Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also
acknowledge before my Father in heaven (Matthew 10:32).
At first glance, the second half of Matthew 10 is
depressing. Brother will betray brother (v. 21); You will be hated by everyone (v. 22); If the head of the house
has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! (v. 25). If Jesus is recruiting, I
would be surprised if he has much success.
Jesus warns that you are assuming certain risks if you walk
as Jesus walks. People may impugn your motives (vv. 24,25); in living out the
Christian life you will undoubtedly face persecution (v. 28); and your enemy
will make you question your own self-worth and whether or not God loves you (v.
29). But some risks are worth taking. Too often we focus on the warnings, and
miss the promises. Three times here Jesus says: Do not be afraid (vv. 26,28,31).
When people question your motives, do not be afraid. When you face persecution, do not
be afraid. When your enemy
tempts you to question whether or not God loves you, do not be afraid.
Then, note the BIG promise: If anyone acknowledges me
before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. Here’s
how I paraphrase that: If you stand up for me, I’ll stand up for you.
Tell the truth. Are you afraid that if you take a risk God
will leave you twisting in the wind?
TODAY’S MEDITATION
Ask God for peace, and for
courage to stand up and be counted among his followers. Pray the words of the
psalmist in Psalm 56:3. 
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