Heroic Courage

CONSIDER THIS

We’ve all heard the story of the emperor who is swindled by two con men posing as weavers. They claim to make splendid clothes that are invisible only to those who are incompetent and foolish. As the emperor struts through town wearing his new finery, all the people cry out, “O! How beautiful are our Emperor’s new clothes!” All until an innocent child blurts out that the emperor is wearing nothing at all. Only one amongst the many is fearless and speaks the truth.

The history of the early church is filled with persecution and suffering. Christians were systematically imprisoned, plundered, tortured. These early believers faced danger and the possibility of death with heroic courage. Peter looked into his accuser’s eyes and could see they were itching to kill him, and yet he proclaims, “We must obey God rather than men.” They couldn’t  *not* talk about Jesus.

How can we have that sort of courage? To be so excited about Jesus that we can’t stop talking about Him?

We know Jesus. We know what He did for us. He is our supreme example. He faced fear. He faced persecution, even died a gruesome death. And He came back to life for us. His resurrection changes everything. This is not the end of the story. He brings new hope, new life, eternal life. We don’t need to be afraid anymore. He is with us. He is for us. It’s time to jump for joy! 

Keep your eyes on Jesus. He is the One who changes the way we live and love — and gives us courage to stand and speak His truth.