If you have visited very much with me at my home here in the blogosphere, you know my writing focus these days is the book of Hebrews. So, it is apropos that today’s (and probably many more to come) verse for When Words Won’t Come is from the book of Hebrews. I have studied Hebrews pretty intensely over the past several years, yet today’s verse literally jumped off the page and landed in my heart last week as I was writing a message for an upcoming event. I love how the Word is like that. It is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and speaks into our lives at just the right time.
Now, for our When Words Won’t Come verse from Hebrews 10:35 (NKJV):
“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has a great reward.”
Seems like a non-descript little verse, huh? NOT! It packs a powerful punch. See that word ‘confidence’? The Greek word is parresia and it means something pretty special. Consider the definition of parresia.
“Freedom in speaking. Confidence or boldness, particularly in speaking. Especially in Hebrews and 1 John, the word denotes confidence, which is experienced with such things as faith in communion with God, in fulfilling the duties of an evangelist, holding fast our hope, and deeds which imply a special exercise of faith. Parresia is possible as a result of guilt being removed by the blood of Jesus Christ and manifests itself in confident praying and witnessing.”
Whew!! When I think of confidence, I think of self-assurance. The Greek word, parresia, is so much more than self-assurance. It is blood-bought confidence that says ‘go on out there, girl, and be Jesus to the world’. It gives those of us who name the name of Jesus Christ the hope and boldness we need to speak up for Him. Even better, it means that when we come up against something that really tests our faith, we can be confident we will be equipped and enabled to walk through it and come forth as gold.
So, my friend do not throw away, discard, or discount your confidence, your parresia. You are enabled and equipped through the blood of Jesus Christ and the in-dwelling Holy Spirit to walk out this faith journey before an unbelieving world in victory.
