TEXT: Matthew 10:32-33
“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."
PETER DENIED JESUS
Peter, spectacularly denied Jesus three times even after he was told before the incident took place. The circumstances were so grave that he could not bear the burden of acknowledging Jesus as his friend and master. Everyday, we find ourselves in similar situation like Peter faced with the choice of either acknowledging our relationship with Jesus or denying him. Many, sadly because of personal gains, fear or embarrassment deny Jesus. Have you ever denied the Saviour and only begotten Son of God?
REJECTING JESUS IS DENYING HIM
Accepting and confessing Jesus as your Lord and Saviour is the first step in declaring before men that you belong to Jesus. Your baptism by immersion in water is a public confirmation that you have died to the world, buried and resurrected to life with Christ. However, anyone who refuses to accept and receive Jesus is denying Jesus before the world.
DENYING JESUS BY WORDS AND DEEDS
In the church, many profess that they know Jesus but in deeds or works, they deny him. You cannot claim to have a relationship with Jesus and continue to do evil and wickedness. Titus 1:16 says: "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." Are you denying Jesus by your works or actions? When you refuse to obey the word of God as a believer, you deny Jesus: "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (James 1:22).
Paul declared boldly: "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation ..." (Romans 1:16). Are you ashamed of telling others about Jesus? Jesus said in Luke 9:26: "For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels." You have the unique privilege of acknowledging Jesus before men on earth and the rich reward of being acknowledge by Jesus before the Almighty God in the court of heaven.
REPENT TODAY
Peter denied Jesus, but he repented and vigorously, with uncommon boldness preached the gospel of Christ after the death and resurrection of Jesus. He was crucified for refusing to deny Jesus. Have you denied Jesus before, you have the opportunity to repent and make amends. If you deny Jesus on earth, he will deny you in heaven.
PRAYER:
Father, grant me the grace to serve you to the end in Jesus name.
DECREE:
I am crucified with Christ. My life is hid in him.
God bless you. Shalom.
