Will I Be Recognized? Following Jesus from the Edges – Daily Devotional.

Will I Be Recognized?

Following Jesus From the Edges

Pastor Calvin Cook

April 13, 2026

Scripture:

“Surely you also are one of them; your accent gives you away.” — Matthew 26:73

“They recognized that they had been with Jesus.” — Acts 4:13

When I am at home, with family, friends, people recognize me. They know who I am and even without telling them they know my passions, interest, and what my focus in life is on. I really don’t have to carry a banner or wear a name tag, I am recognized as who I am.

But there is a question that has been sitting with me as I move beyond the celebration of the Resurrection and into the reality of everyday life: Will I be recognized… as someone who has been with Jesus?

Maybe this question is coming from some recent changes of thoughts I am going through but this Lenten and Easter season has really drawn me to closer reflection of who I am in God and who God is calling me to be and to do and if that new course or path I feel I am on is God’s plan.

The resurrection is no longer just something we celebrate, it is something we carry. It is behind us in event, but before us in calling. And now we step forward into what is next. But what does that look like?

I think about Peter. There was a moment around a fire, when he was recognized.

“Surely you are one of them…” And in that moment, Peter did everything he could not to be identified with Jesus. Fear took over. Pressure closed in. And recognition felt like a risk instead of a calling. So, he denied Him.

But then I think about another moment.

After the resurrection. After restoration. After the Spirit had come. Acts tells us that people recognized something different: “They recognized that they had been with Jesus.”

What changed?

Peter did. Or did Peter finally live into who Jesus had called him to be.

And that’s where this question turns personal for me and maybe for you: Do I want to be recognized as someone who follows Jesus only when I am in need? Only when life is hard? Only when I need answers, help, or direction?

Or…

Do I want to be recognized when things are going well too? When it is inconvenient? When it costs me something? When it requires me to stand, speak, serve, or surrender? When my plans and agenda clash with God’s way, plans, or agenda for me.

Because the sign of a true disciple is not occasional recognition. It is consistent identification. Not just in crisis… but in everyday life. Not just in worship… but in witness. Not just in words… but in the way we live. From the edges of life, this is where faith becomes visible.

It shows up in how we treat people. In how we respond under pressure. In what we choose when no one is watching. In whether our lives quietly (or boldly) say: “I have been with Jesus.”

The truth is people are watching. Not to judge. Well maybe some are judging. Not to condemn. Well maybe some are condemning. Is this judging and condemning lifestyle what God desires of His people or is it the temptation of the evil one?

I truly believe that everyone including me and you is searching for something more. Could it be that people are watching to see if what we claim is real. That evidence will be lived out in the way we live, move, and have our being.

So as I move forward from the empty tomb into what is next… this is the prayer that settles in my heart:

Lord, let my life reflect You so clearly that there is no question. In my words, in my actions, in my responses, let it be evident that I have been with Jesus. And when that moment comes, when people recognizes You in me, may I not shrink back. May I stand. May I live it. May I be known not as the religious but as one who is fully devoted to You. In Jesus name I pray.

This is another one of those dangerous prayers to pray – Are you brave enough, committed enough, bold enough to pray it and be amazed and what God is going to do next. Remember Pentecost is coming !