Shall You Have Boldness to Speak of Christ This Year?

© 2020 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)

Peter and John had just healed a man who’d been born lame (Acts 3:1-Acts 4:14).  They then told the onlookers that Jesus’ power had accomplished this.  The religious leaders were upset.  These leaders had stirred up the people to crucify Jesus.  His subsequent resurrection was a terrible embarrassment to them.  Though they couldn’t deny the miracle, they arrested Peter and John anyway.

In that community, rebuke by Jewish leaders was a fearful thing.  It would cause most to become very submissive.  Thus, as the Jewish leaders questioned Peter and John, they were surprised at their boldness.  Instead of backing down, they doubled down on their proclamation that Jesus Christ is the only Savior!  Though academically non-credentialed, Peter and John spoke with a boldness that even highly educated Jewish leaders lacked.  With chagrin, the leaders recognized this boldness came from the very Jesus they had crucified.

God has chosen to use lowly servants in demonstrating His power.  It shows that His mighty, merciful acts emanate from Himself rather than from the instruments or recipients of His mercy.

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;” (1 Corinthians 1:27)

Only those whom Jesus has saved can walk with Him through life.  Do you?  Do I?  Do we cleave to Him as our only Savior?  Do we speak more about Him, or about sports, work, politics, houses, lands, food, and entertainment?  Has He given us boldness to tell others about Him?  Or do we lack boldness, perhaps because some of us don’t really know Him?

Jesus said,

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” (John 10:27)

He also said,

“Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38)

With how many shall we rub shoulders, this year, without the boldness to present our Savior to them?

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