Verse: ‭‭Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭8‬-‭12‬
“”And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.””

Devotion
Jesus assures us that when we acknowledge Him before others, He will acknowledge us before the angels of God. Our confession of faith in Christ carries immense weight and heavenly significance. By openly and unashamedly professing our belief in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we align ourselves with Him and His kingdom. In doing so, we receive the assurance that our confession does not go unnoticed by God. He honors and recognizes our faithfulness in the presence of heavenly witnesses.

However, Jesus also warns against denying Him before others. Denial can take various forms—remaining silent when opportunities arise to share our faith, compromising our beliefs for societal acceptance, or conforming to worldly standards that contradict the teachings of Christ. Denial stems from fear, but it ultimately leads to separation from God’s eternal presence. Therefore, let us examine our hearts and resolve to confess Christ boldly, understanding the weight of our words and actions.

Jesus goes on to address the forgiveness of those who speak against Him. He assures us that speaking against the Son of Man can be forgiven, indicating the depth of His mercy and grace. However, the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not find forgiveness. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit refers to the persistent rejection of God’s work and presence, a deliberate and willful resistance to His calling. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the Spirit’s work in our lives and responding with humility and repentance.

Lastly, Jesus comforts His disciples by assuring them that they need not fear when brought before authorities and rulers for their faith. He acknowledges the potential challenges and opposition they will face, but He promises the Holy Spirit’s guidance and teaching in those very moments. This promise is not limited to the disciples of that time but extends to all believers. When we face adversity or find ourselves in situations where our faith is tested, we can rely on the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and guidance. He will provide the words we need to speak, granting us courage and clarity in the face of opposition.

As we meditate on Luke 12:8-12, let us reflect on our commitment to confess Christ boldly. May we recognize the eternal significance of our confession and the impact it has on our relationship with God. Let us stand firm in our faith, refusing to deny our Lord or compromise our beliefs. And in times of difficulty and opposition, may we trust in the Holy Spirit’s guidance and rely on His wisdom to speak the truth with grace and boldness. May our lives be a testament to the power and love of Jesus Christ, as we wholeheartedly embrace His call to confess Him before the world.

Author: Justin Artymenko