I’ve recently learned the effect that walking with confidence can have on groups of people. An up-tempo stride with shoulders rolled back and chin held high gives off an aura of confidence and leadership. Sometimes, you don’t even have to be confident or a leader for this effect to take place, as some will just subconsciously follow you. I — being very directionally challenged — have been followed by many who are only disappointed when they realize that I have no idea where I’m going; they just followed me because I looked confident.
Confidence can often be misplaced, as many will place confidence in worldly things that all can potentially fail them. However, the Hebrews writer describes to his audience a source in which confidence can be derived from that will never fail. Up until chapter 10, the writer of Hebrews has been building the argument that there is a new High Priest who has established a priesthood greater than the Mosaic Law and priesthood of Aaron. He writes about this new High Priest being better than the angels, Moses, Melchizedek, and Aaron, providing multiple reasons for each. In chapter 10, he makes very strong statements about the greatness of Jesus and His sacrifice, noting that we can be “sanctified” because of the single, perfect offering made by our great High Priest (Heb. 10:12–14).
As the writer continues, he points out how terrifying it should be for one who hears of the mercy shown to mankind by the death of Jesus but refuses to believe. He closes this section of the chapter with one of the most frightening verses in all of the Bible, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” However, he proceeds to tell his audience of the confidence those who are in Him can have, commending those reading the letter for accepting persecution and remaining strong through it. On a note of encouragement, he recognizes their exemplary behavior as people who are faithful to God and reminds them of where their confidence is placed.
In a world where their possessions are being taken and their lives are being destroyed, the audience understands that they have “a better possession and an abiding one” (vs. 34). He follows this recognition with a charge: “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward” (vs. 35). Even amongst being thrown in prison and being considered outcasts by their own neighbors, they have
confidence because of the possession that cannot be taken from them.
Christians should be confident people. We are not confident because of how we look, our financial status, or our abilities in any arena, but confident in the God we serve and the reward that we are promised. We have confidence that is not worldly, but a confidence that is of above. Walk with confidence this week, and notice those who follow.
Nate Kidwell
Dalraida church of Christ is a congregation of Christians that meet in the mid-town area of Montgomery, Alabama. Our goal and purpose is to seek and follow God and His Word in everything that we do in life.