It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. (Acts 4:10)
Businesses or institutions spend millions trying to attract customers to their products or services by branding them with catchy names, slogans, colors, or logos. Their reputation and revenue becomes all about the brand. Similarly, Jesus Christ and his kingdom are known by its followers. As part of his church, you are the brand. Your allegiance and testimony to Christ’s salvation are seen and heard in the way you live your life and the stories you tell.
Peter and John’s testimony before the Jewish religious leaders was an exercise in brand loyalty. They boldly declared that the healing of the lame man was a miracle accomplished only by the grace of Jesus Christ. They were merely instruments in God’s hands—ordinary followers of an extraordinary Savior. Not once in this passage did Peter or John stray from this gospel message.
Boldness is next-level Christianity in these days of worldly influence. The disciples declared that Jesus Christ of Nazareth was the prophesied Messiah, a truth that was not widely accepted. They practiced such boldness by condemning the religious leaders for their part in his crucifixion and by teaching the forbidden message of his resurrection. As we learn from this passage and their witness, brand loyalty may be costly, but it will never exceed the cost of Jesus’ loyalty to us.
Consider whether your brand loyalty needs refreshing.
Jerry Brecheisen is an author and ordained elder who served The Wesleyan Church as a pastor and director of communications at the headquarters in Indiana.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
