Monday, February 9, 2026

            In Matthew 10, we find the story of Jesus sending out the Twelve.  The Twelve refers to the original disciples that He called to follow Him.  And these disciples were a collection of characters—called twelve ordinary men by John MacArthur and others.  Among the Twelve, we find fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot, brothers and a future betrayer of Jesus.  In sending out the Twelve, Jesus gave them authority “to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness” (Matthew 10:1).  Both Mark and Luke have this same story, and while add some differing details, but the core remains the same.  Near the end of this story in Matthew 10, Jesus told His disciples, “whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32). 
            The key word seems to be “acknowledge.”  Some translations use the word “confess.”  The idea seems to be that Jesus calls us to confess or to identify a public allegiance to Him as Lord. This identification is not a matter of buying a billboard, commercial time on television or standing in a public place screaming until one’s voice gives out.  It seems to be speaking and living in ways that make it clear we have a single Lord whom we follow and His name is Jesus.  I believe it was President Lincoln who once famously said that he worried more about whether he was on God’s side and less about God being on his side.  It can be easy to think that Christ reflexively blesses our thoughts and actions and stands beside us as we say, think or do these things.  We can reduce Christ to our personal rubber stamp.  But, it might be much more important to examine what we think, say or believe to see if these matters line up with Christ.  We need to check our words, opinions and actions against the standard of Scripture and the heart of Christ.
            To acknowledge Jesus means we are allowing His words and spirit to saturate our minds and souls.  We are marinating our words and actions in His truth.  At times, it may be best to remain silent when everyone else is quick to form and express opinions.  At times, it may be best to dissent when it seems like the crowd or the majority is forming in one direction.  We need to remember that crowds and majorities can be curious things—for example, Jesus was crucified with the majority of the assembled crowd giving their consent and calling for His murder. 
            Remember, a lonely voice is not a bad one.  It was John the Baptist who was the voice in the wilderness calling others to repent and come to the Lord.  To acknowledge Jesus may require you to be a single voice, a single servant or the only one who pauses for a moment to wait for some discernment to catch up with the words and actions you hear and see.  Acknowledging Jesus will not always be easy—it will usually be hard because it can be counter to the enemy (Satan) and the kingdoms of this world.  The enemy’s ways are grounded in force, aggression, selfishness, brutality and power.  Jesus gave away power at the cross and willingly yielded to the Father’s will that the cross was THE way to life, hope and reconciliation.  Think of how you acknowledge Jesus today and every day. Where will you be a servant?  Where will you take the last place in line? Where will you speak words that are marinated in His love, truth and grace?  Where will you choose silence and refuse to join the raging chorus around you?  Where will you stand alone when others may be fleeing or running the opposite way?  The gospel comforts the afflicted.  But it also afflicts the comfortable.  Maybe you need comfort today.  Maybe it is the providence of God to afflict you and thus gain your attention.  Remember Jesus’ promise that your acknowledgment of Him means that He acknowledges you.
            In your circumstances and direction, acknowledge Christ today.  Be His.  Be teachable and pliable.  Be willing to listen and learn.  Be willing to be corrected.  Be willing to wear His yoke.  To acknowledge Jesus is so much, much more than screaming loudly and joining a crowd that is mindlessly moving in mass in one direction.  Jesus walked to the cross alone.  Be willing to walk today down whatever roads He may lead you.  Have a wonderful Monday!  Be a light for Christ today!