There are some things we do not talk about as we ought to, considering the effect of such things on our immediate emotional response. Interestingly, that we do not talk about such matters does not change the truth that comes with, it remains just as it sounds!
The need to confess Christ in the face of death is one thing we often times neglect. It is talked about, but not as much as it should be. The present day Christian has heard so much about what Jesus is able to do for him or her , but has probably never heard that the need may someday arise to die for Christ.
Right now, someone is saying the kind of death I am talking about is definitely the one that is all about the flesh dying or coming under the subjection of the Spirit ( Death to self), so we can live for Christ. That is not what I mean! I am talking about the kind of death Peter was trying to avoid when he denied his Master three times in one night! It was a denial that was as a result of the presence of soldiers who are trained to kill, people who were ready to do all they could to ensure anyone linked to Jesus was brought down with Him.
The new generation believer calls this kind of Biblical truth “too harsh” , considering that there is a need to bring as many people as possible in, not minding if they will remain in Christ as a Person or in the Church as an entity. I totally agree with the fact that those words are harsh to the ordinary man, yet they remain the Words of Jesus and they are meant for people who are willing to follow Jesus no matter what comes their way now or later.
MATTHEW 10:33
“But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”
If people do not count the cost of the journey they are embarking on, it becomes difficult to finish well and strong at the end of the day, because they may later end up confronted with what they never saw coming ahead of time.
Jesus never hid the details of what it entails to follow Him. He was not all about the acceptance of the crowd, He knew all men inside out and was able to discern the reason for which each person followed Him. He was rather interested in the hearts that were genuinely ready to follow Him, no matter the cost.
JOHN 6:26-27
“Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.”
As we grow older in our walk with Christ, He takes us to the point where He reveals to us that it is not about what we are able to get from Him alone, but what we are expected to go through because of our love for Him.
The beautiful thing however is that whatever we go through for Him qualifies us for a greater level of glory in His Kingdom. This knowledge is what helps us to hold on till the end, enduring whatever trials, persecutions, and challenges we are confronted with for His sake.
1 PETER 4:13
“But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
The words of mouth or wishful thinking cannot help a man stand the test of his faith in Christ, or his love for Him. It becomes more difficult when such test comes with threats to destroy the body, considering that the mortal man does not joke with his body and naturally fears anything going wrong with it at any time, and for any reason.
MARK 8:35
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.”
The desire to deny Jesus in the face of death will only lead to death ultimately, but the grace to let go off life for the sake of God and His purpose leads to the preservation of life ultimately. Harsh as it sounds, it is just as it sounds!
Author Profile
- Temitope is the founder of thesoulmeal.com, an online platform that she shares with her God-given spiritual family and friends. She is a speaker, teacher and youth counselor. She is passionate about inspiring people to find their identity in Christ. Catch her interviewing inspiring leaders on Tongue of the Learned Podcast
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