Tag: Matthew 25:28-32
Day 3–Courage to Confess Jesus as Lord
Scripture reading for February 25: Matthew 25:28-32“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him Who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I also will acknowledge before My Father Who is in heaven, but whoever denies Me before men, I also will deny before My Father Who is in heaven.”
A common fear in all mankind is a concern for what others think. But Scripture teaches that the fear of man is a snare. (Proverbs 29:25) Jesus taught His disciples not to fear men or their positions of power or opinions. Even rulers who have the authority to take your life are not to be a source of fear. They can only kill the body but have no power to sentence you to eternal punishment.
The only ones we are to fear is God our Father and Jesus His Son. These hold our lives in Their hands and our eternal destiny depends on Their mercy and grace. If we hold this to be truth, then we should not be ashamed to declare our trust. Jesus plainly stated to His disciples that everyone who would confess faith in Him before men, He would confess before His Father in heaven. On the contrary, if we deny faith in Jesus then He will deny us before His Father in heaven.
As first responders who trust in Jesus, our first responsibility and priority in our life is our relationship with our Lord. But in a secular culture, we must be wise in how we conduct ourselves and in our speech. We should first seek to live a life of humility and serving others in such a way as to demonstrate Christ’s love and character. Our speech and attitude should be free from vulgarity and gossip. We should be ready to share the reason for our hope and joy, never denying Jesus as Lord. (1 Peter 3:15)
Prayer: Father God, I never want to deny You before men. Forgive me for sometimes having a fear of man concerning the sharing of my faith. Open doors for me to share my faith by displaying in me Your love and compassion and joy and hope. Amen.