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Shame and Glory

Luke 9:26-27
Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. ‘Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.’ (NIVUK)

The early days of being with Jesus must have been very exciting for the disciples.  But now the reality of His mission (and theirs) was being spelled out.  In order to fulfil God's plan of defeating the bad works of Satan (1 John 3:8), and rescuing people who have been held in his grip (Hebrews 2:14-15), Jesus would have to sacrifice His own life (Matthew 16:21).  

Not only that, but every true disciple would have to make their lives available for anything God wanted and deny themselves what they wanted (Luke 9:23).  Discipleship should not be thought of as leisure time entertainment in pleasant company, but a commitment to spiritual warfare with all the discomforts and casualties that come with a battleground.  It was hard teaching.  Would they be prepared to identify themselves with Him or would they disown Him?  

So, Jesus challenged them that if the idea was offensive to them, and they wanted to back out (John 6:66-69), they needed to know that they would be excluded from the great victory celebration when Jesus returns in glory.  That will be a real event, not some sort of religious fiction (Matthew 24:30-31).  As a little foretaste, Peter with James and John would shortly see Jesus gloriously transfigured - an experience confirming the truth of what Jesus was saying and encouraging the disciples to stay true to Jesus all the way (Luke 9:28-36; 2 Peter 1:16-18).

Following Jesus is not just about getting God to resolve today's problems.  It is intended to be a long-term relationship in which we clearly identify ourselves with Jesus and His teaching; working with Him in God's 'family business' - as He deals with sin and its consequences and prepares His 'family' for a glorious eternal future.  Yes, short-term we will need to endure some of the 'battlefield trauma', but long-term we will also share the joys of Christ's victory and the glory of His kingdom (1 Peter 4:13).  However, those who are ashamed of the sufferings of Jesus, and who do not want to be associated with God's salvation-work, cannot share in His glory.  It was a radical choice for the disciples, and not all of them chose well: Judas was ashamed of Jesus and lost everything.  Peter was ashamed but repented and was restored. It is still a radical choice for every believer, every day at home and at work.  So, even if others ridicule your faith in Christ for a little while, do not be ashamed of Jesus, because He will honour for ever those who stand with Him now.

Prayer 
Dear Lord. Thank You for this fresh reminder that my relationship with You is for the 'long-term', and so my decisions about day-to-day behaviour need to be shaped by my hope of glory with Jesus. Forgive me for so much short-term and selfish thinking, and for even wanting to use You to fix my problems so that I can continue to be selfish! Help me, when others mock my faith in You, to stand up for Jesus; knowing that He will stand by all those who honour Him - both now and in eternity to come. May I also be willing to witness to my family and friends who mock You, knowing that they need to hear and respond to the gospel message before Jesus returns. In His Name. Amen.
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© Dr Paul Adams