Overcoming Our Fear of Identifying with Jesus

Matthew 28.16-17 observes, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw Him they worshiped Him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.

Shame, and similarly, fear of what people might think, are two cancers impacting greatly the Church, inhibiting its obedience to the mission assigned by Jesus to go into all the world and make disciples, teaching people everywhere to obey His commands.

I have felt and succumbed to this fear of men rather than be wholly devoted to the fear of God. It is amazing this occurs when we consider all that God has done for us in creating us and then saving us, promising us eternal life with Him and all those who have ever loved Him. Yet we fear men.

We fear men so that we might be acceptable to them hoping we will still be acceptable to God on that day when we give account for our lives to Him. We ignore His warning that those who deny Him before men will be denied by Him before God. What can change this fear, apathy and disobedience?

A deeper relationship with Jesus whereby we are filled with the Holy Spirit Who comes to empower us to witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. All these fearful disciples, all those who held back among the twelve, later died for their testimony to men that Jesus is the only Name on earth given to humanity by which we might be reconciled to God. The fearful became bold as they worshiped, prayed and shared Jesus.

Worshiping Him more caused them to speak of Him more which strengthened them to even die serving Him. This must become our means as well. We must more passionately seek Jesus until worship and adoration flow from our mouths as we boldly and unashamedly share Him with others so that the world might come to know Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords.

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