Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 15 & 16; John 12:26-50
“Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more the praise of God” John 12: 42-43(KJV).
Many believers have died and missed heaven because of the praise of men and being ashamed of confessing Jesus. This as a result of either the position they hold among men, their past activities which may attract mockery and fear of being humiliated by their close acquaintances. For example, a young Moslem who is still dependent on her parent who repented in a revival service she was invited by her friend faces the task on how to confess Jesus before her parents or other Moslem friends for fear of serious retribution. Many examples exist of men and women, boys and girls who indulge in this act of not confessing our Lord and Saviour openly and in public. In whichever angle such an act of denial comes from it is sin against the Most High God. Such individuals will not be afraid to confess the president of their country as their father, uncle or relative. Allowing the praise of men or what men may do to you to frustrate your open confession of Christ is tantamount to being ashamed of Christ. It is on this premise that Jesus Christ said in Mark 8:38 (NKJV), “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Holding on to the things of this world and desire to live in two worlds is not in line with God’s word and such a one is not fit for the kingdom of God. No matter the secret giving and financing of church activities such a person cannot and is not a candidate for heaven. Jesus said in Luke 9:62(NKJV), “…No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God” Our repentance and believe in Christ must therefore be total and total denial of self. We must kick against the things and activities of the world that has the tendency to lure us away from God, that cause us to momentarily deny our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. Our obedience must be full and complete. We must carry our cross among men. We must declare Him Lord and Master wherever we go and whatsoever we are doing we must acknowledge His Lordship over our lives. He was not ashamed to identify with us even to the cross. Hebrews 2:11 (NKJV) “For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren” If Christ then is not ashamed to call us brethren, is he who is ashamed to identify with Him openly worthy of Him?
My dear reader, please note that unconfessed Christianity is a non-existent redemption. The true redemption is worthy of proclamation. As a redeemed individual my redemption and confession of Jesus is to be proclaimed at the mountain-top. Whatever will make me not to confess Christ as my Lord and Saviour openly is a satanic ploy to waste me and deny me of heaven.
Prayer: My father, my father any power that will frustrate my open confession of Jesus Christ, die in Jesus name.
Bro. Joel Ezeugo