Speak Boldly


The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion (Proverbs 28:1).

In the Old Testament, men like Elijah spoke boldly for the Lord. Peter was such a man in the New Testament. Elijah didn't worry that Ahab wanted to destroy him. When God sent him with a message for the corrupt king, Elijah stood before Ahab and spoke boldly. 

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

Peter showed his boldness over and over again, especially when he was with Jesus. He walked on water until he took his eyes off his Lord. He was ready to build houses for Moses, Elijah, and Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. He told Jesus, "Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God." When Jesus started to wash Peter's feet at the Last Supper, the disciple said, "'Thou shalt never wash my feet.' Jesus answered him, 'If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.' Simon Peter saith unto Him, 'Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head'" (John 13:8-9). Then, in the garden when the men came with Judas to take Jesus, Peter drew his sword (it's telling that he carried one) and cut off Malchus' ear to defend his Lord.

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31).

Yet, bold Peter lost his boldness in the High Priest's courtyard and denied Jesus three times. Again, he had lost sight of his Lord. However, he would be restored and gain even more boldness after the Holy Spirit descended at Pentecost. Peter would speak the gospel without fear, win thousands of converts to the Lord, and be crucified for his faith. Prayer and the Holy Spirit are keys to faithful service.

So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my Helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me (Hebrews 13:6).

What the world desperately needs today is for Christians to speak out boldly. We don't need to do this alone, and we shouldn't. God will direct us; all we have to do is follow. Why have we not done so before now? We often complain about the state of affairs. Why don't we do something about it? We all are called to share God's message. The time is now; the place is right here or wherever God sends us. Go and speak boldly.

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word (Acts 4:29).

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