This morning we awoke at Roden just outside Shrewsbury, after a walk through the shorn wheat-fields it was necessary to stop for provisions in Oswestry. Soon after, we arrived at our next overnight stop. A secluded slate gravel car park between Selattyn and Glyn Ceirog on the B4579. The most notable thing about this spot is that it is right on Offa`s Dyke Path. A 171 mile trail that goes from Prestatyn to Chepstow. A walk that mirrors the border of England and Wales. We set off for a walk past the signs that depicted which country we were in, and I was listening to the Gospel of Matthew.
Matthew 10:32,33 says “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father in heaven.“
Wales
You see, like the English/Welsh border, you can’t be in both or neither, you are either in one or in the other. Jesus is quite clear, there is NO sitting on the fence , it’s confess or deny. Later again in verses 38 and 39, Jesus says,” And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me, is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.”
England
Clear distinction, one way or the other way, NO middle choice.
The Greek word for the “confesses Me “ used in Matt 10:32 and Luke 12:8, is HOMOLOGEO,“ which conveys the thought of confessing allegiance to Christ as one’s Master and Lord, and on the other hand, of acknowledgement, on His part, of the faithful one as being His worshiper and servant, His loyal follower.
In Matthew 21:9 , The triumphal entry, the multitudes cried out, “Hosanna“ signifies, Save now, we beseech thee,“ Blessed is He who comes in the name of Lord!” The changing multiple join the cry of the day , whether it be Hosanna or Crucify him! There is no third choice.
JOSHUA 24:15 “And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve , …., But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord .”
God bless