July 4, 2025
Independence Day
My sisters and brothers in the Lord,
Welcome to week twenty-seven of BMW, Be My Witnesses. Happy Independence Day! OK, let’s go; let’s be witnesses; let’s be on mission. As we go forth, let us hear the words of Jesus: “Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, the Son of man will be ashamed of when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels” (Luke 9: 26).
Witness: Do not be Ashamed of Me
Jesus’ tortures, sufferings, being stripped naked, and executed on a cross were humiliating, degrading, and shame-filled. No one who did not know Jesus could walk away from that scene and think this was a good man. But Jesus was not ashamed to endure all that out of love for us.
We, on the other hand, are very prone to avoid shame or humiliation or even just putting ourselves out there, since who are we, just sinners. Adam and Even in the garden are our heroes. As God called these new sinners forth, Adam spoke for all of us, “I heard you in the Garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid” (Genesis 3:10).
Let’s look at the leader of his apostles. Even though Peter had the courage to be in the courtyard and thus somewhat close to the arrested Jesus, he denied that he even knew “the man” (Matthew 26:69-74). He was ashamed to be linked to Jesus, most likely because he feared being arrested himself or being humiliated by those around him. Fortunately, Peter repented and became a very courageous apostle filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.
We also know that the Pharisee, Nicodemus, sought out Jesus at night, no doubt so no one would see him (John 3:2). He too, at the end, would come forward to bury the Lord (John 19:39). So, just because we may have been embarrassed or ashamed to stand up for the Lord at one point in our lives does not mean that we cannot become bolder with God’s grace.
If Jesus is not ashamed to call us, “brothers” (Hebrews 2:11), then we must learn to “persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2). Paul was very upfront about his belief: “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). And Paul would utter the same words to us that he delivered to his protégé, Timothy, “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake” (II Tim 1:7-8).
The Challenge
Now, for our challenge this week. It would be good to work this out with your small group. What is some small thing you could do that would let others know you are Christian, a follower of Jesus? Perhaps, if allowed at work, a bible or small crucifix on your desk, or wearing a neckless with a crucifix on it. There are many different ways we could accomplish this.
Until next week, may God Bless you.
I am sincerely yours in Christ,
+ Earl Boyea
Bishop of Lansing
P.S. Below is a video version of this week's Be My Witnesses. Please do share with family and friends. Thank you. God bless you.