Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119:17-24
Wisdom of the Day: Job 34:1-13
Scripture Reading: Luke 9:23-27
We learn the guilt and danger of being ashamed of Christ and His words. We read that He says, "Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels."
There are many ways of being ashamed of Christ. We are guilty of it, whenever we are afraid of letting men know that we love His doctrines, His precepts, and His people. We are guilty of it whenever we allow the fear of man to prevail over us, and to keep us back from letting others see that we are decided Christians. Whenever we act in this way, we are denying our Master, and committing a great sin.
The wickedness of being ashamed of Christ is very great. It is a proof of unbelief. It shows that we care more for the praise of men whom we can see than that of God whom we cannot see. It is a proof of ingratitude. It shows that we fear confessing Him before man, who was not ashamed to die for us upon the cross.
Wretched indeed are those who give way to this sin. Here, in this world, they are always miserable. A bad conscience robs them of peace. In the world to come, they can look for no comfort. If they will not confess Christ for a few years upon earth, then in the day of judgment, they must expect to be disowned by Christ to all eternity!
Let us resolve never to be ashamed of Christ. Of sin and worldliness, we may well be ashamed. Of Christ and His cause, we have no right to be ashamed at all. Boldness in Christ's service always brings its own reward. The boldest Christian is always the happiest man!
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, help me to be bold in living and proclaiming my faith.
Action Plan: Consider how you can be bold for Christ today.
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
