ashamed?

This morning I was talking to the grandparent of one of Abby's school friends. He is a Jehovah Witness and therefore doesn't celebrate Christmas. So we talked about what we did over the holiday and during the break. I didn't mention the word Christmas, and of course neither did he.

Whislt waiting at the Cusotmer Service desk this afternoon in Sainsbury's I picked up a copy of the Times newspaper. I had a long wait and plenty of time to read. As I flicked through the pages something caught my eye. At the top of the section headed Births, Marriages and Deaths there is a bible verse. Mark 8:38 to be precise.

If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels.

Had I been ashamed of mentioning Jesus during my conversation that morning? My intention was merely to be tactful and recognise the view held by this particular individual. I honestly felt no sense of trying to hide my allegiance to Jesus. But what if I had? Would Jesus have been ashamed of me when he returns?

On three occasions Peter denied he had any acquaintance with Jesus whatsoever. When Jesus returns I don't think he will be ashamed of Peter.

That's grace.