Here is a
trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we
endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if
we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself. (II Timothy
2:11-13)
My study Bible says may have been an early hymn. If you want a
fascinating study, read John 14:1-17:26 and notice the parallels. There are a
lot of great truths in this passage, things that we should turn to when we’re
suffering. If we die, we gain. If we endure, we gain. Even if we are faithless,
He’s faithful. This morning, my focus is on “If we disown him, he will also
disown us.”
People on social media seem to like to quote this as a means of forcing others
to share or like their post. If you don’t share or like it, they say, you are
disowning Jesus and (ominous sounding music) He’ll disown us. It’s emotional
blackmail.
If you call someone on it, they’ll say
they were just giving people an opportunity to acknowledge Christ in their
lives, or they’ll try to defend themselves. “That is what it says.” Yes, it is,
but that doesn’t mean that it’s their job to test anyone and everyone or to try
to publicly shame someone. It also doesn’t mean that God will be happy with
your using a test of someone’s relationship with God to gain status on social
media, where likes and shares mean power. (Is your name Simon, the Magician?) We
just need to not be ashamed to confess that Jesus is the Christ. I agree. We
need to not be ashamed. But not being ashamed does not mean being a performing
circus poodle so that you can put on a good show for others. A little harsh?
Perhaps – so is “Share or like or God will disown you.”
For me, here’s the bottom line. “If
you aren’t ashamed…” and “If you love Jesus…” then like or share echoes in my
ears. Here’s the echo I hear: “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to
become bread…If you are the Son of God…throw yourself down….” (Matthew 4:3 &
6) Recognize who was speaking?
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