“So everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in Heaven, but whoever denies Me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in Heaven.” — Matthew 10:32-33
Acknowledge Me Before Men
On Wednesday night, the sports world turned its attention to Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles for the 26th annual ESPY Awards. Stars from sports to television and everything in between paraded across the stage in a celebration of the year’s best sports moments.
Danica Patrick of racing fame became the first woman to ever host the ESPYS, and she poked fun at numerous athletes and teams during her opening monologue. The producers sprinkled lighthearted humor throughout the show to give the audience some relief from the many serious topics discussed, such as the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and the decades-long abuse by Larry Nassar. There were laughs, and there were certainly tears. In the midst of it all, Nick Foles, Jim Kelly and Stefon Diggs stood boldly before thousands and proclaimed their faith in God.
These athletes responded to Jesus’ words in Matthew 10, where Jesus is speaking to his 12 disciples and says: “So everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in Heaven.”
Most of the rest of the chapter is Jesus’ instructions to his disciples about how to go out into the world and evangelize. Jesus does not say it will be easy or painless. Rather, He tells them to take up their crosses and follow Him. Yet, He promises that the Holy Spirit will speak through them and that God will always be with them.
“The one who endures to the end will be saved” — Matthew 24:13
When Jesus spoke the words of the 10th chapter of Matthew more than 2,000 years ago, He was speaking to the 12 men following Him. Now, because those men listened and shared the Good News, we know the truth of what Jesus did for us. He commands all followers of Him to acknowledge before the world that He is our Lord and our Savior.
Acknowledge Jesus today and every day, and your name will be in the book of life forever.
— Kevin Mercer
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