The Ultimate Test

"If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." Luke 9:26 BSB

WTMJ-Milwaukee posted a story yesterday titled, "Six Days in the Dome: Ultimate running test at Pettit National Ice Center" that, as an ultrarunner, piqued my interest. "What is this ultimate running test?" I thought to myself. Lance Allan of TMJ4 Sports explained it this way, "Imagine running for six straight days. I guess it's shorter than a full week. But imagine no more, as an event at the Pettit National Ice Center that puts ultra marathon runners to the ultimate test." Like many other sportswriters, Lance seemed to be in awe of what type of person would attempt something so nutty and insane and so asked the Race Director Steve Durbin, "How often do you get, are you crazy? Are they crazy?" To which Durbin replied, "Um, not more than every 15 minutes. You get the old, I don't even wanna drive that far. You hear that all the time." Steve went on to describe the event as an incredible test of mind, body, spirit, and maybe even stupidity.

And you know, while this event most definitely qualifies as an incredible test of mind, body and spirit, there is another test--the ultimate test of mind, body, and spirit--that every Christian will encounter and must pass to prove they are a true follower of Christ and receive the gift of eternal life. And the test is this... will they share their faith with others? Will they boldly proclaim the name of Jesus? You see, there are many people in our world who claim to be "Christians" but are too "ashamed" of Jesus to talk about Him and His words in public; people who would have to answer "no" to both of those questions. That person has failed the test of being authentic and will be denied before the Father in heaven. 

So let me ask you this today my friend, "Do you pass the test? Are you a true unashamed follower of Jesus Christ?" If the answer is yes, I am rejoicing with you knowing that you will spend eternity with the Savior. If the answer was no, I urge you to make the decision to follow Him today and to be sold out and unashamed of the saving power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I can assure you that it will be the best decision you will ever make. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that if we are ashamed of You then You will be ashamed of us. Lord, help us to be bold followers of You that we might impact a world in desperate need of hearing the Good News and receiving the hope that only You can provide. Compel us to preach the gospel like never before. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!