Boldness
As we collectively pause today, boldness is what comes to mind. September 11, 2001, we recall so many things; where we were, who we were with, the fear of the unknown, hurt, despair, helplessness, angry, sad, unified. We are able to remember because of own awareness, as well as the overwhelming number of images that were captured on that day and the days to follow. We recall the bravery and boldness of emergency professionals, We remember the gathering of elected officials on the steps of the US Capital praying and singing. On that fall day history wrote a new narrative for the United States. All of us have words that we can utilize to summarize the actions of many on that day. When I think of the individuals on the plane that were motivated by the words “Let’s Roll.” Boldness was on display. As the emergency personnel moved towards the chaos - when others ran. Boldness was on display. As we collectively pause today, boldness is what comes to mind.
Boldness is the willingness to take risks with confidence and courage in regard to your own knowledge and/or skill set. If I am an electrician I should be able to speak with confidence about watts and voltage. As a medical professional boldness and confidence should be evident when it comes to diagnoses and treatment. As a believer I should desire to share, profess and communicate the gospel narrative with boldness and confidence.
Acts 4:13 reads; “When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus.” Peter and John, once frozen with fear, now filled with the Holy Spirit, were out preaching the gospel for everyone to hear (see Acts 2:14–41). This soon got them arrested — the very thing that had terrified them before — and their boldness astonished the Jewish authorities, who then “recognized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). On Sunday we will take notice that Peter and the apostles take advantage of every gospel opportunity. When they experienced confrontation before the Sanhedrin council they saw it as an occasion to proclaim a summary of the gospel (cf. Luke 21:12-19). With boldness they use the opportunity before the council to remind them of Jesus’s death, resurrection, exaltation, and jaw dropping work (vv. 30-31a). They remind them that Jesus came, and people need to repent to receive forgiveness. They point out that they saw Jesus and that now His Spirit testifies with them (vv. 31b-32). As a result they were flogged; beaten with multiple lashes or blows of a whip or rod—and ordered not to speak publicly about Jesus again (Acts 5:40).
How did the apostles respond? One, they rejoice because they’re counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus. Two, they did not stop preaching the gospel. Remarkably, the persecution energizes the apostles! The apostles were consumed with JESUS! They took every opportunity to make Christ Known - They were “My Witness!” Don’t waste your moment, when you have someone’s ear - give the truth. Don’t set out to create conflict; set out to do ministry! Multiple times God freed the apostles physically in order to free others spiritually.
Through talents, gifts and education people are able to do things with boldness; it may mean running towards something while others are running away, it may mean speaking with awareness about watts and voltage, or it may even call for a time of confidence when sharing a medical diagnosis. Through the presence of the Holy Spirt that came upon you when you accepted Christ you were called to be “My Witness” and there will be times that you will need to do so with boldness. Join with me in allowing the message of the book of Acts to transform our heats and lead us to a collective mission, even in the midst of a pandemic and so much chaos.
Serving Him and Missing You,
Pastor Jeff