Loving Boldness

The Bible records two types of boldness in our times. One flows from a heart of hatred, the other from a heart of love… “Let lying lips be put to silence, which speak insolent things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up in store for those who fear You; which you have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!” (Psalm 31:18,19).

When lies and hatred get bolder against the truth of Christ, Jesus provides us with greater strength to withstand them. Psalm 31 ends with this promise… “O love the Lord, all His saints! for the Lord preserves the faithful and plentifully rewards the proud doer (for Him). Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope (wait) in the Lord” (Psalm 31:23,24).

Not only do we have the outward help of the Lord, but we also have the promise of His inward strength infusing us. It doesn’t come by osmosis, it comes by spending time with Him, away from the noise and busyness of the world. As the disciples spent time with Jesus, people around them noticed that they talked like Jesus, had strength and wisdom like Jesus, and were as unintimidated by threats as Jesus.

Jesus bore public shame, hanging on a Cross as a criminal, for our sins – shall the world now make us ashamed of our risen Savior? May our loving boldness for Christ and His truth, rise to Heaven’s throne and be worthy of His commendation and blessing when He returns.

Worthy Is the Lamb.

(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)