OUR TRUE MEASURE

To follow the LORD, on the narrow way is, not all that simple and easy. The LORD know it all too well. This is the challenge, to all who wish to follow the LORD Jesus – we have to make up our mind, whether it is the LORD, that we want, or the other things in life. This is intricately and inalienably linked with Exodus 20:1-5 – “Thou shalt have no other gods before me…”

The LORD Jesus, while speaking to the disciples, says, “32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 10:32-33. The first response of a disciple is to declare who his Master is; to announce the Person, whom they are following. Such a declaration should be both in words and in deeds.

The same words of Jesus, are quoted in Mark 8:38, with a slight various, which amplifies, why people might deny Jesus –  “38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” People are concerned more about others, their opinions, and the repercussions of following Jesus. These concerns will make them feel ashamed of Jesus.

When anyone does not deny the LORD, and is not ashamed of the Redeemer, but confesses Him publicly, through their words and their deeds; such a person is counted as His disciple; and the LORD Himself will publicly own such a disciple, and that disciple will get something very special at the end of ages – “5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ – Revelation 3:5. What an honour – White Garments Book of Life, and the Public Declaration by the LORD Himself!!! The LORD Himself will confess them before the Father and His angels!

A Christian is called to declare his faith publicly. It is not easy; and there is a cost to be paid. This is what is required of us. However, while speaking up, we ought to do so, in gentleness and humility, and not be proud, arrogant or foolish. Many times, it is perceived to be easier, to lie and deny the LORD, than to speak up, and stand for the truth. Peter denied the LORD, three times. Such is the cost that truth demands – the cost of being the disciple. Many a man gets scared at the cost to be paid, and therefore, they are either silent, or deny the LORD; worse still, some simply join the crowd because, it is more convenient and comfortable.

How about us? Do we confess the LORD Jesus in public? Are we declaring the LORD through our words and deeds? Or, are we trying to hide the LORD, and our faith in Him, because it is inconvenient and uncomfortable? Where do we stand? It is better to choose the LORD.