Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 1, 2015
Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. John 20:6-8
In my younger years as a follower of Jesus, I was a little rough around the edges. Impetuous and brash at times, I sincerely sought to influence others toward faith in Christ. Over time I learned the message of the cross was offensive enough, without my overbearing attitude adding to a person’s defensiveness. Patient love became my new found form of boldness. My faith expression grew more gracious in approaching those blind in their belief of Jesus. Bold love for God grows to influence unbelievers to take a step of faith toward belief in Jesus.
Peter—freshly humbled by his humiliating denials of being a follower of Christ—now seeks his Savior. Having heard about Mary’s experience of encountering an empty tomb—John and Peter race toward the garden graveside to find out for themselves. Younger John arrived a few steps ahead. He looked inside and saw evidence of emptiness, but he was hesitant to enter into the tomb of his beloved Lord. Peter, slower of foot but faster in faith led the way to discover his Master was not there. Peter’s literal step of faith helped John quickly follow and believe.
“But God raised him [Jesus] from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him” (Acts 2:24).
As we grow older in the faith we should grow bolder in our faith. Those of us who have experienced our living Lord up close and personal have many stories to tell of His faithfulness. Our close encounters with Christ are opportunities to share with others who have yet to believe Jesus rose from the grave. The younger look to the older for authenticity. Our vulnerability regarding our own spiritual struggles creates safe conversation about Christ. Boldness facilitates belief. It is beautiful when followers of Jesus lead others to follow Jesus. Boldness emboldens boldness.
As a new Christian you may feel like you are only one step ahead of another seeker. You don’t seem qualified to share Christ—yet you are in the best position to relate to friends who hesitate to believe. Because your faith walk with Jesus is new and fresh—your gratitude to God for your salvation is infectious. Keep your faith story simple. Once you ignored God, but now you love and are loved by your heavenly Father. You looked for love in all the wrong places, while right in front of you—Jesus loved you. Your boldness for Christ helps others want to believe in Christ.
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13, NKJV).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me holy boldness, so I can help another’s belief in Jesus.
Related Readings: Acts 18:26, 19:8; Romans 10:20, 15:15; 2 Corinthians 3:12
Post/Tweet this today: As we grow older in the faith we should grow bolder in our faith. #boldness #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 4 minute video- Hillsong: Young and Free
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