesus' heart that is often overlooked: His deep concern for the safety and wellbeing of His laborers, even as they fulfill their evangelistic assignments.
Contrary to certain popular teachings that suggest enduring persecution at all costs, Jesus advocates for strategic relocation in the face of hostility.
The goal is not to prove our courage by staying in toxic environments, but to preserve our lives so we can continue to proclaim the gospel to other cities and other people.
There are believers who remain in territories where they are consistently persecuted, driven by emotional attachment or a sense of obligation. While there may be times when God specifically instructs us to remain in such places, our default response—unless otherwise directed by the Holy Spirit—should be to relocate.
This is not cowardice; it is obedience to divine counsel.
Staying alive to preach another day is profitable to the Lord of the harvest.
Moreover, there's an important spiritual principle at play here that I want you to pay attention to: the anointing upon our lives thrives in an atmosphere of honor.
When a city becomes hostile to the gospel, the anointing upon the messenger becomes limited in its effectiveness.
The dishonor that comes through persecution creates a spiritual resistance that hinders the move of God. Jesus Himself did not perform many mighty works in places where He was dishonored (Matthew 13:58).
Therefore, I must state this emphatically:
when persecution arises, your first response should be to flee to a tolerable location.
You only remain if the Lord of the Harvest intercepts your decision to leave with a clear instruction to stay. Outside of such divine direction, the wisdom of Jesus is clear—RUN!
Running is not defeat; it is wisdom. It is stewardship of your life and calling. And it ensures that you remain an available vessel for the gospel in fields that are ripe and willing.
The harvest is great, and laborers will no longer be few.
Apostle Destiny Kingston
ChurchGrowth360 International
When Persecution Comes, Run: Jesus' Wisdom for Evangelists
In my previous article, I highlighted Jesus' counsel to His disciples to beware of men, even as they were sent as sheep into the midst of wolves (Matthew 10:16-17). This counsel offers a powerful balance—while we are commissioned to preach boldly, we must exercise discernment to stay safe and alive for continued ministry to willing hearts.
As I read further into Matthew 10, another profound counsel from Jesus stood out to me:
“But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another. . .”
— Matthew 10:23 (KJV)
This scripture presents another layer of Jesus' wisdom for His messengers. When persecution arises in a city, Jesus doesn’t suggest enduring it or trying to prove a point. His instruction is clear: RUN!
Relocate to another city. Find a place where the message can be heard without resistance or personal danger.
Both the counsel to beware of men and the counsel to flee when persecuted belong in the same bracket—they reveal a side of Jesus' heart that is often overlooked: His deep concern for the safety and wellbeing of His laborers, even as they fulfill their evangelistic assignments.
Contrary to certain popular teachings that suggest enduring persecution at all costs, Jesus advocates for strategic relocation in the face of hostility.
The goal is not to prove our courage by staying in toxic environments, but to preserve our lives so we can continue to proclaim the gospel to other cities and other people.
There are believers who remain in territories where they are consistently persecuted, driven by emotional attachment or a sense of obligation. While there may be times when God specifically instructs us to remain in such places, our default response—unless otherwise directed by the Holy Spirit—should be to relocate.
This is not cowardice; it is obedience to divine counsel.
Staying alive to preach another day is profitable to the Lord of the harvest.
Moreover, there's an important spiritual principle at play here that I want you to pay attention to: the anointing upon our lives thrives in an atmosphere of honor.
When a city becomes hostile to the gospel, the anointing upon the messenger becomes limited in its effectiveness.
The dishonor that comes through persecution creates a spiritual resistance that hinders the move of God. Jesus Himself did not perform many mighty works in places where He was dishonored (Matthew 13:58).
Therefore, I must state this emphatically:
when persecution arises, your first response should be to flee to a tolerable location.
You only remain if the Lord of the Harvest intercepts your decision to leave with a clear instruction to stay. Outside of such divine direction, the wisdom of Jesus is clear—RUN!
Running is not defeat; it is wisdom. It is stewardship of your life and calling. And it ensures that you remain an available vessel for the gospel in fields that are ripe and willing.
The harvest is great, and laborers will no longer be few.
Apostle Destiny Kingston
ChurchGrowth360 International
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