We are to “confess” Jesus, which means to acknowledge Him as Lord, and that in life or in death.
Yet we do not always do this, do we. Or if we feel we must we often temper what we say. Why?
“However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews” (John 7:13). “Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in 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 than the praise of God.” (John 12:42-43).
Are we any different today? Is the pressure against us greater? Are you sure?
In this morning’s message we will be looking at saying no to fear by saying yes to fear.
How do we overcome this fear of what others may think, say or do? Jesus answer seems contradictory: by “the fear of God”. This is the only antidote – but it is a different fear. The first fear speaks of terror, this fear speaks of reverence. The first speaks of threat, this speaks of love. That’s why the Apostle John says “perfect love casts our fear” (1 John 4:18). The love he is talking about is reverence for who God is and gratitude for what God does.
Is it hard to openly talk about Jesus? Yes, if we only look at the reaction real or potential that it might arouse; but ‘No’ if you think of the glory, grace and love of God for you. Their animosity, even at its worst is limited, but God’s power knows no limit – indeed it is exercised with loving interest and comes with wondrous promises for His people who confess His Son before men. This pushes aside the fear of man.
Let us ask God to not only show us how to maintain a faithful confession of Jesus, but to do so.