July 23

Confessing Christ Before Men

Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven. — Matt 10:32 BSB

Christ’s ultimate goal is to bring peace to our sin-stricken world, and the proclamation of the message of peace is spreading throughout the earth. We must not shrink from sharing the truth that has been entrusted to us, even if it brings us rejection and suffering. Nothing will deepen our earnestness and devotion more than constantly testifying for Christ. The Kingdom of God advances not so much through remarkable missions and sermons as through each person saying to their neighbor, “Know the Lord.”

We should start with those closest to us. Andrew’s testimony brought Peter to Jesus (John 1:40-42). Whatever blessing came to the Church and the world through Peter’s ministry, some credit is due to Andrew, who first brought his brother to Christ.

We must also share Christ with our friends. Philip found Nathanael. Our friends expect us to share our deepest thoughts and experiences with them. Sometimes, all we can say is, “We have found Christ,” but as we bring our loved ones to Him, we will find Jesus ready to meet them with His mighty help and fellowship. How warmly He welcomed Peter, and how perfectly He understood Nathanael’s character.

Our personal testimony is invaluable. The Samaritan woman brought an entire city to the feet of Jesus through her simple confession. Many Samaritans believed because of her words: “He told me everything I ever did.” This was the beginning of a great revival.

D.L. Moody made it a habit to speak personally to someone about Christ every day. While some may say that such a practice becomes mechanical, I can say that the days I have lived in this way have been the most radiant of my life. It is not necessary to always speak in religious terms, but we must not hide the light within us (Matthew 5:14-16). What an honor it will be to be confessed by Christ before all the world and to be presented by Him with joy before the Father (Jude 1:24). “If we suffer with Him, we shall also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will deny us.”

Prayer

May we so represent Christ our Lord in this world that men may come to love Him for what they see of His likeness in us. Amen.