Not ashamed
And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:30-33
From the text, the Lord Jesus Christ was reassuring the disciples to not fear. Their fear was based on the persecutions they were facing because of their faith in God. He was telling them that if their Master was treated poorly, they too will experience the same. Persecution because of the belief in God is inevitable. But such persecution because of our relationship with Christ should be counted as a privilege because it just shows how close we are with God. Later on, after Jesus had ascended to heaven, the disciples encountered strong persecution that they were threatened to be jailed if they will not stop talking to others about their faith. But instead of getting intimidated, they counted it as a privilege to suffer for the name of Christ. “The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus” (Acts 5:41). Another concern the Lord Jesus Christ raised from the text was the disciples fear that their persecution could lead to their death. Jesus reminded them with these words; “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). Such fear to God will lead to obedience and trust. He also told His disciples that those that trusted Him will not be left on their own. If God takes care of the sparrows how much more those that placed their lives in His hand? Have you confessed Jesus as your Lord and Savior? You may be too concerned as to what others could do to you to harm you but God is more concerned to what might happen to your eternal soul. It is either you are saying, “Jesus, I need you in my life” or you are saying, “Jesus, go away, I don’t need you in my life.” If you have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior, there is no reason for you to deny your relationship with Him. In another occasion Jesus told the crowd, “He who is not with Me is against Me” (Luke 11:23). Either you have faith and ready to trust in Christ or you are still in your unbelief. Pray that God will help you from your unbelief that you will place your trust in Him. Once you trust Him, do not be afraid to speak up about your relationship with God.
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com
